2014....Thank You!

Every year I appreciate the lessons that I learned, 2014 was the same. I had good days, I had bad days. I never really make "resolutions" per say but I do have goals that I set each year and this year I reached more than a few of those goals. I'm so appreciative for the lessons learned, the tribulations, the moments where I didn't know how I was going to make it. All of these moments are helping me grow into a woman that stands (rather sits) before you now. I look forward and welcome 2015 with open arms  and pray that it is as good to you as I know it will be for me.

Peace and Blessings.

In's and Out's of Vision Boards

It's still hard to believe that tomorrow is New Year's Eve and the next day it will be 2015. As you get older time just flys by. Every year we go into the new year with resolutions. Last few years I haven't thought about resolutions I just said that I wanted to continue to grow in all aspects of life. Last year I said the same thing but I also decided to do a vision board. It wasn't your typical vision board it was an electronic vision board because I didn't have enough magazines in the house to use and it was kind of a last minute thing to do.

So the picture to the right is my electronic vision board. I am very proud of myself. I was able to reach many of the goals that I had set for myself.

What is a Vision Board? 

Let me back up and explain what exactly is a vision board.  A vision board is collage of pictures, photo's or words that are placed together on a board and placed somewhere you can look at it on a regular basis. The whole point of through this process is to have the intention of changing or wanting something in life. The overall outcome is to gain focus (vision board) and keep the task going until you have met your goal (manifestation). The whole point of it isn't something mythical or mentally challenging.

How to Create a Vision Board? 

You will need: 

• Magazines
• Glue
• Tape 
• Scissors 
• Markers/Pens 
• Copy Paper 
• Extra: printed pictures from pinterest of things you may want in 2015

Once you have all the pictures or words that you want to go on your vision board you can find a place in your home that you can look at it everyday so it will stay fresh in your mind. Last year, I hung mine in the closet because I'm always in there and when I'm getting dressed for work I just look at it. Also if you are like me and have a million things going on, I have a copy of it on my phone that I sometimes look at when things start to get frustrating. I must admit it is rewarding to see how many things from last year I have achieved.

 This is my vision board for 2015. The last part of the year I have really been trying to take control of my life and start doing what makes me happy, so in 2015 that's exactly what I will be doing. It's my time to shine! That's another post. Again I decided to do an electronic vision board because I don't have that many magazines that I want to cut up.



I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store me. 

Make Up Tips for Brown Girls

1. Mix It UP
It's okay to mix up  different foundation colors to get that perfect shade for your face. Once upon a time I had a really hard time finding the right shade for my face. Once I figured out that I could mix to different colors it started to work out perfect for. Darker tones look best with a yellow undertones. You want to make sure you don't get anything that is too light and it looks chalky. This will help you "customize" that color that fits you. 

2. Lips
Nothing drives me up the wall more than seeing someone with lipstick that doesn't match their complexion.  I know the trend right now is wearing colored lipsticks that range from green to purples to even yellow. That's not cute AT ALL. If you ask me. You want your color to pop (not blind) so stick to maroons, reds burgundy, nudes and plum colors. If you must and want to use a lip liner, make sure that it is close the lip color as possible. 


3. Bronzer

Bronzers can be used on any type of skin tone and does a great job at highlighting your features and contouring your face. Most of the time I use bronzer on my cheeks, temples and chin so it will give a glow. 

4. Eyeshadow
Me personally I think eyeshadows can make or break your whole face. Purples, emeralds, golds really make the eyes pop and stands out great on brown girls. You don't want to cake it on to wear all you see if purple and don't go over board adding other complementary colors. To make your color pop a little more try using Smashbox Eye Shadow primer or any eye primer. This will help it last longer and also makes it pop. 


  

This is one of my favorite looks. I think she does an awesome job with her eyeshadow and her red lip is amazing! 

If you need additional help there are thousands of youtube video's out that you can watch and follow along with.

Last minute Stocking Stuffer Ideas

| OPI Classic Nail Lacquer (Coney Island Cotton Candy)  |  Bath & Body Works 3 Wick Candle

MIA 2 Mango Holiday Gift Set  |  NAR Limited Edition HardWire Lipstick   | 

 | Urban Decay Naked 3 |  Victoria Secret Glam & Go Makeup Bag  |  Anthropology Limited Edt. Golden Monogram Mug  |  Michael Kors Watch |  

|  Ray Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses |  Sigma Premium Brush Kit  |  Blanket Scarves  |

Need ideas on what to get to go in that stocking? No worries these are a few small items that you can stash away and surprise that lucky lady in your life. These are a few of the things I wouldn't mind finding in my stocking this year! 

Christmas Decoration

So I've been seeing everyone post photos of their Christmas decor and I've just been in love with it all. I've had my Christmas tree up since the week B E F O R E  Thanksgiving. As you may of heard me say before I love everything about the holidays! Our place isn't that big and I didn't have any ideas on what to do in the bathroom and bedroom so I just kept it as it is everyday. But I did so some decoration in the kitchen, living room, and the front door.


Most of my decorations came from Target and Michael's. In photo's my tree looks fuller than it does in person. I hate how trees have gaps in them, I guess because growing up my always put extra garland in the cracks/empty spaces of the tree. Some of the ornaments  and ribbons came from dollar general. My coffee table was empty and I didn't want to put anything big on the table because the tv stand is kinda low, so I had a basket already on the table so I just put some of my extra balls in the baskets.

Hope you enjoy and I do apologize for not so good quality of the photos ( camera is on my Christmas wish list).

My Christmas Wish List

LOUIS VUITTON Damier Ebene Neverfull GM | Sole Society Milan Reversible Tote with Pouch |

| Kate Spade 2015 17-month Medium Agenda  | Bella Mirrored Nightstand | 

| Sole Society Walker wedge bootie | Cannon Rebel t3i | 

 | David Yurman 'Cable Classic' Bracelet with Gold  | LoveMuse Name Plate | Starbucks Card |

| inslee by design | IKEA Micke |

Most this stuff I've had my eye on a while now and just haven't had to chance to purchase it for myself. As you can see I'm a very simple person in what I want. I love everything about December and the holiday season, especially the reason for the season. Plus I love the excitement of opening presents  on Christmas morning with my family and cousins and also seeing their faces. Hope my list give you some inspiration for something someone else may want or something that you may even want. 

World AIDS Day -- Know your Status

Today instead of doing my normal #MCM. I decided to do write about something that I am concerned about something that I take very serious, because it is something that we are American's and African-Americans do not talk about. I think more than ever it needs light shined on it. It something that we as the human race doesn't want to talk about but it something that we should be talking about and working towards finding a cure for.

 Today, December 1st is World AIDS Day. HIV/AIDS remains one of the world's most significant public health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

More than 1.2 Million people in the United States is currently living with HIV, and 14% are unaware of their infection. The most seriously affected by HIV/AIDS is gay, bisexual ( and other men who have sex with men) -- particularly young black/African Americans are the highest risk.

More than 90,000 people with HIV/AIDS was diagnosis/infected through heterosexual sex and4,000 estimated deaths in 2011 alone.


South Carolina is ranked 8th in the nation in the rate of new AIDS cases annually. Columbia is ranked 9th in the nation and the rate of reported new HIV/AIDS cases among African Americans of South Carolina is 8 times the number of other races....know your status...get tested! Contact SC AIDS/STD hot line 1 (800) 32 - AIDS (2437) for questions and more information.