Bright Hair, Neutral Clothes

I'm getting used to the purple hair, I'm even starting to like it. But a funny side effect has been that I really want to wear neutral/Navy Blue clothes with it and nothing else. 

Navy zebra top and skinnies...

I tried on this Royal Blue crop and cute skirt...

And also, this shirtdress made from oxford shirting material.

I think it's that the hair is making such a statement, that the color in clothing doesn't have to. I look through my closet and I just don't go for the brightly printed things like I used to.

It's just an interesting thing.

Ciara's VMA Fashion & Focaccia with Caramelized Onion Tomato & Rosemary Pizza

                                      
Happy Friday!

Today is going to be a very relaxed fashiony and foody post. R&B singer Ciara gave an exclusive to ell.com about her prep time before the VMA's. Ciara is one of the most beautiful singers to hit the scene. Her completion is flawless and I love her high cheek  bones and almond shape eyes. She wore a beautiful sheer Givenchy sequin gown to the awards show and with a 5'10 frame she can get away with anything. Looks like Jessica Biel wasn't the only one with the sheer look. Click on the link  for the article and low down on Ciara's fashion and beauty routine!!

                                             

Hey who doesn't love pizza? In my opion pizza is the perfect food to en your week with this Focaccia with Caramelized Onion, Tomato & Rosemary was posted on Cookcanuck.com.

                                                


Prep Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours, 40 minutes


Yield: Serves 8


Serving Size: 1 piece

Instructions:
In a medium bowl, stir together yeast, warm water, and honey. Let rest until yeast blooms and bubbles form on top, about 10 minutes.
Stir in flour, 1/4 cup olive oil and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead until dough is smooth, 5 to 10 minutes.
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rest in a warm place until dough doubles in size, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Remove dough from bowl and press it into a lightly oiled 9- by 13-inch baking sheet until it touches the edges. Using your finger, poke holes all over the dough. Drizzle the dough with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Let rest until the dough becomes puffy, about 20 minutes.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add onion slices, cover and cook until onion is golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.
Top the dough with tomato slices, caramelized onions, rosemary, Parmesan cheese, and salt. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Bake until the focaccia is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a rack. Cut into pieces and serve.

Making pizza by hand is so rewarding and great to do with kids and friends. Enjoy your weekend! 

"beauty is a lifestyle"

Green Tea Bath to Detox Your Body

                                                  


Happy Thursday!


I came across this idea from Amanda Dixson who's a follower of on Twitter. This herbal green tea bath idea she like on pinterest and was originally posted on MakeoverMcki blog. All it requires is herbal detox and green tea from your local organic store. Run your bath water and drop about 5-10 bags of both green tea and the detox. This is going to detox your body while giving it plenty of minerals. Sounds like a winner! Thanks Amanda!

"beauty is a lifestyle"

Update: GoodReads Reading Challenge

By finishing Flat-Out Love, I have completed my goal and GoodReads Challenge of reading 20 books this year!

Yay!

I know it doesn't seem a lot but considering last year, I didn't even finish 15 books, I didn't want to be too ambitious.

Next year, I might try for a bigger target, but right now I'm gonna just keep readin'!

How far away from your goal are you? Let me know in the comments!

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Wednesday Inspiration

"Beauty is truth. Truth Beauty-That is all ye kow on earth and all ye need to know".John Keats
                                


                                                     

Pixie Problems

The other day I needed to touch up my highlights and I thought, "Hmm, lets just do a total head white blonde! That's a GREAT IDEA!!" I mean, look how cute that looks on these girls!!...

 Edgy hipster chick, is just rocking it. Perfection.

 Charlize... The reason I entertained the idea of the pixie in the first place. Love it.

 Random Porn Star... Looks super cute on you.

This (below) is how I feel like it looks on me!!!! No offense Dame Judi Dench.

I think we are having some complexion color issues. I do not think the platinum blonde is flattering on my coloring, just as it was not flattering on Anne Hathaway (below), see how her face is just washed out? The undereye circles are brought out. As are mine.

 See how the rich brown hair color makes her skin just GLOW!!!?? It's such a HUGE difference.

So now I'm thinking... Do I dye my hair brown? I don't know if that's me. Plus, I have no idea how color is going to take now that it's such a pale damaged white. PLUS, I sprayed some of M's pink colored hairspray in it on Sunday! and my entire hair has taken on this cotton candy pink tint. *smh*

So I was thinking of doing a lavender. It would work nicely over/with the pink, and this is pretty much the one time in my life that I can have purple hair, so why not.

Or a rich red? I love how Rihanna mixes up her hair color ALL THE TIME. it's like an accessory to her, and I think that's so good.

What do you think I should do?

National Dog Day & Jessica Biels Revealing VMA After Party Dress

                                   

Happy Tuesday!

Today is National Dog Day!!.National Dog Day was started in 2004. For all us pet lovers and dog owners this is a day to spread national awareness to the overcrowding animal shelters and our furry friends who need good homes. In case you missed an old post I did about dreams boards, my mother and I wanted to adopt a dog named Fufu. Making a long story short we put in an application for Fufu when we discovered the apartment were lived doesn't accept pets. I was disappointed. I made a dream aboard after I watched Oprah and I put a dog on there that resembled Fufu. One year later we adopted Harley our shih poo. So if you live in dc, head to the Washington Humane Society or PetFinder.com, if your interested in adopting.

                                              
Meanwhile over in fashion news Jessica Biel showed in a see through lace dress to meet her husband Justin Timberlake at the VMA's after party held in NYC. I actually don't think she's revealing much. What do you think? Have a great day!!

"beauty is a lifestyle"

VMAs 2013 **Best Dressed**

I love the VMAs fashion more than maybe every single other awards show because I like *Costume* I like *Pageantry* I like *Drama*, and these crazy-ass young people really know how to BRANG IT. 

Here is the CREME DE LA CREME... Enjoy, my Loves.

1. Miriam & Olivia Nervo 

 I have never heard of these beauties... Apparently they are DJs & TWINS!!! How 'Dorbs!? I love the edgy glamour of these gowns, and the styling is perfection.

2. Rita Ora in Alexandre Vauthier Couture

OMG! Rita looks like a QUEEN! How amazing is this marabou train? I am a sucker for marabou. it's just gorgeous... Rita even looks better in this gown than Lindsay Wixson did on the runway! WERQ!
(see below)

3. Adam Lambert in Lanvin

 It's no secret that I love Adam Lambert. And he just LOOKS LIKE a rockstar always, bless his heart. The fit is fantastic, he is so damn handsome, I just can't stand it. Perfection.

4. Ciara in Givenchy

Flawless "I'm so fashion, I hate fashion" face, my love.
It's kind of like bones... But kind of like lace... with feathers... No need for underpants...
I like how the pale color pops against her skin.

5. Daft Punk in C3-PO & Boba Fett Robot Chic

 Beyond the Masks and Gloves, the suit cut is magnificent, especially the pant leg. I just cannot ever see a man in a loose fit suit pant leg again. I will light it on fire.
I love "Get Lucky", that song is such a rip-off of so many songs, but I love it anyways. I don't care.

6. Selena Gomez in Versace

The fit on this is exquisite. There must have been a thousand fittings and it was so worth it. The seam perfectly hits the floor to the exact specifications of that heel height.
The *costume lingerie* bodice is so pretty and ornate, it contrasts nicely with the simple navy column of the dress. Bravo.

Maybe Miley should give Selena's stylist a call, STAT. Lol.

VMA's 2013 Fashion: Selena Gomez & Paula Patton Rock!

Happy Monday!

The annual MTV's Video Music Awards was held over the weekend. Did you watch? Aside from the usual over the top performances and antics, lets take a look at the fashion choices many our favorite celebrities decided to rock.

                                                 
Selena Gomez is really going up. I love her hair, the red lips and her sexy Madonna-ish  lace bra look. I think its interesting. I'll be watching you Ms. Gomez!

                                               

For a second I thought she was Charlize Theron or a super model but it Taylor Swift. The songstress looked amazing in the body hugging ensemble. Love it!!

                                                   

When I grow up I want to be Paula Patton! I love this woman. I'm one of those people where I image that I'm friends with certain celebrities in my head and in my head Paula Patton is a super cool chic to hang out with. She's in shape and has a beautifully toned body. Oh how I wish y'all.  Did he guys get  a glimpse of her in Robin Thicke's Love After War video? Mama just had a baby and was looking hella good. I love this sparkling number she wore to the VMA's. You better werk!

                                                

Blued eyed soul singer Robin Thicke perform with Miley Cyrus on stage, In this pic we see the two bumping and grinding while Miley is so preoccupied with twerking. LMAO! Its is me or was Robin Thicke channeling Bettlejuice in this outfit? lol.

                                          

Katy Perry showed up in her famous sex kitten leopard print ensembles. I guess her alter ego loves the sex kitten look.

Of course I'm not scratching the tip of the ice burge when it comes to VMA fashion. What do you think? What your favorites fashion moments? Have a wonderful day!!

"beauty is a lifestyle"

Book Review: Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park

Synopsis: He was tall, at least six feet, with dirty blond hair that hung over his eyes. His T-shirt read Nietzsche Is My Homeboy.

So, that was Matt. Who Julie Seagle likes. A lot. But there is also Finn. Who she flat out loves.

Complicated? Awkward? Completely.

But really, how was this freshly-minted Boston transplant and newbie college freshman supposed to know that she would end up living with the family of an old friend of her mother's? This was all supposed to be temporary. Julie wasn't supposed to be important to the Watkins family, or to fall in love with one of the brothers. Especially the one she's never quite met. But what does that really matter? Finn gets her, like no one ever has before. They have connection.

But here's the thing about love, in all its twisty, bumpy permutations—it always throws you a few curves. And no one ever escapes unscathed.

Pages: 391 (Kindle: 389)

Rating: 8/10

Overall: Despite some style issues, a really enjoyable book with a fantastically messed up characters. And the plot twist has you flipping pages frantically through to the end. Set in wintry Boston, it's perfect for curling up with a cup of tea in the winter.

Read more »

Foods That Helps Burn Fat & Ben Afflect the New Batman?

Happy Friday!!

Give your metabolism a boast with fat burring foods. Maintaining or losing weight doesn't have to be a drag. These tasty foods are not only good for you but when consumed with a clean diet they can help shed the extra lbs.

                                        
Kale

I believe I've mention this before but I love me some kale! KALE, KALE and more KALE!!! Inadditon to being the most nutrient dense food on the plane kale helps to suppress the appetite and detoxifies the body. Did you know that when your body is clean you have no cravings for sugar or fried food?

Get creative when preparing kale. Kale salads served with purple onions, lemon juice and with sea salt and pepper is delicious.

                                          
Avocados

Avocados have been given such a bad name but did you know it a triple fat burner?

Prepare avocado with sea salt and tomato's for breakfast in the morning.

                                              

Wild Salmon

I love anything smoked. Smoked fish especially salmon is another favorite of mine. Smoke salmon can help you get ride of belly fat if you eat it regularly. That's because its loaded with omega 3 which helps to improve insulin sensitivity and help reduce belly fat. I personally like to get my salmon from Costco.

A classic way to prepare smoke salmon is with mustard and dill.

                                         

Oysters

Oysters help save the day when your losing weight. Very tasty these babies are 50 calories for 6 oysters. They have the highest concentration of zinc and which helps decrease appetite and pms cravings.

These tasty food should be added to your diet to help maintain or lose weight.

Ben Afflect The Next Batman?

                                                   


News just broke the daredevil star with play the cap crusader in the next installment of the Batman series. I think this is an excellent match and I'll be looking forward to this one. I've always liked Ben Afflect and thought of him as quite handsome. He seems like a really cool guy and his wife Jennifer Garner appear to be approachable and just as humble. Anyway I like the Affelcts and think they make a good couple. Do you guys think Ben Afflect will make a good Batman?

That's it for this post enjoy your weekend!!

"beauty is a lifestyle"

Lavender & Black Berry Cherry Tea

     

                                                      

 

                                       

I hope you guys enjoyed that beautiful video of highlighting the lavender fields in France. Aside from a earthy herbal scent I enjoy using lavender not only in my bath but in my hair as well. Lavender is a great moisturizer,  antiseptic and a hair tonic. You can used it directly or mix it with what's known as a carry oil which would be olive or coconut oil. Depending on you hair you should research the type of oil you want to use. Coconut oil is know for its protein and great for people with damage hair because the protein will repair it. If you need just moister in your hair I've found that olive oil is great to message your hair with prior to washing or just as a way of pampering your scalp while the scent lingers in your hair. Simply fabulous!!
                                  

My new obession: Black Cherry Berry Tea

In case you guys didn't check out the face book page I posted about how I love Black Berry Cherry Tea. I came across it the other day when I went to the organic health store. Its super delicious, takes and smells like fruit punch. You serve this tea hot or chill. Either way the smell is heavenly and very calming. Are there any tea buffs out there? Which ones are your favorite and have you ever tried Black Berry Cherry Tea before?

Thanks it for this post! Have s successful day!

"beauty is a lifestyle"

Wednesday Inspiration

                                                         


                                                              To A Mind That is Still

                                                       The Whole Universe Surrenders

                                                                       Chang Tzu

Cool Colorful (high end) Cosmetics at CostCo

I am not a CostCo member, but I just read an article that said they are now selling some really awesome high end cosmetics, including some collections that are ONLY GOING TO BE SOLD THERE! whoa. 

I seriously do not *NEED* any more makeup of any variety... But do I *WANT* it!? YES.

BOOM. Here is what I can't wait to get my hot little hands on. 

1. Jenna Hipp "What's Hot Now" Nail Collection:

This is $14.99 for 12 polishes, I shit you not.

Buy it here online: (click here) OMG I want this so bad. I love the colors.
Jenna Hipp is a celebrity manicurist who does the nails for EVERY SINGLE Cover Shoot that you see on ANY Magazine, including, but not limited to:

• Miley Cyrus
• Selena Gomez
• Drew Barrymore
• Michelle Williams
• Cindy Crawford
• Penelope...
• Britney (bitch)...
• Miranda Kerr, etc etc. 

Jenna Hipp also co-created this *wet dream for me* of a nail polish concept which is the
HIPP x RGB Nude Nail Color System (check that out here)
I think an opaque nail that is the exact color of your hand is SOOOOOOO TROPPO BELLA

Ok, let's get back to the "What's Hot Now" collection:

IT'S $14.99!! ONE bottle of Chanel Nail Color is $27.00 !!
NEED. TO. HAVE.

2. Pati Dubroff Perfect Palette Professional Neutral Eye Palette:

This is $17.99 (you can buy it here)

I love me some Urban Decay Nakeds Palettes.... Which are $50.
This is only 18 bucks. ONE SINGLE SHADOW POT OF URBAN DECAY SHADOW IS THE SAME PRICE! $18!!

There has been some discussion about the texture and quality of these Pati Dubroff shadows, some people saying they ARE the same high quality of the Urban Decay, and some saying the opposite, but in my mind for the price, it's worth a shot. Plus, I don't think that Miss Pati would put her name on a product that sucked (?).
Pati is an amazing artist. If you aren't familiar with her work, check out this page (click here) I mean she is an ARTISTE. Red Carpet, Runway, Print Ads, everythang.

why not try.

3. Chanel Sublimage Eye Essential Regenerating Cream:

This one I seriously only like for the price.
For .5 oz this is $159.99

The same jar is for sale on Vita Springs website for $240!!! See!! (see here)

I don't... But I probably should take anti-aging a little more seriously. I pretty much slather my face in coconut oil and call it a night.
The reviews said that this cream is RICH RICH RICH, and kicks your undereye circles RIGHT IN THE NUTS. boom!! see ya!! I could def use some of that action. Just call me Gollum.

AHHHH! Christina!! We have to go RIGHT AWAY!!! I can't wait!!

Affirming Your Day!!

                              


Happy Tuesday!


As you guys notice I like to begin every post with "Happy Tuesday" because I feel that its important for people to start of our moring reading and hearing positive news. There was a life coach who said that the wealthiest people in the world usally begin their day not by reaching for the remote to watch the news but with positive affirmation or reading a positive story. I pondered on this concept for a second and it makes perfect sense.Yes its important to be aware of our environment but its also important to see positive stories which the news usually doesn't report. I feel like we are bombarded with "bad news" daily. We can't change the news however we can control what we hear and give our attention too. So lets give our attention to affirming  positivity into our mornings. Whether its prayer or affirmations words have power and on a personal note, I've notice that when I pray in the morning my day goes smoother. Here are three powerful morning affirmations that I like to say in the morning from Creative Affirmations by Danea Horn:

I enter today with an open mind and a calm presence.

Today is filled with opportunity. Everywhere I look I see it, and I trust my intuition to follow where it leads.

Today I will trust divine guidance to head my actions knowing that I will be brought to joy & prosperity.

If you begin your day with prayer or powerful affirmations  lets share your thoughts. Another than this be safe and have a great day!!

"beauty is a lifestyle"

My LeakyCon London 2013 Experience

And boy, was it an experience!!!

I can honestly say I don't think I've been to something that just makes you feel like you belong.

I know that sounds sappy and OTT but the thing is, it didn't matter who you ended up talking to, but it felt like I'd known them my whole life. Everyone there had that common interest and everything else? Well, it didn't make one bit of difference what our other interests were.

Also, LeakyCon (and other conventions too!) are amazing spaces to work out what something like Harry Potter means to you. That can be through scream-singing Gotta Get Back to Hogwarts with 1500 other people or discussing law and medicine in the Wizarding World with 40 opinionated people.

Basically, LeakyCon is like being in a world of like-minded people where everything is amazing. And I could quite happily live there forever.

But anyway... instead of rhapsodising endlessly about what happened at LeakyCon, conveniently my sister vlogged about it! It'll be much more interesting for you to watch it right?

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3 (Bonus Hank Green!!!)

As Megan didn't come to the second Wizard Rock show on the Friday, here is a LeakyCon video of that epic night:

And last but not least... Day 4

Since going to LeakyCon and actually getting around to posting this, I also went to Summer In The City, a YouTube gathering/convention in London. My sister also has vlogged about that, so if you subscribe (shameless promotion) you can check out how that went when it gets uploaded!

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To Maxi or Not to Maxi

ALL SUMMER LONG... Everyone has been singing the praises of the *Maxi Dress*... 

Look how cute they look on all of these ladies on the runway. Gorg. 

I've tried so many on, and I just haven't enjoyed the fit and silhouette! Maybe it's because my baseline style is more like this:

No matter how much I love hippies, I don't think there's a boho bone in my body unfortunately. 

I REALLY want to love the maxi. So now TONS of them are on super sale, since it's the end of the summer. So I went to BCBG Max Azria & tried three on:

All three dresses are a fluid, uber comfy cotton jersey with tons of give and flow. I love the colors, I mean, these ARE my 3 fav colors, Hot Pink, Bright Yellow, and Purple!

 This was soooo comfy. It felt like jammies. I did not want to take it off. But what shoe would I wear with it? And I just can't help thinking that this is just a few inches too short. Plus, you know I just can't do a "tank top" bodice. I just CAN'T.

This one, super cozy, cut-outs = why not? lovely sunny color. Oh yeah, please disregard the *kinesio tape* on my shoulder LOL. The length was on point, but i don't know.

I liked this one the best: my favie color, and it has the "M slit" which was *on trend* for like 5 seconds.  But with the fitted (arguably too-tight) bodice, I am not liking the length. I'm kind of a freakout over that, since skirt/pant length fiascos have plagued me for all my life.

See, Selena wore the "M slit" to the Teen Choice Awards:

THE VERDICT:

I'll save the maxi dress trend for girls that can rock it like this: