Style, Power, Heart by Toni Marie

Product Review|Waist Training

2013-11-07T07:38:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by someone via email to do a product review for them, I was honored and of course willing (especially if it's health & fitness related).

Waist training, or waist reduction, generally uses an hourglass corset. Waist reduction, sometimes called "tightlacing," is often used by women who are post-pregnancy or women who are maintaining their body.

Jasmyne of Beauty by Jasmyne sent me one of her products she offers on her new business website. I was so excited to receive one of those waist trainers everyone have been bragging about but I just never got a round to it and BAM !! Look at God, I got one anyway lol

I received this cute purple corset in the mall last Tuesday so I wanted to give myself a full week before telling you guys my opinion. Well, I am truly blown away! This thing really works (most times I'm sceptical when every Tom and Harry is promoting the same thing) I was wowed at the results I noticed in just a few days.

Let me first say, please go up a size or talk to her personally cause I was thinking I needed a small and she convinced me I should get a medium and thankfully I did cause it took two people to get the corset on the first day. Lol it was a struggle and a task but I finally got it on!

Here's my 1st week journal:

Day 1:

• took my cousin and I 15 mins to get on the first latches (okay maybe not 15 but it felt like enternity)

• I was only able to wear it for a few hours cause it was SUPER TIGHT

• I went for a 3 mile jog in my corset

• Drunk plenty of water

• Ate clean (salad and vegan sushi rolls)

Day 2:

• Putting on my corset still was a task but I was able to do it w/o any help

• Went for another 3 mile jog

• Drank water and ate clean

Day 3:

• Surprisingly, I was able to move to the second latches WHOO HOO, this is when I knew it worked. I was shocked it only took me 3 days.

I'm not sure if my constant excersizing and water consumption made the process quicker but I'm sure it played a big part.

Day 4-6:

• I didn't work out Sat- Mon so bad of me but the weekends are super busy for me and Monday I grocery shopping (so carting bags up a flight of stairs count huh)

• I made sure I still ate properly

Day 7:

• I wore my corset for the full 8 hours

• workout for 1 1/2 hours

• drank plenty of water

• I didn't have some vegan junk food cause I was going on a banana island (see last post) so I wanted to eat stuff I might crave

Overall, I'm in love with the Waist Trainer I can see my self wearing it all the time and especially while I workout ! Since I moved to the second latch so quickly I'll have to order a small one pretty soon.

The moral of this store is, with anything drink lots of water 2-3 liters a day and excersize a least 30 mins a day. Your body needs some type of movement, that's what it was built for :)

As always abs are made in the kitchen so get your fruits and veggies UP !!

To order your waist trainer/waist cincher go to

www.beautybyjasmyne.bigcartel.com

Follow her on Instagram @beautybyjasmyne

Meantion this post and she may have something special for you 😉

Time for me to put my own ... Chow

Banana Island Vacation

2013-11-07T06:13:00.001-08:00

Do you feel as though your eating is out of control?

Are you bingeing, eating out of addictions, or just plain uncomfortable with your food?

Would you like food to taste terrific again, and for every meal to be a total treat?

Are your EMOTIONS getting the better of you and affecting your relationship with food?

Come to Banana Island.

So, what is Banana Island? It's a type of cleanse/fast recommended by Dr. Doug Graham to help you go raw. Or to detox your body naturally without starving yourself :)

Banana Island describes someone that eats only bananas for a set period of time. Banana/or Mono Fruit Island can also be done on other fruit besides bananas like peaches, mango, grapes, watermelons, persimmons, etc. some people choose 1 type of fruit each day for example:

Day1- Bananas, Day 2- Peaches, Day 3- Grapes.

The idea is to pick one fruit for the duration of your challenge. I choose bananas because they are fast, cheap and easy! It's pretty easy to find bananas at the grocery store, and you can order them in by the case, it doesn't take much to prepare them and they are probably the least expensive of all fruits.

I went to the grocery store last Thursday and ordered two cases of organic bananas and picked up the next day.

It cost me $28 a case ! I've heard a lot of people take a trip to banana island to save some money cause it's so inexpensive to do.

Another tip: if your choosing a different fruit, pick it while in season so you know it'll be less expensive and good quality :).

How Does it Work?

You choose your fruit and go stock up! You are going to need plenty of whatever fruit you are eating in your house I have purchased two cases of organic bananas already, it took about 4 days to get them nice and ripe. How much fruit you need will depend on how long you choose to stay on the island. I suggest a minimum of one week. I'm going to see how long my stash last and how I feel towards the end and I may order another case or two.

Once you have an abundance of ripe fruit you can begin. Eat as many bananas as you like for breakfast dinner and supper. Only Bananas. This can be anywhere from 22-30 bananas in general. If you choose another fruit, make sure it's a sweet fruit like the ones mentioned above and try to get in around 2000-3000 calories a day, depending on your activity level. You can use chronometer online or a download a calorie counter app to your phone!

I cannot stress enough the importance of eating RIPE fruit only!!!!!!! Your bananas must have lots of brown spots and peel very easily. If you hear the zip when peeling, they aren't ripe enough yet. No yellow, and definitely no green bananas.

Drink plenty of water while on the island. I drink at least 2-3 litres a day.

(Tip: I have 32 oz mason jars I fill with lemon, mint & cucumber to help me get my liter down quickly. Drink one for breakfast, lunch and dinner and you have 3 liters and any you consume in between is a bonus)

Try to exercise everyday, for at least 30 minutes- an hour, but make sure you also take time to rest and relax as your body detoxes and heals. Also, go to bed early. Sleep is so important when detoxing.

Here's a few facts I gathered from rawsomehealthly. com:

What are the benefits of a mono-island?

as close to a fast as you can get, but you can still live your life as normal and do physical exercise
efficient and speedy detox
gives your digestive system a chance to focus on just one fruit and so expend less energy
speeds up healing and recovery (people have overcome diseases while on a banana island)
natural weight loss
can help to end cravings and unhealthy relationships with food
increases vitality, energy levels and mind clarity
can boost your fitness level and sports performance
one of the best ways to switch to a 100% low-fat raw food diet

What does the banana island entail?

you eat all the bananas you desire and bananas are all you eat (you can also do it with other fruit). It is a mono island, however, occasionally, people also add 1 type of greens, such as lettuce in the last meal of the day
you eat ONLY ripe bananas. You eat your usual calories – no under-eating or calorie-restricting is involved
you drink plenty of water, up to 3 liters a day
you exercise as normal
you rest enough as your body will be going through deeper detox and restoration

6 ways to eat a banana on your island:

1. Banana Smoothie (blend with 6-20 naners with 1 liter of water) you can add a couple frozen ones to thicken it up coconut water, organic stevia drops (optional)

2. Banana Cereal & Milk ( blend 1-2 banana with 1/2 - 1 liter of water to get a milk like consistency, add to a bowl of chop bananas

3. Banana ice cream ( blend frozen naners on a slow blen or use a food processor) add cinnamon to top of with

4. Peel & Eat

5. Chop in circles in a bowl

6. Banana milkshake ( make just like the smoothie just add more frozen bananas and little to no water to make it thicker)

Its a Cold War

2013-10-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

I started getting a sore throat a couple of days ago since the tempature dropped here in Texas and no one in my house likes to turn the air up when its colder out so now I have to cure myself. I started drinking hot tea right away and taking my ACV, after returning home from the bookfair with my little one, I juiced something to help fight this war of cold and flu season.

2 Oranges

1/2 Large Grapefruit

1 Lemon

1-3" Ginger

1 Clove of Garlic

* All fruit Organic of course

Try it at home! Happy Juicing !!

Texas Veggie Fair

2013-10-09T14:03:00.001-07:00

The most exciting part for me is not that I am voluenteering that day or that I get try all the yummy-delecious vegan treats or that my daughter will have fun trying new foods and doing yoga but along with other speakers Erykah Badu will be there giving her spill on why she is a vegan then she will close the show as DJ Low Down Loretta Brown ! If that isn't exciting enough I don't know what else will drag you there.

Below is the schedule for the day, go to www.texasveggiefair.com print it out and plan your day ! The expected forecast is a Hi of 77 and Low of 57, dress comfy and bring a sweater just in case !

If you are Vegan, Vegetarian or Veg-curious ( I made that up haha) then be there October 20th !

Free event- open tot he public. Tell your friends! Bring your dog ! Bring your kids! See you there!

Meet me there at Reverchon Park on SUNDAY OCTOBER 20, 2013 from 11am to 6pm.

Address: 3505 Maple Ave Dallas, TX 75219

View Larger Map

What to expect at TVF ?

Performers

Chef Demos

Music

Food Vendors

Products

Kids Veggie Village

Yoga for Kids

Yoga for Adults

Beer Garden

A local brews beer garden curated + operated by Vegan-friendly Trinity Hall.

All beers offered are 100% Vegan down to the tiny details of processing.

Cool off with a cold one!

Veggie Village

is a place for kids of all ages to learn and play. Arts, crafts and games that will teach about the food we eat, the trash we make and ways to make

our earth better for all.

Come get your face painted, bounce in the bounce houses and create some art. Join us for kid's yoga, story time

and cooking demos for kids and their families.

Your $10 Veggie Village Passport will open the door to various

activities, crafts and learning experiences.

Home Remedy: Soothe Sore Throat With Pineapples

2013-10-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

With cold and flu season lurking around the corner, I'm also stocking up on some natural remedies for sore throats, colds etc.

Doing some juice recipes research I found that pineapples and pineapple juice were the best things for sore throats. It doesn't cure the sore throat per se, but it sure does help alleviate the pain and tastes a lot better than those nasty throat sprays. Also, pineapple juice is natural and healthy, and doesn't contain aspartame the way a lot of lozenges do.

Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain that has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the irritation at the backs of our tongues and in our voice boxes. On top of that, pineapples contain plenty of vitamin C, which helps to boost your immune system. So when your throat starts hurting, drink some pineapple juice or eat some fresh pineapple. It helps!

Why Drink Pineapple Juice When You Have a Cold?

You Need Vitamin C to Boost Your Immunity System

Orange juice and grapefruit juices are the leaders when it comes to fruit juices that contain Vitamin C. Still, pineapple juice is packed full of this valuable antioxidant as well. One cup of orange juice provides 120 percent of the Daily Value (DV) of Vitamin C. One cup of pineapple juice provides 100 percent of the Vitamin C you need every day.

Why Drink Pineapple Juice When You Have a Cold?

Bromelain - The "Magic" Ingredient Found Only in Pineapples and Papayas

You may not realize this, but pineapple is a special fruit. This tropical fruit is just one of two fruits found on the planet that contains Bromelain. Pineapple juice contains an enzyme called Bromelain. It's health benefits are numerous:

1. It's effective in reducing the body aches and pains you may feel when you have a cold.

2. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory. It kills bad bacteria and fights infections. Drinking pineapple juice when you have a cold will help soothe and heal a sore throat and reduce swollen glands.

3. Pineapple juice helps to thin mucus and congestion so your body can expel it easier. The bromelain helps calm annoying coughs as well.

4. Drink pineapple juice when you have a cold and it will help settle a nauseous stomach.

Respiratory Health Benefits of Pineapple Juice With Bromelain

Pineapple juice has also been used to treat other respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, hay fever, asthma and pneumonia. It's being tested as a possible treatment for cancer and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus-

causes AIDS).

Choose Fresh Pineapple Juice Over Canned or Frozen

To get the most health benefits from pineapple juice when you have a cold, fresh is the best choice. Look for ripe fruits that have a vibrant color and deep green leaves.

Processed pineapple juice still contains the bromelain enzyme, but it contains less than fresh.

Vegan Chocolate & Banana Pancakes

2013-09-04T09:42:00.001-07:00

Yes it's true, you can make a great tasting pancake without milk, eggs, butter etc ...

I woke up this morning and my boo wanted breakfast, something fast and quick. Since he's still "transitioning" towards 100% vegan I fixed up some regular ole Hungry Jack pancakes. After fixing his I said DAMN that looks yummy but will be horrible for my tummy so I told myself make a vegan option so I can satisfy my eyes.

I got into making this dish I winged it and made it pretty with my garnishes :). I didn't know how it would taste but it all went perfectly together.

Give it a try, it's super easy, quick and filling ! If you have kids this is a great one to get them eating more healthier.

Prep Time:5 minutes

Cook Time:10 minutes

Total Time:15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup flour (I used quinoa flour, which is Gluten free and loaded with fiber)
1 tbsp sugar (I used organic Stevia)
2 tbsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup almond milk
2 tbsp vegetable oil (I used Coconut Oil)
1 organic banana (optional)
Enjoy life semi sweet chocolate - dairy, nut & soy free (optional)

Preparation:

Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl until well mixed.

Mix in the almond milk and oil and beat together until batter is smooth.

Drop 1/4 cup of batter at a time onto a hot oiled griddle, or well greased frying pan over medium high heat. When bubbles appear on the surface of the pancake, approximately 3 minutes, flip, and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.

Slice bananas in 1inch circles, toss in hot skillet to warm. Pour on top of pancakes. In the same skillet heat a couple handfuls of chocolate to melt. Once melted to your desire pour over your pancakes & bananas.

Enjoy!

Tiny Tea| TEAtox

2013-08-28T19:21:00.001-07:00

I received a box of yourtea.com Tiny Teatox and I was going to wait until I completed my full 28 days before I did any review on it but since I am writing now, obviously I changed my mind.

I have tried detox teas before in the past and I swear it was the worst thing I could've done. There were no health benefits, just a laxative in a ~~cup~~ mug. I can say thats not the case with Your Tea, knowing I am consuming something with more benefits than one makes it all the better. Plus it taste yummy :).

Once I have cleansed and nourished your insides you will digest your meals more efficiently... in turn, helping you feel more energised and full of life!

I wont go in to much detail now because I will save that for my final review so I will give you a overview and tell you how my first week been.

Tiny Tea contains a mix of organic Chinese herbs, Camellia Sinensis, Catsia, Diphelia.

If your heavy, bloated and want to shed some lbs. then this is your new best friend.

Tiny Tea perform an intensive cleanse and nourish of your digestive system to assist with weight loss, fluid retention and toxin removal.

Here's How: Excess fat, fluid and toxins aren't removed in the way you may know it. No - these stubborn little buggers take a much tougher approach. Unlike other detox's that contain a lot of laxatives that momentarily flush out toxins I contain chinese herbal ingredients that truly cleanse and nourish your digestive system.I have many properties that perform the following jobs: drying phlegm (a cellulite aggravator), reducing waste and fat and help you fight food stagnation in the body by nourishing your digestive system.

For the past 7 days I have been less bloated, craving less sugar, skin clearing and tons of energy ! I am excited to see what the outcome is after my box is complete. Be sure to check back for the final review. Oh and check out yourtea.com to see the other organic teas they offer. Below is the list and benefits.

Tiny Tea 14 or 28 Day Detox: Heavy, bloated lethargic and want to shed some serious lbs.
Anti C Tea: Cellulite & toxins have set up camp on your booty and thighs
Her Tea: Reduce & control fluid retention, heighten mood, improve skin health, aid weight control, manage bloating and aid digestion
Man Tea: Designed to enhance the growth of muscle mass and size, whilst promoting a lean, cut frame. Woman can use this too
Fertility Tea: Optimize your ability to fall pregnant by nourishing the reproductive, digestive and emotional health.

Drink Up ! Cheers to good health!

Live Fit | 12 Week Trainer

2013-08-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

If you're reading this and LOVE to do Cardio, raise your right hand now !!! I'm sure majority of people hates cardio cause I know I do. I just do it cause that's "what your suppose to do" for health. Well, I was scrolling through websites, videos etc on working out tips and discovered that you don't need to do cardio to achieve your desired weight loss goals. Of course my eyes lit up and eyebrows raised ! I stumbled upon bodybuilders.com and this site is a wonderland for getting fit. All you have to do is put in your goals and workout plans that best suit you will come up and you go from there.

The one that interest me was one by Jamie Eason, a well know trainer/fitness expert in the industry. Her program is 12 weeks long and broken into 3 phases. The first phase is straight lifting, no cardio Seems strange right ? I thought so at first too but it all makes since. When you incorporate too much cardio our body is using too many calories for immediate fuel rather than muscle building. I even asked a few trainers at the gym and guess what ? it works !! So if you know me well, you know I;m giving this a go ! No Stopping !!

I am on day 3 of my first week and ummmmmm yea every inch of my body is flimsy. Can't walk, Can't move, I can't do anything. Guess that's a good thing. I'm going to keep track of my progress and let you know how my journey goes. If your "bout that life" join me on this challenge.

Things you will need:

A Gym membership or access to a gym

Gloves (you will need these if you want to keep your girly hands)

Will power

Dedication

Clean meal plan ( one is included in this program)

DID I MENTION IT IS FREE ?!?!?!

Stick with the program it Works !

Save The Date | Trend Next

2013-08-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

Whats Now, Whats New, Whats Next ? If you have no idea what I am talking about, then that gives you even more reason to read this blog to see what I am blabbing about. Trend Next Brand Charity Fashion Event-Benefiting the Baylor Health Care System Foundation. If you are involved or in the seats for this fashion show, you will walk away feeling empowered! Supporting a cause that is greater than you and knowing you are helping grow someones story. "The Trend Next Culture is comprised of the WORLD, expressing their talents and being noticed for what is personal and authentic. Innovative dynamics take places everyday but we rarely have the opportunity to see them for ourselves."

Just a few days ago ~~last Sunday~~, Trend Next held its very first model call located in Dallas Arts District. The room was filled to capacity and the models came out ready to give it there best shot. The room was filled with high hopes, nervousness and overall excitement to show of their stature for the panel of judges. At judges panel, each judge was very professional in decision making. It was obvious all 6 of them was the perfect fit for the task. Overall, a total of 60 models showed up the selection process was well detailed and organized.

Part 1 consist of each model walking to judges table, pose and then walk towards photographer for photo.
Part 2 Groups of 10 were placed in front of the judges table while striking 3 signature poses ... profile, Back and Front.
Top 30 male and female models moved on to part 3 of the model call.
Part 3 The top 30 did their model walk, runway style for final cut.
Part 4 Final selections were made after the last walk through.

By the end of the event, some were disappointed but were still hopeful and the other were filled with joy after being selected to be apart of a great fashion show benefiting charity.

Trend Next will be here soon, visit IamTrendNext to purchase your event tickets!

See you on the Catwalk !!!

Be sure to Follow the Trend Next Culture: www.iamtrendnext.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrendNextNextPinterest: http://pinterest.com/TrendNextnext/board

Here is a model tip I'm throwing in for FREE lol :)

For the models the selection process can be discouraging but I have listed the things that are NEEDED to help you secure your casting audition:

Your first photos Check out the photography department at the fashion institutes or regular colleges in your area and connect with students who are looking for models to shoot (which means free photos). Get one great headshot, body shot (swimwear), casual look (jeans with a T-shirt or tank top) and upscale look (suit or dress).

Enlarge your pictures After you’ve downloaded the pictures to a disc or flash drive, take them to a photocopy shop and have an 11x14 color laser copy of each one printed up. Agencies use this size for their models’ portfolios.

Make a composite card A composite card is what you’ll leave with the client that’s holding the modeling audition. At the copy shop, have someone format your headshot onto an 8x10 sheet of paper, leaving enough white border space around the edges to have your name printed at the top, centered, in upper-case letters. The bottom border is for your statistics (height, eye color, hair color, suit/dress size, shirt collar and sleeve length, waist, bust and hip, inseam and shoe size) all on one line, using lower-case letters. Put a phone number on the next line down. You can also do this on your computer at home, if you have the right programs. Print up ten copies to start. Don’t waste money ordering card-stock comps at this stage of the game. Do that after you’ve found an agent; she’ll tell you which pictures to choose.

Get the right portfolio Purchase an affordable, black portfolio book with non-removable pages that will accommodate your 11x14 photos. These can be found at art and photo-supply stores or online. Avoid the ring-binder styles. Insert the pictures as follows: headshot, first page; swimwear, second page; jeans shot, third page; upscale, fourth page. This is all you need for a modeling audition or agency’s “open call” for new talent. The clients will immediately know if you fit the bill when they see you in person.

Runway assignment If the casting is for runway, use your favorite search engine to find videos of top-designer fashion shows and study how the models strut their stuff; then practice your walk at home.

Wear the “model uniform.” Stick to the “model uniform” for all your auditions: jeans, T-shirt (slim-fit) and sneakers. It’s that simple. If it’s a runway casting, women should wear heels. Fashion clients want to focus on your face and body with no distractions. They’ll have you try on their own clothing—formal or casual—if they need to see you in it. And your photos will illustrate your different looks. There’s no need to wear anything special in order to impress them. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE !!!!!!

Less is more Natural hair with no addition of styling products is a must for males and females. Women should use little or no makeup. It’s all about bare-face beauty that can be molded into whatever vision the client has in mind.

Arrive early Many modeling auditions are “cattle calls,” so arrive early in order to be one of the first people seen by the casting people.

Be personable Always remember to smile and be personable, no matter how poorly your day may be going, when you go on a modeling audition. Clients judge what spending a day working with you would be like by the few minutes they share with you at the casting. Their criteria for choosing you are based on personality as well as beauty.

Beauty Secrets Your Mother Never Told You: Part 2 PURE Nail Lacqure Review

2013-08-17T14:43:00.002-07:00

The world is becoming more health craze lately, doing research after research I learned that your health is based solely on what you eat and how much you excerise. It also is a big part of what you put on your skin, hair and nails. After realizing how much of this information consumers are not educated on, I decided to bring the information to you in a natural, cruelty free series. Whats not fun is going have "me time" or "girls day" with your friends at the local nail salon and support nail polish makers who
participate in animal cruelty or use animal products in their nail polish, so here’s a quick primer on some brands that are animal-friendly.

Vegan makeup products don’t contain any animal products and are not tested on animals. Even if you don’t have a vegan diet, you can help fight animal cruelty by choosing vegan makeup products to add to your makeup bag. The best part is with these amazing vegan makeup products you don’t have to compromise on quality!

Vegan makeup products can be hard to find, especially vegan products that aren't meant for the face, so I was excited to receive this vegan nail polish from Pure Nail Lacquer.

My daughter and I had a PURE Nail Party and we went crazy with the mixing color, designs on our nails. This polish is rich, quick drying, very long lasting and chip resistance. I was so shock to see that a polish so inexspenive was so thick and rich in color and quality. The best part about it is that they are $5.00, yes 5 bucks !!

PURE Nail Lacqure is 3 free formula free, If your unsure what that means see my last post Beauty Secrets Part 1

Here are the colors I received from Pure Nail Lacqure, this blog post is based on true honest opinions. Be sure to visit PURE to view all they have to offer.

Blameless: Creamy White

Royalty: Deep Purple with small sparkles and a metallic sheen

Sinless: Bright Red

Sunlight: Fluorescent Yellow

Beauty Secrets Your Mother Never Told You: PART 1

2013-08-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

Animal testing and cruelty is my major concern when it comes to nail colors, but it’s not the only concern. Many consumers are getting more savvy about toxins in various beauty products, and nail colors are no exception. Three ingredients to be wary of are toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), and formaldehyde (a string of names that brings memories of orgo lab flooding back). DBP has been associated with birth defects (in animal tests, anyway—and sadly), and may disrupt male hormones. Toluene is a mild skin irritant and can exacerbate asthma (it’s also in some glues and in gasoline). Formaldehyde, once a common preservative, has been described by The National Toxicology Program as a known carcinogen; at the least, it is a potent and volatile toxin.

Until recently, I’d believed it was very hard to find “3 free” (no DBP, no toluene, no formaldehyde) nail colors, and vowed not to use color on my nails. It’s actually much, much easier to find 3 free nail polishes than I thought. Most of the brands that are vegan-friendly are also free of the major toxins, which makes shopping easy. Here’s a roundup of brands you should consider purchasing.

Great news is you get your nails done at a conventional salon, you should know that OPI nail lacquers, which can be found in nearly all nail salons, are vegan. To all my OPI lovers you can breathe now cause I know you were freaking out !

OPI

O.P.I nail colors are easy to find, and they’re both vegan and free of DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde (this is a recent development, and details of the switch away from DBP and toluene can be found in a statement on the company website). Tons of fun, constantly updated shades.

Priti

Priti has a huge variety of shades. I'm one for presentation, so the bottle details puts a smile on my face.. At $13.50, these are not cheap, but they do tend to last a while.

Zoya
Zoya is the best—and I say that without having tried any of their colors yet. Vegan, non-toxic, priced at $8.00, and easy to order with easily accessible customer service.

SpaRitual

Lots of original colors and cool packaging. These retail for about $12.00, and can be a little tough to find, but the company has a good philosophy.

E.L.F.

I’ve never used ELF products before and really liked them—plus, it’s hard to beat the incredibly low price! So this is a brand you can find in my personal collection really soon!

Acquarella

These polishes are totally non-toxic and water based, which means no powerful odors. I love the idea, but they’re priced at $16.00, which means they’re a tough purchase if you’re on a budget.

Ginger and Liz

This company has been making vegan nail polish for a long time, and it boasts cheeky names for its shades! You can find it at Ricky’s, at Urban Outfitters, and through the company website.

OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics)

Both a makeup and a nail brand, I love the company’s offering of colors, all available online. You can find this brand in your local Sephora.

There are a few more brands out there so come back for the next part ! What about you guys—any recommendations? Favorite brands or colors? My guess is that many of my readers are less savvy about cruelty-free beauty like I was!

Dare To Bare (In This Eco Lingerie)

2013-07-17T19:55:00.001-07:00

The weather is warming, the juice cleanses have begun, late night interludes have taken themselves outdoors.. it’s time for new lingerie.

And by new, we mean Clare Bare, eco-friendly lingerie made from bamboo jersey and vintage fabric. All of her pieces are made locally using sustainable design practices, and are structured to flatter your body in a natural way without the use of constrictive hardware, so basically, you can breathe. During her years at Parsons, Clare collected and drew inspiration from vintage textiles that eventually piled so high that there was no more space to work. Soon after, “Clare Bare” was conceived out of the need to give her piles of fabric a purpose, and to make good use out of a clever name. This collection is sustainable sex on wheels.

PLUS: When you mention “GirlieGirl” at checkout, you’ll receive a $20 gift card!!

Source: Dare To Bare (In This Eco Lingerie) - GirlieGirl Army | GirlieGirl Army

H&M Does Something Really Cool

2013-07-17T19:39:00.001-07:00

95% of the tons of textiles that end up in landfills every year could have been recycled.

So H&M (who are incidentally the largest purchasers of organic fabrics in the world!) is now offering you 15% off any one item anytime you bring in your unwanted clothes to donate that they then process, hand-sort and either reuse (donate) or recycle into new materials. You can literally donate an old shmata tee shirt with holes in it and get 15% off your purchase. It’s a total win-win.

In fact, when I went in to a buy a few things the other day I donated 3 things and the sales lady gave me 15% off two separate items.. total score. Got $10 off which at H&M is maj. Other retailers should follow suit on this idea, it encourages recycling and brings in new business.

Get the details on this program here.

Source: H&M Does Something Really Cool

Toxic and Harmful

2013-07-08T11:16:00.001-07:00

What Is It and Why Is It Used?

Carmine, also called cochineal, comes from the skin of female cochineal beetles. These insects are mostly found in Mexico and other parts of South America. Once they have been killed, the beetles are dried and then crushed- from this, carminic acid is extracted. This acid is used for its red coloring properties in various consumer products. It is usually mixed with aluminum and or calcium salts to make a paste.

What Is It Used In?

Carmine is mostly used in the beauty industry, especially in lipsticks that span the red colour range but also blushes, eye shadows, face tints— anything that requires red coloring- it provides deep scarlet hues. Carmine is also used in sweets, candies, jellies, soft drinks, juice drinks, fruit snacks, ice cream, yoghurt and pre-packaged desserts-so many red-tinted processed, prepared foods contain it!

What to Look Out For On An Ingredient Label

You can try and look for ‘carmine’ or ‘cochineal’ or ‘carminic acid’ on an ingredients’ list but the reality is, carmine is often not listed. In other instances, it is hidden by the term ‘natural coloring’ or ‘red coloring’ or the very common ‘natural red 4’. Since it is animal derived, products containing carmine cannot be considered vegetarian or vegan. A great way to avoid it is to choose vegetarian and/or vegan personal care and beauty products. In recent years, consumers have demanded that carmine be properly mentioned on ingredient labels and progress is being made in some countries.

Why Is It Bad For You?

As mentioned above, anyone who wants to avoid animal derived products- animal lovers, vegans, vegetarians, followers of certain religions- should stay away from carmine.

Health-wise, carmine has been linked to heart trouble, allergic reactions such as hives and diarrhea, asthmatic reactions and anaphylactic shock. Anyone sensitive to allergic reactions should avoid carmine. It has also been linked to hyperactivity in children. It is still being studies for its adverse health effects- we do not know enough at this stage.

Whew- so we know we need to avoid Sulfates,Parabens, Phthalates and Propylene Glycoland Carmine of course! Make sure to click on the links to read the previous entries in this series and stay up to date on what to look for on those ingredient labels.

Photo credit: conscious box and http://www.flickr.com/photos/momopeche/259328453/

shared from : http://ekowarehouse.com/2013/02/toxic-beauty-series-the-harmful-chemicals-hiding-out-in-your-bathroom-part-5-carmine/

Smooth Green Smoothie

2013-07-01T08:47:00.001-07:00

Throw a bunch of pretty stuff in a blender and you can create a masterpiece.

Today's green smoothie recipe :

2 cups of Spinach

3 bundles of Kale Greens

1/2 English cucumber

1 cup of Green Grapes

1 cup of Red Grapes

1/4 of Pineapples give or take

1/2 cup Blackberries

Water

Remember use ONLY Organic fruits and veggies if possible.

I always add Vitamineral Green to all my juices & smoothies to make sure I get all my nutrients, protein. It's 100% vegan, yeast free, gluten free, raw food, actual good and not diluted with any grains, beans, fruits or fillers

Vitamineral Green™

Vitamineral Green™ is nature’s multivitamin, a collection of 30 of the most micronutrient-rich superfoods on the planet, all carefully processed and dried at low temperatures to retain maximum nutrient integrity. The superfoods in Vitamineral Green™ contain every single mineral and vitamin our body requires for health, and are also richly endowed with all the essential amino acids, antioxidants, chlorophyll, soluble and insoluble fibers, tens of thousands of phytonutrients, and a plethora of other synergistically bound, organic nutrients which scientists have not even discovered yet. Vitamineral Green™ is Actual Food™ with a number of important benefits:

Six different kinds of sea vegetables provide abundant iodine for thyroid health, radiation and heavy metal chelation, important trace minerals from the ocean, and the essential sugars fucose and mannose for immune health.*
Six separate strains of probiotics, providing 10 billion-plus total per serving. Unlike virtually all other probiotics, these organisms are hardy, acid stable, shelf stable, and do not require refrigeration. The are NOT dairy based and therefore do NOT require dairy to thrive.
Potent levels of many different antioxidants serve to slow the aging process, support heart health, and reduce inflammation in the body.*
Tens of thousands of phytonutrients increase our body’s ability to resist degenerative health conditions.*
Rich in bioavailable alkalinizing minerals that address the root cause of degenerative illness.*
Loaded with greens that are exceptionally rich in chlorophyll (e.g., chlorella). Chlorophyll serves to oxygenate the blood, thereby increasing energy production and detoxification in all our cells. Oxygenation also cleanses the blood with potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, effectively boosting our immune system.*
Contains significant amounts of fiber that helps to feed friendly bacteria and promote health in the GI tract.*
Contains amla berry, one of the most important rejuvenative herbs in Auyervedic medicine, for bioavailable vitamin C, as well as strong medicinal benefits, increasing overall body vitality, strengthening the immune system, fortifying the liver, supporting heart health, strengthening the lungs, helping to detoxify tissues, and improving mental clarity.*
Contains holy basil, a powerful adaptogen known to help improve immune and cardiovascular health, reduce anxiety and depression, protect against damaging effects of radiation, and enhance brain circulation.*
Shilajit, the number one herb in Auyervedic medicine, added to improve digestability, detoxification support, and overall healing ability of Vitamineral Green™.*

Live, Red & Ready

2013-07-01T07:35:00.001-07:00

June 28-30 BET networks host the BET Experience up until the live broadcast of the 2014 BET Awards. It was insane (I'm assuming since I was watching from my couch, like every other normal citizen), the weekend of festivities and shutting down LA Live was equivalent to a weekend at the Essence Music Festival. Bravo to BET we finally pulled of something that was amazing and full of excited. The whole weekend was an "experience"

Okay, so I wasn't going to post anything about the awards last night or today because I felt the attire from mostly everyone was mediocre. A lot of stylist dropped the ball (look a likes everywhere) the fashions were just "OKAY" well it was average. Most of those people are suppose to be fashion icons and style-peration for many and it didn't show to me. They all looked like they were going on date night, walk in the park or to have drinks with friends. (But who am I ? Once again I was home in the couch).

Please don't misinterpret that I'm tearing them down, I just feel that when its our time to show out for our own we miss the mark. Diddy said it best last night when he tweeted :

Anyway, back to what this was about FASHION. Here are some picks and my opinion. Chime in and leave a comment, read and share !!

Adrienne: Very Elegant and Classy, her shoes were amazing ! I think she got the memo

LeToya: I think she was simple and cute with the jumpsuit. White & Red always work and having a white jumpsuit in your closet for the summer ?? Go for it!

LaLa: I really loved the back of this dress. I know this is a high Fashion piece but I wish either the color was different, no sleeves or keep the sleeves and minimize the broad shoulders. Otherwise LaLa always looks amazing

Janelle Monae: All white and she's a 10 in my book! She never conforms, always had/have her own style and it works for her.

Eve: I love Eve always did !! I love her outfit, honestly its too casual for me. Looks like she came from having brunch with friends but none the less she always fly ! Her jewelry and shoe choice were on point.

Maya: Nah, I don't know whyyyyy they let Maya were this jumpsuit, unlike LeToya hers looks inexpensive (fancy way if saying cheap) lol I'm moving onnnnnn

I really can't remember her name, I keep drawing a blank.... Please forgive me. Jovani Prom dress ??

I love Megan but I think her cleavage cut is too low and the leg cut is too high. A little less cut up top with little slit, high leg slit with less up top or no slit with deep cut ...

Melanie: love her music but I hate that her or her stylist paired this number with a Moschino belt. Took this from Fab to hood, the dress and bag is so Chic !! K.I.S.S method

Brandy: B always looks amazing but I'm not feeling this show choice with this dress. Two different style directions ... Maybe next year

Jordin: aww how cute

K.Michelle: I love her hair color and Suit combo! I would've rather a cigarette or wide leg trouser not the in between ... Oh and differently a different shoe choice.

Ashanti: everything was right here ... Irovy/Off White Dress, shoes, hair, nails,jewelry and makeup ... She gets an A++

Sanaa Lathan : ummm

Ciara: sorry but I love C and her bod is sick

Ms YMCMB: Nicki has been serving up some sexy, sophisticated, grown woman ish .... The new style direction says BOSS ! Go Nicki I can like you now, actually I do !!

Here are some fashion pho pause :

Trinadad James

had this Jacket it on too ... Yikes

Diddy needs to have a sit down with his artist

Coupled Up:

Amber has a Marilyn Monroe moment can't get no better than that.

The Ultimate Best Dressed:

Ms. Simmons

If anyone needs a new stylist, I'm young and ready :) lol serious though

Tia Mowry Promotes Veganism !

2013-06-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Tia Mowry is the latest superstar to pose forPETA. The mother-of-one and reality TV star decided to go vegan after witnessing family members suffer from diet-related illnesses.

Mowry wanted to become the voice of her community in the process of giving up meat and dairy products. "That's one of the main reasons why I decided to be a part of this PETA ad campaign because I wanted to educate my culture about the benefits of becoming vegan," said Mowry. "There's a stigma about being vegan. Some people say it doesn't taste great or it doesn't taste good—don't knock it until you try it!"

The former Game star says she's more aware of what goes into her body and even has friends hooked on the lifestyle change.

"What happens to these beautiful animals and these beautiful creatures is mind-blowing," she followed up. "It's just sad. I think some people are afraid to know what really goes on. So they think ignorance is bliss. But unfortunately, not in this case."

Would you ever consider going vegan?

source: Essence.com and Peta.org

How To Wear Foundation

2013-06-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Faking perfect skin is easier than it seems, just a few simple steps to follow. Too much foundation makes you look like a drag queen (no pun indented) and too little makeup makes you look unpolished.

Add caption

Choose a liquid foundation - Avoid luminous or matte foundations ( they make your skin appear either too moist or too flat to look natural). Instead look for ones with the words "lightweight", "sheer", or "invisible". I personally like the Maybelline Matte Moouse, I know I said say no to matte but this is a better version of it. Or Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer its better than foundation

In everything someone recommends I will always say try it out for yourself, you are your best judgement.

Put dime size drops of foundation on your forehead, the tip of your nose, and your chin then blend outward with your fingers or proper foundation brush. (always move from the inside to outward of face and blend at hairline).

Use a velvet sponge - one of those old ones your grandmaw used to have tons of and you used to wonder what the hell it was and why she used it yuck. Guess what as always the older peeps always have one up on us. Those sponges are key to any makeup look, just dab your face after your done to remove any excess makeup so you can avoid the awkward moment after you smeared makeup on a guys shirt yikes

Makeup Tip: “Test foundation on your jawline and check it in the daylight,” says CoverGirl makeup guru Pat McGrath. “The color is correct if it disappears without blending.”

Shoe Pick of the Day: My New Ruthie's

2013-06-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

I dont know too many people but I have a few close Fashion Friends in NYC and boy am I glad to say that I do :) ! If you know me you know I love shoes and one of my top shoe designers is Ruthie Davis, I did a previous post on her a few months back. Anyway, she had a sample sale last month that I was dying for, being in Dallas made it impossible for me to get to NYC but a friend of mines made my heart smile. I have yet to wear these but I will soon, stay tuned for the #OOTD

Meet Beverly

Going Vegan

2013-06-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

Summer is here ! Since the beginning of the year every man, woman, boy and girl are on a "Summer time body" regimes. There are so many fad diets out there it is ridiculous, its probably a thousand of " How to get slim in 3 day", "loose belly fat in 14 days" and on and on. I can admit I am was on of those chicks who tried every diet under the sun. I may or may not have succeeded but ultimately my goal of staying fit didn't happen. I had to do a reality check to figure out what it was I was doing wrong because I thought I was a pretty healthy eater with ~~frequent~~ visit to a fast food chain every blue moon.

Finally, after being fed up with all the fads and get quick diets, I knew I had to attack this in a different way. I reached out to my nutritionist Tierra out of Atlanta to partake in what I thought was just a 10 Detox, little did I know my WHOLE life would begin to shift :). Part of my Detox phase I had to first prepare my mind and spirit for what was about to happen. Tierra gave be a LONG list of movies to watch, a book to begin to read and a lot of other helpful information.

I was traveling on the road with my family headed to Mississippi at the time of my video chat with her and soon as we hung up I downloaded that book on my handy dandy Ipad. While reading my mind was being opened to a new world. Telling my hunk of love everything I am reading and watching the videos while on the road, he decided to join me on this journey :). I must say I am so glad he did because it makes cooking and grocery shopping so much easier. He may not admit it just yet but he loves it too. So anyway after I finished the new book and watched all the videos, I decided on my own that Vegan was my new life ! Seeing how animals are treated, how the government hides the things that are put in our food due to big business; the chemicals that are added to processed foods are known to cause ADHD in kids, Heart disease, High blood pressure, hypertension and the list is 50 miles long. The most important take away was how I seen people overcome all of these diseases just by changing their diet. Choosing a plant based diet our bodies natural begin a healing itself. Not only did they no longer needed all those pills but they also dropped tons of weight.

Growing up in New Orleans where everything is smothered in fat, fried, dyed and blow dried when it comes to food and now living in Texas where everything is big, bar b que and a million and one restaurants to chose from. I realized something that I longed knew. THIS FOOD IS KILLING US ! I wanted to change and I wanted my daughter and family to change because our health is the most important thing to have and lets be real who wants to live a life of popping 20 pills a day ? I knew I didn't.

Whats the saying ? You have to be the change you want to see ....

Before my 10 day Detox we went on a fast food binge and ate everything in our fridge, freezer and everything we thought we would miss. Honestly, for me I couldn't even eat any meat or dairy. I was totally winged off and was ready for the journey. My household on the other hand .... Lets just say they had no mercy on anything.

After my Detox I lost a total of 8 pounds which could've been more if I didn't travel one weekend. Not trying to lose weight my hunk lost 6 pounds WOW !!!! Becoming a Vegan has been on of the best things I could've done. I feel so great after eating so much fruits, veggies and grain. I'm not fatigue, I have tons of energy. I feel great knowing I now have a conscious choice on what I am putting in my body. My transitions was extreme, I went full fledge no waiting, thinking or contemplating. I knew this was what I was suppose to do. I went at it 1000 % and I am loving every second of it.

This has become an art project for me ! I juice everyday and experiment with new recipes and it all excites me :) Such a big kid I know !!

What is Vegan ?
Vegan is a type of vegetarian diet that excluded meat, eggs, dairy products and all other animal ingredients. Many vegans do not eat foods that are processed using animal products, refined white sugar. Basically, anything that is man made vegans typically don't eat, however, there are tons of brands and grocery stores that makes shopping and eating easy.

So I know your like What do Vegans eat ?
A vegan diet includes all grains, beans, vegetables and fruit and nearly infinite number of foods made by combining them. Many vegan versions of familiar foods are available, so you can eat vegan hot dogs, soy ice cream, vegan cheese, veganaise (mayonnaise), veggie burgers and so much more.

Like a recipe, veganism is a process. Each step is important and valid. Don’t rush it, and enjoy where you are today.

Top 6 Tips:

1. Make vegetarian/vegan versions of your favorite meals.
2. Explore thousands of delicious vegetarian recipes.
3. Try some tasty faux meats and dairy alternatives.
4. Sample vegetarian microwaveable meals and convenience foods.
5. Search online for the best vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurants in your area.
6. Explore the amazing variety of meat-free ethnic foods.

Here is a link of restaurants that cater to Vegans.

Since I have become Vegan, I have noticed a lot of friends and family who have purchased juicers and inquired about how to do it but thinks becoming a Vegan is extreme. (All Vegans have once thought the same thought.) I will start uploading recipes I try and give tips for those who may want to begin your transition or just incorporate a few more healthy practices in your daily diets.

Some sites that helped me:

www.peta.org

www.tierreaburrell.com IG: @makeupbytierra (My nutritionist & how I started my journey)

Manicure Maven

2013-06-26T15:15:00.001-07:00

Nail art is having a movement. Feature nail designer Miss Ladyfinger has done what no one else in the game probably have thought about doing. Which is probably why she is being nominated for Marie Claire Mag " Most Wanted Nail Blogger". Miss Ladyfinger is known for taking the hottest designs off your favorite Fashion designer Runway show and turning it into Nail Fashion or what she calls Manicure Muse.

Taryn is a self- taught nail artist who is committed to inspiring the most fashionable ladyfingers. She provides designer step by step instructions while highlighting the brands she chooses to spotlight. "To ensure everyone lives a stylish and polished life" Miss Ladyfinger was created for you !

I dont know about you but I have a few nail ideas for the Summer and Fall thank to Miss Ladyfinger and my eyes are glued to her instagram and website to see which design she will take on next ! Feel free to take some inspiration and be sure to to mention and give credit if you choose to recreate her mold.

Yigal Azrouël Resort ’14

Sporty and Elegant

Honor Resort ’14

Flower + Leather

Max Azria Resort ’Hervé Léger by 14

Scuba Diving

Beyonce for H&M

Water line

Matthew Williamson Spring ’13

Electric Angels

Jonathan Saunders Spring ’13

Holographic Silver

Rebecca Minkoff Resort ’14

Unexpected

To get these Ladyfingers:

1. Start with a full white nail

2. Paint a stripe of pink down the center of your nail. Then using a nail art brush or toothpick create uneven horizontal lines extending outward past the stripe you made

3. Using a black nail art brush, create thin staggering horizontal black stripes down the center of the pink

4. Follow the white space in between the pink staggered lines by mimicking the points in black on either side of the nail

5. Top it off with top coat

the freeway

2013-06-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Freeway

Sharing with you all things fashion, beauty, and music the E.D. way "The Freeway"

Ladies, GET DRESSED

Now it is the first day of summer and I KNOW its HOT as fire, so all we are thinking about how little of clothing to put on. Believe me I will definitely get to all of the great things in the "less is best" for summer fashion on a later post. But let me tell you how in love with GUCCI I am for what they are doing to the WOMAN hunty!

When a woman, a LADY "gets dressed," that should actually mean putting clothes ON. I am elated that fashion is re-dressing the woman and the worlds perception of what a sexy, alluring well dressed lady should look like. It seems over the years women have began to dress more and more provocative with less material more skin being what the Dr. ordered. Nothing screams LOOK at ME and ALL my insecurities like a sleazy have dressed woman. I have always stuck to the rule pick ONE body part you want to show and play it up while keeping the other skin zones moderately covered. For instance I LOVE my LEGS and BOOBAGE. If I were to wear them both out at the same time I would look more of the other S word and not sexy he he.

With 2014 Runway shows currently underway I am LOVING the trends. The woman has received a huge makeover and traveled back to times of pure classic understated sexy and power. GUCCI is leading the pack.Gucci Resort 2014 Collection gives me LIFE with air to breath and water to drink! An ode the 70s and a clash of 2 worlds, Gucci can do no wrong this upcoming fashion season. I could try to put all of Gucci's Resort 2014 collection greatness into words but I'd rather you just marvel at the pics like I did.

Your Favorite's Fav PRChic,

Ms. E.D.Free

the freeway

2013-06-14T07:56:00.001-07:00

The Freeway

Sharing with you all things fashion, beauty, and music the E.D. way on "The Freeway"

IS IT THE SHOES....YA DAMN SKIPPY!

Sarah Jessica Parker

Did you all gasp and faint a little as I did last week, when the incomparable fashionable Sarah Jessica Parker FINALLY announced that she would be launching a SHOE LINE!!! Yesss hunty you heard me, after all of 15 years since the debut of one THE MOST Fashionable series to hit the airwaves "Sex in The City," Carrie Bradshaw herself has decided it is time. Well I say ABOUT TIME! SJP's debut line will be exclusive to Nordstrom and will be available Spring 2014. Shoes will range in prices from the low $200s to mid $300s. Now I love these price points, luxury at an affordable price. The line is an ode the New York woman and will also carry handbags and trenches.

Grosgrain

According to Footwear News, the line is a partnership with Manolo Blahnik's U.S. CEO George Malkemus. This is almost like a no brainer twosome, being that SJP a.k.a Carrie made the luxury brand a household name on "Sex and the City." I am squealing with anticipation for the first glimpse at some sample looks. Although NOTHING has been said as to when we will see a finished product, I do know that the line's signature material will be GROSGRAIN. Can you imagine how devine a grosgrain shoe in an array of colors will look! She credits her mother for her impeccable fashion sense, and also the reasoning behind the lines signature grosgrain, remembering wearing a grosgrain bow or ribbon in her hair everyday as a child.

The line will carry about 35-40 styles with a variety of heel heights. But don't expect any platforms or 6 inchers. SJP has made it very clear she wants the shoes to be an all day wearable experience. Take a look at a few shoegasms she's given us over the years. We have seen her in the most elaborate Christian Louboutins, Nicholas Kirkwoods, Jimmy Choos, Chanels and the list goes on. You can bet your bottom dollar this collection will be FIERCE!

Your Favorite's Fav PRChic,

Ms. E.D.Free

the freeway

2013-06-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Freeway

Sharing with you all things fashion, beauty, and music the E.D. way on "The Freeway"

I'm usually not here for the long hair don't care, it's just not my personal choice. BUT, I LOVE to see a good healthy luxurious mane. Ladies, summer is a time of show out when it comes to YOU. I want you to take pride in your appearance from head to toe, and do it with respect to the summer. I personally will be rocking the beat out of a pixie razor cut, but for those of you with the aficionado for the longer tresses, I got the scope and the skinny from one of the most fabulous and fashionable sylistas in the south. If you've seen her then you know the signature body skimming locks she flaunts and a to live for beat brow. Of course I'm talking about Channell, owner & creative designer/Artist of Pretteaface, www.pretteaface.webs.com.

Prior to launching Pretteaface Beautique, Chanelle worked at almost every major cosmetic store & line known to man kind. An amazing skin care specialist, lash extensionist, Epilating master, makeup artist & hairstylist aside from her love for facials.

Channell knows HAIR HUNTY so it was only right I asked her to give 3 top picks for hairstyles that will surely rock your summer look to perfection. Check out what she had to say and examples of her work:

"My all time favorite spring/summer styles as a healthy hair stylist are all current, timeless, & chic! They are all perfect for fabulous ladies on the go. All three styles are protective & aid in style & comfort. My first is a natural hair press with accent highlights. The second is the chignon, which I love & always turn to pull my hair off my face. "The third is actually a traditional sew-in with a lace closure to avoid frizz & leave-out stress!"

Take a look at the pics below for examples on these 3 styles, all masterfully crafted by Chanelle. If you are ever in Houston and are in need of complete and total beauty care, Prettea Face should be at the top of your list. And it doesn't just stop there, have you seen Ms. Chanelle, she's quit the fashion forward beauty with such an inviting personality, having her shop with you to complete the total new look is like frosting on the sweetest cake around. Be sure to follow Prettea Face on Instagram-pretteaface. If you are interested in services, beauty and hair, I'm sure Chanelle would love to hear from you, send an email to info@pretteaface.com

Your Favorite's Fav PRChic,

Ms. E.D.Free

Natural hair press with accent highlights
Prettea Face Client

Chignon

Prettea Face Client

Traditional sew-in with a lace closure
Prettea Face Client

the freeway

2013-05-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Freeway

Sharing with you all things fashion, beauty, and music the E.D. way on "The Freeway"

GIVE THE SUMMER SOME, BUT NOT TOO MUCH FACE...

With summer approaching and the temps rising, what I DO NOT want to see are females with a face FULL OF makeup. Now don’t get me wrong, I adore a beautifully painted face as much as the next glamour queen, but there comes a point in your life when you must learn LESS IS BEST. Not everyday in the life requires a lady to be beat to the gawds. On "The Freeway" I try my hardest to offer my expert advice and opinions and since I’m no makeup artist I turned to an expert to offer you ladies some tips on quick, natural, and heat friendly looks that any woman on the go can achieve.

I commissioned the help of one of New Orleans fabulous artists, Krystal Armstrong, Pro MUA and owner of KCJ Makeup Artistry, www.kcjmakeupartistry.com. When asked how to achieve a complete look with no fuss and staying cool, here's what she had to say:

"There are 5 products for quick, natural and heat friendly looks essential for this summer. Those are BB Creams, Volumizing Mascara, Sheer Lip Gloss or Balm, Bronzer, and Liquid Concealer. BB Creams are a great alternative to typical foundation because it has skin perfecting properties, gives a nice coverage, and most of all it is lightweight. PERFECT FOR SUMMER! Volumizing mascara is a go to because you get amazing lashes with just one coat. Bright colors are definitely in and sheer versions of them on the lips give you a complete look but no effort. Bronzer is a staple for summer. Give yourself a glow without the sun damage! Last but not least, liquid concealer to spot correct any imperfections while keeping it light. And there you have it! 5 essential products for a five minute complete makeup look." Here's Krystal Favorite top 5:

Smashbox BB Cream

L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

Maybelline Whispers Lip Balm

L’Oreal True Match Concealer

Milani Bronzer

All 5 products listed are inexpensive and can be found just about anywhere. What I love is that this look requires no eye shadows or blush and still serves up a complete face. Ladies please head my warning, OH ITS GONNA BE A HOT SUMMER, I bet NOT catch you looking funeral ready on "The Freeway."

Your Favorite's Fav PRChic,

Ms. E.D.Free