...So She Writes...

Tuesday's Tunes: The iPod Shuffle Tag

2013-05-21T12:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Tuesday, ladies and gents! Hope your week is off to a good start and that you have a good tune in your heart (or your player) today. For today's installment of Tuesday's Tunes, I decided to participate in Chymere Californian's iPod Shuffle Tag. The rules of this tag are to simply put your iPod (or other music player/device) on shuffle and list the top 50 songs that play at random. As much as I love music, I just knew I had to take part in this tag. And to make it a really random experience, I decided to use my old iPod from a few years back that I never updated just to see how truly random this list would turn out. Check out the list and be sure to peep the videos for the highlighted songs.

THE SHUFFLE PLAYLIST

1. Star 69-Common

2. Lemme Get That- Rihanna

3. Baby Can I Hold You Tonight (Sorry)- Foxy Brown

4. These Streets- Tanya Stephens

5. Miss You Much- Janet Jackson

6. My Favorite Things- John Coltrane

7. They Don't Know- Jon B.

8. Po' Folks- Nappy Roots

9. Life Goes On- Tupac

10. Christopher Tracy's Parade- Prince

11. You Know That I Love You- Donell Jones

12. Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time- The Delfonics

13. Juicy- Pretty Ricky

14. For Real- Amel Larrieux

15. Hey Mr. DJ- Zhane'

16. African Queen- 2Face Idibia

17. Hello- Ginuwine

18. Mona Lisa- Slick Rick

19. Think It's a Game- Beanie Sigel

20. Don't Let Go (Love)- En Vogue

21. Go Deep (Timbaland Remix)- Janet Jackson

22. Git Up, Git Out- Outkast x CeeLo Green

23. Somewhere Over The Rainbow- Patti Labelle

24. How You Remind Me- Nickelback

25. Somethin' Wicked This Way Comes- TLC x Outkast

26. Joy & Pain- Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock

27. I Gotta Be- Jagged Edge

28. Mind Playin' Tricks 94- Scarface

29. Entourage- Omarion

30. Let's Go Crazy- Prince

31. This is My Party- Fabolous

32. Strawberry Swing- Coldplay

33. I've Changed- Jaheim x Keyshia Cole

34. Love Come Down- Evelyn "Champagne" King

35. Feelin' You- Lloyd

36. Quiet Storm (Remix)- Mobb Deep x Lil' Kim

37. Honey Dip- Jim Jones x Dipset

38. Other Side of the Game- Erykah Badu

39. Take It Easy- Mad Lion

40. Ain't My Type of Hype- Full Force

41. Can't Give Up Now- Mary Mary

42. Black Barbie- Little Jackie

43. Me and Those Dreamin' Eyes of Mine- D'Angelo

44. Knockin' Boots- Candyman

45. Summer Madness- Kool & The Gang

46. Ebony Eyes- Rick James x Smokey Robinson

47. All Night Long (Remix)- Mary J. Blige x LL Cool J

48. Never Lie- Immature

49. Heard a Word- Michelle Williams

50. Find a Way- A Tribe Called Quest

I must say that this was a very fun tag! At first I thought I would get tired of listing 50 whole songs, but by the time I finished I wanted to keep going.

Do you have any favorites on the list? If this tag looks like something you would like to do, feel free to participate! Check out Chymere's list here.

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO TODAY?

Purple Kisses: FOTD with MAC Heroine Lipstick

2013-05-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, I'll admit it. It's been forever and a day since I've posted a FOTD here on the blog! And to get back into the groove of things, I decided to share today's look with you guys. I reached for my beloved MAC Wonder Woman Defiance palette to play up my eyes and pulled out my MAC Heroine lipstick that I was so happy to FINALLY get from the MAC Spring 2013 Fashion Sets Collection. Talk about somebody being pressed to get a lipstick! But anyways, I came up with a basic look that's perfect for daytime wear/everyday wear. I even toned down the lippie by adding a gloss, making it more wearable for anytime. Check out the deets for today's look below and tell me what you think!

Brows:

MAC Brow Pencil in Spiked

Milani Brow Tint Pen in Dark Brown

MAC Studio Fix Concealer in NC42

Eyes:

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer

MAC Wonder Woman Eyeshadow Palette in Defiance

Avon Super Extend Liquid Eyeliner in Black

Avon Super Drama Mascara in Black

Avon Glimmerstick Chromes in Electric Pink (inner bottom lash)

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Whiskey (bottom lash corners)

Face:

Avon Illuminating Face Perfector (primer)

Avon Perfect Wear Foundation in Toffee (discontinued)

MAC MSF in Dark

La Femme Blush in Mulberry (not pictured)

Lips:

NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Purple Rain

MAC Plushglass in I ♥ U (LE from the Quite Cute Collection)

MAC Matte Lipstick in Heroine

What eyeshadows and lip colors have you been reaching for lately?

MANICure Monday: O.P.I. Nicki Minaj & Kiss Nail Dress

2013-05-13T18:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday, loves! How is everyone doing? I hope all the fellow mommies had a wonderful Mother's Day on yesterday and that everyone's week is off to a great start! As for me, I had a great weekend and now my week is off to a bright start, thanks to these little O.P.I. nail polish minis from the O.P.I. Nicki Minaj collection that launched last Spring.

Now to be honest with you ladies, I almost forgot I had these polishes. They were like five seconds from being tossed! Isn't that sad? I try to sort through my stash every couple of months, as I like to rotate the polishes I have on display every so often. If I don't, I will forget I have a certain polish and I don't want to purchase the same shades (or similar ones) over and over again. So while I was looking through my polishes, I saw the minis I had grabbed on a whim from the O.P.I. Nicki Minaj Collection at the bottom of the container, along with a couple bottles of Bon-Bons. I picked out "Did It On 'Em" and "Fly" from the set of four and decided I'd better use them before the color started to separate!

O.P.I. Nicki Minaj Nail Polish in "Did It On 'Em" is a bright (but not neon) yellowish green shade. I don't own another color quite like this one so I decided to go ahead and try it out!

I felt that O.P.I. Nicki Minaj Nail Polish in "Fly" would contrast "Did It On 'Em" nicely, as it is a deep muted teal shade. So I chose to pair these two for this week's mani.

And while I was digging out of the stash and trying to stray away from glitter for a change, I decided to use my leopard Kiss Nail Dress strips for accent nails. Besides, I purchased them a minute ago and they will eventually use their stickiness if I don't use the remainder of them soon.

So what are your nails looking like this week, ladies? Are you into a particular manicure trend lately? Have you purchased any special edition or limited edition polishes before? If so or even if not, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments! I am linking up with Mimi of Lipgloss & Binky and Lynn of L A Lynns Accessory Shoppe. Head over to Lynn's here to join in on the fun!

Currently: 04.28.13

2013-04-28T12:00:00.000-04:00

CURRENTLY

(inspired by Chymere Californian)

In Lust With: Ice Cream. Rainbow Vanilla Ice Cream from a specific little store back home to be exact. If I'm not making a beeline for that store when I visit, I'm sending someone to the store to get me some. I crave it all the time! I'm also in deep lust with this Cake Batter Ice Cream Double Butter Body Cream I got from here last week. My dry, hormonal skin is in awe.

In Love With: ABC's Once Upon a Time. Have you seen that show? I just love all the twists and turns these people go through in the town of Storybrooke and how each of them have fairy tale alter-egos (or separate lives, from a different time and place). Each Sunday night I find myself tuned in to see whose backstory will be told next. Between it, Revenge, and Scandal, ABC keeps me glued to the screen on Sunday and Thursday nights (when they aren't showing re-runs).

Obsessing over: Moving. Should I stay? Should I go? I don't know. I'm so indecisive about things here lately that thoughts of moving are becoming really overwhelming. As much as I've grown to love my city, I think I might have to move on. Lord, please order my steps.

Working On: Organizing everything. I'm trying to find a designated place for everything, for everyone. I thought I did a great job of this just a few short months ago, but my children have shown me otherwise lol. I am striving to create a more simplified life for the ~~four~~ five of us, so that begins with simplifying my home. NOTE: This is not an easy feat when you and your husband are both pack-rats. Eek!

Favorite Words: Glowing, Happy, and Beautiful. Most days, I don't feel like the third word. But with reassurance from my loving and supportive husband, I can feel all three surge from the inside out.

Favorite Visual: The animation in Wreck-It-Ralph. Ok, don't laugh! I think I've grown so fascinated with the visual aesthetic of this movie partly because my children love watching it (meaning I watch a lot of it whether I choose to or not). But I confess that I'm probably most drawn to it because it makes me feel so nostalgic. It reminds me of how obsessed I used to be with videogames when I was a young child (while a part of me still is!). I love how bright and vivid the colors are, how strikingly HD certain game characters are and how adorable Vanellopi Von Schweets is. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out. It's definitely worth watching.

Favorite Sound: Baby J's heartbeat. I fell in love the first time I heard it, as it gave me proof that there was actually life moving around and thriving inside of me. Hearing it for a second time yesterday gave me assurance that everything was gonna be okay with him ♥

Over the Moon About: One of my besties flying out to NC to visit me for my birthday next month. I'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself!

Thinking Of: Celebrating life more often. With the recent loss of a loved one and all of the lifestyle changes I've recently experienced, I feel that I don't celebrate life enough. Sometimes, it takes a wedding or a funeral for my family, friends, and loved ones to get together and it sucks that it has to be that way. I know we all get a little busy with life and attending to our own affairs, but I want to be more involved in their lives. I have to make a greater effort, whether others do or not. There's nothing like giving folks flowers while they are still around to smell them.

Dreaming Of: What Baby J will be like. Will he look like me or will he look like his daddy? Will he have my temperament? Will he be like his big brother J? Will he cry a lot or will he be quiet and mild-mannered like my daughter was as a baby? Will he steal my heart as quickly as my other two loves have? I think about him all the time and wonder how his presence will shape and change my world.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY UP TO?

image source

SHE'S BAAAACK! (a quick update)

2013-04-27T10:31:00.001-04:00

Hey ladies and gents! I know it's been a while! And for that I sincerely apologize. I just wanted to let you know that I did not intentionally leave you guys hanging. I left a few blog drafts just hanging around out here to dry, a couple of reviews here and there that have yet to be published, and tons of pictures that will probably never see the light of day. I hate that I haven't shared them with you sooner!

But the truth is, somewhere along the line I got stuck in a little rut. I had some business to attend to on the homefront that I didn't imagine would take me away from posting regularly here. I got caught up, y'all. I do miss sharing with you all and keeping up with all of the bloggers that I have grown to love. I think I just needed a couple of weeks to breathe. I hope y'all aren't mad at me.

I also have a bit of news to share with you guys. If you follow me on Instagram you probably already know that I AM EXPECTING! Yes, again, ladies and gentlemen. In fact, my husband and I are expecting our beautiful bouncing BABY BOY to arrive in September. And for this I am excited!!!

Thank you so much for you wonderful ladies who have missed me and have reached out to me wondering where I've been. I've missed y'all so much and hope to jump right back into blogging seamlessly. I will try my best to update on all my social networks as often as I possibly can, so be sure to keep up with me on
Bloglovin, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. And look out for new blog posts starting tomorrow and more updates and pictures of what I've been up to in May!

Hair Journey Update: Spring 2013

2013-04-03T21:04:00.000-04:00

Starting at the beginning of the year, I decided to join Traycee's KISS Boot Camp Challenge on the K.I.S.S. site. I have been on a hair journey for quite some time, and have had quite a few challenges while on the journey. Nonetheless, I've learned a lot about my hair and what it likes as well as what it doesn't like. I've even built a pretty basic regimen that I tend to tweak from time to time (depending on the changing of seasons and discovering new hair needs). I felt that taking part in this challenge would be great because I had already set goals for myself this year. Joining the challenge gave me a way to hold myself accountable for my goals and chart my progress. I also decided it would be cool to share a blog post with you guys every season to let you know how I'm doing with my hair goals.

The goals I set for myself this year are as follows:
1. Achieve APL length by Summer 2013
2. Try new low-manipulation hair styles (such as roller sets, twist-outs and braid-outs)
3. Don't buy a new hair product without completely using up another.
4. Stick to my routine! Remain consistent in my hair care.

In remaining consistent, I must make sure to stick to these tasks:
1. Use the least amount of direct heat as possible. Only one heat pass per 6 weeks.
2. Moisturize and seal nightly.
3. Deep condition weekly under the dryer.
4. Massage scalp with hot oil mix 2-3X weekly.
5. Baby my edges with JBCO nightly.
6. ALWAYS sleep with my scarf or bonnet on. No excuses!

The Stretch
My last relaxer was on December 6, 2012. So my stretch lasted exactly 16 weeks and one day. During my 16 week stretch, I've been pretty consistent with my regimen. I started moisturizing with my Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Moisturizer instead of the Herbal Essences LTR Leave-In because I felt that the Elasta QP was more moisturizing for the cold winter months. I even tried the LOC method I saw Sdestra use after washes. My liquid of choice was my Aloe Vera Mix, the oil was alternated between Jojoba and Grapeseed Oil, and my cream was of course the Elasta QP Moisturizer. All in all, I love how it locked the moisture into my hair! This is a practice I will probably continue doing after each clarifying wash.

One thing I regret is that I didn't do much styling. Something came along mid January and started sapping all of my energy, making me only want to wear my hair in a bun. So if my hair wasn't in a ninja bun on the top of my head, it was probably pinned in a bun to the back. And if I left the house wanting to look extra, I put on my blonde shorty-do I like to call Susie. I guess this approach made it very easy to just leave my hair alone and keep things simple!

ladies, meet Susie! lol

Two things I've noticed that my hair loves a lot during the stretch are my scalp massages and the aloe vera mix. In fact, I can almost guarantee that the scalp massages aided in growth. In my scalp massage oil mix, I use my three favorite oils: peppermint oil, jamaican black castor oil, and coconut oil. I gently massaged the oil mix in my scalp 2-3 nights weekly and boy did the new growth get thick on me quick! But the beautiful thing about my new growth was that my aloe vera mix made it soft, gave it great curl definition, and made it so easy to manage.

The Results
I will admit that I was only partially pleased with my results from this stretch. While I could tell that my hair had grown since my last relaxer, it definitely looked a bit thin. Perhaps this was because I never use heat on my hair, and I flat ironed my hair after washing and conditioning this time. I haven't used a flat-iron in over a year, so I was amazed at how bone-straight and thin it was. I guess I was so eager to see the accurate length that I couldn't wait for it to air-dry. I probably won't be doing that again! But I can say that I am pleased that I'm finally grazing APL. I've haven't passed SL hair since I cut it from APL at the start of high school!

Another great thing I have noticed, is that when I add the protein step into my relaxer regimen, my hair feels so much stronger! And there was hardly any shedding. I've added a light protein (ORS Replenishing Conditioner or Aphogee Two Minute Reconstructor) before neutralizing with my last three relaxers and I will never go back to relaxing without this step.

In the upcoming months, I will focus more on the overall health of my hair. I'm trying to get some thickness going on about my tresses, so I will be doing more research and perhaps tweaking a few products so that I can achieve the thickness that I desire. I will also pay close attention to my fragile ends as well.

ARE YOU ON A HEALTHY HAIR JOURNEY?

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HAIR GOALS?

No Boiz Allowed Presents: 30 Days of Legs Spring Challenge

2013-04-02T13:38:00.000-04:00

30 Day Legs For Days Challenge

Are you ready for Spring? If not, don’t worry. There is still time to get right for the summer. But before summer arrives join us for the month of April in our Legs For Days Challenge. Each day in the month of April, you will dig through your wardrobe and find an outfit made to show off those sexy legs. You are not limited to just skirts and dresses. In fact, it’s up to you to be creative but remember, your legs must be shown. Pull out those shorts, mix and match your prints, and jazzy up those legs. It’s time to show up and show out. This challenge is suitable for any woman. And yes, we had the 9-5ers in mind too.

WINNER: Since this is a challenge, there will indeed be a winner. The winner goes to the lady who completes the most out of her 30 days. Just in case there is a tie, because this is reality and ties happen way too often… We will choose the top 2 winners and there will be a vote off. Yes, a vote off, of your 7 best looks. The No Boiz Allowed viewers will have a chance to vote on their faves and that will determine the winner. The winner will receive a special Spring gift from one of our favorite online boutiques. We will announce the prize soon.

DEADLINE: This challenge is from April 1st – April 30th.
1 winner will be announced on May 4th. If we go into a vote off, the winner will be announced on May 11th. All photos must be submitted by and no later than May 2nd.

RULES: Simply tag #NBA30day on Instagram or Twitter. You may tag us each day, create a collage and tag us each week, etc. or simply email us in your photos as you go or at the end of the month. Email is as follows nba30day@gmail.com All photos must be current (in the month of April). Although your birthday outfit was hot last month, it doesn’t count.

GOAL: The idea of this challenge is to get you out of your comfort zone and comfortable in the skin you are in by embracing your sexiness.

FUN: Post this challenge on your blog, instagram, twitter and spread the word. We want more ladies than ever to participate so tag your friends, email them and challenge them to join in with you.

If you have ANY questions, please feel free to contact daja.noboizallowed(at)gmail(dot)com or nba30day@gmail(dot)com.

WILL YOU BE TAKING PART IN THE CHALLENGE?

Manicure Monday: Coral + Sparkle

2013-04-01T21:41:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday, ladies! I hope you all enjoyed your first day of April and had a beautiful Easter weekend! Mine was nice and eventful, as I was able to see some of my closest friends and family members. All in all I have been having a great Spring so far. I'm just hoping that the weather warms up just a tad so that I'm able to start wearing dresses and sandals soon!

As coral is one of my favorite shades of Spring, I'm way past ready to wear coral toes in my sandals. And though I might have not been able to rock them yet, I've gotten a head start on rocking coral with my nails. For this week's MANICure, I painted my nails with Wet n Wild Megalast Nail Color in Tropicalia, which is a beautifully bright shade of coral.

And of course it wouldn't be me without a little bling to the manicure.

For the accent nail, I added O.P.I. Nail Polish in Servin' Up Sparkle.

While this is a lovely color, it seems that my camera phone did not do it justice.

Check it out with the flash:

So what are your manicures looking like this week ladies? Did you play it safe with familiar colors and acrylics or did you go bold this week? Did you paint your nails in pastels for Easter? Perhaps you decided to skip the polish altogether. Either way, I would love to hear all about the details in the comments. Let me know! As I mentioned up top, I am linking up with Mimi of Lipgloss & Binky and Lynn of L A Lynns Accessory Shoppe. Head over to Lynn's here to join in on the fun!

Tuesday's Tunes: Volume 8

2013-03-12T10:56:00.001-04:00

Happy Tuesday, guys and dolls! As it usually goes, I would like to thank you guys for stopping by my little corner of the blogosphere today to check out the tunes I've been listening to. Every now and again, which seems like more often than not, I have to share a few songs that take my mind back to beautiful memories of yesterday. Doesn't it feel good to hear an old song and get flashbacks of good times, great friends, and fun places? Tell me a couple of songs that give you those good vibes in the comments and be sure to check out the ones I've shared below.

If unable to see video click here.

Feel the Funk by Immature- This song brings back all kinds of memories! If you checked out my last installment of Tuesday's Tunes, you could probably tell from my membership in the B2K fan club that I was first a fan of Immature. I used to love these guys! And this is my favorite song by them. I remember the night my mom bought this tape for me from Walmart (probably tired of me trying unsuccessfully to dub it from the radio and felt sorry for me lol). I also remember the night my baby brother pulled all the tape from the plastic casing and ruined it! I believe I cried. This video introduced an all-grown up Immature-- complete with the relaxers and the bob-dos for Batman and Romeo. For some reason I thought this look was everything in elementary school. My, how trends change!

Never Forget You by Noisettes- Shinghai Shinowa is so beautiful in this video! It's been one of my favorites since I first heard it as I started off on a trip to DC back in 2010. I was so captivated by her unique sound that I googled nonstop until I found this group--The Noisettes. I eventually got the album and also fell in love with party song Don't Upset the Rhythm also. If you enjoyed this video, be sure to check out Wild Young Hearts, as I'm sure you will enjoy!

Everything by Fefe Dobson- Talk about memories! I think about freshman year at WSSU each time I hear this song. I played it in the mornings when I cleaned my dorm, in the evenings when I studied, and when I entertained my friends at night. And when I wasn't playing it on my laptop, MTV and VH1 were airing the video repeatedly. It was inevitable that I would soon become hooked to Fefe Dobson belting out lyrics with infectious vocals while strumming vicious chords on that guitar. And believe it or not, I never get tired of the song.

Girls Dem Sugar by Beenie Man- This song brings back thoughts of 2000, when I was young wild and free. I would dance in the mirror to this song and get all hype when it was played at the dances. Nonetheless, dancing in the mirror didn't help my chances of appearing to have any rhythm, lol. It didn't stop me from yelling out "that's my song" every time I heard Beenie Man and Mya's vocals lull over that fierce rhythm either!

Bonnie and Shyne by Shyne- If this song doesn't take you back, I don't know what song will today! Every time I reference myself as the girl with the "little bit of MAC lipglass, hair in a bun well done," I am paying homage to Shyne and this track, it seems. The beat is sickening, making me dance and wiggle my hips each time I hear it. The lyrics, however, always made me ponder what it really meant to be a ride or die girl. How many people will really be there with you through your worst and your best?

ARE YOU A FAN OF THESE SONGS?

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO TODAY?

BE SURE TO SHARE IN THE COMMENTS!

MANICure Monday: Mint Apple

2013-03-11T12:18:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday, ladies! How you doin? I hope everyone had a beautiful weekend and that this week is off to a lovely start for all of you! To start off this week's posts, I'm doing my usual MANICure Monday link-up hosted by the lovely ladies Lynn and Mimi.

To get geared up for the Spring Season, I pulled out my Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Mint Apple and applied two coats. This polish is a beautiful mint shade with a soft, shimmery finish. I can already tell I'll be using this polish a lot this Spring!

And though this polish didn't need any extra sparkle, I couldn't help but add just a bit to the accent nails anyway. For the added shine, I applied two coats of Confetti Nail Polish in Ice Ice Baby to my thumb nail and ring finger. Do you notice the green flecks of shimmer?

And an added bonus to my manicure this week is this new product I'm using. Are any of you like me and hate having to use two separate products as a top coat AND a base coat? Well I've found a solution to that with this Revlon Multi-Care Base + Top Coat. After I've worn this manicure for a while, I'll be able to give a better report about this product. For now, I'm just happy to have two products in one!

So what are your manicures looking like this week ladies? Did you play it safe with familiar colors and acrylics or did you go bold this week? Perhaps you decided to skip the polish altogether. Either way, I would love to hear all about the details in the comments. Let me know! As I mentioned up top, I am linking up with Mimi of Lipgloss & Binky and Lynn of L A Lynns Accessory Shoppe. Head over to Mimi's here to join in on the fun!

Style Inspiration: In My Jordans

2013-03-08T08:28:00.002-05:00

Ladies, do you have a go-to outfit or go-to formula you use when making last-minute wardrobe choices? Lately, my outfit of choice almost always involves a graphic tee and a pair of sneakers. And since I've traded in my pumps for a little while for the comfort of my Jordans, I decided to share a few looks I created on Polyvore that illustrate the love I have for my graphic tee + Nike Air Jordan wardrobe formula.

The studded biker jacket from Top Shop is too fab!

Who would have thought Marilyn would look so good paired with camo print?

I have to have that Michael Kors bag!

Shout out to Charlotte, NC, by the way!

This looks like me quite a few days of the week.

Complete with the EOS Summer Fruit lip balm and all!

ARE YOU A FAN OF TEES AND J'S?
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO OUTFIT FORMULA?

header photo credit

February Beauty Favorites

2013-03-05T08:44:00.003-05:00

Hey ladies! Just wanted to do a quick post to share my beauty favorites for the month of February. I was enjoying nude lips, plum lips (per usual), lilac pouts, mauve blush and products that helped give me a bit of a glow. Check them out below!

I found myself applying The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost on the daily after my moisturizer and right before my primer (if I wore makeup). It gave my face a radiant glow, makes it feel soft and silky, and smells so refreshing! The heavenly citrus-y smell is a great pick-me-up for the mornings also. The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost can be purchased from The Body Shop.

Looking for something new to set my highlighted areas when applying foundation, I dug in my crate and brought out my Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder. When I first got it, I only used it a few times to set my undereye concealer, but since I've been practicing to perfect my highlighting technique, I've found this most helpful. I purchased the Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder from Makeup Mania. There are different sizes and shades available also.

Milani Baked Blush in Fantastico Mauve has become my favorite blush over the months. It is my favorite from the Milani line, and I find myself reaching for it everyday! I just love the mauve/plum flush it gives my complexion when I apply it. Milani Baked Blush in Fantastico Mauve can be found at the Milani website as well as most drugstores.

I've been using the Avon Magix Illuminating Face Perfector as a primer for a while now and I must say I'm loving it. I love that it applies as a soft gel and dries to almost a powdery consistency-- this is the perfect canvas for my otherwise oily skin! It helps my foundation to glide on smoothly and makes my skin feel so soft! Avon Magix Illuminating Face Perfector can be purchased from the Avon website or from your local Avon Independent Sales Representative.

I didn't play with too much lip color in February, but when I did I was constantly grabbing for these products, especially Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick in Hot Plum. It is the perfect plum lipstick! It has great pigment and is quite moisturizing. Hot Plum has been my favorite lipstick this season so be prepared to see a couple of FOTDs featuring this lippie in the upcoming weeks! Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick in Hot Plum could be purchased at virtually any drugstore.

If you saw my Valentine's Day FOTD on Instagram or Facebook, you will see that I pulled my MAC Lipglass in Pink Poodle out of the stash! I've been loving this hot pink gloss lately and almost forgot I had it! MAC Tinted Lipglass in Pink Poodle can be purchased from your local MAC counter or from the MAC website.

I've been loving the lilac-hued lips lately, so my go-to lipstick + lipgloss combination last month was Maybelline Color Whisper Lipstick in Oh La Lilac and Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Lilac Pastelle. It's like these two products were made to be paired! I love the soft look they give combined. Both Maybelline Color Whisper Lipstick in Oh La Lilac and Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Lilac Pastelle can be purchased at most drugstores.

Now lastly, but certainly not least are the nude lippies I was into for the month of February. Since I was most often wearing a neutral look everywhere I went, I stayed grabbing for these three lippies.

I most often wore MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Shy Girl (as it is one of my favorite nude lipsticks) and layered it with MAC Lipglass in Emancipation from the Wonder Woman LE Collection to make it last longer. Both were purchased from MAC, but Emancipation was LE and is no longer being sold.

NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss in Perfect is that rare nude that I keep in my purse. I love the doe-foot applicator and the fruity fragrance of the gloss. If I'm barely wearing anything at all, it's usually only an application or two of NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss in Perfect on my lips. It can be purchased from Ulta, Cherry Culture, or the NYX website.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR

CURRENT BEAUTY FAVORITES?

PLEASE SHARE IN THE COMMENTS!

Pink Wednesday: Polka-Dots & Neon Pink

2013-02-27T10:44:00.000-05:00

Happy Pink Wednesday, beautiful people! I hope all is well with everyone! This week, I got a little behind on my Manicure Monday post, so I decided to showcase it for Pink Wednesday since it is pink. To fully embrace pink this week, I used the brightest shade of pink I own-- Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Fusion Neon. I tell you, the camera on my phone just doesn't do this color justice. It is shockingly bright! Fusion Neon is certainly an attention-grabber.

Now when I chose Pure Ice in Superstar to be my accent nail color, I had no clue what I was gonna do with it. I loved the way my mani came out the last time I used it, but I didn't want to use any glitter this week (trust me, the pink is bright enough). That's when I gave these little polka-dots a try.

So ladies, did you get your nails done this week? Did you do them yourself in beautifully bright colors like me? Or did you pass on the polish altogether? Perhaps there is a new mani trend that you are hoping to try (like the caviar nails I plan on doing soon). Either way, I'd love for you to chat it up with me in the comments!

Per usual, I am linking up with the beautiful blogger babes Mimi of Lipgloss & Binky and Lynn of L A Accessories Shoppe. Head over to Mimi's here to join in on the fun!

Tuesday's Tunes: Volume 7

2013-02-26T10:10:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday, guys and dolls! How are you all doing today? I hope your week is off to a positive start and you're all in good spirits! As it usually goes, I would like to thank you guys for stopping by here today and checking out the tunes I've been grooving to so far. I appreciate each and every one of you and hope that you hear at least one song you like or can reminisce to or vibe with while listening along today.

If unable to see video click here

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is by Rose Royce- One of my favorite comedies of all time is Carwash, starring Richard Pryor. Along with being a hilarious movie with an all-star cast made up of very colorful characters, this movie had an incredible soundtrack. "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" could easily be one of my favorite tracks from the album. It's definitely a song that will get you up and going early in the morning. I don't know if it's the funky groove of the track or the "put up or shut up" lyrics, but it definitely gets me up on "being about it instead of talking about it." You should have seen me up dancing to this song this A.M. like I was on Soul Train or something lol. Shaking my pseudo-afro and all!

All About You by SWV- Now this song reminds me of that innocent middle school crush from back in the day. I have vivid memories of the guy who used to bring me candy and treats when I got off the school bus in the mornings when I heard this song earlier. It gave me that warm feeling you get when you wonder if your crush likes you just as much as you like them. It didn't help that the goody bags would have those infamous notes attached. You know the ones-- Do you like me? Yes or No. Those were the days! Trust, I was up snapping my fingers grooving with the refreshing change of lead vocals from Taj as I sang along.

The Light by Common- Every time I hear those opening lines "I never knew a l-l-l-love like this," I'm overwhelmed with all types of gushy feelings. There's nothing like watching a rapper take off his cool to profess his love for the lady in his life. Common is one that doesn't mind baring his soul in endearing, thought-provoking lyrics, which is why he's one of my favorite artists. Could you imagine being the muse for this song? I ain't mad at 'cha, Erykah Badu!

Gots Ta Be by B2K- I ain't even gonna lie to y'all. I was a big fan of B2K back in the day. And this, which I believe was their second single, is my favorite song by the group. One of the things I loved most about this song is the fact that the sugary sweet lyrics were professing some serious requirements for such young men! Omarion sang that you gotta let him eat off your plate and all that! Now these guys did suggest a ring towards the end of the song so I'm not even upset about the eating off my plate business lol. Were you a fan of B2K back in the day?

Stay by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko- Though this song makes me feel so sad, I can't stop listening to it. It's almost painful listening to the begging on both Rihanna and Mikky Ekko's parts. Nonetheless, I feel this longing for something whenever I listen to it. It's like I feel as they do, wanting desperately for that special someone to stay. Especially when you know breaking up is inevitable, but something in you just can't let go. Have you ever felt that way about someone?

Are you a fan of these tunes?

What are you listening to today?

Please share in the comments :-)

MANICure Monday: Free Spirited Nail Junkie

2013-02-19T00:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday, ladies! I hope everyone's week is off to a beautiful start! Per usual, I'm starting my Monday off with another Manicure Monday link-up hosted by the lovely ladies Lynn and Mimi this week. Ladies, I'm telling you, this is a fun way to add a little self-care to your weekly routine! I now look forward to Sunday nights, because I know that after my bubble bath and hair-cleansing rituals, I will be picking out pretty nail polishes to style my weekly manicure and pedicure. What a great way to start the week!

This Monday I decided to go back to my bright colors. One of my favorite green polishes is Pure Ice in Free Spirit (don't you just love the name?) but I haven't worn it in a while. So I decided to stick with one shade this week by giving free spirit some play.

And of course it wouldn't be me if there was no sparkle involved.

I added Sinful Colors in Nail Junkie to the accent nail.

Memoirs of a Fashion Blogger: Meet Roxy

2013-02-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen, do I have a treat for you today! Since I am such a fan of fashion and how style is interpreted by other fashion bloggers, I've started a new segment here on the blog called "Memoirs of a Fashion Blogger." My goal is to rap with fashion bloggers to get a glimpse of the fashion world from their points of view.

Now when I think of bloggers with impeccable style, Roxy of Accessories We Love is one of the first bloggers that come to mind. Since becoming a member of Bloggers Like Me, I've caught wind of Roxy's fashion blog and have fallen in love with the looks she comes up with. I am so in awe of her classic, well put-together style! She amazes me with the way her personality shines through the looks she puts together each week. So without further adieu, I introduce to you Roxy of Accessories We Love.

D: Tell me all about your blog, Roxy!

R: I’ve had my blog for a little over 2 years but I've only been seriously blogging for a year. Meaning…I take breaks, get bored, and become busy often, so for now I try to post on a regular basis. My original intention was to use the blog to promote my jewelry business. I later incorporated my personal style to the mix. I blog primarily for enjoyment, it’s an online diary of sorts, and my personal escape from my daily routine. I’m growing, learning, and enjoying so much by having both the blog and my small business.

D: How do you define your style? Do you have a signature look?

R: I honestly can’t define my style and I’ve given up on putting it into a category. I pretty much know what I like and what I don’t like to see myself in. Signature look? Hmmmmm…I love a basic denim fitted jeans or skinnies as they call them these days, white collar shirt, and red pumps. Throw in some statement accessories and that’s me.

D: Where do you look for style inspiration?

R: I’m all over the place with that but I look to everyday women. I get inspiration from other bloggers or vloggers. I check out magazines, social media platforms, [such as] Pinterest and other online sources. I also like fashion magazines, no one in particular. I skim through them, when I’m bored and save the pages.

D: Who are your style icons?

R: Growing up, it was my mother. I've always admired how stylish she is to this day. In short, I love how Janet Jackson rocks a pair of blue jeans, I think Jennifer Lopez knows how to dress up all her assets, and I love classic beauties like Halle Berry because she makes anything look good.

D: Name other fashion bloggers you admire.

R: I can’t even narrow them down, I like too many of them and admire them all for different reasons.

D: What items do you feel are wardrobe "must-haves?"

R: Red pumps, anything leopard/cheetah, great fitting pair of basic blue jeans, white collar shirt, black dress, black blazer, accessories to name just a few.

D: What are your favorite places to shop?

R: For window shopping? Saks or Neiman Marcus! For daily finds, anywhere that has a clearance rack!! LOL…No place in particular, basically anywhere that my pocketbook can afford.
D: I'm with you on the clearance rack deal! That's my favorite landing spot in any store! Lol!

D: What [trends] are you looking forward to wearing in the Spring?

R: I’ll be wearing yellow, stripes, floral, and emerald. I just hit up Google ;-)

D: If your style had a theme song, what would it be?
R: Oh gosh, I don’t know but John Legend's “Green Light” comes to mind immediately!

D: Do you have any styling tips or advice you would like to give someone who's working on developing her personal style?
R: Challenge yourself to see how many ways you can mix and match your own wardrobe before you go shopping. You may save yourself a lot of money!

If you are not yet informed about Miss Roxy's whereabouts in these internet streets, please get familiar!

Check her out on:
Instagram- “roxyjewels”
Twitter- @Shellyjewels
Facebook- Accessories We Love

*And if you are a fashion blogger and would like to be featured in my "Memoirs of a Fashion Blogger" segment, be sure to email me at missdre910(at)(gmail)(dot)(com). I can't wait to hear from you! =)*

MANICure Monday: Amethyst Hearts

2013-02-11T22:56:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday, ladies! I hope you all are doing well and that your week started off beautifully. One of the beautiful things about the start of my week (though it may be small to some) is that I like to start it off with a fresh, cute manicure. While this has been something I try to do each week, I didn't last week and almost didn't this week either. I've been a little under the weather so the last thing I wanted to do was smell nail polish. But after a few hours of staring at boring bare nails, I decided to crack a window or two and do something to them. I even went deep down in my stash and grabbed my Sinful Colors polish in Amethyst, a polish I've only used once.

Initially I had planned to use this color to go along with a caviar nails look I wanted to try this week. But since I never made it out to the craft store, I chose to do a slight remix on the heart manicure I did last month by creating amethyst hearts on lavender nails instead of red hearts on nude nails. This, ladies, is the look I came up with.

No flash makes this polish look more dark and dismal than it really is, so I used flash for the rest of the pics.

I used Essie Polish in Playdate, one of my favorite polishes, as the base for the heart accented nails.

And I used OPI's Servin' Up Sparkle on the accent ring finger.

DOESN'T THE FLASH MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THE WAY THE POLISH LOOKS?

CRAZY RIGHT?

I'm not crazy about the way my hearts came out on my thumb nail, so I may re-do those tomorrow. All in all, I think it's a cute mani and I'm hoping it will last until Valentine's Day at least!

So what are your manicures looking like this week, ladies? Did you get an extra cute Valentine's Day inspired manicure? Or are you waiting until it gets closer to Thursday to indulge yourself? Either way, I would love to hear all about the details in the comments. Let me know! And again this week, I am linking up with Mimi of Lipgloss & Binky and Lynn of L A Lynns Accessory Shoppe. Head over to Mimi's here to join in on the fun!

All Dressed in Love: Valentine's Day Style Inspiration

2013-02-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Looks like Valentine's Day is almost here! How many of you are as excited as I am? Whether you are celebrating Valentine's Day solo, with your boo, your hubby, or with friends, I have a few outfit ideas for various occasions and style profiles. I hope you enjoy!

Look 1: Love is All We Need. This look is for the laid-back ladies. It's an ideal look for taking a stroll downtown, grabbing lunch, and perhaps enjoying the beautiful scenery of your town. It's cute, comfortable, and has a festive appeal with the Miss Selfridge 3D "LOVE" sweater and Modcloth figree heart earrings. I would totally start my day off at Starbucks reading, studying, and getting a decadent caramel macchiato wearing this look. Effortlessly cute =)

Look 2: Pretty Lovely Chic. Now this look is perfect for a Valentine's Day lunch date with the boo. From the big bow detailing on the Moschino blouse, to the beautiful floral prints on the Miss Selfridge lace skirt, this look just screams soft, feminine, and classic- so romantic! And the spikes from the nude Christian Louboutins add just enough edge to give your look a sample of walking on the wild side.

Look 3: Sparkle & Shine. Perhaps you have decided to celebrate Valentine's Day with your girlfriends and you all have planned a wonderful night on the town. This look guarantees you will shine! With the studded detailing on the collar of the silk blouse to the blinged out Giuseppes, your style will be the center of attention. Who doesn't want to sparkle and shine?

Look 4: Raspberry + Leopard for Lovers. Maybe you've had a long day at work. Maybe hubby has had a long day at work also. Hopefully you two can meet up for a nice late dinner together at your favorite dimly lit restaurant and enjoy good food and great conversation. I'm sure he will love the Dolce & Gabbana Lace & Leopard tank underneath the DKNY Jazzberry-Magenta blazer. And if you don't have anyone to meet-up with after work--no worries. Get dressed up in this look anyways and enjoy a nice dinner treating yourself. You so deserve it =)

Which look would you wear?

What are your plans for Valentine's Day?

header photo source

P.S. Stay in Touch ❤

2013-02-04T11:08:00.002-05:00

Hey ladies and gents! I hope everyone is having a beautiful morning and that your week is off to a wonderful start! I just wanted to drop a quick post to share all of my links with you guys. I'm outchea in these internet streets and wanted to make sure that I could further connect with you across all forms of social media that are used here at So She Writes. Be sure to check me out!

BLOGLOVIN: http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2424281/so-she-writes

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/soshewritesbymissdre

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/sodrewrites

INSTAGRAM: http://web.stagram.com/n/sodrewrites/

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/sodrewrites/

BLOGGERS: http://bloggers.com/MissDre

BLOGTRENDS: http://www.blog-trends.com/members/sodrewrites/profile/

And if you haven't already, make sure to click the pics below to..

Follow So She Writes via GFC

or subscribe to So She Writes by email

Are you connected to any of the above mentioned social media networks?

If so, share your links with me!

Fellow bloggers, what social networks do you use most often?

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Memoirs of a Fashion Blogger: Meet Tammy

2013-01-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen, do I have a treat for you today! Since I am such a fan of fashion and how style is interpreted by other fashion bloggers, I wanted to start up a new segment on the blog called "Memoirs of a Fashion Blogger." My goal is to interview fashion bloggers to get a glimpse of the fashion world from their points of view. When I first gave energy to the idea, blogger Tammy of A Fendi Bag and a Bad Attitude was the first person that came to mind. She is one of the first fashion bloggers I followed when I started blogging and I've loved getting to know her through these internet streets. She has great style, impeccable taste in shoes and definitely has an attitude of the city. And if that didn't reel me in, the LL Cool J's "Around the Way Girl" references in her blog's name totally won me over. So ladies and gents, I present to you Fashion Blogger Tammy of A Fendi Bag and a Bad Attitude.

D: So Tammy, tell me about your blog.
T: My blog is my personal diary. I use my environment (New York) as a reflection for my blog. I get inspired from these NYC streets to blog about fashion (new trends, street style, and art), music and my love for the city. My blog is me.... My love for shoes, fashion & New York.

D: How do you define your style? Do you have a signature look?
T: I don’t think I have a signature look. I do notice that whenever I’m out & about, at different events or even sometimes doing my “street-style” photo-shoots, that I am usually in the color black. Some may say that wearing black is all me BUT don’t get it twisted... I am NOT afraid of color.

My look changes daily to what I like and feel comfortable in. One day I could be my in comfortable Camo outfit, a pair of heels with red lips and another time I could be over the top... Overly accessorized, color blocking... just adding and mixing with the newest trends that I see daily on the street of New York. So you can say that I define my style as versatile... bad ass.... chic, lol

D: Where do you look for style inspiration?
T: I get all of my style inspiration from New York. This is the BEST place to see everything and just be inspired from the different people and looks that I see.

D: Who are your style icons?
T: ALWAYS and FOREVER... June Ambrose. I also cannot forget Angela Simmons, Rihanna and Olivia Palermo & I cannot forget about my Style Bloggers.

D: Who are some other fashion bloggers you admire?
T: Monroe Steele, Monica Rose (stylist), Claire of The Fashion Bomb Daily, and Style Pantry.

D: What items do you feel are wardrobe "must-haves?"
T: I feel that every female should have at least (3) black dresses in their closet (it’s so necessary), a pair of red and Black pumps, Skinny leg jeans/ boyfriend jeans and a few graphic tees.
D: I think I have all of these covered. Maybe I need to add another black dress or two to the mix though!

D: What are your favorite places to shop?
T: I love boutiques (on-line as well), vintage stores... walking around in SoHo, H&M and Topshop.

D: What [trends] are you looking forward to wearing in the Spring?
T: Believe it or not I am looking forward to mixing prints, tribal prints and the bold colors... I can’t wait!

D: If your style had a theme song, what would it be?
T: Haha... good question... I have a few but one that will fit me would be Dipset- “I’m Ready.” This song just says “I’m ready and always on point.”
D: I just love you for that answer, Tammy! I love me some Dipset! *humming Jimmy's verse as I type*

D: Do you have any styling tips or advice you would like to give someone who's working on developing her personal style?
T: Be YOURSELF. Be comfortable. Set your own trends, don’t be afraid to explore with colors and different prints and ALWAYS dress like you’re going to meet your worst enemy.

If you are not yet informed about Miss Tammy's whereabouts in these internet streets, please get familiar!

Check her out on:
Instagram- “Drakes_Right_Hand”
Twitter- @FendiBag_BadAtt
Facebook- A Fendi Bag and A Bad Attitude
Meet-up- NYC Fashion Bloggers (Co- Organizer)
Examiner.com

*And if you are a fashion blogger and would like to be featured in my "Memoirs of a Fashion Blogger" segment, be sure to email me at missdre910(at)(gmail)(dot)(com) =)*

MANICure Monday: Superstar Sparkle

2013-01-28T10:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday, ladies! I hope everyone's week is off to a beautiful start! I'm starting my Monday morning off with another Manicure Monday link-up hosted by the lovely ladies Lynn and Mimi this week. They have really been getting me excited with keeping my goal of pampering myself each week (which is usually by doing my nails and toes lol). This Monday I decided to abandon my bright colors and my beloved pink hues to try something different. I recently grabbed up this Pure Ice Nail Polish in Superstar (as I did not have a white nail polish in my stash) so decided I would give it some play this week.

While I didn't want to wear just an all-white mani, and I didn't want to resort to doing a colored accent nail, I decided to add glitter to my mani with O.P.I. Spark de Triomphe (from the Serena Williams Collection).

And for an accent, I left the ring fingers white. I guess that would make it like a reverse-accent situation!

Check out past MANICure Monday posts if you haven't already:

Delusions of Pink Grandeur

For My Sweethearts

Featuring Essie in Playdate

Hulk Smash + Sparkle

...With a Chance of Rain

Letting It Shine!

2013-01-27T13:30:00.000-05:00

If you guys saw my last "life" update, you know that I was experiencing a bit of frustration. My friends were disappearing, I was confused about what I wanted to do in life, and I was feeling so unaccomplished. But as always, with a wing an a prayer (and some kind words from one of my fellow bloggers ;-) I slowly began to bounce back. Getting myself out of the dumps about things meant understanding that everyone has setbacks. I myself was no stranger to unfulfilled plans and goals. But this is something that happens to any and everyone struggling to make a fabulous life for themselves.

Instead of dwelling on the things I have yet to accomplish, I started looking at the things I have committed to and completed. I also commended myself for actually creating a plan for myself and trying my hardest to find ways to make a better life for me and my family. I am also a good friend, daughter, sister, wife, mother, student, employee, and mentor. That in and of itself deserves a pat on the back.

Looking at the positives is something I should already be accustomed to, as my training in Solution-Focused Therapy suggests that positive self talk gets us back to our "happy place." However, advice we learn and know are not always easy to apply to our own lives. But when the light-bulb finally came on, I started re-evaluating my life and all the wonderful things about it.

I also started enjoying my own company. I had lunch by myself, got spa treatment by myself, and enjoyed a couple of quiet afternoons alone with some smooth neo-soul music. This helped me to see that I was spending too much time beating myself up, as opposed to nurturing myself and taking care of me-spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Now I'm back at it with working out and taking time to do a few self-care check-ins as often as I can.

Most importantly, I have come to realize that I have to let this ambition, passion, and driven spirit within me shine more. When I see other people accomplishing goals that I have yet to attain, I have a tendency to shrink like a flower, as if I am measuring my success by someone else's. I have to stop worrying about what others think about my progress and focus more on progressing in general. I can either allow negative comments from so-called friends and family members to knock me down, or allow them to see the "in it to win it" spirit within that has helped me to progress this far.

The words from one of my favorite songs "Shine" by Laura Izibor illustrates my emotions almost exactly. I decided not to let my life go to waste trying to measure up to people's expectations or to live life on autopilot, letting all the "good times" happen to other people. It's time that I let the light inside of me shine, not for others, but for me!

from the archives

May 2011

Tuesday's Tunes: Volume 6

2013-01-22T12:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday, guys and dolls! How are you all doing today? I hope your week started off on a positive note and you're all in good spirits! As it usually goes, I would like to thank you guys for stopping by here today and checking out the tunes I've been grooving to so far. I appreciate each and every one of you and hope that you hear at least one song you like or can reminisce to or vibe with while listening along today.

If unable to see video click here

Request Line by Zhane'- This used to be my jam back in the day! I remember turning up my mom's living room radio (or what you would now call a boom box) whenever this song came on. It always played during the midday jams on Saturdays, the day mama went to make groceries and left me at home to babysit my younger siblings and get the house cleaned up. My friend D would come over, we would delegate chores to my siblings, and we would turn the radio up super loud and clean to the beat lol. Those were the days! It also reminds me of those middle school days when I used to call the radio station and request songs just so I could dub them on a tape! I know I wasn't the only one who did that! Either way, I loved every single Zhane' put out, but this one was my favorite. Does anyone know where these ladies are nowadays?

On The Radio by Nelly Furtado- Listening to Nelly Furtado this morning brought back memories of 2001. This was a pivotal point in my life, as I was learning many lessons in self-love. Ironically enough, lyrics in Nelly's song declare that she had decided to stay true to herself-- something I was learning to do at that same time. While she was clearly talking about her switch to mainstream, her message spoke to my high school self perfectly. I didn't have to fit in with others. It was okay if I was a nerd, or loved to read & write ALL THE TIME, or didn't have a million name-brand pieces in my wardrobe. I decided back in 2001 to stay true to myself no matter what. I lost a few friends, but looking back at everything, I realized they weren't my friends to begin with. If any young ladies and gentlemen are reading this, always remember to love yourself first. If you have to change any aspect of who you are to fit in with others, chances are you don't need to be around them in the first place. Never dim your light to satisfy others. People who don't want to see you doing your best don't have your best interest at heart anyways! Listen to the song :)

Good Good Love by Rapsody- Hearing Rapsody, or any of the very talented artists from the JAMLA roster always make me feel proud to rep North Carolina. This track, which is probably my favorite from the album, talks about the perils of that tricky love thang we call break-up to make-up. In the chorus BJ the Chicago Kid sings "For him she packed all her Louie, all her Fendi, all her Prada, but somehow she left her heart." Many if not all of us can relate to not being able to walk away from the one we love so easy. If you like what you hear, be sure to purchase her project The Idea of Beautiful from iTunes here. You will not be disappointed!

Bonita Applebum by A Tribe Called Quest- Now this one right here is a guilty pleasure for me. When I hear the lyrics, "Do I love you... Do I lust for you... Am I sinner 'cuz I do the two?" I get all kinds of hype waiting for the beat to drop. Q-tip is pretty much begging Ms. Bonita Applebum to "put him on" with his witty lyrics and even compares her to a hip-hop song! Bonita Applebum just has such a laid-back feel to it, I could listen to it over and over. Are you a fan of this track? Were you a fan of A Tribe Called Quest back in the day?

I Do Love You by GQ- Now this song right here! Man, they don't make music like this anymore! Of course this song isn't from my day or time or whatever, but I fell in love with it after hearing it on the movie Baby Boy years ago. I played it for my mom a few times and she asked me, "What do you know about GQ, girl?" lol. I know it's good soulful music, with a smooth feel, and lyrics that make you want to fall in love over and over again. Are you feeling this one as much as I am?

What are you listening to today?

Tell me in the comments!

MANICure Monday: Delusions of Pink Grandeur

2013-01-21T20:30:00.003-05:00

Hey ladies! I hope you've all had a very blessed Inauguration Day as well as an inspiring Martin Luther King Jr Day! I've totally enjoyed my day. I've done a lot of planning, cleaning, re-evaluating, and working on these dreams of mine. In the middle of all of that, I realized that on this very day, ten years ago, I officially started dating my husband. Yep, I've been with my J for ten whole years! So since I'm in a sweet, lovey-dovey mood, I decided to revert to what I know best- a pretty pink mani. My nails are all dressed up in love again, y'all!

For this week's mani, I used Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Cream Pink, Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Neon Pink and NYC Nail Polish in Starry Silver Glitter.

Do you like?

So what are your manicures looking like this week ladies? Did you play it safe with familiar colors and acrylics or did you go bold this week? Perhaps you decided to skip the polish altogether. Either way, I would love to hear all about the details in the comments. Let me know! And again this week, I am linking up with Mimi of Lipgloss & Binky and Lynn of L A Lynns Accessory Shoppe. Head over to Lynn's here to join in on the fun!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT LAST WEEK'S MANI!

The Balancing Act (Repost)

2013-01-20T10:18:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've blogged about my personal life. And all of that was well within good reason. I've been known to go off on tangents about a small incident, thus making it a huge issue. Then there's the issue of never knowing who actually reads everything that circulates on the world-wide-web. But who cares? Here's my rant for the day:

Lately, I've been noticing that since I've said "I Do," life has presented a few changes. Everything between my husband and I has been beautiful thus far (thank God) but my relationships with others has been quite different on many levels. See, before I got married I used to hear friends and family say all the time, "you're not gonna have time for us once you get married." But now it seems like I have plenty of time for my friends and family, they just don't have time for me! Maybe I'm being a big baby about all this, but no one answers their phone anymore. It takes people hours upon hours to text me back. No one ever wants to hang out, grab lunch, or even hold a conversation longer than ten minutes anymore. What gives?

Perhaps everyone is over me and my marriage. Or maybe they are over my wedding, lol. I can understand that. But still, I wish that I could talk with someone about how everything in life is going otherwise. The school semester is winding up and summer is coming so it would be nice to plan a few vacations and schedule some beach time with SOMEBODY. I feel like everybody just got over me.

My husband has his own social life, which has always been a consistent one because he is way more family-oriented than I am. Though he works all the time and doesn't seem to enjoy the company of others as much as I do, he always seems to find something to do to relax and enjoy down-time. I, on the other hand, am not as lucky.

I equate a bit of this unluckiness with the fact that as a mother and a wife, my identity is perceived by society as one that keeps me at home taking care of domestic duties. A man's identity, however, does not change just because he gets married or has children. My husband's friends never question whether his schedule is free in spite of his wife or children but my schedule is always questioned because I have a husband and children.

So all of this poses two questions for me: Do all of my friends feel that I am no longer "fun" to hang with because I'm married? And does my new role as wife automatically mean that my social life should suffer? What does all of this mean for me?

I'm sure the fact that I have a birthday next month affects my feelings on all of this. I am getting one year older and there is so much in life that I have not yet accomplished. I had a plan and several goals that are not aligning with my place in life now. Though I do not regret anything I have done in my life thus far, I feel like I still have such a long way to go. Just yesterday I was looking at my bucket list I created during my 31 day reset and realized people my age have probably done many of the items on my list at least twice already!

I just feel so all over the place with this! I'm lonely in a four-person household, I feel like my social-life is now nonexistent, and I feel so unaccomplished at 25. Is anyone else out there feeling this same way? Has anyone else ever experienced these feelings and can give me some tips on how to get over this?

Maybe a spa date solo will cure all this? Please tell me it will?!!

from the archives
April 2011