A Day in the Life of ms.iee...

Kissable Couture

2009-10-05T13:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome Back!

Today, I want to share a new product fave that I have added to my endless makeup collection: Kissable Couture.

"WOW" is the only word I can think of to describe the lipglosses that this company makes. It is nice to have a company that makes colors that women of color can use and enjoy. So many beauty bloggers, YouTube gurus, as well as Makeup Artists have raved about this collection, from Sam Fine to Kelly Epps, I don't think you would go wrong if you tried one or two, and that is exactly what I did.

I purchased two from the compay first (First Lady and Solstice), because yes, I acknowledge the glosses are a bit on the expensive side ($22 a pop), BUT the consistency is better than the average lipgloss to include MAC, and it can compete with NARS's lipglosses, and you know I love my NARS.

I truly loved the lipglosses that I just submitted another order for two more!!! Yes, I am in love!

The first time I placed my order, I did it by phone, and the customer service rep was very polite. The order took about maybe four days to arrive, considering I ordered late Friday afternoon.

When my package arrived, I was so excited because each of the lipglosses were individually wrapped in a cute black box secured with a bow. How elegant is that? Maybe that is where some of the money went, but hey, you want to feel special after spending so much, right?

I encourage everyone to try the lipglosses. I honestly can say that I don't think that you would regret your purchase. The information is at the bottom- and don't forget to let me know what you think.

***If you really want to try the products, AJ Crimson, the owner, has a special where if you type in the promo code: justforyou, you will get free shipping on your order, which is great, because it saves you the extra $10 that you would have paid for shipping. Alright, ladies- go get your order now, because I had to do some rsearch just to find that promo code : )

xoxo, Ijeoma

Info:

http://www.kissablecouture.com/

1-866-917-2724

Sales: If you research them, they will come!!!

2009-10-02T18:32:00.004-04:00

Hey, everyone!

I am so excited about what I did recently with my online shopping that I just had to share this with everyone quickly.

I was online looking at some of my favorite designer websites in search of some new items for my wardrobe. I stopped by Kenneth Cole's website, and saw that they were having a sale. Normally, I do not glance at the sale items, because sometimes, what they think is a sale, really is not a sale. However, something told me to look anyway. Would you believe that the sandals I have been "eye-ing" were on sale (59.98)? By the time I put those bad boys in the cart, they were only $12.00! Together with shipping and handling plus tax, I paid a total of $21.00!!! I think my Visa Card may have a heart attack, because it is so used to me breaking the bank.

The same thing happened yesturday. I was online visiting the Kissable Couture Website (I have a blog post on them coming soon)...I bought two of their lipglosses, but was just not comfortable paying so much. What did I do? I used my investigator skills and looked up some interviews to see if there were any discount codes that the co-owner, AJ Crimson was offering. Sure enough, he had a special code, which I took advantage of, and will share with you guys. I am glad that I did that, because they do not have any special offers listed on their website.

I am really happy about the little effort that I put forth, that has actually saved me a couple of bucks on my "slight" shopping spree. I just hope that laziness will not kick in and prevent me from searching before I make another purchase in the future.

So I have now learned and seen first hand what a little patience and research can do. If any of you like Kenneth Cole, please visit their website. Now is the time to stock up- they are taking as much as 80% off of their shoes and some selected accessories.

That's my take in a nutshell!

Be Safe!!!
xoxo, Ijeoma

Mind/Thought Process Change

2009-10-02T00:17:00.008-04:00

Hey, Everyone!

Today, I want to discuss two books that I have had the pleasure of reading. I am sharing these books because they have blessed me, and I want them to be a blessing to others: Dr. Creflo Dollar's 8 Steps to Create the Life You Want, and Joyce Meyer's Start Your New Life Today.

We all know that sometimes, depending on what God wants to teach us, he may use different mediums to communicate his message to us. In my case, he used these two books, which gave me a deeper understanding of how my thoughts affect the way that I speak and the way that I behave. Best of all, so many of my questions regarding where I see myself and the role that I play in the lives of others were clarified. Before, I felt that I could answer and provide solutions for these questions myself. Often times, I succeeded slowly and others times, I failed. There were also times I wanted to give up and just allow "nature to take its course". BUT you can't have that thought process if you truly believe that God will provide.

One day I decided to stroll into my local Christian Bookstore to just browse around, and somehow, it was impressed upon me to purchase these two books.

This book has been a blessing to me.

Dr. Creflo Dollar explains how we can achieve all we want through faith and daily meditations with God. I know you may be thinking that you "already know this" or that you already have a system in place for receiving, however, I must impart on everyone that it is not just about professing what you believe, but also setting your mind and heart to receive the blessings. Have you ever wondered why your blessings are sometimes delayed? Did you know that you have the power to speak life and death into something? Seriously???

I truly recommend this book. It is definitely a good read, and will change your thought process when you grasp the concepts that Dr. Dollar teaches. I also like the activities that he encourages readers to try to help them develop a Christ-like mindset.

The next book I also encourage you to read is Joyce Meyer's Start Your New Life Today.

If there was ever a great book written for the "baby" in Christ, this is the one. It is also a good book for individuals that want to understand how God works in their lives and what is expected of us. This book is an easy read- I literally read through the chapters each day, desiring to want to learn more. Ms. Meyers writes as if she is literally sitting across from you and talking to you.

Each time I read this book, I felt encouraged and I wanted to change my thought process to be able to reap my blessings.

I used both books simultaneously in a personal bible study, and the revelations I received were so amazing (often times, more than what I expected). My outlook on life and how I looked at people changed. This was the much needed advice that I needed that I do not believe I would have found anywhere else.

These books can be found at your local Christian bookstore, or Boders. However, I would encourage people to purchase their own copies from Amazon.com because they would be much cheaper. If you were to purchase both books from Amazon, you would spend less than $25, and that includes shipping.

I would also recommend reading these books with a good study Bible. I love my Bible, because each verse in it is broken down to ensure that I understand what I am reading. I also love that it has several references for each verse.

So......if you purchase the books and read them, let me know what you think. If you have already purchased these books, let me know how you felt and if you have begun to reap the benefits of change. I would like to open up the discussion in the comment box at the bottom.

Alright everyone, I know this was a different post, but I am a Christian...and it's expected. More beauty blogs are coming up, and some other reviews, as well as where I have been. I also want to start a picture blog, and will start with the Nigerian Independence event that I will be attending this Saturday.

Before I forget, I am on BlackBerry's Instant Messenger, so if any of you have a BB and want to chat, you can find me there. Just let me know, and I will send you my code.

Take Care, and be safe,

xoxo, Ijeoma

MAC's Trend F/W '09

2009-09-17T18:52:00.004-04:00

Hello, everyone!

Welcome back to another post!

Its been weird- I had to stay home this week because I was very ill. I actually came down with the flu : ( ....so, while at home, I was fixated on my computer, and used the time to catch up on the fashion trends and past events at fashion week. Of course, I dedicated some time to my Naija movies : )

This post is a real quick one. Today, I went to see the new MAC launch, Trend F/W '09. I am sad to report that it really was not much to write home about. I did buy the palette, because I am a collector- but realistically, do not waste your money on this collection. Many of the eyeshadow colors are dupable as well as the lipsticks and the lipglosses.

Let's start with the palette.

This palette consisted of mid tone grays and some blues. The new smokey eye does not rely on black for definition, but blue. Each of the colors would have been interesting, if they were not already covered in other launches or existed in one's makeup kit. If you have two or more of the following colors, then consider passing on the palette:

Krisp*
Knight Divine
Swanlake*
Flashtrack

Two of the colors named above may have been discontinued or may even be renamed, so check your CCO.

This collection had four lipsticks...two purples, a beige and a pink. One of the colors I actually recognized from another collection- it is called Hipster. Hispter is definitely a must have, and I would recommend that women of color that don't like to wear solid reds, but like a red that kind of leans towards purple, this is the color for you! I picked up the deepest purple called Faultlessly F/W, which is VERY similar to Cyber. Too be honest, I tried it at home, and I don't like the color so much...it just makes one look like they smoke too much. It would be cute for Halloween! The other colors are pretty much dupable as well, and I passed on them.

I bought two of the lipglasses because they were different and colors that I did not have in my lipglass collection. This collection had three colors: two were of purple tones and one was a light silvery color that looked like it could pass for Personal Taste. The two purple colors, So This Season and Newberry were beautiful and I did take the two.

This collection also promted a new fragrance, which I also passed on. It was just reminiscent of a scent that I knew I had at home. I don't know about you guys, but I like different scents to suit my different moods. Too much of the same thing tends to be boring, and definitely not cost-effective.

Overall, I was not impressed and I am sad that they are releasing another collection entitled, Trends A/W '09. Be prepared, this collection consists of things already available. So check the website before you head to the counter to make a purchase.

I hope this helped. I like to make positive reviews, but I don't want anyone to have to spend unnecessarily either.

Stay tuned for the next blog...and I will talk to you guys soon,

xoxo, Ijeoma

Lip Exfoliating

2009-09-16T19:47:00.005-04:00

Welcome, everyone!

It never ceases to amaze me how time is flying by so fast! I cannot believe that before you know it, October will be here, and then my second favorite month (of course, you know my birthday month is my favorite) November will be here. Afterwards, it will be time to pucker up underneath the mistletoe...will you be ready?

Our skin is exposed to the elements and are senstive to very high or low temperatures. Our lips are no exception. There are several products on the market today to help care for your lips, however, there are several items available at home that you can use, and save the extra bucks to buy a new sexy lip color.

Just like our face, our lips need to be exfoliated. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin from our lips, and allows color to be applied evenly. For example, chapped lips appear more pronounced with rich, darker colors...and with the use of lipgloss. Below are some tips to help:

Create your own exfoliator!

If you have some honey and sugar:

mix a teaspoon of sugar with a tablespoon and half of honey and smooth over your lips.
Use a medium sized cotton ball to buff your lips.
Rinse your lips with warm water.
Afterwards, apply olive oil, or jojoba oil to your lips to moisturize.

Another alternative is to simply use a clean and dry toothbrush to buff your lips gently. Remember to moisturize afterwards.

****
Of course, there are several lip products available to help keep your lips moisturized, and you do not have to spend a fortune. Below, I have some products that I keep in my medicine cabinet, purse, and makeup-kits:

Rosebud Perfume Co. Brambleberry Rose Lip Balm (Sephora or Bath & Body Works)
Hershey's Almond Lipbalm w/ SPF 15 sunscreen (Sephora)
Einstein Lip Therapy Cooling Lip Relief w/ Vitamins A + E (@local drugstore)
MAC Suntints Liquid Lip Balm w/ SPF 20 (my favorite: Just A Smidge)

I hope this helps. Please post your comments below or share with me what you do to take care of your lips.

As always, take care and be safe!

xoxo, Ijeoma

Happy Anniversary! A reflection of my big day...

2009-09-16T12:32:00.000-04:00

Hello, everyone!

Welcome back to my corner again!
This will be a fun blog. Stay with me, as I will post pictures at the end.

This past weekend, I celebrated my wedding anniversary with my best friend- you know, my husband, Afam. It was a quiet celebration, but after it was all said and done, I began to reflect.

You know, I sincerely wish that all of you will find that special someone that you can spend the rest of your life with. I know, I blogged a little about it last week, but I am serious. Marriage is a wonderful thing. Having a partner that you become one with, is also a blessing. For those of you that are already married, I wish you many more succesful and blessed years!

When I look back at when I first met my husband (lol)...honestly, I never paid him any attention. Then one day, as God would have it, we talked, and before I knew it...I was head-over-heels in love with this guy. I always looked forward to seeing him and just having him near me. I did not rush my wedding or my traditional- despite the fact that so many of my mates were doing it. We took our time and planned it right, so that we could enjoy every bit of it. I did my wedding last year, and we spent thousands : ( however, I am proud to say that we never charged anything; we paid for everything in cash and sweat (lol). Four months later, we signed a contract to build our home. Very soon, we will welcome children into our home.

Is marriage always perfect? Will you always be on a honeymoon? No, and don't let your friends lie to you either. It takes work, and it takes dedication. Hell, it takes A LOT OF LOVE. There may be times, when you will feel that your partner is just way out of line, and you may end up in a yelling match with them. It's okay- the marriage is not over! Trust me, there will be many more. Just remember to communicate (not when you are angry), and also, never to go to bed mad at each other. Another good rule: remember, pray together. Arguments do and will happen, but it is how you choose to deal with them that will determine how the marriage will flow.

Again, it takes work- hard work from both partners. Trust me, it is well worth it.

Below, are quick snapshots of my traditional and my white wedding.Enjoy!

Now, the "white wedding"...

My September Favorites

2009-09-10T13:03:00.000-04:00

Welcome Back, Ladies!

I am so excited about September because September is my favorite month. Why? Because fall starts in September, and I love the fall. Fall brings us rich colors, layered fashions, boots, sexy heels...I could go on and on...(lol).

For this small article, I bring you my eight fabulous faves of the month. So read on and enjoy! By the way, is it cold in your area yet?
**********

MAC Naked Honey Skin Salve

This multi-use cream was lauched with the Naked Honey collection. I bought it to use as a moisturizer for my body, but through several uses, decided that it worked best for me on some rough areas on my body such as the elbows and knees, and I also like this balm as a moisturizer for my lips. Unfortunately, the collection is gone- however, you can check your local Cosmetic Company Outlet (CCO) to find the products there. To view a picture of my beauty find, go to the Naked Honey Review blog for pics.

Make Up Forever High Definition Primer

The primers by MUFE are the best, hands down. I love the way my face looks after I have applied this primer. I have two, the number 7 and number 6, and depending on what look I am going for, I use whichever one. I have tried several primers, from MAC to even Smashbox, and this one seems to get the job done. I have very oily skin, and I need something that does not bleed after hours of wear. MUFE Primer is the best.

MAC Lipglass in Gold Rebel
This is definitely one of my favorites by MAC. Again, it is no longer being carried by MAC. I love the color. It appears orange-y and it has some gold reflects that shimmer. When it is applied (at least on me) it has a natural glow to it. You don't need a lipliner, you just walk out the door au naturale. Be sure to check your MAC stores and of course your local CCO for this. You can also try and call MAC to see if they still carry it. Sorry, I don't have a ready pic, so you are going to have to visit my MAC Style Warrior Collection Blog for the pics.

DOO GRO Stimulating Growth Oil
I love this oil. I use it when I am wearing braids, and even when I am not in braids. I run the oil on my scalp and then message it in. It is light on hair, and will not weigh it down if used properly. An added plus is that it helps relieve itchy scalp, which is important. The best thing about this product is that it can be found in your local drug store or beauty supply store. I believe there is somethig called NuGrow on the market, but I am using DOO GRO and that is what has worked for me.

OPI Nail Polish
OPI has two new colors that are a must have for the fall. First, this season, dark green, replaces your traditional black as the cool new fall look. From OPI, grab the Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow...a beautiful emerald color.
If you are not feeling the green, you can stay safe with a tried and true hazy hue. Try the Give Me Moor color, a beautiful wine purple.
OPI can be found at ULTA Cosmetics, your local beauty supply store, your nail salon, and even some drug stores carry OPI.

Tone Antioxidant Blueberry Body Wash
I am a sucker for sweet things, and nothing compares to this wonderful body wash that leaves you and your bathroom smelling like sweet blueberry muffins. This is a new product from Tone. It is awesome! Not only does it come in the body wash, but as a body bar as well. I don't know how else to rave about this product except that taking a shower has become more exciting! If you go to their website, you can print out a coupon for the soap and try it out. I really think that you will looooove it! I will put the link at the bottom of the post for you.

MAC ODD Couple Eyeshadow
This eyeshadow is beautiful. It has a a swirl of purple and gold on one side, and then a solid purple hue on the other- fabulous! I have tried a simple look just using the purple color, but I am working on a fall look, and will definitely have that posted for you guys! The good news is that unlike all my other MAC products listed above, this one is still in stores, so go and get it, before it sells out. My MAC store was out, so I had to run to the MAC counter at Nordstrom's and I actually bought the last one. However, you can also purchase this color at: http://maccosmetics.com/

Well, that is all for my favorites. I added one more, because as I looked around my vanity and around the loft where I store all my cosmetics and beauty buys, I started to note things that I really liked. On that note, I may add my other finds to the October faves.

Thanks for stopping by my blog, and don't forget to check me out on Twitter. There you can find me twittering on just about everything! Also, if you have Facebook, I am on there as well-same screen name.

Have a good day everyone, and I will "talk" to you guys soon!

xoxo, Ijeoma

More Info:
Tone Body Wash & Coupon
http://www.toneskincare.com/index.html

Carol's Daughter Ecstasy Body & Bath Oil

2009-09-03T17:29:00.000-04:00

Mmmmmmm...delicious!

This is how I feel everytime I use products by Carol's Daughter. I have used Carol's Daughter for the last 4 years or so when I heard Jada Pinkett Smith and Grammy Award Winning Singer, Mary J Blige, talk about their love of the products.

I own quite a few-ok, I'm lying...I own too many products by Carol's Daughter. I need to be an investor. From bath products, to Skin Care, to even hair care, my bathroom is stocked on the products. I love the fact that they are made with wholesome ingredients that are nourishing and definitely luxurious.

Though, I would love to talk about all the products that I have from the line, today I will talk about the Ecstasy Body and Bath Oil.

Before I get started, I will add for those of you that are into wholesome organic products, you will enjoy Carol's Daughter. Many of the products omit the synthetic dyes, the harsh scents, the chemicals, the sulfates, and all the things that are bad for our bodies and the environment.

So if you are a true green or someone who prefers to use organic/natural products, please try some of the products from Carol's Daughter. I will also post more reviews on the products, as the weeks follow, because the holidays are coming and Carol's Daughter offers some of the best packages that are a great buy.

Now back to the Ecstasy Body and Bath Oil....

This oil serves many purposes. Let me share the few that I know I have used it for:

As a softener for my water when I soak
As a body oil
As a massage oil

The scent is also amazing! It has hints of vanilla, Egyptian Musk, pineapple, and peach, and it is made from vegetable and nut oil.

I use this oil a lot, after a nice long shower. I love the scent and the way my skin glows. It definitely moisturizes, and I never feel ashy or dry after wards or even several hours later. It is not too oily, however, be sure it has "set" before you rush to put your clothes on, and make sure your hands are completely dry.

I think you guys will love the product. I have two more of the Ecstasy Oil in storage, and I just purchased the oil in the Almond Cookie. The body oil also comes in the following scents to satisfy whatever mood you may be in: Jamaican Punch, Ocean, Groove, Almond Cookie, and Mango Melange.

The containers are pretty big: 12 fl oz, and depending on how often you use the product, it will last you, unless you have a husband like mine, who is also a fan. The oil is $20.00 and is available from Sephora, Carol's Daughter Stores, or Carol's Daughter online. I will post a link at the bottom for you to check out the website, and I will also carry the link in the side bar, so that it will be available for future blog posts. As usual, try it out, and let me know what you think!

http://www.carolsdaughter.com/

Until next time,

xoxo, Ijeoma

Evian Facial Spray

2009-09-02T14:45:00.005-04:00

Hey, everyone!

I hope you guys are enjoying your day. I know I am, because I am off for the next three days and Sunday is my 1 year wedding anniversary (well, the church anniversary). Marriage is definitely a blessing, and I hope that each and everyone of you are able to find the love of your life, who IS your best friend, and someone that you enjoy being in the presence of.

This post will be a quick post because I am off to the gym and trying put together a few more blogs that you will be able to enjoy later this week. I am also considering changing up the way the blogs are done-technology-wise...so stay tuned for that : )

Alright, I went to Sephora this past weekend, and picked up a few things. I grabbed the famous GHD iron that has been receiving great raves on YouTube, and I also snatched up some more eyeshadow from Smashbox, a lipgloss from Buxom Lips, as well as a bronzing and highlighting powder from Benefit Cosmetics. I will discuss those purchases in a later blog for those that may be interested. But, the one purchase that I got that I truly love to use is my Evian Facial Spray.

This bottle like its name states, contains Evian Mineral Water. All you have to do is spray the bottle, and your face will be hydrated and cool. I like this because I am always working out, and of course, my job has me out in the elements all the time, and there is nothing like a fresh spray of water on your face, so that your face continues to look healthy and have a fresh glow.

I am on my second purchase....and let me tell you something, this bad boy came in handy when I was in Nigeria. Unfortunately, I can't brag that I have lived in Nigeria or even stayed there for an extended period of time (I think the longest I have ever done is three weeks). So, you will understand what I mean when I say the heat- minus the mosquitos was pretty harsh on my skin! However, my bottle was a life saver.

Other brands provide similar products. I know MAC has their MAC Fix+, and Caudalie has their Grape Water Toner. I have and use both products, though I prefer the MAC Fix+ for mixing makeup or creating a certain consistency with the makeup and Caudalie, I prefer for when I have been in the sun too long or after an exfoliation.

You can be the judge of what will work best for you. Keep in mind that the Evian Facial Spray is natural minerla water, and the other two products contain other ingredients. This product can be used several times a day and will also keep your makeup in place. Best of all, there are no added ingrediants such as synthethic dyes or fragrances that would cause an allergic reaction after its use.

Why not give it a try? This product can only be found at Sephora. You can get a duo pack for $11.00, or a large canister for $15.00. I have a link to Sephora in the side bar. So click on it, and type in Evian. Try it and let me know what you think!

Until next time,

xoxo, Ijeoma

10 Honest Things About Me...

2009-08-27T16:49:00.004-04:00

Hey, everyone!

Today's post is going to take another twist. I was contacted via Facebook about who I am. The person stated that from what they could read on my blog, they could tell I was Nigerian, I am married : ), I love the gym, and that I am a police officer. However, the person wanted more facts. I have never ever had anyone question me, but I actually think it is appropriate, since I never really introduced myself when I started the blog, so I am posting 10 honest facts about me. In the past, it was a tag, but I am bringing it back under the circumstances. So read on, and enjoy...read carefully, because the information may become the basis for an upcoming contest!

** By the way, before I forget. If you are reading this, you have been tagged. Post your responses in the comment box, or send me a message when you have completed this on your blog. I can't wait to see what you guys have to share!

10 Honest Facts About Me

1. I am happily married to my best friend. We have been married traditionally for almost two years, and by American standards, going on just a year. I love my husband to death, even when he annoys me, but he is my best friend and greatest supporter. I basically live for him.

2. Yes! I am a police officer and have been for over 7 years. It is a very interesting job when you get past all the pettiness that errupts from time to time. But all in all, I love it.

3. I love to shop. I think I shop too much. Where people find an occasion to celebrate, I look for the opportunity to burn cash and I will burn your cash if you let me.

3. I am deep into my family. I could kill for them. I love my family to death and will not allow anyone or anything to penetrate us. People close to me know exactly what I am talking about.

4. I am a gym rat. Apart from the mall, the gym is definitely where you will find me. I just love the way that I feel physicall and mentally after a good hard run or after a weight training session. Besides working out is good for you!

5. I desire to own a Porsche Cayenne, and more than likely in two months, I will be the proud owner of a brand new one. Stay Tuned!

6. Type A personality- that is all me (and its not because I am a police officer). I like to work fast, I don't believe in dilly dallying....if I know something needs to be done, I will get it done, for sure.

7. Death bothers me. No joke. It never really bothered me before, but when I started losing people close to me, I started thinking seriously about life after death.

8. I don't attend church regularly like I should. My dad and my aunts are always after me on this. Part of my problem is my work schedule, and then another one is sheer laziness and not waking up on time. Right now, I read my Bible, and I pray...but I really do need to get my tail into church...soon.

9. I like the color pink, but I feel it is a color reserved for girls. I prefer the color red, because it's mature and represents a classy woman.

10. Here is an oxymoron: I cannot stand it when people speak in slang or type in slang to me, but I curse like a sailor (well, not as bad as a sailor...).... go figure, I do not have an explanation for this.

I hope you enjoyed this. I hope it provides a little more insight into who I am.

I will talk to everyone later, because I am actually darting off to the mall now...(Nordstrom has some boots on sale, and I definitely want to get some shirts from Express and H&M....).

Until next time,

xoxo, Ijeoma

The Hubby & I in ATL

Biore Even Smoother

2009-08-26T02:39:00.003-04:00

Welcome back, ladies!

Today, I am going to talk about one of my secret weapons for my face, and that is my Biore Even Smoother Microderm Exfoliator. I love to use this product on my face, because it allows me to renew the cells of my face at home, without having to pay for the same service at my spa.

The use of this microderm just twice a week, promotes a smoother, healthy radiance. Trust me ladies, you know I am a proud user of my African Black Soap, but I keep the Biore Even Smoother on hand to make sure I keep the skin on my face on point. As a police officer, I am constantly exposed to the elements outside. Over time, the conditions and of course stress, take their toll on my face. Often times, my skin appears darker and sometimes starts to break out.

However, I have learned that exfoliating in addition to your regular cleansing and moisturizing, help maintain the balance that your skin needs.

So, try it ladies, and tell me what you think. Even if you don't try this microderm- though I HIGHLY recommend it, tell me what you do use. I look forward to reading your reviews and comments.

xoxo, Ijeoma

Tagged Again!

2009-08-26T01:36:00.003-04:00

Hey, ladies!
I was tagged by YNC....so I will give this a try...and of course, if you have read this and you have not already done this- then TAG! It's your turn!

The objectof this game is to use the first letter of your name, and create words that start with your first initial to answer the questions.

My letter is "I"......

1. What is your name? Ijeoma
2. A four letter word: inch
3. A boy's name: Izuchukwu
4. A girl's name: Ifeoma
5. An occupation: information technologist
6. A color: indigo
7. Something you wear: ink (tattoo...lol)
8. A food: ice cream
9. Something found in the bathroom: Isabella Buxom Lipgloss
10. A place: India
11. A reason for being late: I'm African...go figure...
12. Something you shout: "Idiot!"
13. A Movie Title: Indiana Jones
14. Something you drink: Ice cold water
15. A musical group: INXS
16. An animal: iguana
17. A street name: Ivy Lane
18. A type of car: Impala
19. The title of a song: I'm Grateful, by Yolanda Adams

There are my responses! This was a tough one and definitely had me thinking! Enjoy ladies!!!Ciao!

Where Have You Been, Ijeoma???

2009-08-25T11:30:00.003-04:00

Hey, everyone and welcome back!

I am really happy to be back...it has been a while! I am not used to disappearing acts, and I am sure the way that I have been pulling them lately...I know people probably feel that its something that I am used to (lol...no, it's not).

I actually had to have surgery again, for these crazy fibroids. Yes! They came back...they were not big, but it was recommended that I have them removed if I was considering having children...so, after some serious thinking (and I mean serious), I decided to do the surgery.

The good thing is that the surgery was not too long a process like my last one, and it was not as painful (though my pain tolerance is pretty high). I mean, I was sent home with 30 tablets of percoset, and I only used one. Same thing with the Ibuprofen...I think I took maybe three tablets total.

I won't get into details in this blog, but if anyone wants to talk about it personally...let me know. I know, I have met more people through my posts about the fibroids and now people contact me regarding what to do about their own. I will put it out there, that I am working on a project regarding fibroids, and I hope that soon, I will be able to share my information about fibroids and what they are with people, as well as ways to deal with them.

Alright, I am going to pause here...but before I go, I have to give a shout out to Angela Garvin ( I hope I spelled your name right, girl)...thanks for checking in on me, and encouraging me. When she noticed, I went MIA...she contacted me. Also, she is one of my contest winners....so many congrats to her and everyone that participated.

OH!!!!! Before I forget... for those of you that follow me on Twitter or Facebook, I am sure you have seen me talk about my Canon Rebel DSLR Camera. That is one BAD camera (and I am using the word bad in a good sense). My pictures are like damn near perfect. I am now investing in one of my favorite hobbies. It is expensive-the hubby helped me purchase another lense that takes some amazing studio shots...so I may or may not open a new blog to showcase what I am doing...we will see.

But that is all...

I will talk to everyone soon,

xoxo, Ijeoma

Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette

2009-08-25T11:13:00.003-04:00

Hey, everyone!

I was shopping around for makeup on one of my favorite websites, when I discovered that they have a new palette out (well, maybe by the time I post this- it won't be so new)...yes, Coastal Scents has created a palette with 88 warm color shades for your eyes!

This palette has a mix of matte and frosty shades (more matte than frost, yay!!!), and they definitely complement any skintone.

Coastal Scents does have another similar warm palette that has 28 beautiful colors. I believe it is their neutral color palette. If you already have the neutral palette, then you may not need to purchase this one, to prevent duplication. However, for newcomers to makeup or for makeup artists looking for that palette that packs a lot of colors- especially for bridal makeup...then this is the palette for you.

If I may also add...these colors are very pigmented and go on smooth.

So, give it a try, and let me know what you think. For about $25.oo, this is a keeper. Also, Coastal Scents is very timely with their orders...I got my order in less than a week!

The link is at the bottom...try it, and don't forget to let me know what you think!

Ciao, ladies!

xoxo, Ijeoma

http://www.coastalscents.com/

Time to Try Something New: False Lashes!

2009-07-26T01:06:00.005-04:00

Hey, Everyone!!!

This blog report is about lashes! Yes, Lashes!!!

Have you ever considered wearing false lashes? If so, then this blog is for you!

False lashes are great for several reasons:

If your natural lashes are barely there, false lashes can give you more.

False lashes can make any look more sexy.

False lashes emphasize your eyes, and they actually open them up (great for small eyes!).

False lashes are fun to play with- not just on Halloween!

I have been wearing false lashes regularly for about half a year, and I enjoy the way my make-up "pops" with them on. The lashes take me from "girly-girly" to ultra feminine. More importantly, when you master how to put them on, you will never leave the house without them!

There are two methods to have false lashes applied: You can purchase false eyelashes in a pack from your local beauty supply store, and then apply them with glue. Or, you can have your natural lashes extended with falses by having them professionally applied individually.
If you chose to have them individually applied, I highly recommend researching different salons that offer the service as well as the cosmetologist that will be applying them. Make sure that they have a license to actually apply the indivdual false lash extensions. I had a very bad experience with the eyelash extensions, and it took me nearly four months to get my lashes to grow back. I was seriously down to none on my eyelids!!! So be careful. Remember, you need your eyelashes, because they protect your eyes.

The first method, I suggested is my preferred method. As I stated earlier, you can purchase false lashes from your beauty supply store or even on-line. I know that I have purchased some lashes from CVS Drugstore in the past.

The brands that I like to use are Ardell, Red Cherry, and Andrea. However, I tend to use the Ardell's a lot more- though they tend to run more in price than the other brands out there.

Lashes come in various styles from your very dramatic, to your medium dramatic, to your natural looking lashes. For me, I prefer to stay in between, dramatic, but not too overpowering.
In the Ardell lashes, I wear the "Wispies" (my favorite), as well as the "Gisele", #131, and #117, which I found are a very sexy natural looking pair ( I have them on now).

When starting out, try some natural lashes, and then begin to experiment to determine what lashes work for you. I know a makeup guru that can wear the Red Cherry lashes in #102, and she considers that a "natural" look for her, whereas you may feel that the #102 lashes are "over the top" for you.

Now, I don't do videos, but I have three videos that I will link you to, because the makeup artists did an excellent job explaining their application. MAC just released a video with Victor the makeup artist. He did a wonderful job explaining how to put them on. After the article, be sure to scroll down and check out the videos-they are awesome!

When you are ready to purchase, please do not spend an arm and a leg purchasing them. I don't recommend spending more than $5.00 on a pair of lashes, and still $5.00 is pushing it. Also look for lashes that are 100% human hair. I don't even want to go there with what synthetic lashes would look like.

Your lashes should last you up to four or five wears (if that's a word)...
When you take off the lashes, be gentle. You do not want to rip out your lashes or even rip the false lash. Afterwards, use a q-tip and gently rub rubbing alcohol over the rim of the lash to clean dirt and keep any bad bacteria at bay.

False Lash Application Videos:

False Lashes With Victor by MAC Cosmetics:
http://www.maccosmetics.com/makeup_artistry/video_falselashes.tmpl

Mally Roncal: Mally TV:
http://www.mallybeauty.com/mally_tv/category/product_demos?page=2&video_id=26

Julieg713:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi9u8mCNA_g

I hope this blog helps...and I hope you get a chance to review all or at least some of the videos. Trust me, they are good. As usual, let me know what you think.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for subscribing if you have...don't forget that you can also follow me on Twitter (come on, guys...its fun!!!)...

Take Care!

xoxo, Ijeoma

Contest1- Let's Get Started!!!

2009-07-20T22:46:00.005-04:00

Hey, Ladies!

It is the moment that you all have been waiting for!!! The Contest for the BEST Ankara outfit will begin July 24, 2009!!!

Here are the rules, and these rules of course, superceed the previous announcement:

In order to participate:

You must be a suscriber to my blog or a follower of mine on Twitter: www.twitter.com/msiee -(no exceptions, and I WILL verify).
Submit a photo of you in an ankara style (I will also accept lace) that was sewn for you or that you made. Remember: YOU need to be in the outfit...do not submit a picture of someone else!!!
Send the photo and a one liner about the outfit to: ieerd4@gmail.com Do not use any other address. A folder was created for this contest at this address.
You must be 18 yeras of age or older to participate.
You must reside in the U.S. or Canada (Shipments will not be made outside of these zones).
The deadline for the contest is August 16, 2009 @12 Midnight (No exceptions!!!)
Also, please let me know via twitter that you have sent the picture, so that I can keep track of who the participants are. I will also allow people with Facebook accounts to submit a message via Facebook (however, I prefer Twitter). Find me on Facebook as: Ijeoma Enendu Augustine

Now the fun part- The Prizes...

Here are the prize packages: (Only one prize per participant)

A MAC gift pack- consists of 2 eyeshadows and a lipgloss
1 ULTA Glam & Go 52 piece makeup traincase set (eyeshadows & lip gloss)
bare Minerals Face Fashion 5 piece Color Collection

In addition to the prizes above, the winners will also get another small bag of 3 makeup tokens from me.

The prizes will be distributed as follows: First place can select whichever prize desired, the second place will choose, and third place will take what is left.

So spread the word, divas!!! I want to see what everyone is made of. This is contest number one, and depending on the response...contest two will be even bigger!!!

Good Luck, and if you have any questions...I have given everyone three means of communication to reach me at. However, make sure you read and understand the rules, to ensure your submission is not disqualified.

xoxo, Ijeoma

Contest Coming...Stay Tuned!!

2009-07-08T01:50:00.004-04:00

Hey, Everyone!

I wanted to announce a contest that I have coming up. After a couple of blogs, I thought it would be appropriate to have a contest for my regular bloggers and commentors.

What I am doing is a contest that will showcase a bit of our culture. I have many readers (even those that can't comment, because of the restrictions that I have set) and they always ask about the "ankara styles". Well, here is a way for you to help me explain and showcase the creativity that we are known for.

THE RULES...(of course, you know, we have to have them)...

In order to participate, you need to subscribe to my blog
Submit a photo of you in a an ankara or even a lace style that was sewn for you, or you made. Remember: YOU need to be in the outfit...do not submit a picture of someone else!!!
Give me a one or two liner on the outfit, and what it was for.
Send the picture and your info: name and a valid email address to: www.twitter.com/msiee
The contest will run for three weeks, just to give enough time for the word to spread and for people to get their outfits and pictures together.
After the contest closes, I will sit down with my girl, Yankeenaijababe, and select our winners.
Before I forget, after you have sent your picture in, there will be a blog window created for you to send me a line to let me know that you have submitted your pic. This is important, because as the contest gets underway and the submissions start rolling in, I want to make sure all the participants have been accounted for.

THE PRIZE....

I am still trying to decide what I want to do. I do know that I will have a first, second, and third prize- just not sure what I want to include in each package. However, trust me, I like good things...and I won't disappoint...just know that the first place will definitely consist of some MAC Products...

Keep tuning in, and I will continue to post updates. Again, the contest has not officially started. I will post the start and end dates by the end of the week.

So, Good Luck...and I look forward to seeing what everyone is made of!

xoxo, Ijeoma

Risk Factors for Cancer that YOU Can Control

2009-07-08T00:25:00.005-04:00

Hey, Everyone!

Geez, I know I have been M.I.A., but I have been involved in so many projects, and of course, there is the job...my duties as a wife...etc., etc.....but I am not complaining.
I have quite a bit of blog posts that I need to get posted...but I don't type as fast as my ideas flow. So I actually decided to post something now as I listened to the memorial service for Michael Jackson : (

Today's blog post is going to be the start of a three part series on our health, and the importance of maintaining it. For those of us that purchased and own vehicles, we know the importance of vehicle maintenance. The same is applicable to our health. Though, I believe in the possibility of life after death, at the moment, I have only one life and one body, and I have to take care of it, to ensure, I am able to "run" in the years to come. You should guard your body the same.

Our blog topic today will cover factors that we can control to prevent cancer. Many of us don't think about it, because we may feel we are too young or maybe, losing someone to cancer has not happened- so the need to be aware of it, has not hit home. But I am here to tell you...BE Concerned...cancer does not discern against who it affects. However, if we take an offensive approach to it, we are just one step ahead of a battle with it.

The Facts:

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in the US. The first is heart disease.
Lung & bronchus is the most common fatal cancer.
The common site of cancer in men after the lungs is prostate; in women, it's the breasts.
African Americans have higher cancer death rates than whites for numerous cancer sites.
Death rates are higher in African American women than whites for many cancer sites.
Approximately 1 in 3 women in the U.S. will develop cancer over her lifetime. The leading sites are breast, lung, colon & rectum.
The survival rate for cancer has improved since the 1970s in part to improvements in treatment and early detection.

Factors you can control...

Two things that we cannot control with regard to our risks for cancer are: our race and our heredity. However, there are other factors that we can control. These factors were taken from Total Fitness & Wellness by Scott K Powers and Stephen L Dodd. (This is a textbook, that I ordered from their publisher, because it is such a good book. If you would like the info on where to find it, contact me).

Diet
What we choose to eat, not only affects our risk of obesity, but also our risk of cancer. A high fat diet has been linked to breast, colon, and prostate cancer; and the American Cancer Society reports that alcohol has been "implicated" as a cause of breats cancer and probably colorectal cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends eating a variety of healthy foods, with "emphasis on plant sources" (ACS, 2009).
They also encourage limiting the consumption of processed and red meats, as well as limitations on alcohol consumption (no more than 1 per day for women, and 2 per day for men).
Diets that are high in fiber are encouraged as they lower the risk of colon and rectal cancers.

Alcohol Use
The more a person drinks alcohol, the more their risks of cancer developes. According to the American Cancer Society, the association between alcohol use and cancer are with mouth, esophageal, laryngeal, pharengeal, breast and liver cancers.

There are other high risk behaviors that should be brought to light that increase your chances of developing cancer. For instance, comsumption of alcohol is also associated with smoking. For people who do not smoke or drink, being at parties or at a bar where alcohol and smoke (especially) are present, exposes you to second hand smoking, which is also dangerous.

Tobacco Use
If you do not smoke, don't start, and if you do smoke- consider stopping.Tobacco use is the single largest cause of cancer deaths. Heavy smokers are more likely to die of cancer than non-smokers (Powers & Dodd, 2009). However, stopping smoking at anytime, reduces your risk of cancer.

Each year, second hand smoking is responsible for as many as 3,000 lung cancer deaths in nonsmoking adults. Exposure to second hand smoking causes health problems in both children and adults such as chronic bronchitis and asthma.

*For more information on smoking cessation, visit the www.cancer.org for more information.

Physical Inactivity
This is my favorite topic, because as you all know, I am a gym fanatic. For some, exercise is just a way to lose weight, and for those that have been blessed to not have to pray about not gaining weight, exercise is for the birds...not anymore...we all need some form of exercise, at least 30 minutes of it.

Exercise has been shown to build up the immune system, which helps us fight off colds and other types of infections. Exercise has also been shown to help us have regular bowel movements (Powers & Dodd, 2009). Exercise helps us maintain a healthy body weight, which reduces our chance of becoming obese, and hopefully as you have learned up to this point, reduces your chances of developing cancer. I could go on and on, but I hope that you catch my drift.

Exposure to Ultraviolet Light
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet ligt from any source can damage your skin. UV radiation is the primary cause of cancer.

Some ways to protect your skin are: do not use tanning booths or sun lamps, when outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible, and always use suncreen of an SPF of 15 or higher. More tips are provided on the American Cancer Society's Webpage.

Viruses
Viruses can cause cancer by invading cells and damaging our DNA. One virus that is gaining media exposure is the HPV virus , which is linked to cervical cancer.

Abstaining from sex, using condoms , and limiting sexual partners can reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

**********
This list is not all-inclusive. It is important to do your own research and begin to take measures that will protect you. I do not claim to be an expert, I am just the vehicle to put the bug in your ear and get you thinking. For the sake of space and to ensure this blog was an easy read, I had to limit some information while still keeping points.

Please check out the American Cancer Society's Page. There is a wealth of information on their site if you have any questions. Majority of my facts were pulled from there. Another source that I enjoyed was my text, Total Fitness & Wellness by Scott K Powers & Stephen L Dodd. This text was written so the reader could enjoy it, and benefit from the information presented. I bought this book, when I was searching for a text that would cover issues in health and fitness related topics.

I hope you enjoyed this lengthy, but healthy review...stay tuned for parts two and three!

xoxo, Ijeoma

A Quick Moment With Ijeoma

2009-06-25T02:23:00.003-04:00

Hello, everyone!

I hope your weekend went well and that you spent some time with the special man or men in your life that earned their day, Sunday. For me, that would be my dear father, and of course, the best husband in the world... my Afam!

Today's blog will be a bit different. I am going to kind of go off in the direction of discussing my experience with fibroids. Back in March or so, I posted an article on fibroids, and I gave the background on them. Since then, I have received so many comments and questions about them.

I know that in my culture, it is taboo to talk about such health issues, but this is important, and health is not something that should be shielded from anyone, especially if the info provided can benefit another.

Some people may know that I at one time battled with fibroids. I learned about it very late. Apparently, they existed within me for years, but when I experienced a period of ongoing stress, for me, this was when I joined the police department, they kind of grew. I began to experience heavier periods, PAINFUL periods...I was also always tired...lacked energy. I began to develop a pouch, some would mistake it for a baby...but no, those were fibroids, and I became severely anemic. I always knew when my period was around the corner, because my knees would ache, and I seemed to have to use the bathroom every half hour!!!
Some women have said that their periods became irregular...but I never lost mine. As a matter of fact they were regular and on time.

If you are not aware of what fibroids are or what their symptoms may be, you will assume you just have some "issues" that can be solved with midol or rest. That is not the case. For me, the symptoms became worse as I got older and encountered more stress. For example, I started to break out like crazy!!! It was horrible. My mood was up one minute, and I was ready to knock someone out the next minute. Finally, in 2007, I made the decision that enough was enough, and I decided to undergo surgery to remove the fibroids that were giving me a problem. By the time I went into surgery, I had four large fibroids...the day of surgery, one of my fibroids began to degenerate (die off), so the doctors were concerned with cutting away the three that remained.

Most women fear surgery because they fear it will interfere with pregnancy. However, depending on the treatment that you choose, you could actually try to preserve your fertility. I can't answer the fertility issues personally, as my husband and I are not actively trying "yet". But I embrace whatever God has in store for me, when he is ready for me to produce my offspring.

Did the surgery solve all my problems? Not really...I still have little fibroids that can grow at any time, and some science suggests that simple things such as food, lack of exercise, and stress can trigger their growth. It has also been said that the lack of a baby makes room for the fibroids to thrive. All in all, I am well...I have more energy now, then before...but I still have to be careful, because the fibroids can come back, and I will be back to square one.

Either way...I write this blog to encourage all women, especially women of color, to get checked out. Be very aggressive when it comes to monitoring your health- and not just for fibroids, but for cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses that you may develop. If you have a history of an illness in your family, learn about the illness and learn the measures that will prevent you from developing that illness.

Eat well, exercise, and avoid certain habits such as smoking that can cause heart disease or in the case of diet, obesity and diabetes.

This is what was on my mind this morning that I wanted to share with everyone. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me, drop a comment, call me or even look for me on twitter.

In the week ahead, I intend to post an article on proper nutrition, and a quick exercise circuit to keep your metabolism on the up to help you burn those extra calories.

Until then, stay healthy!!!

xoxo, Ijeoma

Natural, Braids, and Dreads...Oh My!!!

2009-06-18T02:29:00.006-04:00

Hey, Ladies:

I have an interesting topic today. I am curious to see what you will say about this post. I will wait for the comments here or on twitter (whichever, you guys prefer to use). Enjoy!

I was surfing through YouTube and I found a couple of videos on the hair journey to natural hair.

I watched several videos where young ladies made the decision (God bless them) to go natural. For them, gone are the days of weaves, the days of perms, and texturizing the hair...now, long, healthy, thick and natural hair is what is flaunted.

I was actually inspired by the many journeys that I watched because I know I have contemplated this natural journey for so long. In 2005, I stopped relaxing my hair, and for three years, I rocked long and nautural tresses that were every so often, concealed by braids or even weaves. This was great because my hair thrived and was so healthy. However, by the end of last year, I was ready for a new look. So, I put the relaxer in, and I chopped off my long hair.

My ever encouraging husband, did not flinch. He looked at my hair and said, "Wow...its different, but you look good."

It did not take time for the guilt to set in, and a week later, I immediately made an appointment with one of my braiders, and had them braid my hair immediately! Eight months later, I am back on my journey again. Not sure where I am going with it this time, but for now...I just want it natural.

But the reason for this blog is, I have contemplated dreads. Seriously! I work out nearly every day, and I am extremely busy...so, I need a style that I can manage and still look gorgeous. Dreads are not the dreads that they used to be. Time and styles have changed, and now, there are dreads that are done that are so neat, so slim, so sleek, you almost forget the stigma behind them.

Stigma??? Oh yes, I said stigma.

We all know how corporate America feels about dreads...what about the misconceptions of others (i.e. hair is dirty), or what about men that may not find dreads feminine, but more masculine???

I have a link to the Tyra show below. She did a show on what is "good hair". I found it interesting and watched it on YouTube into the wee hours of the morning. The comments that were made by some of the people she spoke to were very interesting; some, a bit more appalling than others.

As usual, I seek your comments and suggestions. What are some of your hair routines? How do you prefer to wear your hair? Do you feel that your hair defines you as a person?

I look forward to hearing from my ladies. Let me hear your thoughts, and be honest.

I will talk to you soon,

xoxo, Ijeoma

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeXUm8OOUA8

I was tagged!

2009-06-17T03:19:00.006-04:00

Hey, everyone!

I was tagged by Yankeenaijababe about two weeks ago requesting a pedicure look with nail polishes that were not so expensive. I should say that it was more of a challenge. She also asked that each person tagged show their favorite colors. So, in this blog, I will show the look I did for my toes first, using some purple color by OPI...and then I have a picture of the nail polish colors that I will or have been rocking for the summer. I will also name them below the picture.

L-R:
China Glaze- For Audrey
OPI- Suzi & The Lifeguard
OPI- Sahara Sapphire
OPI- Shootout at the OK Coral
OPI- Banana Bandana

I get my OPI Polish when it is on sale. For example, I definitely shop for it at ULTA because ULTA always has it for buy 1, get 1 free or buy 1, get 1 half off.

*Be sure to check out Yankeenaijababe's blogspot. She has interesting articles on her page that make you think, and she does cover fashion and beauty as well.

Take care, everyone,

xoxo, Ijeoma

MAC's Naked Honey Collection

2009-06-17T02:09:00.006-04:00

Another release by MAC...and I find it fun and cool! Let's get started with the review.

I seriously waited for this collection for about four months and was finally happy that it was released! I mean, once my plane landed on Thursday last week, I immediately drove from the airport, straight to Nordstrom so that I could get my hands on the new eyeshadows- and I am glad that I did because my Nordstom and the MAC online store are sold out of all the colors except for one.

Lipglass:

Three lipglasses released with this collection. I settled for two instead of the three:

She's a Star- Another light color I decided to pass on. I have so many similar shades from MAC

Queen Bee- I think this is the best one. A sheer peach that makes the lips look so sexy!!! It is sold out at the Nordstom in Columbia, and as of 06/17/2009, it was sold out on MAC's website.

Buzz- This lipglass is a "bronzy" frost. If you have Beaux or even Liquer (not sure if I spelled it correctly)- don't waste your money on this lipglass.

Eyeshadow:

I actually budgeted to purchase the three eyeshadows that were released with this collection. I thought the colors were so cool and a nice addition to any makeup kit. I also like these colors because if you wanted a bridal look, you could pretty much create one out of these beautiful colors.

Creme de Miel- The color payoff is gorgeous! I love this soft gold color that comes out almost creamy like. It is a must have! As of 06/17/2009, it was sold out on the MAC website, so definitely check around your local MAC stores and Nordstrom counters.

Pollinator- This color is so cool...I have always wanted a coral-like color in my kit, and this is the color. It is not intense, but it does show. Of course on lighter complexions, the color payoff would be awesome. I love this color with Buckwheat and a hint of Corduroy to intensify the Buckwheat. Plus, (Hint!!!) That color combination makes for one of the best sun-kissed summer looks ever with the Queen Bee Lipglass. For added shimmer, add a pop of the Creme de Miel under the brow, and in the inner corner of the eyes...for more daring ladies, pop that color in the middle of the lid!

Buckwheat- This color is similar to some colors that MAC has released- however, it is still a pretty color. If you already have Magnetic Fields (which may be a limited edition from another collection), Tempting (from the last collection), or even Face Front's Bitter Bark...you will be ok- you don't necessarily need this color. Even Urband Decay's Smog (from the Book of Shadows) would work well as a substitute. Buckwheat is also out of stock.

Highligt Powder

This collection came with two highlight powders which I disregarded. I bought a few by NARS from Sephora. But, check them out- you may actualy like them.

Naked Honey Skin Salve

I like the salve and I bought two to be on the safe side. The website is out of it. This salve moisturizes the skin and can even be used on the lips. I prefer to use it on my elbows (lol)...my feet...or other areas on my body that need softening. Though they advertise that it is scented...the scent is so light, you barely notice any scent at all. This may be a plus for many of you that do not like heavily scented products.

Naked Honey Hand and Body Cream

For $23.00....I am not sure if you really want to spend your money on that. Continue to use the drug store shea butter or cocoa butter and get your fix that way....

Creation Hues Parfum

Two were released in this collection: Africanimal and Naked Honey. I prefer the Naked Honey, though I did not buy either.

All in all, I would say that this collection was decent. There were not a lot of new products to try like the Style Warriors collection, however, I actually prefer these colors. I hope that down the line they will carry some of them regularly ( I have a feeling that they will).

Well, that's my review, and I hope you enjoyed it. As always, you don't have to buy these products- I know that they can be costly. You can look for dupes at Sephora or even Ulta. I was in Ulta the other day and found some beautiful eyeshadows by Maybelline that were similar to this Mac collection. I picked up two and will do a look with them. This will tie in with my new segment on Beauty, Compliments of your local Drugstore.

Take Care, and I will "see" everyone soon!

xoxo, Ijeoma

Sorry for the delay...

2009-06-15T02:45:00.007-04:00

Hey, Everyone!

I just wanted to appologize...no, I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I went to my homestate of Iowa to tour, while my husband attended a seminar. This was a great way for me to get connected to my past as well as relax. I did not lift a finger for anything!!!

I am late with a couple of postings...my girl, Yankeebabe tagged me a couple of weeks ago, and I have the pictures and all...I just need to post. I will have it posted by this weekend.

I also have a review of the new MAC Honey Bee Collection that was released June 11th. As usual, I will have alternatives for everyone and let you know what works, and what will not work.

I am looking forward to the July 4th weekend, as I will be in Atlanta for my people's convention (Nnewi...yea!!!!). I will definitely take a bunch of pictures so that everyone can see how much fun we had as well as see me in a new light (I actually want to change my profile picture, and this will give me an opportunity to).

Well, that is all I have for now...please bear with me, I have been slow...but I definitely have my mojo back!!!!

I will talk to everyone later,

xoxo...Ijeoma

A Quick Beauty Products Review

2009-06-03T00:51:00.007-04:00

Hello, everyone!

I know it has been a while since I posted. Work has driven me away from so many things. But I guess I can't complain, especially with the economy. I should be happy that I have a job that I can complain about, right? (just kidding)...I actually like my job.

So, this will be a quick blog. I have two products that I will make mention of because I like them, and want to share them with everyone. I think they are beauty's "best kept secret".

Sephora Body Super Supreme Body Butter

This stuff is so good! It reminds me of Nivea, but it is much more silky (seriously). It goes on your body like fondant, and it does not leave a greasy feel or oily look. After one use, your skin will feel so silky, and moisturized, it is almost too good to be true. Oh! Before I forget, "a little goes a long way". Just a little bit of the lotion gets the job done. Did I mention the scent yet? The scent is awesome! It is not strong, but it has a light scent that is very refreshing. I could go on for days about this wonderful body butter.

Sephora carries two sizes: 5 oz. for $15, 13.52 oz. for $25. I would encourage you, if you can, to make the $25 purchase.

Now, I will be real. I do understand that the product may be a bit pricey for some, so I recommend trying the $15 one or getting someone to buy it for you as a gift. It is a sweet indulgence. However, again, the trade-off here, would be to purchase Nivea from your local drug store for a fraction of the cost. It is almost the same, but Nivea is a bit more greasy.

Either way, if you try the product, be sure to come back and let me know how it worked out for you.

On to the next one....

African Black Soap

I was online at Coastal Scents, and discovered that they now carry African Black Soap. On my last trip to Nigeria, I purchased a six pack that I am still working my way through, because the soap lasts!!!

Coastal Scents bragged about its effective use in curing Eczema, acne/pimples, some discoloartion, and restoring radiance to the face. I read the reviews because I was curious to see what others would say about the soap- in particular non-Africans, that would not be familiar with such a product. I was actually shocked to see that many had tried it, and actually loved it. As a matter of fact, they gave the product very high ratings.

This had me thinking, because I stopped using my black soap for a while, because I noticed that for a hot second, I had uncontrollable pimples, and wanted something else that would be stronger. I later discovered I am allergic to peanuts, and since then, my acne flareups have ceased. However, after reading the reviews on the African Soap, I picked up my regime with it again.

I have always loved the way my face feels after I use the soap. Its refreshing, especially after an hour or two at the gym. My face is definitely clearer, and the complexion- brighter.

I would give this soap a try, because I sincerely feel that it is a beauty secret, plus I like the fact that the soap is a natural product, and not processed. The soap will leave your skin feeling a bit dry- but it is important to use moisturizer afterwards.

Coastal Scents sells the soap for $13. That is just one bar!!! Yes! I will be the first to say this is pricey considering the fact that I purchased a six pack in Nigeria for under $5!!!

I know that if you search your traditional African Markets, you should be able to find this soap. It may even be cheaper. I will go to my African market tomorrow and check. Then I will do an update and let you know.

As usual, if you try the product or have tried the product- let me know (and other readers). This is a good way to pass information. I have readers that unfortunately cannot leave comments because of my blog settings, but for those that can, definitely post your thoughts and be honest.

Well, that is my quick review. I will be back...keep in mind that I am also due for a follow-up to our "Get in Shape" Blog, so stay tuned for that.

I am signing off now!!! Bye!

xoxo....Ijeoma

Prepping for Relaxation

2009-05-28T21:35:00.007-04:00

Okay ladies...here is a new and different blog for you! Beauty is not simply in makeup, but in how we take care of ourselves as well.

When you think about relaxation, what comes to mind? Is it a nice get away to a place far away?...a soak in the tub?...candles?...soft jazz and the windows open to a breeze?

Whatever your preference, I have some solutions to amp your current routine.

For me, my relaxation begins with a workout at the gym. Seriously...I am able to unwind when I am able to lift weights followed by a good run or 30-45 minutes on the stair climber.
Afterwards, I always look forward to the nice long shower (once in a while, I may soak), that is preceded by the soft Cuban blends of Celia Cruz...dim lights....candles...and the most important of all- PEACE!

What are you listening to???
First, we need to set the mood. Some people may prefer classical musical music, others may prefer soft rock. Still there are many others that prefer to hear some smooth jazz or the tunes of some of the latest R&B artists.
I go for a mix of all. On my iPOD, I have a playlist with some of my favorite artists already locked in. Here are a few of them:

Kirk Whalum All I do
Luther Vandross Take You Out
Maroon 5 Sunday Morning
JazzyFatNastees El Medio
Christopher Cross Sailing
The Doobie Brothers Minute by Minute

Now, where are those candles??? There are several brands of candles that offer fine scents. However, I like to look for candles that burn well and have a beautiful scent. I own several brands, and lately, I will grab whatever is on sale, or a scent that is not already in my collection. I will say that CVS carries these Indulging candles that have a heavy scent payoff, and the size is quite large. I believe their burn time is close to 36 hours. For about $7.99...its not a bad price, considering sometimes, it is buy one, get one free or get one half off.

Now off to the bathroom...

Some shower gels that I definitely recommend are:

Carol's Daughter You're So Fresh Body Cleansing Gel - if you think your regular shower gel is the best, wait until you get your hands on this 8 fl oz bottle that is infused with spearmint. The scent will truly lift your spirits.

Fresh Sugar Lemon Bath & Shower Gel - the ultimate indulgence for spa divas. The scent of sweet lemons fused with freshness, is enough to make anyone want to hit the shower again.

Lush Bath Bomb in Honey Bee - Bath bombs are good for relaxing and soaking in the tub. The scent is also pretty nice.

Tree Hut Creamy Body Wash in Brazilian Nut- for people who are allergic to nuts, like me, you can get your fix with this body wash that lathers up pretty well in the shower. Try their body scrub in the same scent.

Suave Skin Therapy Body Wash in Exhale- Yes, even on a budget, you can still get the spa treatment without breaking the bank. I actually prefer to use this body wash in the mornings when I am struggling to wake up. This body wash has a strong burst of tangerine that invigorates the mind and body!

Caress Exotic Oil Fusions Body Wash in Brazilian- passion fruit and acai are your key notes in this wash that take you to another place outside of your bathroom. A positive note: the scent lingers minutes after your shower.

After a nice shower/bath...continue your de-stress process with sensual lotions such as these:

Nivea: On a regular basis, Nivea is my lotion of choice, but as we all know, Nivea is very thick, and may not do well for some people in the summer. There are different types of Nivea lotion to suit various needs, however, if you chose to branch out consider:

Olay Quench Body Lotion-made with shea butter, and not filled with heavy creams and oil. This lotion is light, but suitable enough to keep ashy skin at bay in warm and winter months.

The Body Shop Peppermint Cooling Foot Lotion- What better way to relax your feet than with this peppermint infused lotion. After its application, you feel as if you are walking on air. Apply it, and then head to the next step as we unwind....

Have you thought about what you might wear?

Of course, you are at home and can wear whatever you want, but why not take it a step further. Is your husband or significant other coming come, or is he "waiting for you" as he watches tv? If you are alone, use this time to get acquainted with your body. Love its every nook...dimples and all...really study yourself. There is a song where a girl brags about what she will be wearing when her man comes home, but don't even wait for the man (this is about you)! Love yourself in just a t-shirt and panties. (Ladies, I know you may think I am crazy...but I am dead serious). Lingerie is not only for a man's eye...you can wear them for you! Before I was married, I bought sexy lingerie...not because I was planning ahead, but because frankly, I love my shape, and I kow what looks good on me. Furthermore, a good confidence booster is wearing something that makes you feel good about yourself. So come on, get out of your shell and break out some lingerie. For my ladies on a budget- the t-shirt and panties are cool- just not the ones with the holes in them!

This is the point where I literally jump nto my bed and relax. By now, the windows are open and I can hear the birds that are flying off to their nests as they prepare to sleep...my dog loves to imitate me, and I glance over and watch him as he spreads out on his dog bed...if my husband is still at work, I may reach into my night stand drawer and grab my journal and jot down a couple of thoughts about the day's events and future events.

Relaxation is something that we all need. It is something that we should make out time to do regularly in our schedules. I try to allot myself this special "me" time at least 3 days a week. Remember, no one, not even a doctor can care for your body like you can. We only get one, so we might as well treat it well, because it will show.

Take Care, ladies...and until next time,

xoxo...Ijeoma

bareMinerals

2009-05-25T13:10:00.008-04:00

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

Yesturday, after a long debate with my co-workers, I went to Ulta to purchase my bareMinerals starter kit. I had heard so much about bareMinerals, but I was stuck on my MAC Studio Fix and refused to try anything else. Well, that changed when I saw a friend's face. She came into work with a couple of breakouts, and within five minutes of applying Sheer Cover, her face was damn near flawless!

Sheer Cover is similar to bareMinerals. However, it is definitely more expensive. She suggested that I try the starter kit from bareMinerals to see if I liked it, because its purpose was very similar to that of Sheer Cover.

So here is my review...let me know what you think- especially those of you that use bareMinerals or have tried bare minerals.

The Positives:

For Starters, the kit comes in a nice sturdy box that contains the Skin Rev-er Upper, to be used prior to the foundation application. The kit also contains two foundations for different complexions. Out of the two, one may work for you perfectly like I found, or you may have to combine the two. It also contains the bareMinerals Tinted Mineral Veil, bareMinerals Warmth All-Over Face Color (the eqivalent of a bronzer), three application brushes, and a DVD to instruct you on its application.

This kit was $60.00 from Ulta, and I believe from the website, you can also purchase it for $60.00 as well. One thing to keep in mind, if you purchase the kit from Ulta online, the online store always has coupons, and you be able to save on your purchase, as opposed to paying full price! Of course, I checked Sephora, and Sephora also carries the starter kit for $60.00.

I will post the links for Ulta, Sephora and bareMinerals after the review, for you guys to check them out and judge.

*************************

On my first application, the powder goes on really smooth, almost creamy like. The more I looked at my face in the mirror, the more I started to see that it actually blended well with my complexion!

With bareMinerals, the key is to remember that "a little goes a long way". It really does! You just tap a few drops of the powder into the lid of the container, and swirl that brush in there, and then buff it onto your face. If you want more coverage then add more powder.

What I love about this, is the powder is so light, it is ridiculous! It's not as heavy as your traditional foundations.

Another perk are the brushes. The brushes are good and sturdy. I am going to try using the smaller brush on my eyeshadows and see the effect.

The Negatives

Of course, I wish the price was a little lower, especially if it is a starter kit.

Secondly, there are way too many steps to achieve a flawless face in the morning...the tap, tap, tap...swirl, swirl, swirl, and buff, buff, buff...are enough to drive anyone crazy and make them late for work. As a type A person, I need something that offers a quick sweep so that I am on my way.

Third, the concealer does not come with the kit. Though Leslie Blodgett insists that the foundation is almost like a concealer, and you can do quick treatments, I do recommend the concealer if you have a bit of redness or any sort of discoloration that you want to treat prior to the application of foundation. The concealer is pricey...it is $18. I have checked Sephora and it is the same price.

The Tinted Mineral Veil was a bit much for me. After the application of the foundation, I should have been ok...but according to the instructions, I needed my mineral veil for the finishing look. Once applied, it took my perfect complexion into a state of "ashiness". I don't know if it was because I applied too much or what, but I was not happy with the final look. I will try this again, with just the bare minimum of the mineral veil and I will let you guys know how it works out.

My Final Thoughts...

I would recommend bareMinerals for people that need light coverage and want something that is not too heavy. Yes, there are other mineral products out there, but keep in mind- you get what you pay for. I believe Loreal has a mineral line, Pur Essentials is one...and there are countless others..do your research, and see what other bloggers have tried first hand.

The good thing about bareMinerals is if you are not satisfied for whatever reason, as long as the products in your kit remain in tact, you can return the kit for a full refund.

So give it a try, and let me know what you think.

So long for now...

xoxo, Ijeoma

Watch the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdy576AWljk

Links:

Bare Essentials: http://www.bareminerlas.com/

Sephora: http://www.sephora.com/

Ulta: http://www.ulta.com/

MAC's Style Warrior Collection

2009-05-21T21:39:00.005-04:00

I am very excited about Mac's Style Warrior Collection. This is the first time that I ever bought several items from a single collection. The packaging is fierce and the colors are amazing. Seriously, I am really feeling what MAC did this time around, and I am looking forward to the next collection, which I believe will be even better. As usual, I will do my reviews, and make some suggestions where you can save your money.

Isn't the packaging cute???

Now check out the colors.....

Eyeshadows

The eyeshadows were very pretty and very tempting to purchase. I actually purchased 2 from the collection out of 4. My favorite is the intense yellow veluxe pearl called Bright Future. I bought this one because I really did not have a yellow that was as bold as this one, yet very wearable. This is not like Chrome Yellow (for whatever reason, on me, Chrome Yellow is not as bold).

I also purchased Tempting. Tempting is a shimmer bronze like color, and honestly, if you have colors like Romp, Bronze, or Mulch then you do not need to add Tempting to your collction.

Other colors were Vibrant Grape- I regret not purchasing this one, and I may actually go back and add it before they run out of it. However, for now, if you have Fig1 or even Nocturnelle, you will be okay. No need to drop the extra 11.00-12.00 bucks.

Another fun color, but very similar to colors from the past is Soft Force. Soft Force would make an excellent highlight color for the brow bone. However, it also very similar to colors such as: All That Glitters, Retro-Speck, Shroom, and Innuendo. So check your kit before you make the purchase.

Last but not the least is, Night Maneuvers. I really liked the color when I saw it, but decided against it because I had similar colors. For example, Truce, Coquette, and Omega...can very well get the job done.

* For this collection, if you want to save the money, but have the cool colors, look into Loreal's Hip Duo in Flamboyant. The colors are very intense and beauuuuuutiful! Plus, the duo is $7.00 or so.

Eye Kohl

You can forgo the eye kohl liner, unless you do not have one. Any eye liner in black will do. I have several MAC eye liners, but I also own Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide pencil in Zero. Buy what ever works for you.

Prolash

I am a huge fan of MAC mascara. I think their mascara is the best, especially if you want that fake lash look. For this collection, they advertized the Prolash. The Prolash is great, but I would not recommend it for everyday wear. Instead, opt for the Plush Lash or Mascara X. If you are on a budget- then Cover Girl's Lash Blast can get the job done. I have one, and it is VERY comparable to MAC's Plushlash- seriously.

Lipstick

The lipsticks were ok...I was not moved enough to buy more than one. Instead, I settled for the Sunsational. It is soooo pretty. I like that it is sheer and has a hint of a sand like color to it. I would definitely add this color to your collection. As for the others, Purple Rite, Tribalist, Brave New Bronze; they were simialr to colors that I already have and have not used. These colors were more on the purple and pink side...unfortunately, I purchased a lot of pinks with the last collection, and did not desire to have them in this collection.

Lipglass

All four lipglasses in this collection get four stars from me. I bought 3 out of the 4. I missed out on the more purple one, which was Fierce and Fabulous. Honestly, I don't know why I slept on the purple colors this time around.

I purchased Liberated, which is a safe gold. I also purchased Gold Rebel, a very cute and sheer coral color and Style Warrior, a more rich chocolate color.

Here are some lipglosses that may already be in your collection and can substitute for this collection: Crystal Beach, Flight of Fancy, Body Mind, and Nico. Again, if you want to save money, look into Sephora's Lipgloss in #09 or Smashbox's Radiant.

Beauty Powder Blush

They had two for this collection, and I took the On A Mission, which is more of a mauve color. All my blushes are gold or copper in color and I wanted something a bit more subtle and "girly". I tried this on, and I am in love. The color is sweet!

Solar Bits

This was something new to me from MAC. So I decided to get one, since I figured it would not hurt. Solar Bits are meant for the eyes only. You can not use it as a bronzer because it is not as refined for such use, and if you do use it, in pictures it will show up like a hot mess.

I purchased the solar bits in Impassioned and when I went into my makeup train, Lo! and Behold!....It is very similar to my Face Front's Loose Mineral Pigment in Bitter Bark. It is pricey ($19.50), so if you are not big on make-up...don't worry about this...or...purchase Bitter Bark from Face Front, because it is only $10.00 or so....

There are two other colors for the solar bits...but if you have some pigments from MAC....hint: more than likely, you will already have these.

Bronzing Powder

I did not purchase any of the bronzing powders. I am still trying to finish the one that I have and rarely use.

Lustre Drops

I thought these were interesting...they are liquid bronzers, and yes....I also passed on these.

Iridescent Powder

Passed...I have a loose powder...

Skin Sheen Leg Spray

This is for all my "lighter" skinned girls that desire some color in the summer time. Of course, I passed...those who know me, know I don't need to self tan or "fake" it. However, if you are into movie art then this is for you...

Nail Lacquer

Three colors were released in this collection. They are nice colors, but I have some alternates that you may like, and of course they are like $5 or $6 cheaper. OPI has Tahitian Twilight, Melody in Mocha, and Purple with a Purpose. Also, try Maybelline's Dreamy Taupe. It is one of my favorites.

Brushes

MAC did suggest two brushes to get:

#182, a buffer brush

#242, a shader brush

For these, I would go to Coastal Scents for their brushes. They are very similar and not expensive. You can also try Sephora. I know that back in the day, the same company that made the MAC brushes made the same brushes for Sephora...I'm not positive if it is still that way, but you know where I am going with this.

I hope this review helps. I was really excited when I came home from the gym and saw my package waiting for me. I immediately tore it open and started playing around with the colors. I also bought some more Fix+, Sinnamon Lustreglass, and some MAC Cleansing Tips.

From what I understand from some sources...there is another collection coming out in June. I saw some pictures and I am dying ...waiting for them to be released. There is a whole lot of stuff going on with that collection...lotions...honey...

Until next time, thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again soon...

xoxo....Ijeoma

My Smoked Out Purple Look

2009-05-21T01:09:00.011-04:00

Welcome back!

Last night, I decided to play around with some of my eyeshadows- my Urban Decay Shadows in particular- and the following is what I came up with.

This is a mix of a wine with a hint of pink, and some brown, for the ultimate cool hue for your eyes.

Mind you, I did not do a full face (thus, the greasy face)...but next time I will. For some reason I appear to be a bit bloated in these photos...in actuality, I am not...but because this was a close up, some how I ended up looking so...whatever- I don't care! Its hard being the photographer, model and makeup artist all at once ; )

Here is what I used to create the look:

The Eyes:

Urban Decay Primer Potion for the eyelids

Urban Decay Roach e/s

Urban Decay Scandal e/s

MAC Couduroy e/s (for the outer corner of the eye)

MAC Kid e/s (for the brow bone to highlight)

MAC Plushlash Mascara (*You can stop here...but if you are daring...throw on some lashes...I used Ardell's Wispies...)

Lips:

Bobbi Brown Lipgloss in Beige

For the Face:

Use a Primer for the face before you add the foundation of your choice. I like MAC's Prep & Prime Skin Base Visage

Also...when your face starts to get greasy...like mine did in the photo after a gazillion shots...use Urban Decay's De-Slick mattifying powder. That thing works wonders!!! (If I was really going hard for this blog, I would have used it...oh well...until next time...).

I am working on a couple more as fillers in between hauls and reviews...

Until next time, everyone...

xoxo, Ijeoma

Sephora Haul

2009-05-20T01:44:00.006-04:00

Hello, everyone!

I told you I would be back with more of the shopping hauls and of course, my favorite, make-up. I actually wanted to save this haul for when I purchased my next big order from Sephora, but I figured, why not start with what I have, and discuss the next shipment in another blog? Right?

So there is another haul coming up, and I also have the new collection from MAC on order, so be on the lookout for that. Now, on to the haul....

As you all know, I have actually become addicted to shopping online. I do not know if its because of the convenience (no waiting in lines, not being bumped into or stepped on in the mall, or just the peace and quiet), but I can't stay away from my on-line stores, and there is no exception for Sephora.

I bought a couple of items that I thought I would share. Some of the prices were reasonable, and frankly, the products are well worth the purchase (but I will leave that to you to decide).

Viva La Juicy ($85.00)

I blogged about this a week ago, and my feelings for this parfum have not changed. I wore it to work on Monday, and I was approached for the name three times. So there you have it- my signature scent...and three more reasons to justify its purchase : )

Lancome Bi-Facil Eye make-up remover ($26.00)

This has to be the best eye make-up remover of all time. It removes your make-up completely. I have been using this for a little over three years and love how it works with the quickness. Yes, I know, $26.00 may be steep for make-up remover; but this is a suggestion...not mandatory.

Cargo Lipgloss Quad in Casablanca ($24.00)

I love Lipglosses by Cargo. This will be my second purchase from them. I have one that I keep in the make-up vault, because I love the sheer sexiness of this lipgloss on my lips. This quad was $24.00, but I saw on Sephora that they have the Tijuana Quad, which is very similar to the Casablanca Quad that I purchased, but it is only $16.80- not bad! The texture is non-sticky and the colors glide on smooth. I would say that the colors look good on any skin tone.

Stila Convertible Color in Peony ($25.00)

Make-up does not have to serve one function, and this convertible color demonstrates so. I purchased the peony color, and I am not going to lie, it is a bit lighter than what I wanted (I should have bought Camelia), but it is still good. I like the fact that it gives my cheeks a soft glow, and my lips a nude look when needed. It does not feel caked on or sticky...sometimes, you even forget that its there. Some people prefer it just for the cheeks, and others prefer it on the lips...either way, try it- I think you will like it. Unfortunately, it is a very popular product and Sephora is sold out. Hopefully by the time I post this blog, they would have received some more shipments of it.

Nars mini Monoi Body Glow and South Beach Multiple Set ($49.00)

I love the Monoi Body Glow that comes with this set. It smells sooo good. It has a nice light tropical scent, and yes, you glow after its application. I like the fact that it comes with the Nars Multiple stick. This stick can be used on your eyes, lips, and cheeks. The stick is actually full size, so you saved yourself the $37.00 just to purchase it alone.

L'Occitane Dry Skin Handcream ($10.00)

I always like to keep a tube of lotion in my purse or clutch. I also keep one in my cruiser because I am forever washing my hands due to all the people I come into contact with on my job. Naturally, I need a moisturizer. There are several on the market that are good, i.e. Bath and Body Works: Look Ma, New hands! hand cream. However, I have been drawn to L'Occitane's hand cream. It has shea butter as well as honey, coconut, and almond oil in it that keep your hands moisturized. Every time I place an order at Sephora, I throw in my L'Occitane hand cream. It's addictive.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Zero ($16.00)

A lot of You Tubers like this eye kohl, and so do I. I purchased three prior to this one in black. I love the fact that it glides on creamy, and while it is still wet, you can blend it to adjust the color for an eyeshadow look. I would say this is a staple for any make-up train.

With this purchase, I got a sample of the Spackle under make-up primer. Primers, in general, are good if you wear foundation, because it pretty much "preps" your face for make-up application. With its use, foundation goes on seamlessly.

*******

Well, that is all for this haul. I do have two more coming up soon, as well as a new makeup look for the summer. Forgive me, I know I am getting slow with these posts, however, I am relishing in the freedom of no school obligations as well as spending time with the hubby. We had to give up one of our dogs :( ... but right now my personal time and space are precious to me (before I start the pressures of school and work again. Plus, I just landed the coolest internship for the fall semester- so I need my rest now).

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer...until next time,

xoxo, Ijeoma

Body Fit

2009-05-15T12:03:00.002-04:00

I am changing the direction of my blogs. To keep the blogs interesting, I will mix up the topics a bit to include topics on fitness and food- my favorite! Do not worry, I am expecting a couple of packages from Sephora, so the make-up/ product reviews will be back...as a matter of fact, they are up next.

Summertime is around the corner, and it is that time when we remember our resolutions to get in shape (despite the fact that we have neglected them for a couple of months...). This is the time when we want to get in shape for the beach, or you can be like me and get in shape, and somehow, never make your way there.

Whatever your goals are for your body, I want to encourage you every step of the way. If your commitment is a small temporary change or a more permanent lifestyle change; I have some tips to guide you along the way.

Be Realistic
One thing to keep in mind when you are setting goals is to be realistic. You should honestly look at your self and assess what it is you are trying to achieve.Write your goals down, and remember that "Rome was not built in a day" neither was the best-looking body. In addition to writing out your goals, identify your barriers to achieving your goals. Does work make it impossible for you to get to the gym? Do you lack motivation? Are your family members supportive?

For example, with my Nigerian roots, its acceptable to have some weight on you. Personally, I did not want the weight, because for my job, it would just "weigh" me down (no pun intended).

If this is your first time engaging in physical activity, you may want to clear it with your doctor, especially if you are older or have a physical ailment or medical condition. If not, start off slowly, and listen to your body.

Check your diet!
Many people wonder why they can exercise until they are ready to pass out, and never seem to drop any weight.
I always advise that people should check what they are putting into their bodies. Believe it or not, but what you eat, has everything to do with how your body looks.
To lose weight or get in shape, you do not need to starve or even diet, you jus need to memorize this simple fit equation: put out more than you are putting in. In other words, decrease caloric intake and increase your daily energy expenditure.

We all know that 3,500 calories equals one pound of fat. Most people do not realize that if they are not careful with their food selections, they could easily consume 2,500 calories in a day! If you do not believe me, maintain a food diary for a week. Let me use another example: It is ok to snack, but what snacks are you reaching for? Is it an apple or applesauce? Or are you reaching for the cannister of Pringles?

Calories add up from some of our "most innocent" habits such as drinking juice as opposed to water when we are thirsty, and going for the late nate snacks for those late night movies. There are healthier choices, and I will post some links below to get you started.

Get up and Move
Yes, I said it: MOVE!!!
I am always amazed when I am told that some one was able to lose weight by diet alone, or I am asked if there is a way to lose weight, but "not have to exercise all the time". Well, it's simple, if you chose not to exercise, the minute you decide to start eating again, the weight you lost and more will creep back. Second, you do not have to exercise all the time, but you do need to move more often than you don't.

Exercising has many benefits that do not have to be painful at all. Through exercise, you start to feel better mentally, you also look better physically, you meet people, and it gives you another hobby to occupy your free time.

Exercising does not have to consist only of running and walking. That would become old fast. You can play basketball, hike, rock climb, dance, swim, ride your bicycle- even walk your dog. The key is to MOVE, and MOVE for at least 30 minutes.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that we should be physically active everyday for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity. This includes taking the stairs as opposed to the elevator...parking a little farther and walking to your destination.
Studies have shown that: an increased level of regular physical activity combined with dietary restraint maintains weightloss more effectively than long-term caloric restriction alone.

Leave the Scale Alone
It is not necessary to hop on the scale and check your weight daily. Once a week is fine; however, do not rely on the numbers to tell you if you are in shape or not. I lift weights regularly, so I will be heavier than someone who chooses not to. If your clothes fit better, than you know you are doing well. Remember that muscle weighs more than fat. Of course, if you have not been exercising, what I have said here, does not apply to you : )

Moderation is the Key
Do not deny yourself a treat if you are able to stick to your new plan. Some people like to wait until the end of the week to reward themselves, however, I say set up two goal posts- one for mid week and one for the end of the week.

This will encourage you to stick to your new exercise regime and healthy eating practices. If there is nothing on the other side to motivate you, you may have a hard time staying on and you may fall off your plan. Also, choose a moderate treat. Don't eat the whole Dorito's bag or attack the whole pan of Domino's pizza, plus buffalo wings, and breadsticks...enjoy a slice of the pizza...measure 1/2 cup of the Dorito's. As you become more focused on achieving your goals, you can substitute your treats to be non-food, such as taking a trip, or buying a new outfit.

Be Prepared, You Will be Challenged
The key here is to identify why and how you fell off, and then try not to have it repeat. Do not quit, continue. This is where identifying your barriers comes into play. If you know that when you go out, you have to have a glass of wine, an appetizer, the main entree, and then dessert, identify where else in your food plan for the day you can modify the caloric intake. Or determine if the wine and dessert are necessary. Can you have one instead of both?

Try to find a buddy that can hold you accountable for your actions. Not one that will tweak the truth, but one that is just as eager as you are to see that change. At work, I have several co-workers that take their diet and exercise regime seriously, and when I feel like I am lost, I know I can count on them for some advice and encouragement.
Of course, you guys can always start with me. If I do not have an answer, I can research it and find it for you.

Good Luck, and I will be posting more information relating to this blog in the weeks to come. Let me know if I can be of assistance.

xoxo, Ijeoma

Links:

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/diary.htm

The United States Department of Agriculture
http://www.mypyramid.gov/

The American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200010

Time For Spring Cleaning!

2009-05-14T23:42:00.004-04:00

Springtime is the time when we move our clocks forward, we begin to round out with school, and of course, start to go through our garages, bedrooms, and basements for those things that are no longer needed. However, have you ever given some thought to some of the other things that may need a bit of spring cleaning such as your makeup?

I never really gave this any consideration before. I just assumed that if I preserved the make up properly, it would last forever (I know, I am guilty as charged...but I love my make-up!). That is not the case. Properly maintaining and disposing of old make up is important as many begin to harbor bacteria that can cause infection. There are some make up that will last longer than others, such as your pigment powders; but there are some, such as your mascara, that have a life span of 6 months as soon as you open them.

Below, I have listed some of the products that are commonly used. Check your make-up train, cosmetic case, medicine cabinet, and bathroom drawers, and make sure your make-up has not expired on you.

Eye Products:

Eye shadow- (powder) 2 years; (cream) 12-18 months
Mascara- no more than 6 months (avoid adding water to your mascara)
Eyeliner- 2 years (sharpen regularly to reduce bacterial growth)
Concealers- 12-18 months

General Areas of the Face:

Blush- (powder) 2 years; (cream) 12-18 months
Powder- 2 years; (loose powder) 3 years
Foundation- (Oil free) 12 months; (Compact foundation) 18 months
Face moisturizer- 3-12 months

Lips:

Lip liner- 2 years
lipgloss- 18 months to 2 years
lip stick- 2 years

Natural Cosmetics:

Expire earlier than regular cosmetics
Contain fewer preservatives, which means the product will break down faster
Susceptible to bacterial overgrowth

Brushes & Sponges:

Wash your brushes regularly
Invest in disposable applicators instead of the regular sponges

**Always remember, all make-up has a shelf life whether they are the expensive department store brands or your local drug store brand.

For more information, visit the following website:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-safe.html

What's Your Scent?

2009-05-13T18:31:00.005-04:00

Hello, everyone!

Today, I am reviewing some perfumes that I think many of you may be interested in. I am a collector of perfume- no lie. At one point, I owned over 30 bottles! Yes, 30...but we all know someone can't wear that many, not to mention that I don't wear perfume every day either.

I do think it is important for women to have a least three and these three should be unique scents that they almost become your signature scent. Your perfume tells a lot about you, so you should choose scents that not only reflect your personality and/or mood, but a scent that also sets you apart from the crowd. Have you ever gone into a room or have been somewhere, and all of a sudden a particular scent starts to evoke some memories or have you ever smelled a scent on someone, and then days later, you smell that same scent and you are reminded of that person?

That is what I like; and though, I buy parfums (yes parfum, not perfume there is a difference) mainly for my enjoyment, I am thrilled when I am approached and people ask, "What are you wearing"?

Okay...enough of the introduction! Let me introduce you to six of my all time favorite scents. With the exception of 2, all of them can be purchased from Sephora or Nordstrom. For the other 2, I will include a link at the bottom.

Juicy Couture $85.00-$300.00
Juicy is a rich and classy scent. I would use this scent in the fall and winter, especially since they have a part 2, which is lighter and more "summery" than the original. However, if you are a nonconformist, then by all means, rock this scent all year round. I would say it is a diva-like scent for an up and coming socialite.

Notes: green apple, vanilla, and definitely patchouli

Viva La Juicy $85.00- $300.00
Fun & flirty! Wear this scent, and people will follow you. Other females will pretend like they don't envy the scent...but trust me when I say men will ask.
This is the scent that I was referring to as the more spring and summer scent. I think I like this one more than the original. I am on my second bottle.
Warning: There is something in this bottle, because it attracts men (they like the scent).

Notes: berries, sanalwood, caramel, jasmine

John Galliano Eau de Parfum $90.00
I picked this bottle up when I was in London. It was the bottle that caught my attention.
I liken this scent to aristocracy. It is also a rich scent. Acccording to the designer himself, he created the scent after his muse, to evoke her love of travel and adventure. Every time I smell this, I think...importance...I think suits...I think of a night out with that special significant other.
This parfum stays in my vault because it is not often that I fly to London.
Link to the designer's website is at the bottom.

Versace Crystal Noir $70.00
My husband selected this scent for me for my birthday last year, and I fell in love.
It has a fun and seductive scent. It is a definite for the mature independent working girl.

Notes: I belive there is sandalwood in there...definitely a "spicey" scent

Hermes Kelly Caleche $75.00- $110.00
Hermes Kelly Caleche is not for every girl or woman. It is a mature scent, so you would want to select the proper occasion for its use. Its scent is more like a mystery. After it sets it, you will be left guessing what is in it...but its not chocolate, though at times it hints of it.

Notes: mimosa, lily of the valley

Agent Provocateur Maitresse $70.00
O la la...
When I first smelled this at Sephora, I thought, alluring and exotic. I have never smelled a perfume as close to this one. Ladies, you will definitely enjoy this. Whether at work, at the mall, or at a party, this should be one of your top three. It is almost as important as your sexiest lingerie!

The Bonuses
Like I stated earlier, I don't wear perfume or even parfum everyday. Some times, an event will call for something lighter, like going to a picnic. That is when I reach for my body mists by Victoria's Secret. Some ladies prefer scents from Bath and Body Works, and that is fine, however, I feel the scents from Victoria's last longer. My favorites are listed below:

*Pure Seduction

*Blossoming Romance

I like these for after the gym when I still need to run errands before heading home, or for after a nice long shower; I even mist my bedsheets at night right before I sleep with these.

I hope this was a helpful review. I Have other scents that I may review for next month, until then, if there is a paticular scent you would like me to review, e-mail me, send me a twitter, or leave a comment below.

Until next time,

xoxo, Ijeoma

John Galliano
http://www.johngallianoparfum.com

MAC's A Rose Romance

2009-05-04T02:09:00.005-04:00

Hello!

I am back again, blogging about one of my favorite cosmetics, MAC.

The new Rose Romance Collection is an interesting collection. Definitely "girly", yet romantic and classy. The colors are more lilac and pink hues, with some blue edge.

Below is my review, plus a special feature to help you save on some unnecessary duplicates.

Eyeshadows:

I purchased "Of Summer". It was the only eyeshadow that I purchased out of the four colors from the collection. As we all know, sometimes MAC will re-release colors with a new collection or sometimes create colors that are slightly similar to what you may already have. So to avoid that, I just ordered the one color that looked unique to me.

They also added Shadowy Lady. As you may know, Shadowy Lady is a regular at MAC. So if you already have it, you are good to go, if not, I would probably add it. You will also find Creme de Violet. I would liken this to so many of the other lilac colors that MAC has. If you have Beautiful Kiss, I would say that it is comparable. Last but not the least, is Et tu Bouquet. I did not waste time with this color, I figured since I had Arena, I was ok. However, if you do not have any specific "highlight" colors, you can go for this one. I believe that it may also be a regular as well.

Pigments:

MAC released two pigments, and I only went with one. I chose the Circa Plum, because I loved the lilac color and honestly, I do not own any pigments that are a light lilac color. The other color was Mutiny. I could have sworn MAC already had this as a regular...either way, I have so many "blue" eyeshadows, I did not feel this one was necessary.

Lipsticks:

I did not purchase any of the lipsticks. I looked at the three colors and felt that there was something similar already sitting in my make-up train. You can have a look at the swatches on their website and see if any one of them moves you to make a purchase. Personally, I would go easy on this collection, because they have an even better collection coming out at the end of May. (I have frozen any more spending until the release of that collection).

Tinted Lipglass:

I purchased two of the lipglasses. The first one was Virgin Kiss. It is more like a lemon color with some gold specs. Can be worn alone (yes, ladies...leave that liner alone! You know who you are!)

The next one is Magnetique. This color is very beautiful. It is also a bit different from the regular browns and "Barbie" pinks that I like to rock. Magnetique is more like a fuschia color and it is very vibrant. Definitely go look at it in person, not online. I went on-line, and it appeared to be a soft plum color.

See Through Lip Color:

I purchased the Tender Tryst lip color. The whole "see- through" concept was new to me, and I thought that it was actually pretty glossy (wrong!). This is more like a lip stain, and it dries pretty fast. The color is wonderful, and it actually looks like it does on-line (a pretty wine). The trick with this lip color is to dab it on- not smear it. Also, if it is too dry or dark for you, do not hesitate to add some lip glass to it.

Rose Romance Beauty Powders:

Sorry, did not purchase any...and now I am wondering if I should have. Either way, go and see the colors for yourself. Julieg on YouTube has a review of this collection. Like me, she did not purchase all, but she did review some products that I did not purchase, such as the Beauty Powders.

Ijeoma's Tip for this purchase....

Take a look at the colors pictured above....
As I stated earlier, many of the colors in this collection are re-releases, and some are very similar to colors that you may already have.
I wanted to help everyone that is on a budget, by showing the colors that are already in one's collection, to alleviate the pressure to indulge in this collection. See? I want to help you save up for that new collection.

Based on the color scheme for the Rose Romance collection, I have selected similar colors from my make-up train. I have named them below:

Flashtrack
Flirty Number*
Velour
Bliss
Arena
Shale
Crystal
Tilt
Remotely Grey*

The shadows with asterics next to them mean that the colors may have been limited edition colors. Therefore, double check with a MAC make-up artist to be sure it can still be purchased.

That is my review. I hope that helps! I am off to study. I needed a break, and this one somehow has me feeling refreshed : ) ! Talk to everyone soon,

xoxo, Ijeoma

The Beginner's Must Have Eyeshadows

2009-05-03T23:03:00.007-04:00

Welcome back everyone!

Today, I wanted to share what I believe are the most important colors any girl starting to dabble in make-up should have. It is very easy to get caught up in all the beautiful and intriguing colors out there, amd I want to make sure that as you are "selecting" and "collecting", that you have the staple colors that are needed to create your basic look.

For starters, let me give you a hint. If you are starting out, by all means, do not buy every color that the makeup artist tells you. Why? Simply, you may not use all the colors regularly. Regularly is the key here, because make-up is not cheap, especially if you spend your money on some of the more popular ones.

I would recommend setting up an eyeshadow palette such as the quads or the 15 color pro palette by MAC. However, you do not have to use the 15 color palette, nor do you have to use any of the palettes by MAC...you can try Ulta or Sephora and see what they have for eyeshadow pans. For this review, I will discuss the MAC palettes, because that is what I have.

Now the 15 color fill palette by MAC is not cheap. The palette alone is $12.50, and the eyeshadows are around $11.00 a piece. So if you try to go and fill up your palette in one day, you can expect to drop $170.00 on just that purchase alone! The Quads are a little cheaper ($9.00)...but not necessarily better value wise- and I will cover that later in this blog.

Let me share some tips:

If you are starting out, consider your price and then consider your basic colours. For instance, Coastal Scents have an 88 eyeshadow palette that is only $21.95. So for $22.00 + shipping and handling, you can have all the colors you want and need and not break the bank. Plus, all their colors are very rich and comparable to MAC (seriously). I will post the link after this blog, and you can try it for yourself.

If that does not suit you, I also recommend Urban Decay's Book of Eyeshadows. It is a wonderful eyeshadow palette with 16 intense colors that you can create all sorts of looks with. It is $45.00, but you get the Primer Potion (a must have for your lids), and two eyeshadow brushes- and I love their brushes!

My only hang up with the palette is that the colors are more of a shimmer, and I like to have matte colors mixed into my look so that I don't look like a disco ball. My solution is to carry a matte color like Carbon from MAC, and dust the shimmer away.

However, if you insist on the MAC colors, here is what you will need:

I recommend two of the quads- if you are more experienced, then go for the 15 color palette.

For your first quad, chose colors such as:

Vanilla (Velvet)
Honey Lust (Lustre)
Satin Taupe (Frost)
100 Strokes (Frost) (Good for smoking/shading)

For the second palette, I would add colors that can take you from the office scene to the night scene, such as:

Coppering (Veluxe Pearl)
Bronze (Frost)
Brule (Satin)
Nocturnelle or Fig 1

For those that decide to purchase the complete palette, add the following colors:

Wood-winked (excellent liner and good for the inner corner of the eye)
Handwritten (my ultimate blender)
Sable
Tete-a-Tint (One of my favorite colors...I use it frequently)
Typography or Carbon
Gorgeous Gold
Sketch

If you are more daring, substitute any of the above, depending on your needs with:

Newly minted
Club
Green Smoke

I write all this not to say purchase everything at once. Take your time. The worst thing you can do is buy a bunch of colors and then not use them. As I stated before, these colors are way too expensive for that.

However, if you need to, do not feel bad just purchasing a palette, and then like twice a month or so, just adding one color until your palette grows. Do your research (yes, you need to with make-up) and know what works for you. Also, check out some of the reviews from some make-up gurus on YouTube. Some of my favorites are: Queenofblendingmua, fafinettex3, makeupbytiffanyd, and makeupgeektv. All of these ladies know what they are doing and offer some really good tips to get you started and to learn how to coordinate the make-up colors that you have.

Good Luck with your experiments and feel free to post your comments or email me. I am also on twitter, and you can follow me. My alias is msiee.

xoxo, Ijeoma

Links:

Coastal Scents:

http://www.coastalscents.com/

Urban Decay

http://www.urbandecay.com/

N.B. I will not post the link to MAC, since you need to go to the MAC Store to order the pans and refill colors. However, if you want to check out the website, visit my side bar for the link!

Why???

2009-04-28T16:56:00.002-04:00

The last two weeks have been tough for me. I have been fighting allergies...writing papers...studying for finals...hitting the gym to get ready for the summer...and more recently, trying to understand this whole swine flu.

Today, in investigator's training, I pondered (I like this word), the many things that were going on in my life, and decided to write them out in question form. Obviously, I am still searching for answers, and hopefully, while I am still in this philosophical phase, the answers will come.

1. Why is it so hot today?
2. Why have I plateaued in this quest to get in shape?
3. Why do I only have three pages of a 12 page paper written that is due this Sunday?
4. Why can't I figure out which classes I need to take this fall so I can complete this damn nutrition program?

5. Why do I feel like I have to rush this nutrition program?
6. Why am I subjecting myself to an age requirement to be done with ALL my pregnancies?
7. Why did I even just think of that? (See question #6)
8. Wait a minute....Lil Wayne performed on The View??? Wow...that does not get a why...it gets a "Huh???"

9. Why am I stressing over the two finals next week?
10. Why do the builders of our new house keep pushing back the delivery date?
11. Why have I not saved up for the new furniture that we will need?
12. Why do I feel like I am in a style rut?
13. Why did I just spend $150.00 on MAC products this week?
14. Why do I feel the urge to drop some more money on replacing my Juicy Parfum?
15. Why did I come up with this list?

Whoever thinks they know the answers...I'll treat you to some Ice from Rita's!!!!

xoxo,
Ijeoma

What's Your Carbon Footprint?

2009-04-20T01:11:00.006-04:00

In celebration of Earth Day (April 22), I wanted to do a blog on environmental awareness and share the importance of our involvement in local environmental problems. Recently, I have been hearing the term, "carbon footprint". I was not sure what it meant or what it was supposed to be, and I ignored it. However, after doing a research paper on global warming, I knew it was time to learn more about my carbon footprint.

What is your carbon footprint?

According to the Global Footprint Network, our humanity "uses the equivalent of 1.3 planets to provide the resources we use and absorb our wastes".

A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change (Carbon Footprints.com). This includes, our private transportation, what we do for recreation and leisure, our car manufacturer, home electricity use, the type of home we have, and gas, oil, and coal consumption.

As you can see, everyday, things we do contribute to the green house gas emissions that cause climate change. Now, I know what many of you will say, especially since I am a self-admitted "big spender". However, it may please you to know that since I know more about how my habits affect the environment, now I know what role I play in the solution to the problem.

At the bottom of this blog, I will include a couple of sites that will help you determine you carbon footprint, and also provide tips for becoming eco-friendly.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Be informed! The more you know, the more you will be aware of factors that are no so friendly to our Earth.
Explore other modes of transportation. No, I don't mean sell your car, but you could car pool once a week.
Recycle!!! Recycle discarded paper, plastic, cans, etc.
Send e-cards. Some of us may be sentimental about certain well-wishes sent in the form of a card, but for the most part, we all know these cards get tossed. Try sending an e-card. Most are free, and better yet, they do not waste paper. *Now that's being eco-chic!
Eat greener. Try organic products. Organic produce has higher nutrient content.
Use daylight, and turn off unnecessary lights.
Pick up your trash and dispose of it properly.

Here are some celebrities that are eco-friendly:

Leonardo DiCaprio
Brad Pitt
Sheryl Crow
Al Gore
Orlando Bloom
Natalie Portman
Ed Begley, Jr.
Edward Norton
Cameron Diaz
Alicia Silverstone

This is what I have done so far, because my carbon print is high...I mean more than I would tip a waiter high! For starters, I send e-cards. I like e-cards, and there is so much versatility with them. I like to make mine personal and there are several websites available on the internet that offer programs for that. Also, when I grocery shop, I like to reuse bags. However, in keeping with the whole "chic" mode, I have purchased these cute bags from Trader Joe's that are like $2.00 and they are sturdy enough to store your goods in them. I also like to use them to tote my junk.

I am not trying to change anyone- but, I do think it is important for us to be aware of how our actions affect the environment. Start today to make a small change that will make a big difference later. Enjoy!

xoxo, ms.iee

The links for today:

The Global Footprint Network: http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/world_footprint/

Conservation International: http://www.conservation.org/

Carbon Footprint: http://www.carbonfootprint.com/

Global Green USA: http://www.globalgreen.org/

***For my eco-chic ladies, please visit Sephora's website for some eco-friendly products. You can find their link in the side bar of my webpage.

Ugh! Fibroids!!!

2009-04-16T03:10:00.003-04:00

I am sharing this post today as a way to relieve some slight mental stress and at the same time help other women.
I went to the doctor today, and was told that I would probably need to have a myomectomy to remove a fairly large fibroid that I have.

I could not believe it. I mean, in 2007, I underwent my first myomectomy to remove the three large fibroids that I had! Back then, the doctor who performed the surgery told me that I would be okay for now, but that I would need to get "pregnant" soon, or the fibroids would grow back.

Obviously, the fibroids came back...and well, at the time, my fiance and I were not ready to have kids...
For those of you who may not be familiar with what I am talking about, here is a little bit about fibroids:

Fibroids are noncanceroud tumors that develop in the uterine cavity.
Fibroids usually affect women in their 30s and are rare in women under 20 years of age- though they begin to develop once a women begins to menstruate.
Their cause of growth is unknown, however, it has been attributed to estrogen levels.
They are more common in African-Americans than Caucasians.

For more information, I have posted some links below. I gathered the above information from one of the medical websites that I enjoy, Medline Plus.

If you or anyone you know suspects that they may have fibroids, I encourage you or that person to have a sonogram done to see if there are fibroids and how big they are. What I won't encourage is allowing doctors to scare you into surgery or miscellaneous tests that put money in their pocket, but do not ease your concern. Also, do your own research and learn about them. The more armed you are with information, the more comfortable you will feel about your body.

That is all for now...I am scheduled to have another test done to observe the uterus from "another angle". I will keep everyone posted.

xoxo, ms.iee

Here are my links for more info on fibroids:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000914.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/uterine-fibroids/DS00078

http://www.womenshealth.gov/FAQ/uterine-fibroids.cfm

My April Make-Up Spree!!!

2009-04-12T02:18:00.000-04:00

This month alone, I have spent quite a bit of money on make-up. I am almost positive I have outdone my self this month, than I have in just 1 maybe even two years of shopping. My total this month is (might I also add, thus far): $750.00!!! Now, let's imagine what we could do what that $750.00...maybe save up for the new furniture for the house that my hubby and I are building...maybe even pay my school fees! Ok...enough of that...let's get on to the reviews!!!

I stopped by Ulta this past week while I was at work, and honestly, I think I have found my fix when I am too lazy to get to Sephora. Seriously, Ulta is your CVS Drugstore with a Sephora twist. And Ladies, Ulta carries quite a bit. I was seriously impressed.

I bought my Urban Decay Palette that comes with 16 Shadows (see picture), two brushes and a cute travel size primer potion. This set was $45.00- but it is worth it. The colors are excellent, and you can definitely produce some of the baddest looks from it. Yesturday, I did a look with Shakedown, Perversion, Baked, and Sidecar.

I found a baked eyeshadow by Too Faced, called Mocha Meteor from the Galaxy Glam Collection, and it is nice! It is a mix of a dark brown and coral like color. I am not sure what I may do with it, but I am almost positive that it can be worn alone. For $20, it's a little over priced, but the pot is full!!!

I decided to give NYX a try, and I invested in two of their eyeshadow palettes. I bought the Aloha/Mink Brown/Deep Bronze, and the Perpetual Palette. The colors on the perpetual palette are cool- I mean, we are talking a deep brown, crisp spring green, and a very vibrant fuschia color. The green does not show up as much, but it is still good.

While at Ulta, I stumbled into their section for body care, and indulged myself in some of the lotions on display. I bought two body butters from JAQUA. They are so sweet and smell so good...almost good enough to eat- but dont!
I bought a ton of other stuff from Ulta, but for the sake of space and time, I will stop here with my purchases from there.

I ordered some eyeshadows from Urban Decay's website: Halk Baked, Kiss, and Roach. I also purchased one of the deluxe eyeshadows in Heat. All are very pigmented, and go on very smooth. I would definitely say that Urban Decay is in my top five of favorite make up brands.

Last but not the least, I went to the MAC Pro Store yesturday. However, I was slightly disappointed. I made a list of the 15 eyeshadows that I wanted to buy, and out of the fifteen, they only had 11. I also wanted to purchase one of the pigments and they were lacking that as well. I ended up substituting with other colors, because I really wanted to build my first palette, instead of purchasing the individual shadows in the big cases.
I'm telling you, once you figure out the "potting" business, you will never look at the MAC eyeshadow cannisters the same.

I do intend to create another palette. I found some other colors that I know I don't have...and need...I guess...

Anyway, I needed to take a break from studying for my Microbiology exam that is kicking my butt. Thankfully, the topics are interesting, so it is a bit easier to review for the exam.
I know, I still owe a couple of postings...I'm trying to play catch up in between studying and working. Hopefully, before the end of April, I will have them up. I know I owe like two more. Don't forget to scroll to the bottom to get the links for the products!

Bye for now,

xoxo, Ijeoma

The Links:

http://www.maccosmetics.com/
http://www.urbandecay.com/
http://www.ulta.com/

Welcome to April!

2009-04-07T02:01:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I totally lied when I said that I would be blogging regularly...
Time waits for no one, and it sure does not make an exception for me. Between work and school (Ugh! School!)...things have been a bit hectic.
For example, I should be studying for my Nutrition exam, but no...I am creating messages for my blog.

However, I promise, within the next two weeks, after exams and major papers...I will start posting seriously. The first thing I would like to do is get my picture up, and then edit this template. My next post will hopefully have some of my pictures from my recent trip to Naija and then my review of the top 6 make-up products for the month of April (hmmm...maybe I should do it soon before April ends, right?)...

Anyway...bare with me...I promise to be up and running soon. At least my weekly posts will resume in the next two weeks.

XOXO...IEE

We are up and running!!!

2009-03-31T20:58:00.000-04:00

Finally! I decided to create a blog in addition to my spot on Facebook.
I decided to open up the blog due to the huge response I received from the Wedding Diary I maintained on my wedding website.

I am sure, it garnered attention because I am candid and I say what I think (and see).

Well, stay posted...I will have some pictures and postings up soon. Right now, I am trying to study for my Nutrition exam that is coming up.

XOXO...Ijeoma