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July 5, 2016

My Camping Essentials

Camping probably isn’t the first (or even last) activity you picture, when you think of me.

That’s totally fair.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I actually do enjoy the great outdoors. But, I haven’t found the idea of sleeping outside, even in a tent, appealing since college. So, when I say camping, picture a super cute cabin in the woods.

You may have noticed, if you follow me on Instagram, that I disconnect and go completely off the grid for about a week every summer. It’s to go to said cabin.

My week away consists of sleeping in (or at least trying to), playing boards, and a lot of reading. Since I’m supposed to be relaxing and resting, I didn’t bring any makeup.

I did, however, pack some major camping essentials:

Products that are multipurpose, like a body wash that is also a facial cleanser and a face lotion that contains SPF.
My two current favorite hair products, plus sample sized shampoo and conditioner.
There’s also the products I’ve been using to combat the heat and dry air. Lip balm, body serum, Clear Eyes Pure Relief eye drops, and deodorant.

Nothing all that much or too fancy, but just enough to have the (skincare) comforts of home! What are the things you need to pack when you go camping?

June 23, 2016

Styled by 5 Featuring Love Winnie James

Each month myself and four other boss blogger babes have been styling the same piece of clothing and since we all look and think differently from each other (hair, religion, location, skin, size, height, style…all of the above), you’ll get five totally different looks. That means you’ll get to see what I style, on other body types so you can find something that is best for you!

I want to say that I don’t like to play favorites. But we all know that’s not exactly true. I absolutely adore versatile pieces more than basically anything. This Love Winnie James Marina top really takes the cake.

Lightweight, but modest. I like that it can be layered if it’s cold or rocked solo if it’s hot. It’s not denim, although it kind of looks it. So I couldn’t stop myself from trying to go for a denim on “denim” look. I’m almost always cold, so even if the temperatures are way up, I’m not opposed to wearing jeans. Or, in this case, overalls.

There is zero doubt in my mind that this will be my absolute favorite shirt this summer!

Even though I chose to keep it simple for this look, there are so many more outfits that I have in store for how to wear this top. Deidre, Kaylynn, Jacque, and Lauryn really nailed their looks as well make sure to check out their blogs to see just how well! And use the code STYLEDBYFIVE to save 15% off your Love Winnie James purchase!

Photos taken at The Verb Hotel by Gabby Mbeki of First & Warren.

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June 21, 2016

My Poolside Essentials

Even though I still have yet to find my way to the beach, I have managed to hangout poolside. And while I’m not all that big on swimming, I could soak up the sun all day long.

With SPF, of course.

Plus a few other things…

I don’t really have a ton of poolside essentials. I am more than content with just a few necessities.

Thanks to this thing called melanin that I was blessed with, the sun doesn’t bother me all that much, but I’ve heard horror stories involving boils and second degree burns on darker women of color. I would much rather be safe than sorry, so sunblock is a MUST.

You know that feeling when you walk inside, after having been in the bright sun, and you can’t see anything because your eyes need to adjust? I hate that. So, I try to minimize it by wearing sunglasses or putting a hat over my face.

Staying hydrated is crucial. I drink more water than I normally would. I also make sure to pack my travel size evian Facial Spray in my beach bag. It’s great for the pool because it also removes harsh chemicals, like chlorine, that can do some serious damage to you face.

And, just in case I end up looking for something to do other than Instagram or listen to music, I will almost always carry a magazine or book to read.

What are your summer must haves?

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June 14, 2016

5 Things You Need to Make a Cozy Kitty Corner

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PawsToSavor #CollectiveBias

We all like to have our own special spot in our house, but what about our pets?

Where do they get to “paws” and savor the moment?

Thinking about these two questions made me realize that my cat didn’t really have his own little space. Sure he can roam around, but the second he got comfortable it seemed like he was always in someone’s spot. That didn’t feel very fair to him. So, I decided to make one for him.

Here are the five things you need to make a kitty corner for you cat:

A designated spot. A corner in pretty much any room is perfect, but it doesn’t have to be an actual corner. Anywhere you can make room.
Something for them to scratch. You’re going to want a sturdy one, unless you’re okay replacing it every couple months. PetSmart has a great selection of really good scratch posts.
Somewhere for them to lay down. I was extremely fortunate to find a scratch post with a bed. But, you don’t need one, even just a soft bed or blanket will do fine.
A flavorful savory something to eat. Making sure that you cat gets the advanced nutrition they need is so important. Purina® Pro Plan® Dry Cat Food helps to keep your cat healthy, while enjoying each and every bite.
You nearby. I know that this might sound silly but your presence is key!

Plus, it’s always nice to make the space personal to them, by including their belongings.

And, if you spend $15 on any Purina® Pro Plan® product, 5/31–7/5. SAVE $15 on your next purchase of 10.5 lbs. or larger Purina® Pro Plan® Dry Cat or Dog Food or Litter by 7/31.

May 26, 2016

Styled by 5 Featuring Honey & Lace

Any and everything is better with pockets. Especially dresses and skirts, like this one from Honey & Lace. The color and pattern make it amazing for spring. I’ve already worn it to church and received some of the best compliments!

For this month’s Styled by 5, I styled it how I’d wear it for an everyday look. During the warmer days, my jean jacket gets a lot of wear (and some tear). And the heels are chunky, so they’re a little more practical that some of my other pairs.

I usually prefer pencil skirts over a-line, but after wearing it a few times, I have to say that I may have just had a serious change of heart.

I know I’m going to be checking out how Deidre, Kaylynn, Jacque, and Alexis, styled it, make sure you do too!

May 18, 2016

When Face Masks Review + Which to Use When

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

I have tried a number of different skincare products, but I have to say that When Face Masks are some of the best. So, I was beyond thrill to partner with When to share about my experience with their face masks.

After trying, I found that each of the masks felt and worked pretty similarly. Not surprising, since the main ingredients are essentially the same. Opening a packet and taking out the mask inside initially makes you think what have you gotten yourself into. These masks are thick! But after you remove the paper and whatnot, you are left with what is still a pretty thick but completely manageable product.

This is no 10 minute mask, so I highly recommend using these when you have some serious downtime. Like most masks, these feel a little cold on your face. And this is where I found the masks started to vary. I found that 10:00 PM stayed cool and left my face looking younger. Not years younger, but definitely less tired. Whereas, Snow Magic seemed to warm up a bit. It made my skin feel kind of tight and let my face with more of a healthy glow.

Here’s which When Face Mask to use when:

10:00 PM

Stay out a little too late with your girls?

Tired?

Or even worse, do you look it?

10:00 PM is the face mask you need. It restores the moisture in your skin using coconut juice, hyaluronic acid, and ginseng and watermelon extracts.

Snow Magic

If your skin is looking dull, then I recommend Snow Magic.

Kind of similar to 10:00 PM, it nourishes your skin, but in addition to moisturizing, it also leaves your face bright and glowing.

No highlighter required.

Travelmate

Going on vacation?

Make sure to pack Travelmate!

It’s ideal after a day spent at the beach, using chamomile and Swiss Alpine herb extracts to soothe your skin.

Regardless of which mask you use, the key is to apply the mask you need for 30 minutes and then massage in the excess serum.

Spa day, anyone?

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May 13, 2016

Golden Slice Agate Necklace from Uncommon Goods + Giveaway

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

I don’t wear a ton of jewelry.

Sometimes a statement piece, other times a dainty everyday something. My dream necklace is something classic enough to wear with anything, while still standing out enough to be somewhat of a conversation starter.

And when there’s a story behind it? Even better!

UncommonGoods is all about products with a story. They really care about and connect you with the artists behind their handmade goods.

This Golden Slice Agate Necklace is was crafted by Lucy Dalton. And although, in my mind, she created it for me, I was gifted two. One for me and one for a very lucky reader. Please note, that this is technically a flash giveaway and only runs for 24 hours!

Details below…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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May 5, 2016

April 2016 Loves

Disclaimer: The numbers in this blog post are affiliate links.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Trust Fund Beauty is a brand that I follow because they just seem to get me. No, I am not rich. But that rich girl mentality? I’m all about that vibe. And their color names! I recently won one of their Instagram giveaways, and received Hollywood Hipster. I love it for spring and plan to wear in well into summer.

I usually don’t get all that excited about getting fragrance samples. But every once in a while there’ll be one that I want to practically bathe in. Tender Romance is one of those scents. I truly didn’t expect to love it even a tiny bit as much as I do!

It’s not secret that I love dramatic lashes. There are some mascaras that make my lashes feel super heavy and covered in goop to achieve that bold lash look. PÜR’s Fully Charged Magnetic Mascara uses magnetic technology to give you that maximum volume look without weighing them down. It’s been my go to mascara most of the month.

Speaking of PÜR, I love their Hydrafluid Water Serum Foundation, but lately have been finding myself using the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup. Yes it’s a mouthful, but it’s nice to have the perfect shade for my complexion without having to mix and match. Plus, it really is super lightweight. It’s going to be great to have when the weather starts to heat up.

Contouring can be difficult. Mostly because it’s really hard to find a contouring kit with a shade that is anything close to two shades darker than my skin tone. While at Ulta Beauty, I came across their kit and it’s the best one I’ve found. Plus, it’s only $18!

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May 3, 2016

Anniversary Dinner at Ballo Italian Restaurant

When invited to dine at Ballo Italian Restaurant, the timing couldn’t have been any more perfect. The manfriend and my anniversary was coming up, so we figured why not make it an early dinner and spend the night at Mohegan Sun.

One of our favorite things to do together is to eat. And Ballo saw to it that we did!

I wanted to try a spring dish so I ordered the Scallops and Shrimp, while the manfriend went a little more classic with the Chicken Parmigiana.

Literally everything from the bread to dessert was an exquisitely delicious treat. I won’t pretend to be a food critic, but as far as Italian food goes, I really liked everything. Especially their special Sunday pasta sauce and the hazelnut gelato toped with expresso! The manfriend even said it was one of his best dining out experiences. He’s a pretty picky eater, so that is really saying something! We wouldn’t have spent our eighth anniversary anywhere else.

The atmosphere and ambience is perfect for an intimate date night, although not necessarily the best for showing off one’s amateur photography skills…

If you go, I recommend visiting on a Sunday and asking about their special Sunday pasta sauce!

Thank you so much to Ballo Italian Restaurant for the invitation for us to sample your amazing dishes! All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.