Products I’m loving right now that won’t break the bank.
1. 3% hydrogen peroxide – is there anything this stuff can’t do? I use it primarily as a mouthwash to whiten my teeth. You would never know about my coffee and red wine addiction! The beauty is that peroxide is the main ingredient in those expensive whitening treatments. Just dilute the HP with a bit of water and use everyday as mouthwash. Kills germs, bad breath, and whitens your teeth with no sugar, alcohol, teeth sensitivity, or the heavy price tag! Love this stuff!
— Walmart
2. Pssssst! Instant Dry Shampoo – listen, I’ve tried them all. From the cheap to expensive and nothing has worked better than this one. What I especially like about it is that it goes on clear. I have dark hair, and every other dry shampoo I’ve used leaves my hair looking gray and dull. Also, it doesn’t stink! Which is a common problem I’ve run into. This shampoo absorbs excess oil, eliminates odor, and boosts volume. Great find!
— Ulta
3. Iman Second to None Cover Cream – I’ve just accepted the fact that makeup is just not made for mixed chicks like us. My skin has such a yellow undertone, I almost always have to get my makeup custom blended. Well, imagine my delight when I came across Iman’s makeup line for women of color. Sand medium matches my yellow undertone perfectly. Shock and awe.
— Ulta
4. Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector – Another mixed chick issue I deal with: dark spots! Anytime I get a zit, even when it’s fully healed and gone, it leaves a dark spot. This product has a high concentration of Vitamin-C (which breaks up the dark spot) without breaking my budget.
— Walmart
5. SinuCleanse Neti Pot All Natural Nasal Wash System – I really wish I had listened to those hippies when I was in college. I was plagued with sinus infections due to the cold and dry mountain air. Every Winter, like clock work, I’d have to get antibiotics from the health center for my chronic sinus infections. Since I’ve been using the Neti Pot as an adult, not one sinus infection. If I get a hint of a cold or sniffle, I wash my nasal passages ASAP. It’s been working for me. I’ve generally gotten sick less since using the Neti Pot regularly.
— CVS pharmacy
Stay healthy and gorgeous!
xoxo
Thursday, January 31, 2013, I was invited to attend the movie premiere of Chasing Beauty, a documentary based on the stories of models in pursuit of making it big in the fashion/modeling industry. The movie focuses on the ups and downs that can come with the so-called “glamorous” lifestyle. The movie does a great job of depicting the downside to all of the glitz and glamour of the industry and the unrealistic, and often unhealthy, practices of some of the individuals attempting to be successful in this business. The movie documents well that the industry is not for everyone and that you cannot compensate for an unnatural body. Stay true to yourself and the industry can be extremely rewarding.
I loved this documentary. It showed both sides of the industry without persecuting it for the decisions, eating disorders, etc. that often come with the people in it. The personal choices that people make in order to succeed or advance at any job are entirely their own. I do not believe the industry should be held accountable for the decisions of others.
The movie was followed by a panel of people in the industry including creator Brent Huff’s wife and active model, Shawn Huff. Shawn answered many questions about shooting the film but mostly stressed that modeling can have its ugly side. You need to have thick skin in order to excel.
The industry has also been taken over by a host of actresses and celebrities. And the digital age is contributing to the immediate gratification that digital editing brings. The industry is changing; hopefully the models can keep up.
Pick for Jadapa: Ash Arnelle Biker Jacket
This coat is perfect for Jadapa’s upcoming trip to San Fransico and Seattle. The wide collar is so chic and the shearling-lined inside provides warmth without having to add a bunch of layers.
A Fashion Fiend’s pick: Winchell Moto Boot by Vince Camuto
This boot combines comfort and style. The gold detail is the perfect addition to glam up a laid back outfit. Subtle accents, but they get the job done.
Pick for Mootz: High waisted shorts from Forever 21
Not your nerd pants anymore! Paired with a sick pair of heels and these former 80’s-style piece, you’ll be looking long and stylish. Zippers, belts, and sailor buttons are popular accents with this style of shorts.
I’ve been spending a lot of time in the inner city areas of Houston lately and the other day I discovered this beautiful mural! I had planned on a different location but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to capture this work of art.
Saw Gangster Squad (awesome movie, fyi) over the weekend and my Fedora came busting out of my closet! Fedoras add so much style to a simple outfit to give it a more put-together look. I paired it with short cut, cuffed jeans that are currently trending hard, and they provide a relaxed look.
Style these laid back jeans with some sky high or statement heals to glam up. Ballet flats in a striking shade to add a pop of color. Ankle booties are also a warm choice for chilly months.
Petite ladies beware: these jeans can cut off your legs and make you look super boxy. If you want to wear this look, make sure you are adding nude colored heels to lengthen your legs. Also, make sure the jeans you are cuffing are a short length when you buy them. That way, your cuffs are not too fat and you are rolling the same amount of pant leg as taller gals.
Happy weekend!
I played with some different editing tools today. Let me know which style you like best!! 1, 2, or 3!! Thanks!
The weather is finally warming up here in Houston and I was able to attend the advanced screening of the movie, Warm Bodies (opening February 1st), a zombie love story to say the least.
Pretty cute flick. Just know what you’re getting into. The main character is a zombie so their love story involves a lot of grunting, and it’s a little cheesy. Overall though, it was a fun movie.