Freetress Russian and Brazilian Hair Review

I'm not the one to advocate for synthetic bundles of hair. Unlike a wig, the intention of the weft hair is for you to install it into your hair. Meaning that you would go to sleep with the hair, shower with the hair, workout and get physical with the hair. I just don't think synthetic hair is built for that.

So when I got these bundles (at a steal, they were $10 each and I only needed 2 for a full head... of course I split and sealed the wefts) I immediately installed it into a wig. I was pleasantly surprised that actual quality of the hair is better than the synthetic hair I am used to.

They are both wavy textures but the Russian bundle is not as loose as the Brazilian. I actually prefer the Russian's texture.

It didn't tangle or shed excessively. I can't speak on how it reacts to heat. I would totally recommend this hair (for a quick weave, i'm still not 100% convinced it can be an install... don't do it to yourself.)

I don't LOVE they way it blends with my natural hair. 

How to Archer: The Ultimate Guide to Espionage, Style, Women, and Cocktails Ever Written

It took me soooo long to finish this kindle read. I definitely got it because I was going through some Archer withdrawal. Archer on FX is one of my FAVORITE shows.

Since episode one, I was hooked. Its not so much of a funny show (really the only shows I find funny are Bob's Burgers and Modern Family) but I am so entertained because I think its a smart show.

That's why I had such high hopes for this book. Warning, this is not really a novelization of the entire show. It is more focused on Archer the character.

It is literally a how to be archer. It was entertaining during the first half then after that, it just droned on and on. it went from his opinions to which country has the most beautiful women to drink recipes.

All in all, I seriously say past on this.

Declarations of love, instagram to marriage

I don't know if this is a 'girl' thing but social media relationship declaration are SUPER serious for me. Since the day the term "Facebook official' became a thing, social media has been another step in the dating process.

For ME, its like
1. Exchange numbers/text (explanatory)

2. Call just to say hi (yes, that's, like, intimate enough that its on a level for me. Phone calls are reserved for guy I REALLY like)

3. Meet the friends (when you put other people in the equation, that's definitely serious mode. Your'e introducing people to this person... letting them know who you are dealing with. That person then becomes a reflection of you. If my home girl introduces Boo Boo the clown as her man... that makes me look at her a certain way.)

4. Social media (This is like the 'friend' level times hundred. You are now introducing your new bae to the interwebs. its almost solidified in public records. You are not just letting your intimate friends who you are dating, you are introducing this person to your distant friends, nosey co-worker, and yes, those thristy exes. It's a big deal! Call me a commitment-phobe but I don't take dates in my instagram bio or relationship statuses on my Facebook lightly)

Of course, other steps include meeting the parents, moving in(optional) getting married, having babies (I've heard of people willing to get married but not ready for babies... the two actions are not as intertwined as people think.)

Welcome to the new age of dating.

Why I don't watch rap videos anymore

I feel everyday I'm becoming more and more into a feminist.

WHY is it that the rap genre is hell-bent on objectifying women? It's almost like a requirement to be half naked and shaking every part of your body that can jiggle. It's totally disgusting to me anymore. Don't get me wrong, I still looooove trap music. I just don't want to watch the videos anymore. All this is becoming basic to me.

Hourglass Ambient Powder (Pictures and Application)

If you haven't been pounded by the incessant hype surrounding these Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders, there is a slight chance you have been living under a rock (that or you're just not that into makeup and you've stumbled on to the post by accident)

I was so excited when I got mine from Sephora earlier on in the year- yeah the blog post is YEARS late... at least you know it will be a through review. I love the sleek packaging but with the $45 price tag, I wouldn't be surprised if it was dipped in gold

The appeal of these setting powders is that they are supposed to diffuse a light onto your skin, giving you a gorgeous airbrushed finish.

I got mine in Radiant Light. I figured it was a nice way to dip my toe in it because I wasn't 100% sure how it would look on dark skin. If the tone was too harsh, I would just use it as a highlight.

Believe it or not but there are actually TWO swatches on my hand. On the top is a heavy concentrated swatch, unblended. On the bottom, I blended it in with my skin, it melts into my deep skin tone. On my face, I do like that highlight it gives me (I keep in concentrated on the center of my face) because it does give it a natural radiant glow. But as far as actually SETTING my makeup, it kind of fails. I have to layer it on top of another powder, especially when it comes to setting creamy concealers.

All in all, I don't think it was a fail... I HAVE had better though.

The Queen movie review

So, if you know me, you may be familiar with my slight obsession with English monarchs. I ordered The Queen off of my Netflix DVD queue because it is a movie about Queen Elizabeth. Played by Helen Mirren, the movie showcases the Queen dealing with the nation after the death of Princess Diana.

I was absolutely fascinated by the idea of that the movie because Princess Di's death did not only affect the U.K., it threw the entire Western world in a tizzy.

I vaguely remembered the news coverage as a child and now, as an adult, the this movie offered a glimpse into the household that might had to deal with an immense amount of grief while still being in the public eye.

Too bad it was boring as all hell.

Well, 'boring' isn't the right word. I appreciated Mirren's performance but the story arc itself was just super understated and slow. And I can enjoy a good understated film (Lars and the Real Girl anyone?). I guess I just hyped myself up thinking there was going to be a bit more drama and female empowering monologues/speeches (I mean it is about the queen of England).

All in all, I know this isn't a super in-depth review... I just wanted to come on here and rant about my disappointment. It was a fair movie though. It wasn't horrible... just underwhelming. 
  

The Red Queen Book Review

So I just finished reading The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory. I'm a sucker for a good Gregory novel because I have this weird fascination with English monarchs. I would blame Game of Thrones but I think I became entranced when I saw The Other Boleyn Girl (a movie based on a novel by Gregory.)

If you've read The White Queen, you'll already be familiar to the traitorous and cold-hearted Margret Tudor.  The Red Queen tells her side of the cousins war (which is actually inspired Games of Thrones) and you surprisingly start to side with her claim to the throne- well, at least I did.

The pious child bride bore her first and only son Henry Tudor when she was just 13. You start to understand that her piety is the one thing that makes her realize her self worth in a society that deems her 'less than' because of her gender, regardless of her high born status. Her estranged mother convinces her the one thing she can do for the family is to continue the name by bear children.

Gregory does an excellent job spinning what seems to be a back-stabbing friend in The White Queen into a tormented young mother determined to get her son on the throne. Even with all that said, Margret is still a less likable person than Elizabeth, but i guess that is no fault of her own when you see the childhood (or lack thereof) she experienced.

The sexualization of young girls

Rashida Jones had a point. I mean, I don't consider myself a full-fledged feminist (I love my demeaning and offensive rap music too much for that) but the amount of semi-pornographic images of young women harass us on the daily is bothersome to say the least. It's to the point that I feel we have become desensitized to it.

Why is it normal for us to turn on Disney Channel channel shows and see 'teenagers' that resemble 20 year old women, complete with full faces of makeup and push up bras? Do you know what that sends to our young girls?  It makes them feel that their self worth is dependent on their looks. So they use the formative years of their adolescence to scrutinize mirror reflections and how many likes their selfies get instead of discovering who they are as a person, finding their individuality. Do you know how many grown women don't know what their likes and interest are but I bet you those same women know exactly what pose to do when someone wants to 'snap a pic for the 'gram.'

I don't know if this is necessarily a problem that plagues just our generation. This has probably been an issue for women for years (centuries, generations, whatever) but that doesn't mean we should stay blind to it.

I'm not trying to be "Old Miss Hannigan" wagging her finger and prefacing everything I say with "In my day..." I just need to stress the importance of letting young girls be that... girls. They need to learn love themselves regardless of what the media tells them they should look like at the that age. Leave the insecurities and vanity to the grown women battling wrinkles!

SJP Shoes

Shoe lovers everywhere, rejoice! Sarah Jessica Parker has banked on her association with the chic fashion world through Carrie Bradshaw and has come out with a shoe line. Her high end shoe collection can be found at Nordstrom (thank goodness its not Barney's, I'm still mentally boycotting that place.)

Trust me, these zapatos are not exactly cheap. The prices range from $150-$500, so they are not exactly breaking the bank but I wouldn't call them impulse buy. (I shop at JustFab remember?)

She was quoted saying that she wanted to "bring back the single sole shoe." We are so used to seeing platforms everywhere I haven't noticed there was a lack of anything but.

That being said, I definetly will be yearning for a pair come x-mas time.

What is a Sheath Dress?

Again, I am not, by definition, a "fashionista." I do, however, enjoy perusing some fashion blogs and magazines. Some terms that fly around I can associate with trends like "peplum" and "A-line skirts"... Things like that I get. But when the overall consensus for the spring season was that a colorful sheath dress was almost imperative, I couldn't get past the fact I didn't even know how to identify what a sheath dress was (let alone buy a colorful one for the season.)

So I decided to do some research (a page one Google search) and share my knowledge for what a 'Sheath' dress is for all those who are just as style challenged as myself. A sheath dress is basically any form fitting dress.

There you go, you're welcome.

I am now off to the nearest department store

Maybelline FitMe Stick Foundation

This whole FitMe line is hit or miss with me. Albeit, I do really like the FitMe powder, the FitMe concealer is nothing but the devil. So when I picked up the new Stick foundation I really didn't know what to expect. I got it for around $3 with coupons so if it was bad... it wouldn't be the end of the world.

 The foundation claims to be "shine-free." I do not get excessively oily but I do have a T-zone that I sometimes worry about. With this foundation, it did keep the oil at bay so I would recommend for oily skin girls.

 

As you can see (or maybe you can't... I have been using it for a couple of weeks), the core of the foundation is supposed to be an 'anti-shine' primer. I thought this was so cool but as I started to use the gimmicky product, I realized I HATE the consistency. It wasn't as firm as the stick foundations I've used in the past and I wasn't completely sure how I was supposed to blend it in. In the end, I ended up just using my fingers.

 The longevity was decent. Because it was anti-shine, it didn't break down like other foundations would after a long day. It wasn't necessarily long wearing but it stayed longer that most drugstore products.

 

I didn't love the color match for me. I wasn't able to get my hands on the darkest shade so I got 340. It looked a little ashy on me so I mostly concentrated the foundation on the center of my face.

All in all, I don't particularly love this foundation but I can see why someone would. It is affordable and it does keep shine away. I just didn't like the consistency and the color match. I don't even use it as a foundation anymore... I mostly use in as a tinted primer and it works great that way.

The Aviator's Wife Book Review

Melanie Benjamin gives a vivid look to the inside world of 'Lucky Lindy' (Charles Lindbergh) and his wife. If you are relatively young like I am, you don't necessarily realize the magnitude and celebrity of this aviator during his time. He just seems to be lost in the blur of name in your history book.

I don't know what made me pick this book up but I am SOOO glad I did. I couldn't imagine how emotionally invested I became in Anne Lindbergh and her all-consuming relationship. As I read about the governor's daughter immersing herself in the celebrity of this golden hair man, it put a lot of things into perspective.

As Anne describes in the book, some men have a 'god complex' and are constantly trying to mold you into their image. Young Anne allowed herself to be defined as 'the aviator's wife.' The story follows her as a young girl meeting Charles for the first time, their fairytale love story blossoming, and their tragic kidnapping. I can not stress enough how captivating this novel is.

Nyx Dewy Mist

For a couple of years now, I've been solely faithful to the Urban Decay makeup setting sprays but lately, my wallet hasn't been agreeing with the $30 price tag they cost. So I walked  over to my local Ulta and picked this up for a $7.

Honestly, I didn't see a huge difference but I did love the nozzle. You can cover your whole face with just a couple of spritz.

Netflix Review: This is 40

Knocked up is literally one of my favorite movies... So when I first heard about the 'unofficial' sequel to it, I almost jumped up with excitement.

That excitement weaned the second I actually starting watching it.

It stars Leslie Mann (the director's wife), Paul Rudd and appearances Melissa McCarthy (love her), Megan Fox, Jason Segel, Chris O'Dowd, and Lena Dunham (LOOOOOOVE HER.)

It is about  a couple's realization of where their life and marriage is when they finally turn 40.

Quick review: what I liked was the familiar conversational humor that Apatow has perfected since like... Freaks and Geeks. (Oh God, I'm still waiting for a reunion.) I liked that he used his own adorable kids in the movie.

What I didn't like: the quirky humor and plot lines bordered on random in this film.

Fashion 101: Mixing prints

I am personally NOT a fan of this fashion trend. Even though I am into beauty, I can't really seem to have a firm hold on fashion. (Especially when it comes to trends like this.) Why would you want to look like you had to throw everything thing in your closet on at the same time?

But the fashion magazines seem to be crying out in unison that this is an acceptable look for the street. Celebrities like Solange Knowles have made this the quirky girl's uniform.

I mean, sure, of course it would work on her right?







I admit, there are days when I have left the house to lazy to coordinate a proper outfit. On those occasions, I try to convince myself that I'm "mixing prints" but how do I convince onlookers that? Hold up a sign?

I have heard that the key to making this work for the average man is to pair a smaller print with a bigger print.

So this scarf could work with this poncho... But what do I know?

All in all, this difficult trend should be saved for the celebrity, the runway, and the brave.

Book Review: The Boys (vol. 2)

I'm not a HUGE graphic novel fan but I had such high hope for this series. The first book in this 8 part series I devoured in one sitting so when I got my hands on the second one, it was a bit anti-climatic.

All of the old character are back and they are still in the business of policing those reckless super heroes. In the second installment, the group has to figure out a murder that might have been conducted by a oversexed Batman-like "supe."

What I don't like about this book in particular is that the story is LITERALLY everywhere. I didn't fully get what was going on half the time. This makes me a little hesitant to pick up vol. 3. 

Netflix Review: The Bling Ring

I know I'm literally the only person in the world that gets Netflix DVD sent to the house but I like the wide selection available to you and I can't justify paying extra for streaming. No one has time for 10 hour binge fests. So getting that red mailer every other day sort of reminds me to take time out and enjoy a movie.

This week I had the chance of watching The Bling Ring.

The 2013 dark comedy stars some familiar faces like Emma Watson, Taissa Farmiga (American Horror Story), Leslie Mann, Gavin Rosedale and it introduced others like Katie Chang and Israel Broussard.

The Sofia Coppola directed film is based on a true story of a couple of teenagers that robbed high profile celebrities by just walking into their unlocked houses. The amateur criminals would get their hands on expensive clothes, jewelry and shoes: every high schoolers dream right? Some of their victims included Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, and Orlando Bloom.

 I thought this film was a statement about our generation's obsession with celebrity idolatry and the pervasive media images that sells you that life. When did we not become content with being us? The two main characters, Marc and Rebecca are product examples of our photoshopped model-esqued media messages. And when I say media messages, I include everything from music, news, ads, movies... it seems like everything has to sensationalized and 'sexy.'

Rebecca is obsessed with clamoring to a more glamorous life while Marc is dissatified with his 'aveage' looks. And the movie makes it clear that each one of the vapid teens are obsessed with their social media presence, trying to attain some 'FaceBook' fame.

All in all, I would recommend this movie if you are into quirky films.

Beyonce's Wavy Bob

I feel like I am the only person in the world that absolutely hates this look on King Bey. You know I am a lover of all things Beyonce. I even begrudgingly purchased her new album with my own money when I usually just wait for it to come on my Spotify. (What? It's not like she NEEDS my money.)

When I first saw this blunt wavy mop of a hairstyle I first thought it was an artistic look that was supposed to be void of an actual aesthetic appeal, a la Nicki Minaj circa 2009.

 (Seriously, I'd scream and cry if I ever got a "Barbie" that looked like this.)

So I thought the unflattering cut was just reserved for her self-titled video album, BEYONCE, but I was shocked and a little annoyed when Mrs. Carter showed up to the Grammy sporting the same look.

Granted, the "Drunk in Love" singer does look flawless so I was starting to warm up to the look.

But then she got it wet...

Is the music industry "Rapper Racist?"

I remember a very old Lil' Wayne song, "Shooter" feat. Robin Thicke where he had a line "And to the radio stations, I'm tired of being patient/ Stop being rapper racists, region-haters." 

At the time I didn't fully realize what he meant when he released this 2005 song. But now, almost 10 years later, I think I get what he was trying to say. Although he was directing that line toward hip hop station that completely avoid his records because he was from the South I'M relating it to top 40 stations that I listen to that sometime cut a whole rap verse out of a song... why? I don't know.

For example, that Katy Perry and Juicy J song, "Dark Horse." Some radio stations will play that song but not Juicy J's verse. Is it because some people are really uncomfortable with rap? They do not want to offend their audience?

In addition to that, the amazing Grammy performance with Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons had a lot of the rock band's fan upset. Looking on their FaceBook page I saw quite a bit of resent over the collab.

 

Granted, everybody has the right to their opinion and not everybody is going to love everything but I can't help think its because they chose a black rapper. If ID chose to collab with Macklemore, Mac Miller, Eminem or any other popular white rapper I would put money that the dissent wouldn't be as great.

Revlon Nearly Naked Powder

Most powders are similar to me. Powders do that same thing: keep you matte. This powder stands out to me because after a while, you end up greasier than a bucket of chicken. When you touch up with it, however, it does not get cake. The coverage is pretty good as well.

I got it in the color Deep, and it seems to be a good color match the darkest color is in Dark. The price is reasonable enough, I paid around $10 for it with coupons.

The powder itself is finely milled, making it really light on the face. (Hence the name nearly naked.)

This is perfect for a girl that doesn't necessarily wear a lot of makeup but wants a tad bit of coverage. It is not, however, great for oily skin. Overall, I'm pretty happy with my purchase (The packaging is quite bulky though making it hard to travel with. I mean in what makeup bag would this fit in?).

I'm convinced JustFab has the best jeans for curvy girls

Okay, I have to admit that I might be a little addicted to JustFab.com as a whole (almost every month, I'm drooling over the picks that I get.) I was a bit iffy on trying out their denim line but I'm so glad I took that leap of faith. I honestly am the type of girl that HATES wearing jeans. I'm more of a legging/jegging girl because the size of my bum is so big but my waist isn't that big. So when I do purchase jeans, I have to OD with the belt to make sure I don't rock that plumber crack.

Even though I only have two pairs of JustFab jeans, they fit me ridiculously well. I can't sing their praises enough. The fabric isn't so constricting and they provide a lot of give. Trust me, thick girls should give this a shot.

Book Review: Lauren Conrad Beauty

This is the first beauty book I read. (I've read a couple of books on natural hair but nothing on makeup and stuff.)

The book started out entertaining enough and she did have a couple of good tips about hair care and nails... but honestly I felt it was a bit redundant.

Lauren Conrad is reality show star turned beauty mogul. She has her successful clothing line at Kohl's and a beauty advice column in PeopleStyleWatch magazine. So I guess taking beauty advice from her a little credible.

The book goes over everything beauty from hairstyles, to hair care, different makeup looks, nail care and much more. It is also littered with personal antidotes that are pretty entertaining too. My only qualm with the book is that it doesn't give you any original tips that you didn't know from common sense or a YouTube video.

it probably would suit a very young girl that is just putting her foot into the world of beauty but for a makeup junkie like me, it wasn't TOO useful.

Sinful Colors Ruby Ruby

 A nice red polish is almost a staple in every woman's wardrobe. And with sinful colors, you can have this rich deep brick color for like 2 or 3 bucks. You can't go wrong.

Hair Growth Journey (one year)

Last year I decided to start and document my hair growth journey. This pic is from the end of 2012.

 Since then I think I grew a solid inch... maybe two.

 I think the only thing I will do differently is get trims more frequently and get a Tangle teezer to help me detangle my hair. I think that is where I lose a bulk of my length.