Summer Scents: Good Chemistry

I can be a little persnickety when it comes to fragrances, especially in the summer. For me, this is a time for softer, lighter scents, and often the ones that are recommended to me are way too heavy for the heat. Well, Good Chemistry has nailed it with this collection of beautiful summer scents that coasts on amazing blends of fruit and vanilla. Here are a few of my favorites:

When you think Sugar Berry, think raspberry with a touch of vanilla. Think beach vibes. Think vaykay. It's one of those fragrances that you wear and then end up sniffing yourself throughout the day. Yes, she's that yummy! 

Be careful with Cheerful Charmer, she's sexy! With hints of coconut milk, apple blossom, and vanilla, she's giving summer love. She's giving little black dress. She's giving good trouble all season long! 

Pink Palm is cute. She's clean. She's the fragrance that you reach for when you want to give them just a little something to talk about. A mix of dragon fruit, magnolia, and sugared vanilla, Pink Palm needs to be a staple in your purse for the summer. 

Not only does Good Chemisty have great fragrances, it's also a great company all around. Their products are dye-free, paraffin-free, paraben-free, and GMO-free. They are also PETA Certified Cruelty-Free and Vegan. Their fragrances range from $28.99-$12.99, so they are also affordable. I think that my absolute favorite is Pink Palm. Let me know which one you fall in love with. 

The New Year with The Hope Daily Planner

I have talked a great deal about my need to get more organized in my life and my ongoing spiritual journey to get closer to God. I am not going to lie: both have been a struggle. For me, it all boils down to time. The days seem to ALWAYS get away from me, and I never have time to tackle my to-do list or study my Bible. But then I was sent this Daily Hope Planner by Hope Fuel and it is helping me to start the year off right. 

If you are as unorganized as me, you have probably had planners before that you didn't stick to. In the past, I have made a habit out of purchasing the prettiest ones that I can find. Then they just sat on my bookshelf and collected dust because I lacked the motivation to even get started. I have even downloaded apps that go unused because I figure that I can remember what I need to do, but never do. The Daily Hope Planner has been helpful for me because it asked questions that helped me to really sit and think about what it is that I want to accomplish this year and how that is connected to the relationship that I am trying to build with God. 

Because I am often easily discouraged, I like the space that the planner gives me to remind myself what I am thankful for. It also encourages you to start your weeks off with a devotional. My devotionals for the year will be centered around organization and staying the course. This helps me to not only stay focused, but to tie my goals and needs back to God. 

Eager to start your year off on the good foot? Click here for more info on Hope Fuel products. 

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! 

Review: MyChelle Dermaceuticals Gentle Cleansing Wash

My whole life, I have enjoyed a bright, healthy complexion. However, since turning 30, I have gotten breakouts that you wouldn't believe! You would think that I was a teenager the way that I have been experiencing breakouts out of nowhere! And to be honest, I never considered myself a vain person. I am not one to spend hours and hours in front of the mirror before I leave the house. However, having pimples was making me self-conscious. I found myself examining my face in any surface I could see myself in. Plus, the fact that I have sensitive skin and can't use a lot of the products that I researched that are acclaimed from getting rid of zits only added insult to injury. Luckily, I came across MyChelle Dermaceuticals Gentle Cleansing Wash.

The MyChelle Dermaceuticals Gentle Cleansing Wash is unscented and mild, which is great for my skin. It is free of gluten, parabens, and sulfates, and reduces redness and irritation. It also includes the MyChelle DermaCalm Complex, which is made of Blue Daisy and French Oak extract that helps to moisturize skin. So far, this cleanser is helping me to keep my skin under control, and it is affordable at only $16! 

Learn more about MyChelle Dermaceuticals and this product here.

Review: Davidson's Organics Teas

Just when I thought that I my love affair with tea could get any worst, I came across Davidson's Organics Teas. The company has been around for 38 years, and prior to coming across them online, I hadn't heard of them. But their specially blended organic teas from India are yummy, and I drink them every morning for breakfast. Below are my favorite Davidson flavors:

Decaffeinated English Breakfast Tea, $2.95

Tropical Green Tea, $2.95

White Peach Tea, $2.95

Wild Strawberry Tea, $2.95

Review: 1500-Watt 1.5 L Double Wall Kettle

I drink about a pot of tea a day. I am not sure if this is a good thing, lol, but just as many people can not live without their coffee in the morning, I cannot live without my tea. Before getting the Rosewill 1500 Watt 1.5 Double Wall Kettle, I would make my tea in a small pot on the stove and would have to reheat it throughout the day. However, with the Rosewill 1500 Watt 1.5 Double Wall Kettle, all I have to do is plug in the kettle and add water and my tea bag for hot tea all day. 

So here are the cool things about the Rosewill 1500 Watt 1.5 Double Wall Kettle. It automatically shuts off when it gets hot. This is perfect for me, who has left the stove on numerous times. And, while the water is hot on the inside, the outside of the kettle remains cool, so no burns! And, on the aesthetic side, the kettle is really sleek and makes my otherwise drab kitchen look modern. If you are the type to get something for yourself to put under the tea, the Rosewill 1500 Watt 1.5 Double Wall Kettle would be the perfect choice. 

Review: Dove Quench Absolute Shampoo and Conditioner

Many curly girls say that the hardest thing about having curls is finding the right hair style, but for me, the hardest thing about being a girl with curls has been finding the right products. Fans of this blog will tell you that I have essentially tried everything and that I have my favorites. I am now adding the new Dove Quench Absolute Shampoo and Conditioner to this list.

First and foremost, I have been a fan of Dove soap for years! Sadly, my skin is too sensitive to use fancy, scented soaps. However, when I heard that they were coming out with not only a hair care line, but one with products for textured hair, I was skeptical. I was also wrong. I am in LOVE with their shampoo and conditioner. I am a sucker for products that smell good, and these products smell amazing! Combined, I found the shampoo and conditioner to cleanse my hair without stripping it. After towel drying,  my fro was soft and fluffy.While twisting my hair once it dried, I also found that my hair was detangled and easier to manage. 

The Dove Quench Absolute Creme Serum is also a great product. I use it as a daily leave-in conditioner. It is very light and doesn't weigh down the hair. It also doesn't leave a residue like other serums that I have tried and it isn't oily. It is great for when you just want to pull your hair back and go without a lot of fuss. My aunt has also become a big fan of the serum. We are sharing a jar, lol. Her hair is very course and she is a product junkie, trying any and everything she hears about on Youtube vlogs. She also tends to overuse products on her hair. However,we have found that the Quench Creme Serum is all she needs. It elongates her hair and leaves it looking full. WE ARE FANS!

Check out this adorable, touching commercial about embracing your curls. 

Elizabeth Heard Favorites

I really like barrettes, but I didn't think that they were age appropriate for me. I mean, I'm 30! Then I found out about Elizabeth Heard Hair Accessories. These barrettes are stylish and perfect for barrette lovers of all ages. Below are my faves. 

"You'r A Gem" Agate Barrette in Pink, $34.50

"Fan Club" Hair Barrette, $22.50

"Make The World Your Oyster" Light Hair Barrette, $18.50

"Take A Bow" Hair Barrette in Dark Brown Basketweave, $35.00

"Party Animal" Elephant Hair Barrette, $34.50

"Take A Bow" Leather Hair Barrette in Navy, $60

For more info on Elizabeth Heard, click here.

Review: Kesh Argan Oil with Rose Essence

My skin gets so dry and itchy in the winter, that I have found that I need a little more than lotion to moisturize. Last year, I fell in love with organic coconut oil, but I found that it worked better on my hair than it did on my skin. Although it smelled great, it was also really greasy and stained my clothes and bedding. After coming across the Kesh Beauty Argan Oil with Rosewater Essence, I am convinced that I have found my savior for the season.

Unlike the coconut oil, the Argan Oil is dryer and less greasy. It quickly absorbed into my skin and dried just as fast. Kesh's Argan Oil is also very rich, so you only need a small amount to get the job done. It can also be used on your hair and face, although I am only using it on my body. The Kesh Beauty Argan Oil with Rosewater Essence also has a rich fragrance that last all day. For more info on the Kesh Beauty and their Argan Oil with Rose Essence, visit here.

My Favorite Trends from Topshop Unique

Topshop Unique debuted their Spring/Summer 2016 collection during London Fashion Week. The looks were very clean and wearable, and the overall collection included fun trends for the warmer months. See my faves below:

The bow belt and polka dots

Summer Fur

High Splits

Florals

Summer Leather

*Photo Cred: Topshop Unique

Pink Post: The Terranova Tuberose Collection

Terranova is known for its huge collection of bath and body products which have been favorites of women since 1970. Throughout the month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Terranova will be donating 5% of the proceeds from their Terranova Turberose Colleciton to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The Tuberose Hydrating Body Wash is the first product that I have tried from Terranova, and I love it! It has a very rich, clean smell that lasts after the shower. A small amount goes a long way, and unlike a lot of body washes that I have tried, it did not leave my skin feeling dry and itchy. It can be purchased on the Terranova site today for $14.50 here.

Review: NYC New York Color HD Automatic Eyeliner

I am loving these eyeliners from NYC New York Color. The Color HD Automatic Eyeliners come in five shades: Black, Navy Blue, Deep Brown, Turquoise, and Deep Purple. They are smooth and soft, and make it very easy to do traditional eyelining as well as cat and smoky eyes. The liners include a built-in smudger, which is great for blending out eye looks, as well as an auto-sharpener, which helps to create the most precise look possible.
I have allergies in the summer that make my eyes tear horribly, so, luckily, these liners are also waterproof. Sadly, the career world doesn't allow me to play with the Navy Blue, Turquoise, or Deep Purple colors. However, the Black liner is my everyday liner, and the Deep Brown liner makes my tiny eyes pop, which is a tall order.
The best part about these liners is that they are super affordable at $1.99. Click here for more info.

Review: Whish Soda Fountain Body Butters

Whish is known for its awesome bath products. Their new collection, the Whish Soda Fountain Collection, is no different. It is a line of sweet-scented bath gels and body butters that come in four scents: Ginger Mellon, Key Lime, Orange Cream, and Black Cherry. 

The collection's body butters are smooth and delicious smelling and leave the skin fragrant and hydrating after shower time. The butters also include organic Shea and raspberry butter as well as organic aloe which moisturize the skin and organic seaweed extract to firm it. The samples sizes of the butters stay in my purse, and I have found that they are great for softening rough skin such has hands and elbows. You can now purchase these and other Whish products at Nordstrom.com .

Jessica Robertson Lip Gloss Collection

As you all know, I am always on the look out for new lip colors to share with you and I am so excited to tell you about these lip glosses from the Jessica Robertson Collection. 

They are available in six colors: Cherry Red, Berry, Nude, Peach Mango, Iced Mocha and Cotton Candy and are $7 a piece. This may seem a little steep, but the glosses come in  large tubes that hold enough gloss to carry you through many applications this summer.

These glosses went on smooth and really made my lips pop! They also smell really good☺ My favorite color is Cherry Red, but all the colors stand out on their own. They are what I like to call "color essentials", or the perfect go-to shades to transcend all of your outfits and occassions for summer. 

To view all the of the Jessica Robertson products and to get more info on the lip gloss, go to DrSunRX.com. 

Review: Balm Chicky Balm Balm

Balm Chicky Balm Balm is gaining momentum across the map. Many fans became familiar with them from their appearance on the hit show Shark Tank. They have recently moved into Target stores, and their plentiful tubes even come with a Friend End for sharing. 

Because of my dry lips, I go through lip balms consistently! I love this product because its containers hold 3x more than the average balm tube. It's also smooth, and works well with my lip gloss. It doesn't have a scent or flavor, but I dont mind. 

The balms come in five flavors and go for $7 a pop. I know that this may seem a little steep, but it is well worth it.

Learn more at BalmChicky.com.

Megan Rusner for BaubleBar

Meet Megan Rusner. She is a the first ever customer Guest Bartender to collaborate with BaubleBar on a special collection, the As Good As Gold collection. Rusner is currently battling Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and all net proceeds from the collection will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

On top of this, BaubleBar is asking customers to let them know what gives them strength through social media. For every #asgoodasgold post on social media from now to the new year, BaubleBar will donate a dollar to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Below, you will find my favorite pieces from this wonderful collection.

 

(from left to right)

Minerva Studs, $28

Vegas Fringe Bib, $48

Crystal Icarus Drops, $32

Gilded Leo Cuff, $34 (top right)

Crystal Scale Bracelet, $32 (bottom right)

Review: Fairy-Tale Success: A Guide to Entrepreneurial Magic by Adrienne Arieff and Beverly West

There are tons of books out there claiming to hold the key to starting a successful business. If you are like me, you probably have a shelf full of them that got you nowhere. After reading Fairy-Tale Success: A Guide to Entrepreneurial Magic by Adrienne Arieff and Beverly West

I was so relieved! Finally, a clear, fun book that helps you to get your businessin order  without leaving you feeling drained and annoyed!

Using the trials and tribulations of Cinderella as a backdrop, the authors hold your hand from your business idea all the way to the finish line. There are easy-to-do worksheets in the book that help you to formulate your ideas, which are priceless. They also outline the ins and outs of topics that often stump new entrepreneurs such as business plans and social media. 

My only issue with the book is that it was not out when I first graduated college. It has some great tips regarding gaining experience and funding that are perfect for new graduates. 

If you are thinking of starting a business, in your planning stages, or have a business but also have some questions, this book is the perfect read for you. It's a must- read for young females in business. 

Review: ON Powered Refreshment

Energy drinks have never really been my thing. My brother drinks them like they are going out of style. To me, they have always tasted like salt water. But ON Powered Refreshment is different. Not only does it have flavor, but it actually gives you energy.

Whenever anything claims to give you energy, I am skeptical. Nothing other than sleep has every energized me. But not only does ON energize you, it does so as naturally as possible. There is very little sugar and caffeine, using B Vitamins to give you a boost. And it doesn't pick you up and then drop you or give you jitters. I felt alert all day. This us a big deal for a woman that is ready for a bps after she wakes up, lol!

My favorite flavor was Raspberry Limeade, but they are all delish. Find out more info on On at OnBeverages.com.

Review: Messy Beautiful Love

Let me first say that if I would have known that Messy Beautiful Love was written from a spiritual standpoint, I probably would not have read it. This would have been a great distevice to myself. 

In the book, author Darlene Schacht answers questions and advices about a wife's role in marriage. As an unmarried reader, you would probably assume that the book had nothing to to offer me, but you would be wrong. Yes, this book is about marriage and how wives can heal, maintain, and sustain their unions. However, I found the book educational, explaining things about marriage I have always wanted answers on. These tips were priceless, seeing that I one day hope to tie the knot. But most importantly, Schacht offers biblically backed pointers on how to be a better woman in general. This backsliding Christian found her words to be a cool, tall glass of iced tea for my thirsty soul. 

New Love: Sabika

I have a new love everyone: Sabika Jewelry. Seeing that I wear a lot of solid pieces, I am always on the hunt for eye-catching statement pieces, especially necklaces, to breathe a little life into my plain wardrobe. When I received this stunning choker, the Edition After Five Sabika Miami Choker, I could feel my wardrobe do a collective sigh of relief. With this gorgeous piece, my fall looks definitely won't be boring. 

Every line in the Sabika Collection is part of a different story. My choker was a part of story 16 entitled "After Five." The Jet Nut Swarovski Stone is the highlight of the piece, bringing the colors and shapes of the necklace together. And yes, it would generally be paired with evening attire, but I will have fun wearing it as the highlight of my more casual outfits. 

Not the biggest fan of my stunning choker? It's okay because Sabika has 18 stories in their Fall/Winter Collection with an array of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and chokers that are sure to fit your taste. Visit Sabika-Jewelry.com to take a look at their other amazing statement pieces.