My Favorite Things (December 2011): Top Ten Favorites For 2011

I figured for December instead of choosing one item, I would list the top 10 items that I have favored in 2011, from food to fashion that I didn't feature in my previous "Favorites" posts.  In no particular order here we go!

  

1. Cake Pops (Especially Ms. Audra's Red Velvet!)

2. Ulta Brand Nail Polish (This is some good quality stuff, who knew!)

3. Urban Decay's Naked Palette (Great neutral colors for everyone, kinda pricey though!)

4.  LCherise Paintings (Check my girl out here!)

5. Cucumber Gimlets (A drink for the more sophisticated woman or man!)

6. Keurig Coffee Machines (Love the Wild Blueberry flavored coffee and the Chai Latte, move over Starbuck's!) 

7. Oil of Olay Pro-X Advanced Face Brush (Clarisonic who!)

8. JCP (Clothes that fit a real woman's curves!)

9. Bonefish Grill ($5 Bang Bang Shrimp on Wednesday's Ya'll!)

10. Polka-Dot Palette (I had no idea I could paint free-hand, and you can too!  Believe me!) 

BONUS FAV!!!  Beyonce's "Party" (Love that song!)

What's In The Box?: Birchbox (December 2011)

This month’s box was supposedly filled with products that will get you ready for frolicking and fancy fetes.  You know I was excited and filled with anticipation, thinking that this box was sure to make my holiday bright (BLANK STARE)! 

Let's just say that I will give Birchbox until the end of my subscription to get it together.  I'm still not blown away by their service.  I am, however, currently scouting for new beauty subscription services to take their place.  Ahem, MyGlam.com!

As I digress, more to come on that! 

Here is what I got this month.   Blah, blah, blah, blah blah...blah, blah, blah, blah!!!

Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss

Harvey Prince Ageless - Pink Grapefruit - 100ml

Orofluido Elixir

Showstoppers® Designer Fashion Tape in Nude/Black

Benefit The POREfessional

EBOOST Orange Natural Energy Booster

My favorite item from this box was the lip gloss, though it is pretty much the same color as the one I received last month, in a lovely shade of pink.  I'm really interested in using the Benefit pore minimizer and the elixir.  I will let you know how that works out!

I wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holiday (I think I got them all)! 

Be blessed and stay frugally fashionable!

What's In The Box?: Birchbox (November 2011)

Sorry folks for the late post, but December got here entirely too fast!

November's Birchbox boasted of "helping you get a head start on your holiday planning with a collection of gift-worthy products," however, I did not receive anything that I was excited about or could even give away.  For instance, I tried my hardest to give away the sample of Shalimar parfum, but couldn't get any takers on that, and ended up just throwing it away.  With November being a month of thanksgiving, I hated to waste, but what was a girl to do!  I didn't want to smell like someone's powdery smelling grand-mother!  No offense, but I am way too young for that! 



I did like the Anastasia Beverly Hills HydraFull Gloss.  It was a bit thick, but a pretty girlie pink color that looked nice with my complexion.  I thought the Paperdoll coasters were a complete waste of space in my box and the other items were just blah.  I am still waiting on Birchbox to wow me!  Here's what I got in the box.

Anastasia Beverly Hills HydraFull Gloss Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial 60 ml Thymes Body Lotion Kérastase Elixir Ultime Two Paperdolls Coasters

Fingers are crossed for December's box. 

Wish me luck!

Product Review: Paul Mitchell Foaming Pommade

My hair is REALLY loving Paul Mitchell's Foaming Pommade as a styler!  It leaves my hair soft, moisturized and full of body.  As a "natural" all of those attributes are hard to come by in one product, so I give this product two thumbs up! 

I use the foaming pommade as a styler for my two-strand twists, and when I untwist my hair the results are amazing and long lasting.  I can rock my two-strand twist out for close to a week using this product, while the usual lifespan of my twist outs with other products are 3-5 days, at best.

For my "green" or "curly girl method"naturalistas some of the ingredients may not be to your liking, but they are perfectly fine for my needs.  To each her own, I'm not judging!  For those who just want a product that works and aren't concerned with ingredients, this may be a product you may want to consider trying.

My Favorite Things (November 2011): The Kardashian Acrylic Clear Makeup Cube

As the acclaimed "Organization Queen," I, in true form, was immediately attracted to the Kardashian acrylic clear makeup cube.  This thing is massive and can easily store even the most self-professed "Makeup Hoarder's" makeup collection!  Not only is it nice to look at, it boasts up to 8 pull-out drawers, with dividers and a lid at the top.  The bottom drawer is even big enough to house your OPI polishes and other nail accoutrements.

If you are like me and can't afford to "Keep Up with the Kardashians," you can trail behind them with some knock off versions of the real thing.

Here are some sites you may want to consider if you are interested in purchasing this fabulous storage device!

Clear Cube (Expensive)

Beauty Makeup Supply (More Affordable, but still Expensive)

Acrylic Lucite Cube (Even More Affordable)

Muji (Very Affordable)

You can also try piecing together a cube configuration that fits your specific needs.  Target and The Container Store both sale acrylic storage pieces that can accomodate a fashionista on a budget. 

Happy Organizing!

Style Guide: 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

With winter fast approaching, we Fashionistas need to think of new and innovative ways to wear our winter accoutrements that stand out from the old boring "European Loop" that everybody wears.  Wendy from Wendy's Lookbook has made it easy for us to do just that with her "25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes" video.

This is an awesome video and I hope that you find some styles that you can incorporate into your look this Fall and Winter.

Happy Fall and scarf wearing!

My Favorite Things (October 2011): Zipper Earrings

                                       

I love to support homegrown folks and businesses!  I found these cute upcycled vintage zipper earrings on one of my favorite websites.  Yep, Etsy! 

You can get them too at the benjamin2008 shop on Etsy. 

For my Do-It-Yourselfers, here is a helpful site, to get you going, DIY Zipper Earrings.

Some people are just so dang creative!
                                                                           

On My Radar: Shoes of Prey

Have you ever wanted to stand in the ranks of such hot shoe designers as Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, or even Nine West!  Well, look no further!  Shoes of Prey is the answer for you Shoe Divas who have the desire to create a masterpiece that no one else will possess.  At least not before you; because you will be the creator!

The premise of the site is for you to design your shoe by choosing the style (i.e. pump, wedge, sandal...), fabric (ex. satin, leather, cloth...), heel size, backs and other accoutrements (i.e. straps, florets, bows...) to make your one of a kind design.  Here are two prototypes that I created.

 

The upside, or even bummer to the site is that your design will be available to other members of the site for purchase.  So, if you have always dreamed of designing shoes to sell to the masses, YOUR design will be sold on the Shoes of Prey website and folks around the world can rock your shoe!  On the flip side, if you want to design one of a kind, couture kicks, this is not the site for you and maybe you should consider taking a course in Italian shoemaking!

Regardless of your shoe dream, Shoes of Prey is a great website for you to get your "feet wet" in the art of shoe design without the start-up, manufacturing and marketing costs; and having to devote your precious time as an understudy to a wise old fella named Guiseppe.

Happy Creating!

What's in the Box?: Birchbox (September 2011)



Okay Birchbox, you're testing my nerves!  So disappointed, AGAIN! 

Birchbox celebrated their 1st Anniversary, so I was expecting this month's box to be the best yet!  Sadly, I was left disappointed holding the box!  While some of the items were ok, the box as a whole kinda sucked, plus the extra item to commemorate Birchbox's anniversary was a friendship bracelet made of yarn and metal.  It didn't look like something a mature fashonista, like myself, would wear.  Definitely wasn't feeling the piece of metal on a string!

Don't get me wrong, I don't expect my boxes to be on point every month, however, I have been quite underwhelmed with my last couple of boxes and have started to reevaluate the benefit of membership.  Many folks that I follow on YouTube have also expressed their disdain for this month's and the last few boxes they have received.  I am hoping that this feedback will get back to the company, so that they can avoid the risk of losing customers en masse, leading to their demise, because Birchbox is a great concept.

Though Birchbox's concept is perfect for the person who wants to try new products without the commitment, per say, there needs to be some sort of intervention or reevaluation done to provide customers with the luxe deluxe samples that they boast on their website.  I purchased the year long membership, so we will see if I will be renewing when the time comes.

PLEASE Birchbox get it together!!!

Here's what I got this month.

Pangea Organics Facial Cream for Normal to Combination Skin LIV GRN C2C Fragrance Collection in Earth Incoco® Nail Polish Appliqué Jouer Lip Enhancer

I am a fan of "press on" nail polish, but I got some crazy sky blue color by Incoco that I would only wear at Halloween.  I haven't tried the Pangea Organics Facial Cream, but have put it in my travel bag and look forward to testing it out.  The LIV GRN fragrance is nice, but I will probably never purchase the full size and the Jouer Lip Enhancer left my lips feeling and looking very moisturized.  I would consider purchasing that product.

Product Review: KeraCare Natural Textures Twist & Define Cream

I stumbled upon this product at my local beauty supply store, and boy am I glad I did!  This has been a fabulous product for my twist outs.  The cream moisturizes, helps lock in the shape and pattern of the twists, has a decent scent and allows the hair to dry in a timely fashion (i.e. overnight). 

The price is kind of hefty, in my opinion, at $19 for a 8oz. jar of product.  I went through the jar in no time, but I do like to coat and feel the slip on each strand, so the jar may last longer for you if you use a conservative amount.  I also wash my hair about twice a week.

I hear that Ulta carries this product in their brick and mortar stores (not online), and you can use one of their coupons to make the cost a bit more affordable.  I will be repurchasing the KeraCare Natural Textures Twist & Define Cream and may consider trying other products from the KeraCare Natural Textures line.

Way to go KeraCare!

My Favorite Things (September 2011): Handmade Pocket Tissue Holder

2011 is flying by and cold and flu season will be here before we know it!  To remain fashionable, while toting my facial tissues, I purchased a few cute handmade pocket tissue holders from a vendor on Etsy who goes by the name CreativeJenV.

On the site, the tissue holders do not have a tie closure, but one can be added if you ask the vendor to add it for a small fee.  These dainty holders are great because they keep your tissues in their place instead of slipping out of the plastic they are packaged in.  I hate that!  The holders come in a variety of colors and patterns, sure to suit just about everyone; and make a great gift or stocking stuffer.

Check out CreativeJenV at her Etsy Shop.  

Come Away With Me! (Charleston, SC Edition)

                                                                              

Want a vacation that appeals to all of the senses?  Charleston, SC is just the place!  I recently went on an extended weekend vacation to one of my favorite locations, and wanted to share with you the gem that is Charleston.  I have been all over the world and seen lots of places, but Charleston speaks to me.  I don't know if it's the southern charm, the rich history or the cuisine.  Whatever the allure, Charleston is almost always an annual stop for me.

These are some of my recommendations for a fabulous stay in charming Charleston:

I highly recommend Magnolia's for fabulous fine dining.  The Fried Green Tomatoes are wonderful and I don't even care for tomatoes like that!  Take the Sights and Insights Bus Tour with Mr. Al Miller who gives a most educational and animated oral history of downtown Charleston and Gullah culture.  His rendition of Gershwin's, "Summertime" is the best!  Be sure to make reservations for the tour because his tour is VERY popular and fills up fast.  The contact number for his tour is 843-552-9995.

For a slamming DJ, go to NV or the Wild Wing Cafe on Market Street to get your dance on.  I know, an unlikely site for night life, but we had a great time dancing to both old and new school jams.  For a great souvenir, purchase a handmade sweetgrass basket made by local Charlestonians at the market on Market Street.  The baskets are a little on the pricey side, but they ARE handmade, great quality and keep money in the community.

                           
For you hopeless romantics take a carriage ride through downtown Charleston and be transported back in time as you travel over cobblestone streets, lit by gas lamplights, surrounded by 18th-century Georgian architecture.  You can also take a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Charleston as you cruise the Charleston Harbor eating a multi-course meal, while enjoying the live band and fantastic views of the harbor aboard a deluxe yacht.

                                  

For my history buffs, visit Drayton Hall in South Carolina's low-country to view beautiful palladian architecture or Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island to tour one of the sites involved in the American Revolution.  A tour on Sullivan's Island would not be complete without visiting the Toni Morrison Society's "Bench by the Road" behind the Fort Moultrie Visitor's Center.  The "Bench by the Road" is a tribute to Africans who traveled the Middle Passage and arrived on the "Ellis Island" for Blacks, Sullivan's Island.  Sullivan's Island was the disembarkation port for over 40% of African slaves traded to American colonies, making it the largest slave port in North America.  Nearly half of present-day African Americans had ancestors who passed through Sullivan's Island.

There is so much to do in Charleston and what I suggest is just the tip of the iceberg of what is available in this great city.  Are you ready to taste great low-country cuisine, see historical sites, touch the texture of sweetgrass, smell the ocean breeze and hear the sound of hooves on cobblestone yet?  Visit Charleston "where history lives"!

What's in the Box?: Birchbox (August 2011)

After receiving such nice treats in my very first Birchbox subscription, I was excited to get my next box that boasted "taking a page from the Jetsons and introducing subscribers to Birchbox's favorite gee-whiz products".   This month's box was definitely a snooze and showed not one nod to anything innovative or routine-changing!  First fail for Birchbox!

The thing about Birchbox is that what you get in your box is directly related to the beauty profile you complete on their site.  I saw on YouTube that some subscribers received Carol's Daughter hair products, but because I chose frizzy hair in my profile I received Ouidad hair gel for frizzy hair, which makes sense.  However, I really wanted to try Carol's Daughter's "Monoi Collection"!   Maybe I need to change my profile, huh!

What I did like in the box was the June Jacobs Papaya Purifying Enzyme Masque; and the least liked product was the stretchy hair tie (Epic Fail!!!).  The hair tie seemed like such an afterthought thrown into the box as a filler.  The worse!


Shaveworks™ The Cool Fix™ Targeted Gel Lotion (5.3 fl oz)
Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Primer
June Jacobs Papaya Purifying Enzyme Masque
Ouidad Climate Control® Heat & Humidity Gel

Let's see what September's Birchbox will bring.  They haven't lost me yet!

Product Review: Emjoi Emagine Epilator

I can admit that I am a bit of a hairy beast, so I was in the market for a more efficient and economical hair removal process besides shaving or waxing.  After seeing a YouTube review of the Emjoi Emagine Epilator, I decided to purchase the gadget for myself.  I am a self-admited frugalista, but I decided to bite the bullet and make the purchase, resolving in my mind that it would be worth the savings of not having to buy disposable razors; which are ridiculously priced I might add, at least for the good quality ones!

My Favorite Things (August 2011): TOMS Natural Burlap Classics

I love to purchase with a purpose, and I'm not just talking the purpose of self-gratification!  This month my favorite things are my new TOMS natural burlap classics.  I had always looked at TOMS and kinda snickered to myself at its crunchy granola, martial art flare, and now I have a pair!  Never say never!  For a girl who wears a heel everyday, these shoes have been a welcomed change for my, once thought to be permanently arched foot.  Very comfy!

Not only does TOMS  make a ridiculously comfortable shoe, it is a fabulous organization who uses their profits to give back through an initiative called One For One Movement.  Through this movement, for every pair of TOMS shoe purchased, the organization donates a pair of shoes to deserving children in developing countries.  Now that is purchasing with a purpose!

Click here to check out the TOMS website.

Product Review: Zoya Nail Polish (Pandora)

I was first introduced to Zoya nail polish in my Birchbox (see My Favorite Things: July 2011 post) where I received a sample size of the polish in the color Pandora.  Zoya (Pandora) is a high quality polish that goes on opaque after one or two layers and has quite a bit of staying power.  I did a quick polish on my nails and the color lasted with very little nail prep and no top coat for about a week.  Impressive, for someone who washes their hands frequently!

My only qualm with the polish was that the color was not complimentary to my skintone.  I have an olive complexion and the nude/pink shade of the polish made my hands look dead because they were so similar in color.  Pandora would probably look best on lighter or darker complexions, but I highly recommend the brand.

Zoya nail polish can be purchased online, at Ulta, and other retailers.  Remember to use your points and coupons when purchasing at Ulta!

Freckled Face DIY Adventures: Cupcake Onesies

So, my closest friends know that I am a Martha Stewart wannabe.  I make pillows, baby blankets, reupholster chairs, repaint and repurpose items and have been known to make jewelry.  In this week’s episode of the Freckled Face DIY Adventures I take on creating my very own cupcake onesies for a baby shower I am scheduled to attend in a few weeks. 

I have never made this type of gift before and must say that I hate to toot my own horn, but this project came out way better than expected.  So, TOOT, TOOT and BEEP, BEEP!

Here is what I started with.


5 - Baby Onesies
3 - Baby Bibs
4 - Hair Barrettes

And this is the finished product. 

Tell me what you think?  Do you like this baby shower gift?

My Favorite Things (July 2011): Birchbox – Cynthia Rowley Edition

After seeing videos and hearing rave reviews on YouTube about Birchbox, I recently became a subscriber to the monthly subscription service.  According to their website “Birchbox delivers the best products and the best insider secrets, without any fuss. Every month Birchbox members will receive a curated box of luxe beauty samples. Each box will span beauty categories and deliver exciting products”.  Sounds interesting, huh!

I have always been a child at heart when it comes to getting things in the mail, and I’m not talking junk or unsolicited mail.  I’m talking an occasional care package from mom, or an unexpected “Thank You” card or gift from a friend.  Those things make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  My Birchbox subscription is no different and has me running to the mailbox daily to see if my package of pamper me goodness has arrived.  Very exciting!

The beauty of Birchbox is that you can purchase a box monthly at $10/month, or you can sign-up for a yearly subscription for $110/year), similar to a magazine subscription.

Each Birchbox is tailored to you and is based on a survey you complete when you register for the service.  This month’s Birchbox was a culmination of Cynthia Rowley favs.  Here is what my first package contained:

Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist
Philosophy® Purity Made Simple™ One-Step Facial Cleanser - 16 oz
YBF Beauty Automatic Universal Taupe Eyebrow Pencil
Zoya Touch Collection

You can subscribe to Birchbox at www.birchbox.com. 

My Favorite Things (June 2011): Hanging Beverage Tags



Image courtesy of Sur La Table



I am loving hanging beverage tags! 

These tags can easily spice up your beverage station with their modern and classy appeal.  They are much more than form, allowing you to elegantly display the names of your cocktails, infusions and potions, while cutting down on overwhelming questions of “what’s in the jar”.

Hanging beverage tags come in a variety of styles and shapes.  Below are some of my favorites.



Image courtesy of Crate and Barrel



Image courtesy of Crate and Barrel





Image courtesy of Sur La Table

Jazz up your summer celebrations with these cute, yet functional finds.


Websites (Sur La Table, Crate and Barrel )

What’s the Fascination with Fascinators?



Image courtesy of fashionshoppings.com

 



Kate Middleton has definitely brought plenty of attention to fascinators through her trendsetting wardrobe and royal wedding.  For those of you who have been living under a rock and haven’t a clue as to what a fascinator is, a fascinator is a headpiece that is commonly made with sinamay, feathers, flowers, veiling, grosgrain, Swarovski crystals and/or beads, to name a few.  The materials used to make fascinators are endless.  The hair accessory is typically affixed to the head with either a comb, clip or headband and are a trendy and very modern replacement for a hat. 

Since going natural, I have decided that fascinators were my headpiece of choice.  Most importantly, due to the bulkiness and thickness of my hair, which usually makes for a tug-of-war for me with most hats.  For someone with my dilemma (thick hair), fascinators are the perfect choice with their ease of use and one size fit all design. 

Most likely, many of us will not be attending any royal weddings anytime soon; at least not of Will and Kate proportions, so where can we common folk wear such fancy hat pieces?  My recommendations are to have fun with this trend, that I think will be around for a long time to come, and don them to church (at least a fascinator is more visual eye candy than those big bothersome church hats we all hate to sit behind), to brunches, weddings (but, try not to upstage the bride by bringing all the attention to the contraption on your head), the Kentucky Derby, Prom and many other events where headpieces would have proper place.  Some fascinators are toned down enough that they can even be worn to work.



Image courtesy of http://carolinepaige.tumblr.com/


Fascinators can be found all over the place these days and can get rather pricey, but don’t fret, there are economical options out there for you frugalistas!  Here are a few sites that offer these trendy pieces at affordable prices, or, you can  try making your own creation:

Hats by Cressida - Etsy

Fascinators NYC - Fascinators NYC

DIY: Fashion Indie

Image courtesy of media.onsugar.com





Fascinators are fun accent pieces that come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and styles and can be as conservative or outlandish as you prefer, so make a fashion statement, represent your personality and fascinate with your fascinator!

Product Review: Shea Moisture Hair Products

I am a huge fan of quite a few video bloggers on You Tube in an effort to try to understand, tame and maintain my natural hair.  I have been natural since December 31, 2009 after transitioning from relaxed to natural for about a year.  MsVaughn, who I follow on You Tube, advertised that Walgreens had a BOGO on their Shea Moisture products, so I thought I would try them all, since I was essentially getting them for half price, plus I am a self-professed hair product junkie.  Yes, I can admit it!

I purchased the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus line and the Raw Shea Butter line.

I first tried the Coconut & Hibiscus line, which consists of the Brilliant Curl Shampoo, Curl & Style Milk, Hold & Shine Mist and Curl Enhancing Smoothie.  The shampoo was very thick and luxurious feeling and I liked the way it suds’d up, however, it left my hair feeling a bit dry, but not quite straw-like, just not moisturized.  The Curl & Style Milk didn’t give me the slip that I look for in my conditioners and I found it hard to detangle my hair, which usually detangles easily with other conditioners in my rotation.  No matter how much conditioner I used, my hair was still left with tangles that were difficult to tame.  I used the Curl Enhancing Smoothie as a moisturizer under my hair gel and found that my hair seemed to be moisturized and soft. 

The verdict: NOT impressed with the Coconut & Hibiscus line.  In fact, so unimpressed that I didn’t even try the Raw Shea Butter line and returned them all back to Walgreens.  I did keep the Curl Enhancing Smoothie because it does moisturize and I kept the Hold & Shine Mist, to use as a refresher. 

Remember that in this natural hair game, no one head of hair is created equal, so find what works for you.