Lemon to Pepper: Adding a little zest to beauty

Back to School Makeup Bag Basics.

2012-08-14T20:36:00.000-05:00

Back. $5 @ Sephora

My mini makeup bag of choice. Front.

The end of August is rearing it's ugly head, which means back to school we go! If this notion depresses you, don't fret! Back to school shopping is here. There are so many lists telling you what you need. Why not add another, this list is here for everything you want and need in your makeup bag for this school year, well the basics. This list is for beginners who only need minute coverage and have limited skills. For brand recommendations just ask c: Our community is wittle so we definitely have time to respond.

Face:

Moisturizer

Primer

Concealer

Pressed Powder

Powder Brush

Concealer or Foundation Brush

Eyes:

Neutral Eye Shadow Palette. Bronzes, browns and golds tend to look good on everybody (when applied correctly).

Angled Eyeshadow Brush.

All over Shadow Brush.

Domed Blending Brush.

Eyeliner in Black

Lengthening Mascara

Volumizing Mascara

Lips:

Lip Balm.

Lip Stain, Tinted, or Sheer Lip Color. We can work our way up to lipsticks, glosses and glasses (these are easy to overdo without guidance to find the most complimentary colors. Starting with stains and sheer lip colors usually force you to stick to more natural looking lip colors, or allow the bold colors to be toned down a bit).

Everything here should allow for you to create day and night looks effortlessly. To set the look keep a mister bottle full of water. Also, if you have oily skin you should buy oil blotting sheets.

Jam.

My Tax Free Weekend and I

2012-08-05T14:40:00.001-05:00

Flash made all the shirts look the same but they're different!

I absolutely love Tax Free Weekend! In some states, once every year (ours is in the first week of August) there's a weekend when there is no taxes on clothing items that are $100 or less, electronics $1,500 or less and food items. It's like another Black Friday because there are deals all over and people go gaga crazy! I spent my Friday & Saturday shopping on Tax Free Weekend and scored a couple of shirts from Kohl's for pretty cheap. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of Kohl's mainly because I much prefer stores like Marshall's & TJ Maxx due to their discounted designer clothes for less (Ex: One time, I got a Cynthia Rowley shirt which normally retails for $100+ for $15 at TJ Maxx!). However, I had a 20% off coupon for Kohl's that was only valid during Tax Free Weekend so I decided to go for it. And I came back with brightly colored clothes for the summer! One of my fav purchases turned out to be $3.60!! I also got a couple of things for my mom, but overall I purchased 6 shirts and I love them all. I can't wait to do some OOTD with them!

Priscilla

Quick Health Tip #1

2012-07-31T16:05:00.000-05:00

1. Drink less coffee and more tea

I understand that coffee is a must in the morning for a lot of you, but tea is a healthier option and a better way to get your caffeine fix. Tea is known to provide many more health benefits than coffee. Some people don't enjoy the taste of tea but it's an acquired taste: so is coffee. There are so many different types of tea out there that can hopefully match your tastes. For me, I LOVE green tea. Not only do I find the taste to be relaxing and enjoyable, but the health benefits of green tea are off the charts in my opinion! Green tea is known for its potential to fight off cancer and other types of diseases, boost the metabolism to burn fat, lower cholesterol, and so much more. It's chop full of antioxidants that makes for a healthy and energized body. It's recommended to drink at least two cups per day but slowly start with one and make your way up to two.

Priscilla

Jamara's Quick Tip #1: Skin

2012-07-27T15:47:00.001-05:00

Apply moisturizer, toner and/or primers in an upward and outward motion. Never circles, and never down the upward outward motion promotes toxins to move away from the center of the face AND decreases the formation of wrinkles later in life.

Get rid of acne with..banana peels?

2012-07-24T16:59:00.001-05:00

I know what you're thinking. Banana peels can get get rid of acne? Say what!?

But apparently it has worked for many people. In a matter of days, your acne is supposed to be less red, smaller and less noticeable. How do you utilize this method? Follow the steps below:

Eat a ripe banana (Good source of Potassium!)
Take the banana peels and cut them into smaller pieces
Take the inside of the banana peel and rub it on the area
Rub it until the inside of the peel turns brown and then throw it away
DON'T WASH THE AREA. Apparently, the inside of the peel fights off infection and if you wash it off, then the whole thing becomes pointless.
Repeat about 3 times day and you should start seeing results!

I would definitely try out this treatment. The only problem I personally have with it is that I hate bananas. But I think that if it'll get my pimples and acne, I'll take the chance. Someone else can just eat my banana for me haha.

Priscilla

Review: MAC Mineralize Concealer

2012-07-24T03:02:00.000-05:00

I suffered with acne throughout high school and when I got to college, my skin started getting a lot better. The breakouts are minimal now and my skin looks way better than it looked before. But the downside of having acne is that your skin can become red and blotchy and worst of all, dreaded post-acne scars.

I hate acne scars with a burning passion. They're usually red or brown in color and they seem to take forever to go away. One of my good friends gifted me with the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC30 for Christmas and I liked it a lot. It had a lot of coverage and covered my spots well. However, for some reason, during the summer, my skin became drier than usual (which is weird for me but whatever) and if I used this concealer, it would kind of accentuate my dry spots. I was almost done with the bottle so I decided that maybe it would be time to start using a new concealer. After dinner with my friends, we decided to go to a MAC store and I started a friendship with a new concealer.

I went into MAC hoping to find a concealer that would be more hydrating than the Pro Longwear. I still love my Pro Longwear concealer but it's always good to have a variety right? I asked one of the employees which concealer she would recommend if I was looking for more hydration. She recommended to me the MAC Mineralize Concealer and I got mine in NC30. I was a little skeptical as I always am when I try new products I haven't researched beforehand. I just bought this on a whim.

I love this concealer. But in a different way than the Pro Longwear. As I stated before, my skin is in better condition than it was before. My acne scars are fading, which makes it easier to cover up. The MAC Mineralize Concealer isn't a full-coverage concealer; however, those of you looking for a light concealer for medium-minimal coverage, this is for you! I especially love putting it under my eyes because it brightens them and conceals them without looking cakey and dry. It's not thick, but it's not watery or runny either. It's in between in texture, not too creamy and not too watery. The only complaint I have about it is that it has a brush applicator, which can irk those with sanitary issues. I got this concealer for approx. $20 and I think it's a great purchase! Try it out for yourself and if you don't like it, you're always welcome to return it!

FTC Disclaimer: I am not being paid or compensated for mentioning this product. All opinions are my own and this product was purchased with my own money.

Priscilla

Protecting my Transitioning Hair this Summer.

2012-07-20T11:52:00.001-05:00

This summer is different from any of my summers before it for about ten years. This summer my hair is not chemically treated. While having hair that is not chemically treated has a ton of benefits, finding summer friendly protective styles becomes all the more important. Kinky, coily hair in it's natural state is brittle and has trouble remaining moisturized. The best bet is to put it up and away with extension. My summer style of choice are braids. Unless you know how to braid your self the style can run you anywhere from $150-$300 dollars, depending on the length and thickness of the braids. The hair is synthetic and inexpensive, about $25 ($2/pack) worth of hair should cover it. Anyway, so your thinking, "Why extensions?" Well extensions keep the elements from directly stripping from the hair it's natural oils and moisture. Braids, specifically, allow you to still wash the hair and scalp often, and put moisture back in from all the swimming and sunning you'll be doing this summer. Braids are also pretty versatile. You can do pretty much any style you want. One of my favorites has to be the ultra high bun. For daily maintenance I like to spray the scalp and beginning of the braids with a leave-in I like to make my own, but a cheap alternative is Aussie Hair Insurance. Whatever you do this summer make sure your comfortable. Although extensions are very helpful to maintain healthy hair they can also be damaging if too tight, pulled up too soon, or worn too often. Be careful!

FTC Disclaimer: I was not paid/compensated for reviewing any product. All opinions are my own and this product was purchased with my own money.

Best Zest,

Jamara

Review: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smooth & Shine Serum

2012-07-06T18:21:00.000-05:00

I'm a huge drugstore hair product junkie and I get super excited when I see the different lines different hair product lines have. Today, I'm reviewing the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smooth & Shine Serum. The Keratin Infusion line is one of the newer lines and came out a couple of months ago I believe. I purchased the Smooth & Shine Serum because I have slightly frizzy hair that needs to be tamed often. When I read the descriptions on the product, I wanted to try it. Keratin treatments are treatments known to be able to smooth and de-frizz your hair but can be costly and are done at salons. But here's a cheaper alternative for you!

Suave is known to be inexpensive and some of their products work amazingly. This costs around $3-$4 for a 2 FL OZ bottle. It also comes with a convenient pump, which I much rather prefer than a squeeze tube. It has a slight scent to it; kind of like a warm, amber scent (It reminds me of Bath & Body Works' scent Sensual Amber)? The serum is a type of oil so granted, it's going to be oily. The bottle recommends 2-3 pumps but I think it varies depending on your hair. If you have a lot of hair or long hair, 2 pumps should be sufficient. If you have short or thin hair, then I only recommend 1 full pump because the product can weight down hair if you use too much.

When I applied the product, I saw it help smooth my hair, especially the frizzy parts of my hair. When it comes to shine, I saw some but not all that much. It wasn't like a noticeable shine but a subtle shine which of course, isn't a bad thing. Again, the product itself is oily and can be heavy on your hair if you use too much, so use only a small amount appropriate for your hair's length and thickness. Overall, for $3-$4, it's a good product because it's cheap and it works. However, I would rather use my Organix Awapuhi Ginger Dry Styling Oil which I reviewed here.

I like this product, but I don't absolutely love it. If you want to try it out, you can get it at any drugstore that sells Suave.

Priscilla

Happy 4th of July!

2012-07-04T19:51:00.001-05:00

Happy Independence Day America & everyone! Hope everyone has a wonderful night celebrating the fourth of July!

How Pinterest helped me to a better body

2012-07-03T15:34:00.000-05:00

If you guys don't know what Pinterest is, Pinterest is basically an online pinboard where you can "pin" different things onto custom-categorized boards (i.e food board, art board, etc). I happen to be a huge fan of Pinterest because there are so many ideas available on the site and I get exposed to tons of cool ideas, tips, images, and more. But who knew Pinterest could help me to a more toned and healthy body?

It's the truth. Pinterest has indeed helped me develop a more toned body. How you may ask? Pinterest lets you browse through several categories and Fitness is one of those categories. On the public Fitness board, you can find so many different tricks, workouts and tips for your overall health and well-being.

Thanks to the ability to pin onto my own-made boards, I decided to create a board called "Motivation for Health" to post workouts, tips, tricks and such for me to utilize on a daily basis. I've pinned many different things on there so far from the "Dancer's Leg Workout" to the "Harry Potter Workout". By posting these simple workouts, it motivates me to workout at home everyday for at least an hour. I think all the workouts are manageable even for beginners because these workouts are made to be simple and short, but still effective.

What I do is I choose which workouts I want to do on a certain day. I pick 2-4 workouts to do and do them while I'm watching TV. I've been doing these workouts almost daily and sometimes 4-5 times a week. And the best part is, I'm actually seeing results. Granted, you can't expect to automatically see results; it takes time. But if you keep up with these simple workouts, you WILL see a difference.

If you want to see or follow my "Motivation for Health" pinboard on Pinterest, click HERE.
Remember, working out is a constant effort. It's hard but think about how happy you'll be with a great, toned body!

Priscilla

Review: Organix Awapuhi Ginger Dry Styling Oil

2012-07-03T14:04:00.001-05:00

My hair has been colored several times over the past couple of years. I've had highlights, dyed my hair, and even ombred my own hair. I've gone through several hair-related escapades and in return, my hair can be dry at times. To top it all off, I blow-dry my hair everyday because my hair air dries really weird (but seriously). I try to take a lot of effort in maintaining it in order to prevent it from damaging even further. That's where Organix Awapuhi Ginger Dry Styling Oil comes in (that was a mouthful!). I've tried out other Organix products in the past, but this one is the only one so far that I would repurchase. Why?

In the past, I've tried the Organix Penetrating Moroccan Argan Oil and Shampoo. Both products were simply just "ok" for me. I had high hopes for the Organix Penetrating Moroccan Argan Oil because argan oil is really good for dry hair. However, the results weren't that superb and I felt like it was making a hair flatter than usual.

The Awapuhi Ginger Plant

However, the awapuhi ginger styling oil has been a hit for me. First off, it smells really good. I can't really explain the scent, but it has a tropical feel to it with a nice floral scent to it. The oil itself is extracted from the Hawaian Awapuhi Ginger plant. According to the package, it says it's a "light and dry styling treatment....to strengthen the hair from within leaving it bouncy, super soft and shiny!" It also says that it's supposed to repair and moisturize even the driest or most damaged hair.

Basically, you take a dime-sized amount of this (you only need a little!), rub it with the palms of your hands and apply it to clean, damp hair. After I apply it, I can instantly smell the nice scent and once my hair is dry, the scent sticks. I can't tell you how many times people have said my hair smells good (good mixture of shampoo, conditioner and awapuhi ginger oil I guess!) and how soft it is. All I can say is, it's all thanks to this baby. Once my hair is dry after applying the product and blow-drying, my hair literally feels soft and looks shiny; the best part - no frizz and no fly-aways! I'm a pro-volume kind of girl and thankfully, this product doesn't interfere with volumizing. So basically, my hair becomes a triple threat: volume, shine, softness - BOOM!

This product tames those pesky fly-aways, moisturizes the hair, and gives hair shine and softness. This is one of my favorite hair products of all time and I'll definitely be repurchasing this!

I think you can get this at most drugstores. I recommend Target or Walmart because they tend to be a little cheaper than stores like Walgreens and CVS. The Organix line is one of the more expensive hair product lines out there but this product is worth it. I got this product for $7.99 at Walmart and this is a definite repurchase!

FTC Disclaimer: I was not paid/compensated for reviewing this product. All opinions are my own and this product was purchased with my own money.

Priscilla

Cuff Bracelets 2 for $20!

2012-07-03T04:17:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to quickly share this STEAL I found. I love Gordman's for basics like t-shirts, tanks, and even dorm room stuff. I usually steer clear of any attempt of fashion finds there but when I came across this bracelet for only $10, I knew I hit the jackpot. I started searching the disheveled jewelry display for a matching cuff and there it was. The cuff is two toned and hinged and will spice almost any outfit up. In the future, I'll be posting outfits featuring one or both of these fabulous bracelets.
Do not underestimate certain stores, you never know what you'll find! Keep your eyes open and your wallet full c: Happy Hunting!

Much Zest,
Jamara

Great Summer Fragrances for All Year!

2012-07-03T03:52:00.000-05:00

From left to right: Escada Marine Groove. Coach Poppy Flower.

Escada Sunset Heat. DKNY Be Delicious (Limited Edition Packaging).

Escada Pacific Paradise. Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola. Escada Moond Sparkle.

Of the four seasons, my favorite season to buy perfumes is definitely the summer. Once I've stocked up on all the dainty fragrances, I'm just not willing to part. I can't be the only one who loves to carry floral and fruity scents of summer into fall and winter. Layering scents is your best bet to winterize your summer scents. Layering scents is when you pair a base note with other fragrances. My favorite base note is vanilla; it pretty much goes with any fragrance to create a deeper scent. I especially like to pair vanilla with fruity scents. Another base note I like to use is jasmine. Jasmine has a strong sophisticated floral smell so obviously pair it with your summery floral scents to give them a more sultry scent. Look for similar scents or find your favorite winter/summer combination and you'll be wearing your summer scents all year long.

Muah!
Jamara

Review: Vaseline Original Lip Therapy

2012-07-02T21:59:00.001-05:00

Whether it's winter or summer, I suffer from chapped lips if I don't constantly moisturize them. I've tried out lots of different types of chapsticks and I always get the same result: moisturized lips for about an hour, and then I have to reapply over and over again. I jumped on the Burt's Bees chapstick bandwagon and although I did like it, I found an even better product. Vaseline Original Lip Therapy has been the solution to my chapped lips problem for months and this is a product I would repurchase over and over again. Why?

Vaseline has been around for years and has been the solution to a multitude of problems, especially if you have dry skin. Now, Vaseline has expanded their line to include lip products for supple, moisturized lips. I can honestly say, Vaseline Original Lip Therapy is my absolute favorite lip product of all time.

My little guy is a little beat-up from being in my purse!

It comes in a cute little plastic container (basically a mini version of a Vaseline tub). It is TINY but it holds a lot of product. It has lasted me for months and I only paid about $1.39 for this product at Target. Vaseline is known to have a scent to it but this product has no scent. The texture is buttery, which makes it super hydrating. It serves as a great base before applying lipstick or lipgloss to give you a hydrated base to work with - no cracks, no dryness! A little goes a long way so you don't have to apply a big glob of it. I tend to slather on more at nighttime before bed so when I wake up, I have amazingly soft lips.

I think the only gripe people might have with this product is that you use your fingers to apply the balm. It doesn't really bother me because I normally wash my hands or sanitize my hands before I apply it; however, some people may not like the unideal sanitary aspect to it.

HOW TO SPICE IT UP: This product has no scent or taste to it. To spice it up, you can make it flavored/scented by adding a few ingredients. Add a very small amount of vanilla extract (VERY SMALL. Vanilla extract is potent) for vanilla-flavored lip therapy or add your favorite flavor of Kool-Aid (powder form) to give it some taste & color. It's up to you! Get creative and see what you come up with!

I don't know what more I can say about this product - I love, love it. Vaseline, in my opinion, is the king of making hydrating products for the body! I've got all my friends obsessing over this product and I even throw it in as an extra birthday present for them. So tempted to buy multiples of this and put it in all of my purses, but I think that would be too excessive. Anyways, I definitely recommend everyone pick up one of these little guys and your lip love affair will start to unfold!

FTC Disclaimer: I was not paid/compensated by Vaseline to review this product. This product was purchased with my own money and this is my 100% honest review of this product.

Priscilla

Fabulous Find: Steve Madden Unityy Pumps in Blush Pat

2012-07-02T18:37:00.000-05:00

I am a total bargain shopper and finding great deals at low prices can make my day so much better! TJ Maxx and Marshalls are two of my absolute favorite stores to find designer brands at low prices. Normally, I'm not a huge shopper at Ross because I would much rather shop at the other two (TJ Maxx & Marshalls). However, today I decided to drop into Ross just for fun to see what I could find and boy, am I glad I did!

I have a total love affair with Steve Madden. I love their purses and especially, their shoes. I own a pair of Steve Madden pumps in a 5 1/2, but unfortunately, they don't fit very well (I'm a size 5-5 1/2. I know, super small). I've been meaning to get another pair of Steve Madden pumps in a 5 online, but usually they sell out pretty fast and I didn't want to risk getting another 5 1/2 that wouldn't fit (I'm an overall skeptic on buying shoes online). I can honestly say, today Fate wanted me to find these shoes!

I found these babies at Ross for, $19.99! Steve Madden Unityy Pumps normally run for $69.95, so this was an absolute steal! And the best part is that they are a nude color (Blush Pat), which essentially goes with almost everything. These are 5 1/2s, but they fit like a dream: not too tight and not too loose. I absolutely love them and I call them a Fabulous Find.

Be sure to check out stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls AND Ross. You never know what you might find! Happy shopping everyone!

Priscilla

5 Tips to Stay Fit This Summer

2012-07-01T04:55:00.002-05:00

Water. Take your body weight and divide it by 2. What's the number? That's how many ounces of water you should be drinking a day (unsweetened tea counts). The easiest way to ensure you are getting the right amount of water is to substitute your normal drink with water. By substituting the sweetened and carbonated drinks with water, you are cutting hundreds of calories out of your daily diet. After your morning routine, drink 16oz of water and when you go to bed, drink 16oz of water again.With the heat index the way it is, anything else other than water could actually dehydrate you.
Wake Up. Sleeping eight hours burns a little over 300 Calories. Waking up after those 8 hours, eating and moving boost your metabolism and allows you to be more active throughout the day.
Phone a friend. If there isn't a heat advisory get outside and get active!
Cook. What??? I said cook! Cooking your own meals instead of ordering out allows you to account for everything that's going into your meal. It also allows for you to maintain portion control. I don't know about everyone else, but I eat while I cook. I end up being full not too long after I sit down with my plate.
Shop. Okay, I kind of cheated - there is no scientific evidence that proves shopping is a fitness technique but it makes sense to me. Besides making you more active, shopping is a great stress reliever. We store stress in fat! Less stress less fat. Haha c:

Forever Spicy,
Jamara

Lana Del Rey - National Anthem

2012-07-01T04:14:00.000-05:00

Can we say PERFECTION?! Rey's depiction of the love Jackie O had for her husband was spot-on in this video. I was already in love with the song. There is no way I can do an unbiased review.

- Jamara

My Summer Makeup Routine - Jamara

2012-07-01T03:43:00.002-05:00

As a general rule, I don't wear much makeup daily. So in the summer months my makeup routine is the bare minimum. In fact I'm not even sure you would call it a makeup routine. Nonetheless, any great makeup routine always begins in the shower. For my sensitive combination skin, I keep it simple. I start by cleansing my face with a cold cream. Weekly, I follow my cold cream with a gentle exfoliating scrub, I use Bioré Pore Unclogging Scrub. Out of the shower, I apply a gentle toner and Vitamin C cream to wake my skin up and add moisture without shine. Now that my skin is all cleansed and ready, I start putting on my face. Because I do not require much coverage, I'm not the liquid make up kind of girl. I also find that liquid makeup for dark skin is usually a bit too red to fit my skin tone. But I'm sure there is a tinted moisturizer out there that is not either too red for my skin or too gray, I've yet to find it. But believe me, I'll keep trying. If anyone knows of one, please submit it. Until then I'll stick to the routine I'm using now.

FACE:

For fuller coverage MAC Studio Fix Pressed Powder in NW 43
For a glowing look MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural in Deep Dark applied to the temple check and chin in a 3 shape.

EYES:

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Eyeliner in Black
Maybelline Lash Stiletto in Blackest Black

LIPS:

YSL Sheer Candy in Mouthwatering Berry

If you opt for the full coverage, still apply the Mineralized Skinfinish and set with Evian mist.

*SN: Carry blot papers to remove access oil. Ulta carries the NYX brand with options for every need possible.

FTC Disclaimer: I am not being paid or compensated for mentioning any of the products mentioned above. All opinions are my own and all products were purchased with my own money.

Keeping it SPICY,
Jamara

50 Ways to Say Goodbye - Train

2012-07-01T01:24:00.002-05:00

Quick post about one of favorite songs. I'm definitely a Train fan and I absolutely love their album California 37 which was released back in April. I was listening to the entire CD yesterday on Spotify and I am in love with the song "50 Ways to Say Goodbye". First off, I can't get enough of Patrick Monahan's voice. Something about it just draws me in. Secondly, if you guys are familiar with the Phantom of the Opera, the song incorporates the familiar "Phantom of the Opera" tune in the first 00:40 of the song and again later on. And I am in love with the "mariachi-style" instrumentals. I think it's fresh, upbeat and definitely a song I play on repeat along with "That's What Make You Beautiful" by One Direction (That's right!) during the summer. And don't get me started on "Drive By" again by Train (LOVE IT).

Support Train by buying California 37 by Train on iTunes for $10.99 or buying "50 Ways to Say Goodbye" for $1.29!

My Summer Makeup Routine - Priscilla

2012-07-01T00:52:00.000-05:00

Although I do love my makeup very much, in the summertime I try to wear less than I would in other seasons. Why? Because where I live, it is so humid outside and where I'm currently spending my vacation, it is usually 100+ degrees outside. No eyeliner, no blush/bronzer, no lipstick or lipgloss (unless I'm stepping out for a public affair!). But nevertheless, I'm here to share my summer makeup routine!

I only use foundation when I'm going out with friends or family for long periods of time. If I'm just going out to run a quick errand or if I'm at home, I don't wear any makeup.

Don't want heavy coverage during the summer? Try a BB cream or Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. Those are my two favorite options if I want lighter coverage & feel during the summer!

For reference, I have oily-combination skin with yellow undertones.

FACE:

Olay Complete All Day UV Moisture Cream for sensitive skin
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sun Protection SPF 55
Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Primer
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC30
Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Foundation SPF 10 in 2.3
Milani Multitasker Face Powder in Light Medium
Laura Mercier Secret Finish Mattifying (for touch-ups!)

EYES:

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume Waterproof Mascara

LIPS:

No gloss or lipstick for this girl! Vaseline Lip Therapy gives me baby soft lips during the summer and prevents chapped lips!

So that's my summer routine for you! Hope it helps!

FTC Disclaimer: I am not being paid or compensated for mentioning any of the products mentioned above. All opinions are my own and all products were purchased with my own money.

Priscilla

Jump your way to a Better Body!

2012-06-30T23:58:00.002-05:00

When I was younger, jump roping was one of my absolute favorite things to do. When my elementary school would host its annual "Jump Rope for Heart" event in partnership with the American Heart Association, I would jump on the opportunity (pun intended). But did you know that jumping rope is one of the best and CHEAPEST exercises you can do?

For under $20, jumping rope for 15+ minutes is a great calorie-burning exercise. It works many parts of your upper and lower body, helping you lose weight!

* Think about it: turning the rope with your arms + jumping with your legs = full body workout.

For beginners, it is recommended to start off with a beaded rope since it retains its shape and you have better control of it than other ropes. Make sure you adjust the rope according to your height and you are jumping on an appropriate surface - avoid grass & carpet; your best bet is a wood floor.

Jumping rope is an exercise that
requires focus and coordination. Make sure when you are jumping, you are 1-2 inches off the ground to avoid landing on top of the jump rope. If you're a beginner, make sure you start at a slow steady pace and when you start becoming really good at it, speed up your turning and jumping to get a high-intensity workout.

HOW TO SPICE IT UP: You can also incorporate other exercises while jumping rope. My personal favorites are doing jumping jacks (leg motions only of course), feet shuffles and high knees while jump roping. Be warned though, only do them if you feel like you are coordinated enough.

Jumping rope provides many great health benefits:

Tones your muscles and tush (Yay for a sexy tush!!)
Helps you lose excess weight
Burns calories quicker than most exercises
Improves cardiovascular health

There are many different types of ropes out there and I honestly prefer the plastic jump rope. It picks up speed well and it is durable. When I exercise, I jump rope for about 30 minutes to get my heart rate going and then do 30 minutes of cardio. If you're a beginner, start out jumping for 10-15 minutes and work your way up. Don't over-strain yourself! With practice comes better balance, better coordination and of course, a better workout! Trust me, you will improve with time and you will see results if you're consistent.

Happy Jump Roping! And may the jumping lead to a better body!

Priscilla

2012-06-27T02:52:00.000-05:00

Happy to say that I am finally done with the blog layout. It took me an hour or so to do which wasn't too bad. I think the yellow aspect of it makes it sunny, bright and happy! I was having trouble figuring out how to fill in the spaces so I decided to put pictures of our faces? Haha. And of course, our signature lemons & pepper - that is an actual pepper shaker I first saw on Tumblr and I really want the set! I would totes love being the Salt & Pepper Fairy! Let me go around the table and sprinkle your entrees!

I'm currently trying to compile a collection of future layouts so I've been spending a lot of time on Photoshop. I'm trying to hone my Photoshop skills. I love making graphics, but I'm still an amateur. Anyways, hope everyone enjoys it! Look forward to more zest!

Forever zesty,

Priscilla

Finally Open for Business!

2012-06-11T21:54:00.000-05:00

A little preview of the upcoming layout!

After a year of developing and brainstorming ideas for our blog, we're proud to welcome you to our official blog,
Lemon to Pepper!

We started this idea since the beginning of our freshmen year in college. We kind of slowly developed the idea and with the help of our friends, thought of a name. We never got around to actually making the site though until now (thank god for summer)! Still a few kinks and construction we need to address on the website, but we'll be posting content real soon!

Thanks for checking out Lemon to Pepper. We hope to bring everyone great insight about all sorts of things! We're excited to share all this content with you guys!

Forever zesty,
Priscilla & Jamara

Lemon to Pepper: Adding a little zest to beauty

Back to School Makeup Bag Basics.

My Tax Free Weekend and I

Quick Health Tip #1

Jamara's Quick Tip #1: Skin

Get rid of acne with..banana peels?

Review: MAC Mineralize Concealer

Protecting my Transitioning Hair this Summer.

Review: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smooth & Shine Serum

Happy 4th of July!

How Pinterest helped me to a better body

Review: Organix Awapuhi Ginger Dry Styling Oil

Cuff Bracelets 2 for $20!

Great Summer Fragrances for All Year!

From left to right: Escada Marine Groove. Coach Poppy Flower. Escada Sunset Heat. DKNY Be Delicious (Limited Edition Packaging). Escada Pacific Paradise. Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola. Escada Moond Sparkle.

Review: Vaseline Original Lip Therapy

Fabulous Find: Steve Madden Unityy Pumps in Blush Pat

5 Tips to Stay Fit This Summer

Lana Del Rey - National Anthem

My Summer Makeup Routine - Jamara

50 Ways to Say Goodbye - Train

My Summer Makeup Routine - Priscilla

Jump your way to a Better Body!

Finally Open for Business!

From left to right: Escada Marine Groove. Coach Poppy Flower.

Escada Sunset Heat. DKNY Be Delicious (Limited Edition Packaging).

Escada Pacific Paradise. Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola. Escada Moond Sparkle.