9/19/2013

Happy People Habits

Are you one of those people that are ALWAYS happy?... Neither am I. LOL!! I came across an article about how happy people form habits to stay happy. It's an enlightening read, and I hope you find these points to be as creative and informative as I did. Happy reading!!

Habits of Happy People:

They smile when they mean it.
Even if you’re not feeling so chipper, cultivating a happy thought -- and then smiling about it -- could up your happiness levels and make you more productive, according to a study published in the Academy of Management Journal. It’s important to be genuine with your grin: The study revealed that faking a smile while experiencing negative emotions could actually worsen your mood.

9/17/2013

Brighter Skin :: No More Dark Marks

It's OK to want a bright even skin tone. I said BRIGHTEN, not BLEACH!! Big difference! Don't let the "it must be self hate" BS get to you because at the end of the day, its your body not theirs. I believe everything can be done in moderation, especially if you use the right products. I have a few dark marks on my face from "accidentally" popping stubborn pimples. The consequences outweigh the pleasure of popping pimples. Anyway, I came across some ways to lighten up dark marks, and brighten up skin tone naturally.

What You'll Need:

  • Fresh Lemon
  • Honey
  • Unexpired Yogurt OR Milk with lactic acid
  • Raw Potatoes (optional)
  • Papaya Soap (optional)
Wash desired areas first with Papaya Soap or normal soap. Squeeze Lemon juice into a small bowl, with 2 tablespoons Honey, and 1 cup Yogurt (or Milk). Mix the ingredients together and rub it into skin. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off  with cool water and moisturize with SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.

**If you are adding potatoes, crush sliced potatoes with a blender or smash with a hammer (be careful). Add to mix and continue with above directions. You can substitute potato slices with cucumber slices.

If you want to just buy a natural skin brightener, check out: Lumnaskin; its a bit pricey but well worth it. 

More links to brighten skin naturally:


-xoxo

9/15/2013

Home-made Facial Scrub

Fruits can surely come in handy. For a quick home-made facial scrub, follow these simple directions to remove dead skin and have a smoother face.

HOMEMADE FACIAL

  1. 2 tablespoons of sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons of honey (if you want a smoother paste, use more honey.)
  3. Mix the sugar and honey until its well blended
  4. Apply the mixture to your face and lips in circular motions for about 30 seconds
  5. Wash off with warm water
  6. Apply Moisturizer
To tone after honey scrub:
  1. Apply lemon juice (NOT LEMONADE) to a cotton ball and wipe it all over your face. 
  2. Wipe off excess lemon juice with warm towel
  3. Apply Sunscreen Moisturizer 
This facial can be done once or twice a week. Lemon juice toner can be done daily after face washes. Discontinue use of lemons if face becomes irritated.


-xoxo

Addicted To Success


We all need a little motivation to kick start our engines... but what if motivation never comes? Will you really put off that great idea or that awesome goal you wish to achieve? I, like many others, need that extra push when the going gets tough or when you lose that fire to begin or finish something. I came across a site called Addicted2Success and it is so empowering with their many quotes, steps to achieve success, and stories that can truly turn a couch potato into "Rocky Balboa".

Check out the site and start getting motivated!! You never know how far you are from your realistic dream if you never begin.

9/13/2013

Goodwill Does Its Good Deed

A dress for $8.00? Don't mind if I do!! I had the pleasure of visiting my local Goodwill (aka Thrift store) on the way home today. Now I know this is not a fashion blog, however you can find some great items for great prices at thrift stores. Anything from furniture, to kitchen utensils, to decorations and clothing. I bought a beautiful gold fitted dress that I will be wearing this upcoming weekend to an event. Fashion has no minimum price tag, and it's all about how you style your outfits. You can look like a million dollars, with a price tag of $70.00 total from head to toe. Never be ashamed to step out the box and visit these kinds of stores (thrift, vintage, consignment). You never know what treasures you may find.

No Better Lesson




Be prepared physically and spiritually for all opportunities coming your way.

-xoxo

How To: 8 Min Abs Workout

Laziness is the killer of progress!! I want abs so bad or just a really fit stomach, but I refuse to put in the work due to procrastination. If you are like me, then you would rather watch a workout video while eating popcorn on the couch. Well, I am choosing to get off the couch, grab some leggings, and get the body I've always wanted. Who's with me??

Spa Day Recap & Review

I feel soooo fresh. As I said yesterday, I would be going to the Aveda Institute in NY to get a full spa facial treatment. Let me just get to the point --- it was incredible. I never felt so pampered and relaxed. Jorel welcomed me in with a smile and gave me the best facial service I could ever imagine. From the atmosphere, to the aromas, to the relaxing sounds; I was captivated by the experience. I received a 30 minute facial treatment (massage was included) and a dark spot brightening treatment (15 min Enbrightment service). It lasted much longer than 45 mins due to the fact that he was making sure everything was done perfect, which was ok with me. He was so friendly, down to earth, relateable, and did an awesome job.

9/11/2013

How To: Perfect Eyebrows Tutorial

How are your brows looking? Nothing beats the way eyebrows can shape your face. Practice makes perfect, and the right products do play a major part in the overall look. No matter your skin tone, do not use BLACK to fill in your brows. Witch brows only belong in movies!! Always use brown, ash brown, and dark brown to fill in your brows. I alternate from shadows, to pencils --- it all depends on how much time I have.

Check out these awesome eyebrow lessons and tutorials below!!

How To: Dye Red Hair Back To Black

Virgin Hair  (weave) woes... I dyed my virgin brazilian hair red, and now I want to dye it back to black. I saw this video on youtube, so I figured it may help someone else out too.  If your hair is damaged or very dry due to all the dyeing, I heard that the Silicon Mix conditioner is great. Will let you know how my DIY experiment goes. :)

Update: It worked perfectly. Not only was I able to dye my red hair back to black, but I also dyed my blonde bob back to black too! YAYY!



Let me know how it works for you!!

- xoxo

A Spa Bang For Your Buck



Want to know a secret?

If you are like me then you know the value of a dollar. I am not cheap, but I know how to save money. Call me the Bargain Hero!! Most people don't know that beauty schools/institutes are always providing free to low cost services performed by supervised students that just need those hours of "active service" in order to graduate. Kind of like an internship... but not really.

While looking online today I came across aveda.edu (click: "Find A Location" for one near you) where you can get salon and spa services for very low prices. Imagine getting the celebrity treatment for only $20.00. Well after checking out their guest services section for the NYC location, I booked an appointment to get a Pure Focus Express Facial ($20) and an Enbrightment Treatment ($12). That's just $32.00 for facial services that can cost $100 or more at other salons.

Dont Ever Be Afraid!

Advice

Coming Soon!

9/10/2013

Today! Today! Marks the day!

After ducking and dodging this beauty monkey that has been on my back for years, I have finally decided to take on this new journey. For many years I have been fascinated with hair care, skincare, beauty tips, fitness, and overall appearance. Many people ask me for tips, for help, and for advice on products, what to wear, what to use, and etc. So today marks the day that I decide to take it to the next level. I have started many blogs in the past, many ventures, and many ideas... but strangely this "beauty thing" continues to haunt me. Is it because I am meant to do something in the beauty industry? Or will this just remain a hobby? I will not know until I try.