Yummie Winter Cocktails with Allaire Privee

Jack Frost Martinis:

2.5 Oz. Allaire Rum 2 Oz. Pineapple Juice1/4 Oz. Blue Curacao 1/4 Oz.  Cream of Coconut

About Allaire Privee: Allaire rum is aged for a minimum of 3 years in oak barrels, enhancing the sensory richness of this festive cocktail.

Solange Said Let It Go

Earlier this year I lost a good friend. He went into the hospital and didn't come out. He died in less than a week, and when I got the call that he died, it was like someone had pushed the reset button on my mind.
Self-awareness moment: I can be a lot; dramatic, extra, petty, etc. These are things I have always wanted to change about myself, but that I had talked myself into believing were the quirky things about my personality that made me special so I wouldn't have to do the work. In reality, they have been the chains around my ankles preventing me from elevating.
The connection: the passing of my friend made this fact come to the surface as something I need to deal with, now. On top of this, I need to take a hard look at my friendships.
I consider myself a good friend but again, if we are talking honestly here, I can be a lot. I need a shoulder to cry on a lot for some friends, and for others, I am not their shoulder enough. I hold on to people who I know could care less, while I fight for those that I know I have outgrown or vise versa. This became very clear when I lost a friend who was a huge part of my life and development that I hadn't talked to in ages, more focused on people who could give two shits.
I'm upset with myself about this, but Solange said let it go. I'm working on it.
Every year I make resolutions that I don't follow through on. This makes me feel bad about myself, so I decided not to do any this year. However, if I had to have one, it would be to have the strength to let go of friendships that have run their course and be content with the good memories the friendship brought me. On the other end, I have to be cool with people letting go of me. This could end with me having no one to my left or right, and I'd have to be cool with that, even though it's scary.
This will be VERY hard for me, but I feel that if this is successful, I will feel lighter. I will keep you updated.

Lyft Love

So since the last time we spoke, I have gotten addicted to Lyft. It is cheaper than Uber, which annoyingly locked me out of my account, and let's be real: I hate the bus, even though that is more in line with my budget.
Taking a Lyft ride when I have a bus pass is like standing on top of my apartment building and throwing money out of my purse. But in my defense, the bus is horrible. I have a habit of sleeping past my stop when I am coming home from work, and the other riders have cooties.
One night about a month ago I requested a Lyft and got a hottie. He was like super duper tall and had a beard. Need I say more? Taking advice from a previous Lyft driver who told me that women need to flirt more with men because if you wait on a man to flirt with you, you will be waiting forever, I began to flirt with him. I have to be honest, my exhaustion and desperation made it pretty easy to lay it on pretty thick. The result: I got his number and it was his actual number. Success!
Or so I thought. About three rides in of back and forth flirting and hearing about his daughter and baby mama I asked myself: at this point, shouldn't I be getting free rides or something? Then I realized: no, I shouldn't be, because he is not interested. He is just using me so I can keep getting him for rides! Duh!
I haven't requested him since my epiphany on principle but I am torn as to whether or not this was a bad thing. I got a ride home and some eye candy. But I am going to say it was to keep money in my pockets, which sucks, because he was super cute.

Shrink of my Dreams

As many of you know, I have been wanting to see a therapist now for about ten years. So many of my friends have gone into therapy and I have gotten to witness the positive differences that it has made in their lives first hand. But sadly, I have never been able to afford it.
Fast forward to three months ago: I was walking into the office building across from my job when I literally ran into a shrink! She asked me what I was going into the building for and I said that I was wondering if there was a psychologist in the building. She said yes, that it was her, and she walked me back to her office to do a free assessment.
I immediately liked this lady. She told me that she had just graduated and that she'd just started her practice. She is also in her 30s which is great. I don't want to be an agest, but the idea of telling all my problems to a 20 something makes me want to croak.
I have to tell you, that ten minutes was the most relaxing ten minutes of my life honey. She just asked me general questions about myself, and if she hadn't have stopped me, I could have talked for hours. She told me that she wanted to get more info and run some tests and blah blah blah and that session would be $500. Afterwards, each session would be like $200.
Okay, so that sounds like a lot and it is a lot. But I think of that fee as an investment in myself and my sanity. So, being uninsured, I am dropping pennies in my piggy bank daily to get to my session with my shrink. It may be next winter before I get in to see her, but I am looking forward to getting to the root of my COUNTLESS issues.

White Christmas Blues

How is it that I love the holidays and hate the holidays at the same time? I mean really, how is it?
They tell me that holiday depression isn't uncommon, but if it isn't, why isn't anyone talking about it? I'd rather hear about how to deal with this on TV than how to make Christmas cookies or whatever other nonsense that they saturate us with during the holidays.
My family has experienced a lot of loss during the holidays, which makes me want to curl up under my blanket and wake up in June. But then, my birthday is this month which makes me want to get up and dance.
Confusion.
This is nothing new. Every winter I complain about this. I feel like this every holiday, and short of getting a prescription, I don't know to deal with it. Maybe you don't, maybe holiday sad is just a thing like being happy when the first days of spring come. Here's to being holiday content.

Get Personal with The Stationary Studio

Everyone is doing everything online these days, even for formal occasions and personal situations. Very rarely do people send out hand-written invitations or letters anymore. You have no idea how much this disappoints me. I mean, I am a girl that saved all her birthday cards, that still sends out Christmas cards, and who once upon a time had a pen pal. No matter what the trend is, I still love writing letters to people so you can understand why I was in hog heaven when I found out about The Stationery Studio.

Kate Spade Rose Fold Over Note Cards 

Black and White Floral Stripe Foldover Note Cards

The Stationery Studio has a HUGE selection of cards and stationery to choose from. Because I like writing my own messages in letters and because I still write letters to friends and family ( I know, you may think this is old school), I prefer blank cards. It was hard to choose only a couple of things to order, but I am in love with the above cards. The Kate Spade cards are simple and elegant and perfect for sending out as thank you notes, while the floral stripe note cards can be personalized with your name and can be used for updating family and friends on your life with a personal touch.

Are handwriting thank yous not your style? That's fine, because The Stationary Studio also has a wide selection of invitations for any occasion, notepads and stampers. They even have a selection of party supplies you can personalize, home decor, and supplies for back to school. Check out The Stationary Studio and find products that fit your style. 

Meagan Good is Making a Movie...and Needs Our Help!

Krazy Actress Productions, co-founded by actress Meagan Good  (“Minority Report,” “Think Like a Man”) and actress-writer Tamara Bass (“Baby Boy,” “All That Matters”) has launched an Indiegogo campaign to help finance its next project, “If Not Now, When.” 

The feature film was written by Bass and will star both women. Sway Calloway (VH1, "MTV News”) has signed on as executive producer. 

The Indiegogo campaign launches on the heels of the landmark success of Krazy Actress Productions’ web series, “All That Matters” which debuted on World Star Hip Hop and earned over 25 million views. 

“As young women, we remember watching films that molded and shaped our perspectives on womanhood and friendship,” said Good. “I wanted to be a part of making films that inspire others the way that I was inspired...to make movies that take people on a journey, and tell a story that ultimately makes us love ourselves a little bit more.”

“If Not Now, When?” is reminiscent of popular female bonding movies prevalent in the ‘90s. The film tells the story of Suzanne (Good), Patrice (Bass), Tyra and Deidre, friends since the age of 14. Over the course of their lives, fights, disagreements and love have created distance between them, particularly Suzanne and Patrice who haven’t spoken in almost 15 years. When Tyra experiences a crisis, the women reunite and rediscover the importance of sisterhood, as they band together to look after Tyra's 14-year-old daughter.

"I wrote this movie because we are committed to telling stories that showcase diversity, and to doing our part to create more leading roles for women of color,” said Bass. “Leveraging a crowdfunding campaign to raise capital for our film not only allows us to maintain creative control, but also gives the fans a chance to weigh in on what types of movies they want to see and support."

The Indiegogo campaign goal is $750,000. Donors will receive a variety of perks ranging from autographed scripts to producer credits.

For more information and to contribute to the campaign, visit www.krazyactressproductions.com or the Indiegogo campaign page. 

Rustic Crust Pizza Night

I love baking, but there are certain things that intimidate me to bake. Pizza has always been one of those things because I just knew in my heart that I would mess up the crust. With Rustic Crust, you don't have to worry about this! The crusts come with pizza sauce and in a variety of flavors. Below, see my instructions for a Cheesy Spinach Pizza using the Rustic Crust Cheesy Herb Flatbread. 

Get your Cheesy Herb Old World Pizza Crust here.

                           Spread the sauce                          

  
Get your mozzarella cheese and spinach 

Add cheese  

Add spinach 

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Then Eat!

The cool things about Rustic Crust? There is no trans fat or added sugars. There are also no GMOs, and the grains that make the rust crust are not bleached! Eager to have a taste. Visit their website here for more info! 

Yay for Dr. Sharp's Fresh Mint Mouth Wash!

I know that having sensitive skin is common, but is there such thing as having a sensitive mouth? I ask this because a year or so ago I decided to fully commit to using mouthwash (yes, I know it is gross that I already hadn't) and the mouthwash was so strong that is actually burnt my mouth! After that, I decided that brushing was just going to have to surface, and then I came across the Dr. Sharp Dentistry Fluoride- Free Mouthwash.

This mouthwash is all-natural and tastes so good! And it doesn't burn like other mouthwashes. This product is also vegan and paraben, alcohol, and gluten-free. There is also no color added and works just as well as a traditional mouthwash. 

But Dr. Sharp's mouthwash isn't the only tasty, all-natural product he has to offer! Visit his website here.

The Half- Way Point

Last year was such a crazy year for me that I was OVERJOYED that 2016 showed up to put an end to it. I made a list of goals and I was determined to get everything on the list done. And I mean these were life-changing goals ya'll. Now look: July 2016 is here, the year is more than half-way over, and I still have not done everything that I need to do! Not completing my goals depresses me, but today, I find myself awake and alert and motivated to knock some of the goals off of this list. My birthday is in December, and I refuse to turn 32 with the same old unaccomplished goals on my list from when I was 26. I have made lists. I have made plans. I even fell victim to the vision board craze. Now it seems like the only thing to do that I know will bring results is to buckle down and get these things done. I am pretty protective of my goals, but I will share one with you: TO FINALLY LEARN TO DRIVE! I will keep you posted!

Do You Have BraBlems? Third Love Has You Covered!

Do your straps sag after you put on your bra? Is your bra so tight that it makes you look like you have four boobs? Or, my personal favorite, do your girls flop out of the sides of your bra? If you answered yes to any of these questions chances are you have BraBlems. But it's okay. The good people at ThirdLove.com have solutions to all of these pressing brazier conundrums. 

Ready to invest in a bra that won't give you BraBlems? Click here and use the code BRABLEMS to get 15% off! 

alice + olivia X Basquiat

alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is proud to announce that the late Neo-expressionist artist and frequent Andy Warhol collaborator Jean-Michel Basquiat has been selected, through the Basquiat Estate, as the partner for the second capsule collection that will help support the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s efforts to promote young talent. The collection, shown as part of the alice + olivia Resort 2017 season, will land in stores and online in November 2016.

Must-Eat Summer Yummies!

It is no secret that I am a heavy snacker. I would go as far as to say that I am serious about my snacks, which are usually as unhealthy as they come. We are talking about sodium-packed chips and high fructose candy. As silly as it may sound, I did not think that a healthy snack could taste good. Then I was introduced to these delectable goodies. 

Pistachio Chewy Bites are a yummy collaboration of pistachios and cranberries. It has healthy fat and proteins, but perhaps most importantly, it tastes really good. It satisfied the craving that I have in the middle of the day for something sweet and the great part is is that, after eating it, I didn't feel gross. 

"Gluten-free" is one of those buzz phrases that health-conscious people are always using. I am not completely sure why gluten is so horrible, outside of the allergies that some people have in regards to it, but for some reason, I just didn't think a cookie should be without it. I was sooo wrong! I really couldn't taste the difference between a Simply Shari's Gluten Free Cookie a the fatty cookies I get from the store. They come in five flavors ( I love the shortbread) and they are tiny bites of sweet joy. 

Learn more about these snacks at Simply Shari's Gluten Free Cookies and Pistachio Chewy Bites here. 

Tote Crush: MCM Milla Tote

Heidi Klum is a style icon that always looks camera-ready whenever she is caught by the paparazzi. Her skin is always flawless. Her outfit is always designer. I mean, come on, it's Heidi Klum! However, something that caught my eye in one of her recent pics is this adorable yellow tote from MCMWorldwide.com. 

The Milla Tate is the perfect on-the-go bag for summer. It's adorable, it's a good size, and it adds a fun pop of color to your summer ensemble. It comes in four additional colors, and if you can afford the $920 a pop, I would suggest you get them in every shade to get you through the season. If this bag isn't quite your style, visit MCMWorldwide.com to see all the cool bags that MCM Worldwide has to offer. 

Summer Sips: Sparkling Ice Drinks for Ice Cream Soda Day

June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day! Beat the heat with these recipes using Sparkling Ice  drinks.

Sparkling Cherry Fro-Yo Float 

Ingredients:

Float

• 1 bottle (17 oz.) Sparkling ice Cherry Limeade
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 pack (0.13 oz.) fruit-flavored powdered drink mix
• 3 cups ice
• 2 cups frozen vanilla yogurt

Garnish

• Whipped topping
• Fresh cherry or lime slice

Instructions:

1. In blender, combine Sparkling Ice Cherry Limeade, sugar, powdered drink mix and ice; Blend thoroughly until slushy
2. Divide slushy mixture between 4 glasses, about 3/4 cup each, and add 1/2 cup frozen yogurt to each glass
3. Top with whipped topping and fresh cherry or lime slice
4. Serve immediately with a straw

Coconut Pineapple Sorbet Bellini Mocktail 

Ingredients:

Pineapple Sorbet

• 1/2 cup Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple
• 1/2 sugar
• 2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into chunks

Sorbet Bellini Mocktail

• 1 1/2 cups Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple
• 2/3 cup pineapple sorbet

Garnish

• Fresh pineapple wedges
• Coconut flakes

Instructions:

Pineapple Sorbet

• In blender, puree pineapple chunks with sugar and Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple until smooth
• Chill pineapple mixture in refrigerator for 1 hour
• Freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Store in tightly covered in freezer until ready to use

Sorbet Bellini Mocktail

• In two 12-oz. glasses, add 3/4 cup Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple
• Using small ice cream scoop, add 1/3 cup pineapple sorbet to each glass
• Garnish with fresh pineapple wedge and coconut flakes

The Chew Gives Us More Recipes to Nibble On

So many people tune into to ABC's "The Chew" for their witty banter and mouthwatering recipes. In their fourth cookbook The Chew: An Essential Guide to Cooking and Entertaining, "The Chew" hosts give us some of their favorite recipes that are perfect for entertaining. Within the five chapters of the book, you will find recipes for yummy dishes such as Chicken Meatballs Marsala, Fried Chicken Reuben, and Pecan Pie Pudding. 

Readers are also treated to: 

·      Answers to viewer questions that give you added details and insights from The Chew hosts

·      Delicious favorites handed down from the hosts’ families to yours

·      Mouthwatering meals that can be made ahead of time or in a slow cooker

·      Several innovative ways to put a new spin on a favorite recipe

·      A wide range of recipes from breakfast to dessert, from the lighter side to guilty pleasures, and everything in between 

 You can purchase the book The Chew: An Essential Guide to Cooking and Entertaining $19.99 at your local bookstore. 

Sally Hansen launches "Royal Splendor" Miracle Gel Collection

The Sally Hansen Miracle Gel colors have taken off this year, allowing mani and pedi lovers to get a gel color look without needing to use UV light. This summer, they are quenching our thirsts for hot colors for the season with their "Royal Splendor" Miracle Gel Collection. This array of nudes, reds, and a delicious mint are guaranteed to brighten up your look.  

The Miracle Gel™ Royal Splendor Collection, SRP $9.99 each, hits shelves beginning July 2016.

Taraji P. Henson is coming to Summer Sizzle BVI!

Star of hit Fox TV show "Empire" Taraji P. Henson is set to make a guest appearance at the hottest fashion event of the season, Summer Sizzle BVI. The event is to take place July 13- 18 in the breathtaking British Virgin Islands. The Academy Award nominee will compliment the events official host renowned fashion photographer Nigel Barker for a weekend of travel excursions, cultural cuisine, and international fashions.  For more info on Summer Sizzle BVI, visit www.summersizzlebvi.com.

Christian Siriano come to Lane Bryant!

When I think of Christian Siriano, I think of the beautiful gowns that he has created that have floated down the runway and red carpets over the years. So I am so excited that this designer, that is known for his understanding of the female form, is now collaborating with Lane Bryant for a ready-to-wear collection. 

"In my opinion, fashion should never be defined by size," said Siriano. "Regardless if it’s for red carpet or a day at the office, every woman should feel stylish and comfortable in their clothes.  I’m excited about this partnership with Lane Bryant because it allows me the opportunity to showcase my designs on the everyday woman and allow them the opportunity to feel as beautiful and fashionable as possible.” 

Danielle Brooks, star of Orange is the New Black and Broadway play, Color Purple, is the model for the collection, which can now be purchased in Lane Bryant stores and at LaneBryant.com. 

Get the Look: Rita Ora's Met Gala Metallic Goddess

The Look: Metallic goddess

The Inspiration:   Celebrity makeup artist Kathy Jeung drew inspiration from Rita's silver, feathered, custom Vera Wang gown, adding a metallic pop at the inner corners of the eyes and a warm, bronze to help shape them. Kathy complimented the singer’s show-stopping eyes with glowing, sculpted skin and a slightly iridescent lip.

How to Get the Look: 

SKIN

Kathy prepped Rita’s skin with the Rimmel London Fix & Perfect Pro Primer, smoothing it onto her face to minimize pores and create a flawless canvas for foundation. She then blended Rimmel London Match Perfection Concealer Concealer in Light underneath the eyes to erase any signs of dark circles. Next, Kathy applied Rimmel London Match Perfection Foundation in Golden Honey with a foundation brush and a damp makeup sponge. To contour Rita’s cheeks, Kathy applied Rimmel London Natural Bronzer in Sun Dance to the hollow beneath the cheekbone and blended upwards and then applied the blush from Rimmel London Sculpting & Highlighting Kit by Kate Moss in Golden Sands to the apples of the cheeks.

LIPS 

Kathy lined Rita’s lips with Rimmel London Exaggerate Automatic Lip Liner in Innocent and then applied Rimmel London Oh My Gloss! in Non Stop Glamour – a pale, shiny pink – for a slightly iridescent finish.

EYES & BROWS

Kathy filled in Rita’s brows with Rimmel London Brow This Way Sculpting Kit in Mid Brown and finished with Rimmel London Brow This Way Styling Gel in Medium Brown to keep them in place throughout the night.

Using the Rimmel London Magnif’eyes Double Ended Shadow & Liner in Queens of a Bronzed Age, Kathy blended the bronze shadow into the crease and lower lash line. She then applied Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick in Witness White to the inside corners of Rita’s eyes, blending the pencil out with Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick in Guilty Grey. As a final touch, Kathy applied Rimmel London SuperCurler 24H Mascara in Black to lengthen and curl Rita’s lashes.

Create the Look: Zoe Saldana's Makeup by Vera Steimberg for Charlotte Tilbury Beauty

1.       To prep Zoe’s skin and ensure a flawless, poreless canvas, Steimberg applied Charlotte’s Magic Cream generously to the entire face, massaging it into plump skin and create a luminous glow. Then, she followed with Magic Eye Rescue to smooth the delicate eye area.

2.       Next, she applied Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow on the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and brow bone to create a “spotlight” effect. For a naturally beautiful complexion, apply Light Wonder Foundation in Shade 10.

3.       To create a red carpet contour and gorgeous highlight, she used every makeup artist's best friend, Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow in Light-Medium. 

4.       For the eyes, Steimberg applied a wash of color on the eyelids with creme eyeshadow Eyes to Mesmerise in Mona Lisa and Jean, and then used the same combination to line the lower lashes for a futuristic mesmeric shimmer. Next, she lined the lash line with the Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil in Bronzed Garnet, scribbling all the way up the lid, and blending the two jewel tones together for a more defined shadow. To enhance Zoe’s eyes and give her a wide-eyed, fresh look, she lined the lower lashes with Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil in Bronzed Garnet and used The Feline Flick to dot between the upper lashes, creating a fuller, false-lash effect. She finished with lashings and lashings of Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes.

5.       To complete the look, Steimberg opted for a nudey, soft pink lip by applying Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillowtalk followed by Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in Hepburn Honey.

6.       Once dressed, Steimberg created the illusion of elongated, gilded-looking limbs with Supermodel Body, a slimmer shimmer that acts as shapewear lingerie for the body and catches the light for a glowing, moisturized finish. 

The Facts on Lunette Menstrual Cups

I have been hearing a lot about Menstrual Cups, but I was not sure what they were or how one would use them. The word on the street is that they are way better and safer than tampons. Well, Lunette is a brand of Menstrual Cups, and below are some facts about the products to help you better decide if Menstrual Cups are for you. 

Below are points about the Lunette Menstrual Cups:

• Made of soft, medical-grade silicone
• Comes in two sizes (Models 1 and 2)
• Designed for women of all ages and sizes
• Flexible and durable
• Odorless
• Can hold more liquid than a tampon
• Can last up to 12 hours
• Easy to clean and disinfect 
• No strings attached!
• Manufactured in Finland in a wind-powered facility
• Less waste- even the entire Lunette cup packaging is biodegradable!
• A one-time purchase that will last you years

Still not sold on Lunette? Click here for more information on how they work. 

REED x Kohl's Collection Now Available

The REED x Kohl's collection is an exciting array of handbags, dresses, tops, and bottoms that pair the sporty with the feminine, professional, and classy. Floral prints and color block patterns stand out in this chic collection. See some of my REED x Kohl's favorites below: 

Estée Lauder and Victoria Beckham Launch Makeup Collection for Fall 2016

Victoria Beckham has been wowing us with her personal style and clothing line for years now. So many of us in the beauty industry were ecstatic to hear about her upcoming collaboration with cosmetic powerhouse Estée Lauder. Come September of this year, we will be able to carry a little bit of Victoria in our cosmetic bags, with the products being available for purchase both at esteelauder.com and victoriabeckham.com. 

“I am thrilled to be launching this limited edition makeup collection with Estée Lauder,” said Victoria Beckham. “The whole process has been both inspiring and eye opening - from going back and revisiting the Estée Lauder archives to working on the product with the Estée team, this feels like the perfect makeup partnership for me and my brand. I had long admired Estée Lauder the woman, and the powerful brand that she created, so I am excited to offer both of our customers this makeup range and play a small part in her vision for women.”

One can only imagine how posh this limited edition collection is going to be. 

Tommy Bahama and Belk Take You to St. Kitts!

Vacation season is among us, and the fortunate few of us will be able to travel to some of the most exotic vakay spots in the world to unwind. The Tommy Bahama St. Kitts fragrance collection puts us in mind of such tropical getaways with an aroma mixed with mandarin, pear, and starfruit. 

Well, to celebrate the release of the new fragrance, Tommy Bahama and Belk are giving you the opportunity to win a trip to St. Kitts. The winner will get:

·         Airfare for two

·         4 nights/5 days lodging at St. Kitts Marriott

·         A $1,000 Belk gift card

·         And more!        

Atlanta residents can register to win the Escape to St. Kitts Sweepstakes at Belks across Georgia or by visiting www.tommybahamasweeps.dja.com on 4/26. Good luck!

Snapped: Suki Waterhouse in Sonia Rykiel at Coachella