NYC NEW YORK COLOR

        Being a young woman working on a degree it’s difficult to find money to spend on yourself. NYC Cosmetics is a reliable go to brand. Before receiving the NYC New York Color Liquid LipShine: color- ‘Nude York City’ courtesy of Influenster the only products I had experience with from this line were nail polish and lip liner. I’m happy that I branched out, I liked it probably too much because the next day I found myself spending money that I shouldn't have, . . . sshhhh.

         The quality of this lipgloss is extremely reasonable for the price. It provides shine without an overwhelming amount of little sparklies. Nothing makes you feel more like a 12 year old than glitter smeared across your lips -_-.

            I found that this gloss worked best over another lip color. It was moisturizing and long lasting. I only needed to reapply every hour or two. It looked beautiful over a nude lip color. (LOVE IT!) Without a lip color it wouldn’t last as long but I don’t care, I loved it so much that I would apply it after lightly moisturizing with a lip balm, even better when partnered with a lip liner. I was never a big lip gloss person but this has converted me. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS PRODUCT!

*I did receive the above products free of charge but was not paid to review them. My opinions expressed are  100% honest.*

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NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine

"Straight from the city that never sleeps, NYC New York Color offers products with uptown style at down-to-earth prices, from $.99 - $4.99. The energy, style and color of New York City shines through the wide range of shades, textures and innovative products. NYC always delivers the most on-trend products & shades hot off the runway!

A beauty-editor favorite is Liquid Lipshine ($2.49). It has pure pigments that created a 3-D gloss effect. Vitamin E provides shine and a moisturizing feel. The formula is non-sticky, super shiny & soft. Available in 10 on-trend shades from neutral nudes, to berries & fuchsias. Start shopping for NYC at these stores nearest you: Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, Family Dollar, Duane Reade, Kmart, HEB, and others.  Visit newyorkcolor.com to check out all shades and fun products from New York Color!"

X Out Wash-In Treatment

    

      I was sent this product to test courtesy of Influenster. My first thought was “What is this?” Then I read on and saw that this product was a baby of Proactiv and I have to admit I was biased. Ok, Ok but don’t judge me (atleast I admitted it). Proactiv and I have long history together so it is a product that I hold dear to my heart.

     First off, the packaging of this product was cute I guess that opinion is also biased being that I love anything sporting purple! On a more serious note, I do love the pump action. My only criticism of the packaging is that it would be nice if there was a clear slit along the side to make the inside contents visible. I’m terrified of the day I go to use it only to have air pass through the pump. As soon as I get some money (life of a broke college student -_-) I plan to order me some from www.xout.com.

Now when using the product there were a few things I liked and a few I didn’t.

·      When applying the product to my face I noticed it had really small exfoliating beads just like Proactiv. I liked this because it wasn’t too rough like other brands I’ve tried where it left my face feeling like I just scrubbed it with a Brillo pad of some sort. Exfoliating is very important but if abused it can actually be a cause of breakouts.

·      Unlike Proactiv it did have this tingling sensation going on. It was irritating at first but now I find it to be quite refreshing.

·      As I continued to use the product I did run into a small issue. I began to experience some dryness. I was careful about not over using the product, as this can be an issue with any “acne fighting” product. I was following the use of the product with an “acne fighting” face lotion. I know this is where I went wrong. It is usually not directed to mix these types of products. I, in this situation, didn’t have much choice because I couldn’t NOT moisturize. I am really looking forward to the results of the ‘XOut Wash In Treatment’ in combination with the ‘XOut Shine Control Oil-Free Moisturizer’.

      My overall experience with this product was great. I noticed it worked very quickly in getting rid of present breakouts. After about a week I started to notice the appearance of smaller breakouts but they began to go away days following their appearance. I figured that to be like the ’detox’ period. I liked that there was no need to follow up with a toner because I noticed the product managed to do it on its own. If I ever find the product to be too drying I go a few days solely using it as a spot treatment. The option to use this product as daily wash, spot treatment, or mask worked out in my favor and in ensuring that my face consistently got the treatment it needed. I love feeling like I am getting the maximum benefit from this product at all times, regardless of the way I choose to use it. 
*I did receive the above products free of charge but was not paid to review them. My opinions expressed are  100% honest.*

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   X Out Wash-In Treatment

"The unique, one-step X Out™ Wash-In Treatment is formulated to help kill the bacteria that causes breakouts, help banish existing pimples and help leave the skin feeling smooth and looking healthy.

X Out™ works to lift away the dirt and grime that can clog pores.  The Wash-In Treatment also leaves behind powerful medicine to help keep pores clean.  Learn more and purchase at XOut.com.  X Out is sold as a 30-day supply and comes with a bonus Shine Control product to help you fight oil all day for $19.95."

imPRESS Press-on Manicure

I was sent this product courtesy of Influenster. My first thoughts when I saw this product was “HOW DID THEY KNOW?”. The colors were perfect for me being that I am a lover of earth tones and natural colors. The design I received was called “Over the Moon” and it was a chocolate brown and taupe marbled design. GORGEOUS! Anywhooo, lets get into the details.
 •DESIGN 
       The design I received was gorgeous! I personally find that every design that they offer is both trendy and tasteful. 
 •LENGTH 
      I love the length of these nails. They aren’t long and plastic looking like you would expect of press on nails. On the days that I wore these nails I received TONS of compliments. When I would tell people that they were press on nails they were completely thrown. One female actually told me not to tell anyone because it was nearly impossible to tell. 
 •DURABILITY
      Now this is the more controversial part. These nails were very sturdy when I first put them on. These nails lasted me all of TWO DAYS! Let me just say that my jobs require excess use of my hands. I work both at a grocery store and a daycare center. The first day I wore the nails I was working register ad bagging. This can sometimes result in continuous banging of my hands on various items. After 6 hours of this my I began to notice that the paint began to wear. Now this wasn’t DETRIMENTAL, it wasn’t very noticeable. Especially with the base material being the same color as the base polish. All in all, the nails lasted one day through hell. 
      -Day Two: This day I wasn’t working register I was actually working in the seafood department. While this didn’t require as much rigorous work it did have me washing a lot of dishes and I’m sure that majorly contributed to degradation of the glue. The thing is only ONE nail loosened up, the index finger on my right hand that is also my dominant hand. By the end of my shift it finally gave up on me and popped off, lol. The funny part is that the rest of the nails were sturdy and in place. I could’ve gotten another day or two out of them. 

MY OVERALL OPINION ON THESE NAILS IS THAT THEY ARE A GREAT GO-TO IF YOU NEED A QUICK MANICURE BEFORE A SPECIAL EVENT OR JUST NEED A QUICK PICK ME UP. I DEFINITELY AM A FAN OF THESE 100%.
*I did receive the above products free of charge but was not paid to review them. My opinions expressed are  100% honest.*

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    (www.impressmanicure.com)

"Introducing imPress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails, the revolutionary way to apply polish! Featuring advanced nail technology, you can get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds – simply peel off, press on, and you're done. There's no drying, a killer shine and a manicure that lasts up to a week! And, imPress is so easy to remove, you can change it up to match your mood as often as you want. Check out all 36 colors and patterns, including trendy brights, classic darks and animal prints. With imPress, your nails will always be your best accessory.

imPress Manicure retails for $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns, and is available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart and more. For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visit imPressManicure.com, where you can download an exclusive coupon and virtually try on all the colors and patterns!"

Holiday Vox Box Unveiling

e.l.f Haul

Walmart Haul

Hey Family, 

So I just share this quick haul video. I've been splurging a lot more than I should lately (womp womp!). Either way, I just wanted to share with you some goodies I scooped up during a late night haul at Walmart.  ENJOY :)

Nail Time!

Music Monday: Drake| Take Care

It's no secret that the album was leaked about a week ago, a few days before it was to be released. Since I got my hands on a copy I haven't been able to listen to anything else. I can't lie, I've always been a Drake fan and this album reminded me why. Yes, it does have some of the mindlessness that overpowers this genre but he balances it out with ballads of heartache, pressures of fame and mini end bits of poetry. Awesome, awesome album. 

Definitely on the top of my list.

OOTD: Another Steal

Another buy of the week! I know the week isn't over yet but I loved this skirt soo much I had to wear it. I found the skirt at T.J for $7.00, yes S-E-V-E-N buckaroos! I also bought the belt at T.J for $3.99. It was a pretty drab day, cloudy low 60's and a looming chance of rain so I wore some leggings underneath with some boots. So I was warm and I'd say fairly cute. 

The hair was towards the end of a braid out and I just didn't feel like being bothered with it so I threw it up in a bun, paired it with a headband and VOILA!

Small World Project: Katie!

I got my letter from Katie, she was very creative. The envelope was made with a map, I think. Either way it was really really cute. She also sent me some photographs of her room that she took with a new "instagram" camera. It kind of reminded me of my polaroid from back in the day, lol. 

Thank you Katie!

Small World Project: Melissa!

Melissa sent me the cutest little letter. It was adorable. There was this little pocket thing that she put the little papers in, and a dried and pressed flower on the front. It really was the cutest thing ever. It was simple, cute and OMG!. I'm sorry i'm one of those people that oober excited over the smallest things, lol. Ok, so moving on she sent me the headband pictures above. I LOVE IT! She said she guessed my style and she got it exactly right, I love earth tones and subtle colors. 

Thank you sooooo much Melissa!

Nail Time!

NAIL TIME! (LAST WEEKS)

Simple and somewhat cute. I guess kind of like a ying yang without the dots. Oooh, or like a black and white cookie without the black. This is this weeks design and that black mark is another battle scar from work, expect to see a lot of those, lol. 

Be well ladies, till next time :)

OOTD & Buy of the week

Hey Ladies, 

So this is an example of me keeping my word. Above is my outfit of the day, including my cheap buy of the week. 

:::**DRESS: $12 | Clearance (T.J Maxx)**::: 

I love this dress!. The colors and the designs are gorgeous. I love the 70's/funky thing it has going on. 

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:::TIGHTS: $7 | (T.J Maxx):::

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:::SWEATER: $10 | Old Navy ::: 

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:::BOOTS: $20 | Shoe Depot:::

Also above is a quick up-do type thing I did with my hair, I washed it last night so it was pretty shrunken.

COMING SOON! . . .

SO I'VE HAD A LITTLE FLEXIBILITY IN MY BIDGET RECENTLY, ALOT MORE THAN I SHOULD. ANYWAYS, I'VE FOUND SOME AMAZING SALES. SOOOO I THINK IM GOING TO START POSTING MY FINDINGS! 

THUMBS UP FOR FRUGALITY!!! 

SOMETIMES. . .

Sometimes you wake up and you don't feel pretty, your not happy with your life and you don't know where to begin to make yourself feel better. That was me a few days ago and the first step is to wake up and firmly decide you hate feeling like crap. To that I say pour a glass of wine, pick up a good book and be grateful because things could always be a lot worse. 

Have a superb day ladies :)

Small World Project: From BREE :)

I got my letter yesterday, and it couldn't have been a more perfect time. Let's just say I came to the realization that I had to re-dream my life dream, lets save that for another post. Anywhooooo, . . . drumroll please I present to you, the one & only Bree! (insert applause here).

The Art of Being Cool

So here's a few snapshots of what I received.

How awesome is this stuff? You know there is something satisfying about this pen-palling (I know, not a word). The necklace is soooo cute. I'm not a necklace person because I think they're clunky but this is so cute, simple and dainty, it's perfect. Also, there were coupons (who doesn't love coupons!), Redkin moisturizer sample (awesome!), a picture that oozed hotness and a flyer for petbytes.org (<-check it out).

The best part was the feeling that there's someone out there who took the time to send me something that wasn't a bill and that my friends is an amazing feeling.

Randoms: camera= DARK ABYSS!

Just wanted it to be known that my camera charger has fallen prey to some dark abyss and thus, I cannot take any pictures :( [boohoo]. I've ordered a new one and it's on its way. Hopefully I get it in time to post pictures of the packages I receive from participating in the small world project. The package i've sent out went to Katie, I hope she enjoys it. As soon as this battery charger gets here I will work harder at making this blog 'prettiful'.

Also, I just bought a jewelry making kit, wish me luck!

Quote of the Week!

Here's a quote that a stumbled upon and I felt it could be our inspirational quote of the week:

You're NEVER too tall or short, too big or small, too old or young to INSPIRE.

                                                          -Adrianna Thomas

You can check out thomasadrianna on her youtube channel, she is an awesome hair, fashion and nail guru and to top it all off she's hilarious. 

Music Monday: Asa ("Asha")

Asa (pronounced "Asha) is a Nigerian-French singer songwriter. The name Asa means hawk. Her music has a touch of soul, rock and blues all wrapped into one. She has now released her second studio album, "Beautiful Imperfection". The name, she says, derived from an interview when she was asked to describe her life.

'Well, its really beautiful- but at the same time it's IMPERFECT!... And what I realized from that is that I actually LIKE the imperfection! I like the little surprises that life gives you because I feel it HUMBLES you and makes you THINK!"


Very, very true. Check her out I loved her from the first song I heard, got the album but have yet to listen to it. Yet, theres no doubt in my mind that I will love it when I do. 

1. ^ "Asa interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' April 2011". Bluesandsoul.com. Retrieved 1 May 2011.

Quote of the day!

I ran into a kid that was in a summer class I dropped this past summer. He was wondering what happened to me and if everything was going alright. We talked for a while and he said a lot of things that were motivational, pretty much everything I needed to hear at the time. One thing he said stuck with me and I now say it to myself multiple times a day:

"It's only hard because you haven't done it before."

With that in mind I just took my first chem exam and I have to say I feel pretty good about it. :)

Have an amazing day!

Today's Inspiration

I was never a huge Beyonce fan but this video touched me in a way. I feel that no matter how much you have, as humans, we have this instinct, or desire to want more. I can feel the motivation and drive just oozing from her pores as she speaks.

Those people we look at and wish we were or could be like work hard to get where they are and if you want it bad enough you can get there too, you just have to find that drive within to give you that push.

I can't post the video here but the link is below, check it out; it was the thing I needed to get me through today.

Beyonce- Year of 4

Real Life

I'm sitting here and I'm supposed to be studying but I have a chip on my shoulder that I need to share. I tried to do it in the form of a video but for some reason it wont upload so I have to write it out, which isn't so bad. Anyway, I was going through blogs and videos, getting my internet "fix".
I have always felt so lost, confused and unsure about blogging. I don't know how and if other people feel that way. I was just sitting here watching videos on makeup, thrifting, clothes, hair, etc, etc, etc and I always wanted to do those things I saw. I soon realized that it's not ME. I honestly don't have money to spend on these things as much as I would like to. I am a full time student I work part time and I have a household to maintain. My parents don't help out, I don't live on campus and I have other people that I am responsible for. My hair, makeup, clothes and nails aren't the things that will get me through the day.

I NEED INSPIRATION, I NEED MOTIVATION, I NEED HELP IN GETTING THROUGH MY DAY. I NEED TO REMEMBER WHY I DO WHAT I DO AND CONTINUE TO DO IT.

That is what I want my blog to convey. I don't know how I am going to go about things but I want this page to be a one stop shop for love and inspiration.

It's time for a change :o)

Yarn Braids and Washing Day

It's been nearly 3 weeks since I put in the braids and it was definitely wash day. Itchy scalp, flakes and the front looked ridiculously fuzzy. So I came up with a game plan and it involved, . . .

I never tried dry shampoo and quite frankly I always thought it was for straighter hair women. When I read the back of this one it didn't need to be brushed out but rubbed in plus it was $3.00 (good ol' Suave) so I figured why not, worst case scenario I would just wash it out. 

So I took out the front of my hair to re-braid it, proceeded to shampoo and condition. 

Afterwards I re braided the front and proceeded to take care of the rest of my hair, this was the dry shampoo test. So I sprayed my scalp in between the braids and rubbed in with my fingers like the bottle instructed me too. I realized that the powder that came from the bottle left a white residue but the itching immediately stopped. To combat the white residue I sprayed my "love potion" (a mix of water, glycerin & aloe vera juice) over it and rubbed that in and it went away. And the braids looked and felt fresh as ever.

(P.S. Normally I would wash the braids but I just didn't have the patience to wring out the braids and wait 2 days for it to dry.)

Samuel Larsen- Jolene

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, . . . JJOOOLLLLEEEEENNNNEEE!

This song rings through my head all day of everyday. It recently began to slow sown to about half of everyday. I believe the original song was done by Dolly Parton but of course I prefer this cover. The song is being performed by Samuel Larsen, winner of the Glee Project (L to the forehead!). Either way I was sucked in either by his hottness, dreads or awesome guitar skills. Please take a moment of your day and listen to the "cool" that oozes from dude! (<- that rhymed, yay me!)

Bob Marley- I Shot the Sheriff

When I am most stressed and need the most release I find that I instantaneously reconnect to my Jamaican roots. Be it through music, spirituality or language I think it's funny because when i'm stressed my makeshift amercanized Jamaican accent does make an appearance, lol. I don't know what is is about this song but it has proven to do something to me, it calms my nerves, makes me happy and   uplifts my spirit. I would love nothing more than to bless anyones presence with this song. 

Therapy Thursday: YARN BRAIDS!

So I am a big fan protective styling especially when I need a break from the daily maintenance of styling and caring for my hair. I originally got this styling idea from Yagazie Emezi; she has an awesome blog that can be found at: http://hungryabagal.blogspot.com/. It was my first time trying them but I am definitely a fan of the fun versatility.

Words for Wednesday :)

I recently picked up one of my older writing journals and I found a fairly short piece that made me think, enjoy:

Whys is that heartbreak makes the best plate?

The best movies, books, poems and stories.

It's as if people love the taste of one another's misery. 

Rather than worry about their issues they choose to pursue the issues of the already used, broken and confused.

Love the pain of other's because it'll mask yours. 

POST SCHEDULE!

So I've finally decided to put work into this blog and make it something worth viewing. With that being said I have created a posting schedule to make sure I stay on track, . . at least that's is the plan, lol.

Monday
Music Mondays: I will explore different genres of music and choose a song and share my feelings and thought on that song and possibly relate it to personal aspects of my life.

Tuesday
Tasty Tuesdays: I am vegetarian so I will share different vegetarian recipes with you.

Wednesday
Wordy Wednesdays: I do love to write, whenever I don't have writer's block. So in those instances I will post a personal piece of mine.

Thursday
Therapy Thursday: WTH?! .  . yea therapy thursdays will actually be about my hair, which is natural by the way. My hair is my therapy and if you take interest in the likes of natural hair be sure to stop by on Thursday.


Friday/Saturday/Sunday
Weekend Posts will be random either fashion, thrifting, makeup, thoughts or just something I feel the need to share.

I HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYS AND TAKES PART IN THE THINGS I CHOOSE TO SHARE. WHILE I HOPE THAT YOU ALL ENJOY IT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT I AM DOING THIS FOR ME AND SOLELY ME.

STAY TUNED!

Misery

Intro: Nights have been hard for me since my fiance went away to school in Buffalo. I don't get to see him   often and its been about a year since I've slept alone. 

Sometimes the nights get so dark and so cold

Lost and alone, . . . misery is my only company

I cant understand why me

I am surrounded by happiness but overcome with grief

What’s wrong with me?

The Sasha you know and love, is sweet and fun

But that all goes away with the disappearance of the sun

Because at night, . . . misery is my only company

I can’t help but write it down

Even though I don’t understand

Why is misery my only company

Love of my Life

I have many LOVES! : my friends, poetry, reading, writing HAIR but most importantly my FIANCE.