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. 

My Red Hot Diflucan Summer

Do you remember that tiny pocket of time before the Delta strain of COVID chased us back in the house where we were actually enjoying a Hot Vax Summer? I use the word "we" as I refer to the culture. I wasn't participating in any of those brunches or birthday parties highlighted on social media. I was at home whimpering over my throbbing, itchy vagina. 

Many of my friends don't understand how I made it to nearly middle age without ever having a yeast infection and neither do I. I mean, when I was 18 I was wearing thongs to class in 700 degree New Orleans heat and was somehow spared. However, my good luck was no match for being put on an antibiotic for a toothache I was having. 

I'm surprised you didn't hear about it before now. I called any friend that would listen, complaining and whining. 

"Stop drinking cranberry juice!" Jamaica screamed into the phone. "That is for a UTI! Drink more water! The sugar is feeding the yeast!" This she tells me as I literally had a straw in a family-sized jug of Ocean Spray! 

"I know that you took a Diflucan Holly, but you can also use a vaginal anti-fungal," my mentor assured me. "Nothing will happen." I didn't believe her. I was fearful that I could die from some sort of vaginal overdose. In my defense, I was being irrational. It was hard to sleep, seeing that my gyn had a thick, heavy, heartbeat that rung in my ears whenever I closed my eyes. 

To add annoyance to injury, I sent my aunt to CVS to get me Monistat 1, a one-and-done treatment, and she came back with Monistat 7, a seven-day treatment! The treatment comes with these plastic pipe-like things. Who wants to be plastic-pipin' it for 7 days? Not I said the cat! 

"Oh shut up pampered pussy and use the damn cream!" Winfrey hollered at me, irritated by my sobbing into the phone. Tortilla was my only friend that showed me any compassion. She didn't make fun of my irrational fear of anti-itch cream. She's very patient with my phobias. 

The fact that women get these, some even chronically, should be front-page news! But just in case you haven't gotten one, let me leave you with some adjectives: itchy, throbbing, swollen. It's way worse than those treatment commercials lead you to believe. They will have you thinking that a yeast infection is just mildly uncomfortable. NOT! It's hellacious! 

Luckily, I lived through it to tell you about it, but it was touch and go for a minute there. Just know you have a sister in me when you inevitably end up yeasty, your cookie smelling like a medicated piece of toast. Aw, to be a woman. 

Sun Protection with CeraVe

We have all heard that it is not necessary for people of color to wear sunscreen. This is a wives' tale. According to Board Certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, people of color need sunscreen just as much as anyone else.

TheBGInTheCity: Can you explain what the best sunscreen would be for people of color? 
Michelle Henry:  The biggest complaint regarding sunscreen by people of color is the fact that it can leave a white, chalky appearance to the skin.  Chemical sunscreens or physical blockers in which the ingredients are micronized or made to appear invisible on the skin are best for dark skin.

TheBG: Can you address the myth that Black people don't need to use sunscreen?
MH: This is absolutely incorrect. Very dark skin is only about SPF 13 and does not provide sufficient protection from the sun.  Because of this myth, skin cancers in dark skin are often not diagnosed until they are advanced and have a poorer prognosis.

TheBG: What SPF number should be used by people of color, specifically what CeraVe Sunscreens can we look for? 
MH: People of color should use SPF 30 daily and SPF 50 if they are going to be outside for more than an hour.   I love CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion with SPF 30 for skin of color.  It is lightweight, oil-free and uses invisible zinc technology so it does not cause a chalky or ashen appearance.  It also contains ceramides, which help to maintain moisture in the skin. 

CeraVe Sun Protection products to try:

CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion Broad Spectrum, $17.49, CVS.com

CeraVe AM Moisturizing Lotion, $15.49, CVS.com

CeraVe Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum, $10.99, CVS.com 

Celebrate National Watermelon Day with Sparkling Ice!

Today is National Watermelon Day, and Sparkling Ice has a few cocktail recipes to help you celebrate the occasion!

Watermelon Ball Margarita 

INGREDIENTS

Watermelon

1.5 oz of tequila

1 lime (halved, one half cut in two wedges)

0.5 oz on Conintreau

1 oz of Sparking Ice Strawberry Watermelon

How to make watermelon shot glasses:

Scoop our watermelon balls with ice cream scooper. Cut slice on bottom to make flat. Use a melon baller to scoop out insides.

DIRECTIONS

Add one scoop of watermelon to shaker using a melon baller. Add lime wedges and Conintreau. Muddle together. Add tequila, juice from one-half lime, and ice. Shake and strain into measuring cup. Add Sparking Ice Strawberry Watermelon. Pour into Watermelon Shot glass.

Sparkling Watermelon Vodka Lemonade 

INGREDIENTS

3 cups seedless watermelon pieces

3 lemons, juiced

½ cup vodka

¼ cup fresh mint

2 cups Sparkling Ice Classic Lemonade

DIRECTIONS

In a blender, puree the watermelon and lemon juice, strain through a sieve into a drink pitcher. Add mint, vodka, and Sparkling Ice Classic Lemonade- then stir. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint.

Strawberry Watermelon Refresher

INGREDIENTS

3 oz.  Sparking Ice Strawberry Watermelon

1.5 oz. Vodka

½ oz. Peach Schnapps

Watermelon slices and strawberries for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Pour vodka and peach schnapps, then Sparking Ice Strawberry Watermelon over ice.  Stir gently to mix. Garnish with watermelon slices and strawberries. 

Your New Favorite Snack: Crunchies

Crunchies in Strawberry Banana 

I know that I have spoken to you all in the past about the problem that I have with snacking. It is tragic. It is real. And I love all of the greats: chocolate, candy, potato chips. Spoiler alert: none of these things are good for you (even though they are delish!). So this summer, as I was navigating the jungle that is the My Fitness Pal app, and I realized that I was in need of a snack that was tasty and good on calories. A birdie told me about Cruchies and I have been hooked ever since. 

Crunchies in Mango

 They come in a bunch of flavors, like Mango, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Blueberry, and Raspberry, just to name a few. They are freeze-dried fruit snacks that are sweet, but not too sweet. They source straight from the farm, which is why the fruit doesn't taste artificial as some fruit snacks do. 

Chruchies in Strawberry

I would compare the taste of Crunchies to that of a banana chip, but lighter. The consistency is airier. I eat them on their own, but I would suggest also trying them on top of your cereal. 

Discover more about Cruchies here.

Summer Must-Have: The Adidas Baboa

Have you found your go-to shades for the summer? Look no further, The Baboa from Adidas is here!

Not only are these shades super cute, but they are also ideal for the fashionista that is also active. Below are some of the features of the Adidas Baboa shades:

• SPX flexible frame provides bend without losing its shape
• Double-Snap Nose Pads for the utmost comfort
• Traction Grip keeps these beauties in place
• Vision Advantage™ polycarbonate lens offer crystal clear vision

These glasses range from $99-$139. Learn more about The Baboa here.

Bikini.com Goes Plus

We all know Bikini.com as being a go-to shop for all things swimwear. Now they have a collection exclusively for plus size women, going to a size 24. The brands included are Robin Lawley, Sky+, and Raisens Curve. Below are my faves from the collection:

Raisens Curve Lotus One Piece, $88

Raisens Curve Tortuga One Piece, $88

Raisens Curve Boa Takini, $44

Raisens Curve Pacific Pant, $42

For more plus size option from Bikini.com, click here.

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

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.

Summer Must-Have: Cabana Anna Swimwear

We are at the height of summer, but if you still have not found the perfect swimsuit to hit the beach, never fear, for Cabana Anna is here!

This collection of swimwear beautifully pairs the girl next door look with that of the All-American beach bunny. Traditional red, white, and blue stripes mesh well with the rest of the line's bold colors and abstract patterns. These bikinis are definitely for the girls that want to command attention and make more than a splash when they hit the waves.

Make your purchase today at caswim.com

Summer Sips: Manhattan Moonshine

 

Not sure what type of drinks you can make with Moonshine, if any? See below for some cocktail recipes, courtesy of Manhattan Moonshine.

Manhattan Moonshine Sea Breeze:

          1 ¼ oz Manhattan Moonshine

            3 oz Cranberry Juice

            ¾ oz Contreau

            ¼ oz Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

            Method: Serve in a chilled glass over ice!

 
Manhattan Moonshine Charleston Bramble 

 1 ½ oz Manhattan Moonshine
 Juice of half a lemon
 ½ Crème de Mure (or Chambord)
 3 Blackberried
 Method: Muddle blackberries and then add all of the ingredients into a mixing glass and shake. Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice!
 

Manhattan Moonshine BIX-Bismark

 1 ¼ oz Manhattan Moonshine
 ¾  Aperol
 1 oz Cranberry Juice
 Squeeze of a lime wedge
 Method: Put all ingredients in a mixing glass and shake. Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice!

Summer Sips: Parrot Bay® Margarita with Coconut Water

I love a good cocktail in the summer; something light and sweet and delish that I can sip on while I chill out pool side and look cute. The Parrot Bay Margarita with Coconut Water is perfect for this! 

Many of you are probably beerita fans. This drink is similar, but better! It's fruitier, more flavorful, and isn't tampered down with the taste of alcohol. It is also 150 calories for you calorie counters, which isn't bad.

It is yummy cold or on ice. It has been 100 degrees here in Atlanta, so I drunk mine frozen;) Have you already tried the Parrot Bay Margarita? Let me know your thoughts below.

Introducing OCC Cosplay!

The Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics S/S 2015 Colour Collection has six new lip tars and nail lacquers for the season! The tars are $18, the lacquers are $10, and they both can be found at occmakeup.com.

Review: The Just Be Spring Collection 2015 @Family Dollar

Summer is on the way, and if you are anything like me, you are looking to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Thanks to the Just Be Family Dollar Spring 2015 Collection, this is possible! 

When you think of Family Dollar, you probably don't think of fashion, but this season, you definitely should. The new Just Be Spring Collection 2015 has fabulous, inexpensive separates that are perfect for the season. And the pieces are on trend, including ruffles, tribal prints, and stripes! And when I say inexpensive, I mean great separates under $15! 

And the collection doesn't just stop at clothing. They also have sandals and accessories, as well as pieces in plus sizes! See my favorites below from the collection:

Coral Strapless, DoubLe Gauze, Tulip Hem Dress $12.50, Plus Size, $15

Colorblock Floral Infinity Scarf, $4

Cork Wedge Thong Sandal, $8

Crochet Lace Peasant Top, $10, Plus Size, $12.50

Moroccan Stripe Print Knit Maxi Skirt, $10, Plus Size, $12

Cork Wedge Sandal, $8

Brush Stroke Geometric Print Woven Dress, $12.50, Plus Size, $15

Animal Print Metallic Thong Sandal, $6

Placed Screen Print Knit Maxi Dress, $12.50, Plus Size, $15

Frosted Metal Leaves Necklace and Earrings Set, $3

Microsuede, Back Zip Thong Sandal with Stud Details, $8

Introducing Prajje 1983

Haitian born Boston bred designer Prajje Jr. Jean creates feminine, classic looks for his line Prajje1983. He has dressed celebs such as Wyclef Jean, and his lattest creations include fun yellow slacks (that are perfect for summer) and a classic, flowing white dress, also great for the season.

For more info, visit http://www.prajje1983.com/ as well as his gofundme page at http://www.gofundme.com/Prajje-1983-Haiti.

Summer Must-Haves: Always For Me Swimwear

For plus-size women, finding the right bathing suit can be a nightmare! Either you can't find one in your size or what you do find is so out of fashion you would NEVER wear it! Thankfully, AlwaysForMe.com has tons of plus-size, on-trend suits and cover-ups to make you the belle of the beach this summer! 

Summer Must-have: Velvet Eyewear

Finding the right pair of shades is one of my favorite things about summer. That is why I am so excited about Velvet Eyewear! Made in Italy, they come in a variety of styles, and their BB Lens blocks out 100% of hamful rays! For more info and to see more styles, check out VelvetEyeWear.com.

eShakti Love

It was brought to my attention by the good people at eShakti, the amazing online retailer, that August is National Romance Month. So I thought that I would post a few of the dresses from their site that have made me fall in love:)

(from left to right)

Lace trimmed floral print cotton dress, $48.95

Keyhole front colorblock poplin dress, $48.95

Painterly floral cotton bow tied dress, $45.95

(from left to right)

Retro floral print cotton dress, $55.95

Tropical floral print crop top and skirt, $47.95

Pleat waist cotton poplin dress, $59.95

Tropical floral print denim dress, $35.95

Florence dress, $75.95

Heart print cotton dress, $55.95

 

What pieces make your heart flutter? Visit eShakti.com today.