Not So Dirty 30: The Roomie Shuffle

It looks like I am losing yet another roommate. She can't take the heat...literally.

"How can you live like this?" she asked. "It's so hot!" she was sprawled out across her air mattress with a straw hat over her face. Once she moves out, this will be my 5th roomie since I graduated college. At 30, aren't I a little long in the tooth for the roommate shuffle?

You would think I would be used to it after my early days at Hell House with A and C. C was a chronic pot smoker that became a good friend. But A ran men in and out of our house like we were running a motel! Then I moved into my current place with B, who would skip out on the lease, owing me nearly $1000.  D would move in a year later only to move back to NYC after not finding a job and now there is E that is bouncing because my apartment is too hot.

I don't want to go through this again-  online ad postings and potential roomie interviews. It is exhausting and stressful, needing a roomie to help pay your rent while crossing your fingers that she won't kill you!

Wish me luck.

Review: Outer Spice

I have high blood pressure which stinks! I have to take meds and avoid as much salt as possible. This is not only difficult, but it also make making well-seasoned food a challenge. That is why I am so happy that I have tried Outer Spice. They specialize in make low and no sodium seasonings.

I usually don't like spice on my food. It upsets my stomach. Outer Spice Spicy is great because it doesn't smother your food on spice. It just gives it a little kick. 

I am a huge fan of the Outer Spice Original seasonings, my favorite being the one with the Himalayan Salt (because I am not supposed to have it). They bring the flavor out in the foot instead of taking it over. 

Each seasoning is $7.99 and can be purchased at OutSpiceIt.com. These seasonings are perfect, even if you are not hypertensive. Try them, and I know you will love them as I do! 

Snapped: Cast of Dope at Cannes

Highly anticipated movie Dope made its International premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Photo Credit: Alex B. Huckle Getty Images

Shameik Moore

Pharrell Williams

Zoe Kravitz

Chanel Iman

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. 

April Faves

I love spring! The temperature is just right, the world around me seems to be rejuvenating, my hair always looks particularly good for some reason, and I am always eager to get my hands on the latest beauty goodies. Below are my beauty faves for April:

My nail color for the spring is the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Color Set Sail. It is a perfect baby blue and makes me smile whenever I see it on my nails. If blue is not your color, I still suggest you check out the Insta-Dri collection. Out of all the polishes I have tried that claim to dry quickly, this is one of the few  that is actually telling the truth! It also dries shiny, no top coat needed.

The cool thing about Life Therapy products is that they are characterized by mood. The Hydrating Body Lotion in Escape is my favorite. The lotion is very light in both consistency and aroma, which is great for summer. It also includes one of my favorite moisturizers: Shea butter. Plus, their Mood Inhancing Hand and Body Wash, also in escape, is a must-try as well.

The first product I ever tried from Burt's Bees was their lip balm. It was one of my essentials for a long time. So I was very excited to try a product from their new Renewl Collection. The brand teamed up with nutritionist Kimberly Snyder to launch a 28 day "Face Cleanse". Your skin renews every 28 days, so using the collection, you can see the difference in your skin during this time frame. My favorite product is the Renewal Refining Cleanser with Hibiscus and Apple Rejuvenating Complex. You know I love scents, and it smells like heaven!!! The apple gives it a sweet aroma that fits the season. As you also know, I am typically afraid of facial products because of my sensitive skin but this product exfoliates gently and made my complexion noticeably brighter after one wash!

Rituals makes amazing, spa-grade bath and body products and this spring they are launching the Rituals Sakura Collection. The Japanese celebrate "Sakura", which is the annual blossoming of the Cherry Blossom. The Rituals Sakura Collection includes Cherry Blossom and Organic Rice Milk. I had the opportunity to try the Sakura Scrub, which has this exotic, clean scent that I can not get enough of! I actually caught myself sniffing myself the other day, lol, it's great! It leaves skin smooth and supple and isn't overpowering. It's a must for the season.

Giving Me Life 8: Naja Eco-Friendly Bras and Knickers

Naja.co has an AMAZING array of panties, bras, and swimwear. They are sexy, coming in various prints and colors, and they are also affordable! Now, to make them even cooler, they have come out with an Eco-friendly line...made of recycled plastic bottles! Below are my faves:

Jackie Bra Swinging London, $65

Martina Lo- Rise Blue, $24

Marsha Bikini Swinging London, $22

Poppy Bra Get Happy, $65

Carmen High Waisted Get Happy, $28

 *Sign up for the Naja newsletter and updates and you'll receive 10% off your first bra purchase! Furthermore, if you refer a friend you will receive $15 off your next purchase. 

* See their entire bra and panty collections below here and here.

Manuka Secrets Pt. 1: The Interview

Have you ever heard of Manuka Honey? It's a type of honey, native to New Zealand, that is not only edible but also full of goodies that benefit the body and skin when it comes to anti-aging. It is a major ingredient in anti-aging line Manuka Secrets. I recently spoke with brand Managing Director Russell Cowley about the products (which are available at US Ulta stores)and the benefits of Manuka Honey.

TheBGInTheCity: What sets Manuka Secrets apart from other anti-aging product lines?
Russell Cowley: We have a brand position: owned by nature, proven by science. We know that honey is good for you, but our products include Manuka Honey which has UMF (unique manuka factor) which no other honey has. This is the heart of our products.

TheBGInTheCity: What is Manuka Honey?

Russell Cowley: It's a type of honey in New Zealand that has always been used for skin healing. It has high antioxidants, and hydrates and moisturizes skin. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it helps the skin produce collagen. 

TheBGinthecity: What are the must-have products of the brand? 

Russell Cowley: The day and night creams as well as the serum are getting rave reviews, as well as our natural cleanser.

TheBGInTheCity: I see in your ingredient list that many of your products include cocoa butter and Shea butter which are key ingredients in beauty products for African-Americans. Can Manuka Secrets be used on the skin of women from different racial groups?

Russell Cowley: Yes. We consciously decided to create this brand for all women. All women need accessible and affordable skincare.

Visit ManukaLab.co.nz for more info!