Summer favorites

This little Dooney&Bourke bag was a life saver this summer. My arm still gives me trouble from time to time and there are some days I can't carry a large bag on my shoulder. This was a gift from a friend for my birthday and I love it! 

I'm still interested in trying the Clarisonic but my Mary Kay skinvigorate has been great to use!! 

This extra large hearing pad has been another life saver. I suffer from severe back pain at times and sometime this is the only thing that saves it and..... it covers my entire back!! 

I wore this JustFab bag to death over the summer. It's a nice size but its not so large that I can stuff it full of stuff! Which if you know me i could! lol 

Without a doubt my favorite book over the summer was the YaYa Prayer Group series by Neta Jackson. 

The Tone body wash and the Lubriderm lotion have been favorites all summer. I have been having issues with dry patchy skin and the Lubriderm lotion is the only thing that seems to help heal it. 

I picked up this set from Catos around Easter. I love that you can wear it dressed up or dressed down! I've worn it with dresses and jeans. 

Speaking of Dresses!!! I wore way more dresses this summer then I've worn in a while. I loved this one soo much I picked it up in two colors. lol 

My daughter said this looks like a kids changing pad. It's not! lol But if your a 50 year old women you will appreciate having a chill pad in your pillow. This thing doesn't have to be refrigerated either. It just rechills itself after about five hrs! So at night when I get hot I am resting my head on a cold pillow. It's like heaven!!! lol Nicki got it from a friend.

Lastly I really love the Coconut Lime Breeze bath and body set I got for my birthday and I love, love my spa robe from Target. I just wish I could get refills of the body wash. 

I can't believe summer is coming to end. Anyone else besides me feel like this year has flown by? I mean there are already Christmas stuff up!! At the moment I can't even think that far ahead!! 

April Favorites

My April Fav. List is really short but I love, love all of the products listed so I think that makes up for there being less to choose from! 

You all know how much I love Bath and Bodyworks. For my birthday my daughter Quisha took me on a shopping spree at my favorite store. I was surprised how much I liked the Coconut Lime Breeze! I smelled like Key Lime pie from The Cheesecake Factory! LOL Another favorite from my birthday was my white waffle weave robe from Target.

My daughter Nicki had been telling me about the Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant lotion. I didn't think I would like it as much as my Lubriderm Lotion but its a close second and its great for those ashy areas on my knees and elbows. I still think I would use the Lubriderm in the winter but this is light enough to use in the summer without being to greasy.

I was never quite satisfied with the Maybelline Baby Lips so based on the reccomendation of a YouTube guru I decided I would try out the Nivea. And I love it!!! Its very moisturizing without leaving my lips chapped (which the I experienced with the Baby Lips).

This picture does not do this jewelry set from Catos justice. In person its very gold and it looks great with casual as well as dressy clothing. I hesitated buying the set when I was looking for something to wear for Easter but I am so glad I caved. I see wearing this set for years to come.

Its been forever since I brought a pair of shoes from Payless but my budget was tight last month and I knew I wanted a pair of neutral pumps but they had to be comfortable. These Karmen pumps are advertised as comfort shoes. So far they have been extremely comfortable and the heel is just tall enough without being crazy high.

I had heard people talk about how great this Maybelline Great Lash clear mascara was as an eyebrow gel. I'm not sure that I love it as much as my Mary Kay eyebrow gel but for the price it works for me!

I have just about finished burning this Pomela Grapefruit candle from Bath and Bodyworks. Marc commented on how well it mask stinky smells (more so then a deodorizer he brought at the Dollar Tree...lol). Hopefully this means the next time I buy their 2 for $22 candles he won't complain (at least a girl can hope...lol).

A few months ago I noticed an increase in fatigue whenever I went out. We would walk into a store and within a few moments I would be out of breathe or extremely tired. My cousins suggested adding a multi vitamin to my regiment. I will admit I have tried supplements in the past but had not noticed a difference. This time I noticed a difference within a few weeks (I also noticed a difference when I didn't take them). The Natures Way Alive commercial was also an influence in my decision ( who wouldn't want to take something that promised to have you up and dancing in the aisles....lol). 

The camera does not do this Globtrotter bag from JustFab justice. I have never gotten as many compliments from one of my bags as I have from this one. And it has a bazillion pockets! JustFab has continued to impress me and has become my favorite place to purchase bags.

My favorite snack this month is courtesy of my hubby. Why did he have to bring these Lay's Que Rico Limon chips home? I really have to pace myself to keep from eating the entire container!

February Favorites

I wasn't sure I would get my monthly favorites up. But here it goes....

I kind of laid off my Bath and Bodyworks shower gels and lotions this winter. My skin tends to get very dry and I usually have to lather on the Lubriderm lotion. The last few months I have been picking up the Caress shower gels at Target and I have to say the Tahitian Renewal is one of my favorites. 

I've also been using my Skinvigorate from Mary Kay (a gift from hubby at Christmas). I can't compare it to the more expensive Clarisonic but so far I have been loving it. But as many of you may know I have been a tried and true Mary Kay customer for more then 20 years and I have yet to find anything to complain about! 

I usually get the coconut Blue Magic for my hair but for some reason last month I picked up the Super sure gro version this time. I love the little beads in it (its a mixture of shea butter, jojobi oil and japanese green tea leaves). Not sure about the growth part but its kept my scalp from getting itchy and dry (another product of the harsh winter we have had). 

I wore way more make-up in February then I did in January. Nicki and I both wanted to try out Its Judy's Times pallet but I ended up being the one that kept it. 

I'm really surprised how much I have liked the Elf Tinted Moisturizer (with SPF 20). Its not to heavy but it gives me just enough coverage to even out my skin tone. Right now I am using Sand. I could probably go a bit darker but I didn't notice enough of a difference in the coloring in the natural light to warrant switching.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I like the combination of pop beauty's lip gloss (peony petal) with my be a bomb lip crayon (shameless). I've been wearing the two constantly since I got the lip gloss in my February glam bag.

I received another Zoya nail polish last month from ipsy but I keep going back to Neve! If anyone had told me a year ago that I would have loved a polish color this dark on my nails I would have laughed. I just can't seem to get enough of this purple/blue color and I am totally a Zoya nail lover now! LOL

Lastly I didn't think I would like the City Color Be Matte Blush (Fresh Melon) until I actually put it on and blended it into my skin. And I have to say I love it!!!! Its a bit chalky when you first apply it but once you blend it in it looked really good on my skin color!

My favorite jewelry pieces have been my gold watch I picked on vacation last summer in Florida, along with some spike bracelets from Forever 21 and this initial necklace from Walmart of all places!

I've been toting this Just Fab bag around for almost the entire month of February and I'm finding it hard to part from it now that its March. If you missed it I did an updated "What's In My Bag" review last week.

I seem to live in jeans now which is funny because it took me a long time to get into wearing them. I never found any that were that comfortable until I stumbled upon the Faded Glory brand at Walmart. They have a elastic waist and are the skinny jeans with the stretchy material. Last month I picked up two tops from Jones New York at Sam's Club. I don't think I paid more then $8.00 each!

I love this Aqua sweater from New York and Company that my daughter Quisha gave me for Christmas and I have been pairing it with a Worthington animal print blouse from JCPenneys.

If I'm not in my rain boots or my Converse tennis shoes I have been in my "riding" boots from Merona at Target. I really like the look of them but I wouldn't recommend them if you are looking for boots for long term. The bottom of my soles are torn and the boots themselves scuff up easily. The good thing is that they are very comfortable to walk in.

I've just about finished with my Cranberry Pear Belinni candle from Bath and Bodyworks. 

I have never been a jelly bean girl until Marc introduced me to Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans and now I can't get enough of them! 

I just recently finished reading Gideon's Sword and I was surprised at how much enjoyed it. I believe there are more in this series so I may have to look into a few more books.

Nicki and I have been sharing the Earl Bynum Mount Unity Choir cd and we have basically worn it out just because its just that good! A few of my friends attend church there and one of my friends actually sings with the choir. They recently won a Stella award for their work.

Next up will be my Ipsy March bag reveal!

My April Favorites

Favorite Hair Products

I have tried every pony tail holder under the sun. Even the ouchless ones without the medal band. I wasn't sure how these would work on ethnic hair but surprisingly they hold my ponytail in place really well and the best part? I don't have wads of hair left in the elsastic after I take it out!

Last summer I decided to let my hair grow out. So far its been an ok adventure ( I won't be going "natural" just in case anyone ask). I get my hair "did" every two weeks. Usually my hairdresser washes it, roller sets it and puts me under the dryer (she follows up with a wrap). That is the only time heat goes near my head. Every 6 weeks I get my hair relaxed ( for all my non-african american sista's who may not have a clue what I'm talking about....I'm not talking about a perm) which basically means my stylist uses chemicals to take the "curl" out of my hair (the week in between I do a co-wash). Last month I "treated" my hair the week before I usually get a a relaxer and used Lustrasilk Herbal Cholesterol deep conditioning cream along with my Aphogee Deep Moisture Shampoo and then used my Cantu Shea butter leave in conditioning repair cream. I noticed a significant difference in my hair texture (it was straighter), and so did my hairdresser because she reccomended skipping my relaxer until my next appointment (which meant I went 8 weeks without a touch up). Needless to say I will be doing this again during the month of May! Any chance to extend my relaxer to at least two more weeks is a good thing!

Favorite Make-Up Products

I ordered this months ago (glad I did because it doesn't seem to be on the website anymore) from my Mary Kay Consultant when I was in the middle of my "pinched nerve" issues. I asked my consultant to save it for my birthday (which would include a discount for the month of my birthday. You all know I love a good bargain). I love this bag! It came with several make-up brushes but there is room for additional brushes, and additional net pocket plus a make up bag that comes out. Its a great addition to my collection of bags and is a perfect compliment to my Mary Kay's travel bag.

I've been really loving my Milani Face Powder in Dark Tan (I use it on hot days in place of foundation) and the Milani Rose D' Oro baked powder blush. I started using Milani products last summer and picked up the  face powder again this spring. I have been keeping the make-up pretty light and natural the last few weeks so my go to lipstick has been nuetral  (sort of coral) by Revlon (super lustrous) in the shade Temptress. I also went back to using Mary Kay's brow gel. I've tried other types but I haven't been that satisfied with them. Mary Kay had a brow gel years ago and then discountinued it. Recently they brought it back and I am thrilled! 

Favorite Fashion Pieces 

I brought this Bob Mackie jacket last year when we went on vacation to Lancaster PA. Its from QVC and came from their outlet store. This jacket looks great with dresses, capri's and jeans! I knew I would like it when I got it but wasn't sure what I would wear it with. Now I love it! I posted a pic on Instagram and "Bob Mackie" or one of his people liked it! LOL

I picked up this purse a few years ago from JCPenneys. As a matter of fact I think we brought one for the girls as well in brown and pink. This bag holds a ton of stuff and can go casual or slightly dressy. 

I love sandals in the summmer with a cute skirt or maxi dress. I picked these up from Roses for $8.00! I have been wearing them like crazy and the best part is that they don't hurt between the toes! That's a must with these type of shoes. 

Favorite Home Items

I've been burning Bath and Bodyworks Pink Sangria. The description on the candle says its a mix of zesty mandarin, crisp appple, watery pear and sugared berries. I just know it smells good. LOL

I brought a bunch of candle holders from Bath and Bodyworks with my birthday money! I don't know why but I just feel safer having them in the candle sleeves. Plus they are pretty! 

I switch up my "sippy" cups with the season. My favorite colors are blue and green..need I say more? 

Favorite Beverage/Snacks

I thought I would give the pretzel chips a try and was surprised how much I liked them. Surprisingly my family liked it as well. I ate them plain as well as with chicken salad and honey mustard sauce.

I tried this tea for the first time when they were serving it at our churches cafe. Its Lipston's Blueberry and Pomegranate white tea and it is delicious cold as well as hot.

This is completely my husbands fault. He brought me a case of my favorite candy bar for my birthday. I won't even tell you how many are left in the box! 

Same with the cereal! Which I snack on because I don't drink milk.

Favorite Books/Magazines

With magazines right now its all about the organizing! I would love if you shared your favorites! 

I just finished reading Stand By Me, which is about the life of two women in a multi-cultural church. You all know if you follow me on twitter that I am passionate about women, and especially passionate about uniting our different races. Apparently there is a series of these books by the author Neta Jackson who is the author of the Yada Yada prayer group. I enjoyed the book so much I'm going to be looking for some of he earlier books to add to my collection. 

Favorite TV Shows

I have been watching a lot of tv. My favorites this month have been Body of Proof , Castle and The Good Wife! I'm also glued to the tv so I can catch the last couple of episodes of NCIS which I believe is in its last season. Marc and I both watch Person of Interest and Elementary! I told you I was watching a lot of TV. 

Favorite Song

Some of my friends belong to Mount Lebanon Church here in Virginia and their church just released a new song called " Bless The Name of The Lord" and I have been listening to it all week! Its coming out on Itunes this week (it may have been released already). But if you get a chance go check it out!

Favorite YouTuber

I thought I would add this to my monthly favorites. I have really enjoyed watching GabeandBabe . These two crack me up! And they have the cutest baby!!! 

Favorite App

I recently downloaded a countdown app and its my favorite this month because I'm using it to countdown our 30th anniversary trip! 

And that ladies is my April favorites!!!! Hope you enjoyed it. Sorry for any mispellings or typos. This blog post has taken me all day to do and my arm is starting to hurt. I may go back later and clean it up a bit but for now I'm done. lol

March Favorites!

I enjoyed doing my February favorites so much I'm pretty sure I'm going to try and do it on a regular basis from now on.

I love, love, love my Easter handbag from Tommy Hilfiger! My arm is still not healed enough that I can deal with my big bags yet so I'm in the market for some smaller bags. Right now I'm really looking for a crossbody bag for our upcoming trip to Florida.

This is my "emergency" bag. I picked up this Sonia Kashuk make-up bag from Target a few months ago and its been a lifesaver. It holds all of the "stuff" I need while on the go and it keeps it all in one place instead of all over my bag. 

Seriously this one bag holds a lot of stuff! LOL

I have been searching and searching for a lip balm that I like as much as my EOS egg lip balm. I know everyone raves on the baby lips balm but I found it drying and my lips seemed to peel even more after using it. I heard about the Nivea lip balm on YouTube and decided to give it a try. At the same time I picked up the Nivea creme and can I tell you something? I love these two products! And the mini moisturizing creme was only 99 cents! 

Marc gave me a Canon Poweshot point and shoot camera for Christmas ( I wanted it for vlogging, which I'm still considering doing). I needed a bag to keep it in but I didn't want a regular camera bag. Nicki and I saw this small wrislet at TJMaxx. Nine West is another one of those companies that I really like and this little bag is perfect for holding my camera, extra memory card and the charger! Best part is that it fits in either my small or big purse.

I talked about these fruit snacks on Instagram and in my Target Haul. OMG, I still can't get enough of them. I won't even tell you how many of these packets I have gone through.

This Mickey necklace is from Avon! I actually had to force myself to not wear it every day. That's how much I heart it! LOL

Next to YouTube, Pandora (Instagram is high on the list as well...lol) has become my favorite app on my phone. Some mornings I've had church going on up in here! LOL

I didn't burn my candles that much during the month of March but I did use my bath products a lot more. I was actually surprised how much I liked the Bali Mango because originally I thought the Arabu Coconut would be my favorite. While in the store I was actually wavering back and forth between the two and the salesperson suggested the Bali Mango over the Arabu (early in February I ordered the mini versions of the mist so that I could compare which ones I would like to get lotion and soap for). It was actually a great call because I love the Bali Mango. I'm itching to go and get the  Beautiful Day set but I'm trying to be patient (at least until my birthday in a few weeks).