Lipstick Manual™ | A LifeSTYLE Blog

Is it Monday already?

2013-06-10T10:16:00.000-04:00

Hey loves last week was a trying one for my household. I was alarmed on Tuesday night when the hubs brought P home from daycare to learn that his infant room had an outbreak of Hands Foot Mouth disease. I have never even heard of such a virus so I immediately called his pediatrician and took him the very next morning. HFMD is a cold virus that comes with an nasty rash of blisters on the hands feet mouth and sometimes buttocks. Unfortunately he was one of the seven babies in his class affected so I just kept him home because it is contagious as my pediatrician recommended. It always sucks when your baby gets sick and as a first time mom hearing the word 'disease' freaked me out a bit. I just wanted my baby to be healthy. I know that we can't protect him from every single strain or virus while sending him to daycare but I definitely try to maintain a clean household and wash hands often, you can only hope everyone else is doing the same at their home. Luckily Phoenix was a champ and wasn't too irritable because of this so we managed to have some fun while he was home from school. Have you ever heard of this virus?

On another note I ventured to Once Upon a Child in Kennesaw on Saturday to sell our Snap N Go stroller since my husband switched him to a convertible car seat and we no longer have a need for it. I picked up this cute LeapFrog Learning Band walker while there for $12 bucks! It was in great condition and had working batteries, got to love that. I liked this walker over the others because it is heavy and has a wide base; which helps with your babies balance. Phoenix is 8 months old now and well on his way to being a wobbly walker pretty soon. I think it is so cute when they walk with their arms out like a zombie to balance themselves lol

We also went to Lakeshore learning store after getting my eyebrows threaded at Hair Images. I have never previously been in that store but since I was right next door I figured we would check it out. They have SO much fun stuff in there for kids and it is all geared towards learning. I told my husband we should go there for our Christmas shopping. When I saw the cash register it brought back memories of my sister and I playing 'shopping', we would get things from around the house and use change as our cash, the ironing board was the check out counter lol #childhood memories

Hope you ladies had a great weekend! Wasn't that rain crazy in Atlanta yesterday wowzers

Linking up for Monday Mingle with A Mom's Blog Design

DECISIONS, DECISIONS! {Pick a Dress for Summer Wedding}

2013-05-30T11:35:00.000-04:00

Badgely Mischka Rental $100 Retail $620 Halston Heritage Rental $100 Retail $545 Halston Heritage Rental $100 Retail $395

Hey loves so I've been on what seems like an endless search for the perfect dress to wear to my dear friend's wedding this July. The gorgeous invitation invited everyone to join in on wearing a shade of grey along with the wedding party. Think 50 shades of Grey, should make for some great wedding photos; however this little detail kind of has me stumped. For starters I don't particularly think grey is accessible in terms of shopping during the Spring/Summer months, most of the dresses I've found in this hue are sequin which I LOVE; however it tends to be a bit itchy unless the dress has a great silk/polyester lining. The other factor is I'm not particularly fond of the color grey for my complexion, especially for a gown. I thought the dress code was mandatory but it turns out it is not so now there are way more options to choose from yay!

I have decided since this is the only wedding invite we've received for this summer I would take advantage and use Rent the Runway for my attire. I've been wanting to wear one of their gorgeous gowns for some time now but did not have anywhere great to wear one to and now I do! RTR has so many amazing dresses to choose from but I have narrowed my choices down to like 6 lol I also have my eye on a jumpsuit as you can see. I think wearing a jumpsuit with the right accessories would be so cute. The main thing for me with picking a dress is comfort as well as fit for my body type. I want to be able to look good whilst getting my groove on. Weddings are always known for great dancing and I know my friend and her Miami family will be surely out on the dance floor. That is also a reminder to wear some comfortable stilettos, if there is such a thing lol As far as the picks I posted above I am so in love with the emerald green dress. I have been searching for one like this ever since I saw Carrie wearing one to watch TV no less in the SATC 2 movie. You recall the scene below after they made up from her kissing Aiden. The color is just gorgeous and since I can't afford anything Lanvin this RTR dress will be my Carrie look a like :)

Do you have summer weddings to attend this season? Where did you find your dress?

Get Your Shit Together.org | Life and Death Planning

2013-05-29T11:01:00.000-04:00

Hey loves, long time no write I know somehow life just seems to get in the way of the fun stuff like blogging. Hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend. I managed to take Phoenix to the pool in the subdivision, it was hot as heck outside and we were bored at home. He actually loved it and didn't flinch like I did when entering the cold water. I posted a pic of us taking a swim break by the pool on Instagram. Are we friends, we should be :) Click the link at the top and let's link up!

On another note, I did some bedtime reading in my recent Redbook magazine. I came across a sad article written by S. Reynolds about losing her husband suddenly in a car accident. Her world was immediately turned upside down in an instant and she didn't have her 'shit' together. This tragedy led her to create "Get Your Shit Together.org" in an effort to help others get their ducks in a row. It is so easy to live your life day in and day out without taking the time to do the important stuff like writing a living will, giving your spouse access to all of your passwords, choosing a power of attorney and child care provider in the event that both parents should meet their demise. I was shocked into reality after reading that article and told my husband while we laid in bed that we need to get our shit together! Having a child definitely makes you feel a sense of urgency when it comes to being responsible. Long gone are the carefree days of being a kid, adulthood is real, very real!

CHECKLIST

Get Started: Review this document completely and keep this on file with your will and other important documents.

Will:

o I have completed my Will and listed

§ Durable Power of Attorney for Financial and Medical, and back-up person(s)

§ Custody of child(ren) and back-up person

§ Distribution of assets and personal items

o The will is signed, notarized, and a copy has been given to those listed.

My copy of my will is located here: ________________________________

Living Will:

o I have completed my Living Will

§ Medical power of Attorney and back-up person

§ Advance Directives

§ Additional information and notice to your doctor

§ Discussed your wishes friends and family

§ Discussed or written down the type of funeral or memorial service you desire and any instructions about burial or cremation

§ I have considered where and how I would like to be cared for if I were terminally ill and discussed this with those closest to me

o The living will is signed, notarized, and a copy has been given to those listed.

My copy of my living will is located here: __________________________

Life Insurance:

o I have researched Life Insurance options and purchased the best possible plan for me and/or my family

o I have researched Short term Disability and completed all steps

o I have researched Long term Disability and completed all steps

A copy of my policy is located here: _____________________________

Money:

o I have reviewed my financial situation and, if necessary, discussed this with those closest to me

o I have completed a budget and track monthly actual costs to my budget

o I have ______ weeks/months of expenses saved in case of accident or emergency

o I have a plan in place to meet my goal to have _________ by this date ___________

o I have a savings plan and/or retirement plan

Details:

o I have listed my Personal Details out in case of emergency or some one else needs to retrieve it (passwords, contact information, accounts, etc)

A copy of my details list is located here: _____________________________

Personal items:

o I have thought about my relationships and how I want to move forward to resolve any unfinished business

o I have reached out to those people

o I have deeply considered how my life lines up with my values and priorities, how I am spending my energy, and what I want to do differently to have the life that is meaningful and important to me

Do you have your shit together?

#Fitness Friday Inspiration: Eudoxiee Agnan

2013-05-17T12:03:00.002-04:00

Hey loves hope all is well in your world. I was planning on a photo shoot today for Eboni's Style Me Friday but I can't seem to peel myself out of my comfy workout clothes just yet. I instead decided to write a fitness inspiration post. I am currently inspired by the beautiful Eudoxiee, also known as the girlfriend of rapper Ludacris. I came across a fitness picture of her on Instagram; which led me to follow her. I was so impressed and amazed to find after viewing her #tbt pictures that she was born and raised in an African village, a true #startedfromthebottom now we here story.

When I first started seeing her on the blogs with Luda I immediately thought she was his latest pretty groupie but she was actually getting her Masters in Medicine when they met and is currently taking a break I suppose to be a kept woman. I ain't mad at that at all! She also appears to have a naturally curvy body; which is rare in 'black hollywood' and works out to keep healthy. Here are some pictures of her training below.

Even the most dedicated athletes need an inspirational push and I definitely was feeling a bit lax after recovering from being sick a few weeks ago. I worked out today in the neighborhood and restarted my 30 day #squat challenge. I also have been eating a lot cleaner at home for dinner so that will definitely help me reach my goal of being toned. I want to keep the curves, add some muscle tone and feel better overall. Thanks Eudoxiee for being a fitness inspiration for me!

Thanks for stopping by and if you haven't watched the season finale of #Scandal you are in for a treat!! Can't wait until next season!

Have a great weekend ladies,

My Day at the Huetiful Hair Salon in Atlanta

2013-05-10T12:52:00.003-04:00

Hey loves what's new? I am SO glad today is Friday sweet baby Jesus! I have had the work week from hell, let's just say that if I don't have to look at Excel for awhile I will be a happy happy gal! I think the weather in Atlanta is supposed to be rather nice so I am looking forward to spending some time outside, maybe go for a hike or a good run, my legs and abs both need some exercise plus it will help me burn off some of this steam from work.

Last weekend I ventured to the Huetiful Hair Salon in Atlanta's Amsterdam Walk to get my hair did! lol I didn't even know they had a salon here until I saw it mentioned on Instagram. I wanted to get my hair pressed but since it has been raining like cat's n dogs lately I decided to go with a twist set instead. I opted for a wash n go look but on a dry twist out. When I walked in the salon I immediately thought it was SO cute! The turquoise wall colors and graphic tiles on the wall were right up my alley. Ya'll know I'm a sucker for good Interior Decor! I was asked to take a seat and relax in their spa like environment whilst sipping on my coffee prepared on their luxe Keurig #winning. I was also treated to some lovely tunes via Pandora, great first impression. My first stylist washed my hair with their amazing shampoo, it felt SO soft after the wash I was pleasantly surprised! You know most shampoo products will leave your hair feeling somewhat stripped but the glycerine in theirs acts like a humectant and moisturized my hair. Next my hair was deep conditioned with the Huetiful Hydrating Conditioning treatment under the awesome Huetiful hair steamer. I have a steamer at home as well but hardly get to use it now that Mr. Phoenix takes up all of my spare time. I need to work steaming into my schedule at least twice a month! After getting rinsed, my hair was then twisted downward by Alicia and dried under the hood dryer for the effect you see here. When I came home my husband said "Did you get your hair done, it looks like how it did when you left!" omg he is hilarious!!!! His idea of 'hair done' is a blow out because that is usually what I get when I go to the salon but he liked the afro twist out look. I think next time I go I would prefer a twist set on wet hair as my curl pattern is so cute and would give a better textured appearance. Otherwise I loved the customer service at the salon, both ladies are super sweet and I wasn't waiting all day to be seen either. I was in and out in 90 mins, I like salons that respect my time :) They were also very knowledgeable about the Huetiful products and I was given a briefing on the products being used during each step.

If you are in the market for a natural hairstyle or even a press/blow out definitely check out the Hueitful Salon in ATL. I was able to see a flatiron styled customer while there and her hair looked great. I think they are also looking to expand to more cities like NYC & LA for instance but this is their flagship salon. You can even book an appointment online, I love how techno savvy this salon is, the lead stylist snapped pictures for Instagram with her cute little ipad mini, definitely a great plus in my opinion!

502 Amsterdam Ave NE #106 Atlanta, GA 30306
(866) 708-7015

Thanks for stopping by,

ShandART Productions presents LM Illustration

2013-05-06T14:54:00.002-04:00

Thank you SO much Shanda for my lovely illustration for Lipstick Manual. I contacted Shanda for a graphic fashion illustration for the blog because she is such a talented artist and knew she would capture what I had envisioned. I originally wanted to use this piece for a banner when the site was under construction but now I'm thinking I will use it in my signature so I can see it everyday, that would be cayuuuute! I haven't formally met Shanda in person but feel as though we are cyber friends, we've been chatting online for at least 2 years now lol We must meet by the way ;) Shanda previously sent me the most beautiful greeting card after we got engaged and I still have it hanging up in my master bedroom.

Please be sure to visit ShandART on ETSY for a special piece of your own, she also has the cutest tee's, which are so on trend right now. Her work has also been featured on VH1's Single Ladies, Diddy's blog and Essence.com! Shanda also has a website + blog. Keep in touch via Facebook, Twitter and check out her portfolio here.

Heading to Jamaica!

2013-05-01T12:58:00.001-04:00

I am so happy to be feeling better and back from the brink of death! Colds are just nasty and fowl stealing all your joy and will to eat for that matter lol In other news, I can't believe it is already May and I'm welcoming it with open arms. Cheers to less rain and more sunny days! Speaking of sunshine and being chipper I finally booked our beach vacation this summer. It was a toss up between the RIU in Negril and the Hilton in Montego Bay. I always get so nervous right before I click the buy button when purchasing a vacation in a foreign place. Trip Advisor is usually my go to when seeking out reviews but there are those people who write extremely dramatic and negative experiences; which throw off all the positive ones you read. I had a panic attack wondering if I picked the right place, no one wants to fly hours and travel miles to not love their new home away from home. I think we will be fine though. We will be staying at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa. The Hilton brand is one to be trusted and by the looks of the pictures I love the rooms already! This hotel has a lazy river on site which is one of the reasons I chose this spot. I can see myself with Phoenix slowly drifting around the river and relaxing. Daddy prefers the beach when we are on vacations and this hotel has something for everyone to enjoy. I also read something about a jerk chicken cart that comes around the beach to serve you while you relax. I love jerk chicken, curry goat, roti, plantains hmmm mmm good. They even have saltfish and ackee for breakfast! I can't wait to swim, eat and drink all inclusively! I love all inclusive vacations where you don't have to worry about finding a good restaurant for every meal plus if you want to indulge and blame it on the alcohol it won't cost you a mint to do so.

When it comes to the beach, I was wondering if it would be worth getting Phoenix a bucket and shovel to play with but he may make a mess of it and get sand everywhere it's not supposed to be. I recently picked up the cutest little Finding Nemo swim trunks and shirt for him at Babies R Us. When I showed it to him he squealed in excitement. I love the sounds of joy he makes, it is the cutest thing ever! People always say to cherish every moment while your child is young and I am doing just that! :) Today we had his passport appointment, which he slept through surprisingly. While at the post office there were a bunch of roosters being mailed out and one kept crying or whatever you call it lol it was hilarious because who expects to hear roosters at the USPS. lol I can't lol country living for sure!

I wanted to go to Europe before the year is over too. We are also trying to sell house at the moment so there are a lot of balls to juggle. I can't wait until this sale goes through so I can be done with it. Selling your home while living in it and showing every week is exhausting!

Well enough of my Wednesday rant, if you've made it this far bless you and Happy Wednesday!

Have you been to Jamaica? Did you have an amazing time? Tell me all about it ;)

Sickie Momma

2013-04-29T12:55:00.001-04:00

Hey Loves as you can see by the cuteness above I am a sickie momma. I caught this deathly cold from either my sweet little chublette or his larger twin daddy, either way this sucks! I've been feeling sick since Thursday and have lost 3 lbs since then, guess that is what happens when you barely eat huh smh I am feeling a bit better today though but I still sound like there is a frog in my throat. When Phoenix had this cold he was down and out, I felt SO bad for him and gave him lots of TLC but he didn't seem to care that I was sick and bounced up bright and early at 6AM every morning smiling, slapping me in the face and wanting to rise and shine lol I let daddy take one for the team and get up early with him :) yay you rock J lol It is so hard to stay germ free when your kid is in daycare, there always seems to be someone with a running nose. I feel like boiling our bedsheets and wiping every single surface down with bleach, being sick is the worst especially when it is nice outside. May this be the last cold I see for a long time to come.

Do you use any natural get well quick remedies? I am so leery of meds these days after being preggers and not able to ingest pretty much anything. I figure it wasn't good enough for me then so I'm not taking it now.

Linking up for Monday Mingle with The Naptime Review

4 Ways to Wear a Leather Skirt Now

2013-04-25T12:09:00.001-04:00

Hey Loves, I have been so smitten with this little faux leather pleated skirt I scored on clearance from Urban Outfitters so I decided to do a couple looks of different ways to wear leather now. The first look is casual with a light striped cardigan by Thanx collection. I can't recall where I bought this sweater, probably a TJ Maxx purchase. My tee is a Target purchase by Merona. I love how soft this tee is and will be going back for more! The leopard wedges are also a #Target purchase and a big need for my closet. I don't know how I've lasted all this time without a pair of leopard booties! #shopTargetmuch @targetstyle

Shoes: Mossimo at Target similar | T shirt: Merona at Target | Skirt: Urban Outfitters similar | Cardigan: Thanx similar

I call this next look B Girl FRESH. I felt like a total Hip Hop chick from the South Bronx in my wedge sneaks by Steve Madden and Sweat Shirt by Bar III at Macy's. I even threw on a pair of bamboo leopard print earrings to complete the look :)

Steve Madden sneakers | Bar III sweat shirt at Macy's similar

The next look is a chic corporate way to rock a leather pleated skirt at work. #9to5 Statement jackets are all the rage this Spring season so I paired the leather skirt with this quilted Ann Taylor suit jacket. Can you tell how much I love leopard? lol

Suit Jacket: Ann Taylor similar | Shoes: CL

Last but not least I paired the leather skirt with a fun printed tee. I bought this I Love Black Men tee from the Sweet Auburn Festival a few years ago. I love this shirt and the message it sends. Do you like printed tee's as well? I think graphic tee's are a cute way to make a fashion statement and they aren't just for teens. My zebra shoes are super old by Melan at Shoe Makers Warehouse. If you've been shopping in ATL a long time you'd remember them but I don't think that store is even open anymore.

As always thanks for stopping by! Next Monday and Tuesday will be my last entries for my #30in30shoe challenge, whew I can't believe I have made it through an entire month of this fashion challenge, it's been rough making sure I take daily photos and pre-planning my outfits but I've had lots of fun and made great usage of my closet.

The Crop Top

2013-04-24T17:55:00.000-04:00

The Crop Top by lipstickmanual featuring petite tops

Crop top thrifted | Skirt Forever 21 (old)

Hey Loves, one of my dream pieces for my wardrobe has to be another crop top. I wore one as recent as my honeymoon in 2011 but my midriff hasn't seen daylight since! Crop tops can be styled various ways but I prefer to go with looks sans belly button exposure because that can tend to look a bit "Pretty Woman" if you know what I mean. This is also the reason why I want a 'six pack' as one of my #fitmom goals, clothes look so much better on your body when it is toned and in shape to me. I picked up my crop top at a thrift store two years ago in turquoise and purple, I think they were formally belly dancing garb and I love the intricate details of the sleeves. I can't wait to sport mine again. Will you be bearing your midriff too?

Here are some cool ways to rock a crop top this Spring + Summer!

Source

Til we speak again dolls, stay fashionable and financially savvy!