Summer Beauty Made Simple (Re-loaded)

It's Fashion Friday and I'm Starting out with a guest post  for Reflexions by Fierce.

She is a community blogger on Yahoo! Shine and a part of the Fashion and Beauty channel’s Shine Beauty Guru panel. Here is her Summer Beauty Tips for us, enjoy:

I’m soo thrilled to be guest blogging over here on Reflexions today and I just can’t help but talk about my first love – beauty!

Though the summer is my favorite time of the year, it’s also the hottest time, which means there’s more room for the elements to wreck havoc on your beauty routine! We all want to look good as we sit pool side or attend those outdoor summer parties so the crazy temps should stop us right? So here are some quick and easy beauty tips to make sure that you look good while you have fun this summer!

Give your skin some extra pampering!

Because makeup will be at a minimum, it’s important to make sure your gorgeous skin shines through! It’s a great time to treat yourself to a facial or two to give your face a good exfoliation as well as replenish it with the essential vitamins that keep your skin looking fresh! A great one to try is the Triple Oxygen Facial at Bliss Spa. If a facial isn’t in your budget, there are great at home products you can use. My favorites are the Triple Oxygen Energizing mask from Bliss Spa and the Mary Kay Microderm Abrasion Set.

Tinted Moisturiser is the Way to Go!

Foundation is way too heavy for these summer months (who would want to have your make-up to melt off?!) So your best option to keep your skin moisturised while giving you sheer coverage is using a tinted moisturiser. There are great brands to choose with different price points to fit your budget. I just ran out of my Mary Kay and until I find the Covergirl one that I really want, I’ve just been mixing a little bit of my foundation into my daily moisturizer, which works just as well!

Let your lips have all the fun!

As much as I love my eyeshadow, it pains me to go through all the time applying it, just to have it sweat off as soon as I step outside! So I’ve been giving them a break and experimenting with bold lip color instead! Not only is it a hot trend this season, it’s much easier to add a pop of color to your beauty look and reapply when you need to!

You can go for a soft, natural gloss, like this one from Avon in Constant Coral or get bold with Covergirl LipPerfection in Tempted.

What are your tips and tricks for looking great this summer?

For more on what beauty products I’m using this summer, check me out on my blog Fierce!

My Orange Mood (Fashion and Beauty Friday)

Anything orange brightens up my style these days. Weather I'm going formal or dressing down, I always combine my outfits with some orange accessories and girl, I feel like a sunshine!!!

Source:  Pinterest

Source:Pinterest

Tips For Preventing Afro Textured Hair Loss (Fashion and Beauty Friday)

Many people, even the young ones are now experiencing lots of hair-losses. Some say their hairs are falling out like crazy and I think this is because of too much chemicals that are found in most hair products we are using. Most of the hair products out there (starting from shampoos) contains some unimaginable chemicals you won't even like to lay your hands on talk-less of pouring them on your hair. 

For somebody like me with an Afro textured hair, I try as much as possible to use more natural products for my hair. What's best is to prevent your hair from falling out in the first place (no matter your hair type). 

Here are a few ways you can do this:

1. Consider changing your hairstyle from time
to time to let your scalp and locks breathe.
Why? Because tight braids, coils, and twists
may loosen hair and cause it to come out.

2. Use wide-tooth combs and brushes whenever
possible. If you use a narrow-tooth comb or
brush, it can yank your hair and pull it out
in clumps.

3. Avoid combing your hair vigorously or too
often. A few strokes of the brush each day
should be enough to stimulate oil production
to protect the hair shaft and scalp and
maintain a nice shine.

4. Do not over-process your hair. If you use
relaxers, and leave them in your hair too
long, you may end up with a chemical burn. If
this happens, your hair may fall out until
your scalp is healed.

Follow these suggestions and you'll prevent
your shiny, healthy hair from becoming
damaged and falling out.

Ankara Love (Fashion Friday)

My Fashion this summer centres mostly on African Designs. Maybe it is because of my visit to Nigeria some couple of months ago. African prints are taking up on fashion scenes recently and I'm really proud of that. Most celebrities have also been spotted rocking their Ankara prints.

Recent collections from various international designers have featured ankara and other African influences.

Burberry Prorsum Resort has featured some African Prints. Burberry Prorsum Resort 2012 – African Print

Ankara Prints are are easy to handle and are made of 100% cotton.

Here are some inspiring styles:

Photo: Fashion Africa

Photo from Boxing Kittens

Photo: saflirista.com

Floral Prints For Spring (Fashion and Beauty Friday)

It's finally spring!!! It's the time that the first sunshine comes out and if you have experienced a long cold weather, this sunshine will be like a gift. Everyone one is happy to say goodbye to the dark coloured winter clothings and welcome the sweet bright colours that comes with Spring. Here are some floral prints that you can welcome this new season with.

Do you have any special spring colours or wears? Share with us.

Bikini Baby - Alicia Keys and Son Egypt

Haven't heard from Soulröhre and R'n'B-Star Alicia Keys for a long time now? May be because the 30yr old mother has better things to do than rocking on the stage. It's so sweet to be a MAMA!!! 

Her baby is such a cutie.

What I Like to Wear (Fashion Friday)

Black

via Pinterest

Kate Middleton Dazzles in a Black Gown (Fashion and Beauty Friday)

I like Kate, and so do many others. She has endeared herself to the public with her style and charm. When it comes to fashion, she rarely disappoints. I've not always been a fan of  'Long Black Dresses/Gowns (I prefer short dresses) but I totally agree with Kate on this. It looks perfect on her and I'm giving her an A+.

A photo of Princess Diana wearing similar gown also came up and she wore it well too.

Pregnancy and High Heels (Fashion and Beauty Friday)

How long can a pregnant woman stand on her tiptoes? Seeing the way some pregnant women (especially the celebrities) rock their high heels, I can't stopping imaging how comfortable it is for them. When I was pregnant, I gave up wearing my high heels at the beginning of my second trimester because I was always loosing balance. Even now, I rarely wear them since I keep on chasing after my active toddlers at every occasion we attend.

Okay, I know that motherhood has made me loose some of my braveness, but below are pictures of some brave celebrities who will not give up their high heels even in the nearest future.

Credit: Humberto Carreno/Startraksphoto.com

Credit: Andrea Renault/Polaris

Credit: Michael Kovac/FilmMagic

Credit: Flynet

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

Credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry (Fashion and Beauty Friday)

Cosmetic dentistry is the art and science of enhancing and improving the appearance of a person's smile. It is the dental treatment  that improves the beauty and health of a person. Smile  is an important aspect of looking and feeling your best. Cosmetic dentistry can work wonders for your physical and mental health. It can improve your smiles, increase your confidence and bring the dazzle back into your mouth.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), cosmetic dentistry has been shown to improve a person's overall health and emotional well-being. An improved smile can boost a person's self image, making them more confident in their daily lives.

One of the tasted and trusted benefits of cosmetic dentistry is that it produces immediate results. Chipped, cracked or broken teeth can be fixed. Most variety of dental defects can be corrected. Old ugly black and silver fillings can be replaced with new natural colour. Teeth can be whitened , lighted and brightened to counter act the effects of foods, drinks, cigarettes, etc.

It can repair dental injury caused by trauma, illness, infection, developmental abnormalities and  heredity.

The recovery time is fairly quick and it is said that patients report very small pain during the recovery period. For anyone who  suffers  from dental fear and anxiety, Sedation Dentistry Nashville will be a perfect option.

Here are some other benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry can help to improve your appearance and give you greater self confidence. Mentally, your self esteem will be higher and you will generally feel better about your self.

Because of the improved smile, you will begin to love your own smiles and your smiles will know no bound.

You will be more proud of yourself. If you used to hide your smile because of your imperfect teeth, you do not need to be ashamed any more.

Not being ashamed of your smiles can give you confidence to talk to a stranger, meet new people, get a raise and so much more.

Missing tooth can affect the functionality of the way your mouth masticate food. If you are missing a tooth or more, cosmetic dentistry could be the answer.

Disclaimer: I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog  for a franklin
dentist and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

The amazing Cucumber

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc. 

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber.  Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower?  Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

 4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds?  Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long.  The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool?  Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite.  Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache?  Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free.  Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge?  Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes?  Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge?  Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don’t have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa?  Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints?  Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel?  Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won’t leave streaks and won’t harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake?  Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Pass this along to everybody you know who is looking for better and safer ways to solve life’s everyday problems.


This information was in “The New York Times” - “Spotlight on the Home” series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.

Jennifer Aniston (Style Star)

I love her casual outfits. Simple but chic and age appropriate. She mixed a lot of things together and came up with this look. She has a great body and was recently polled for Best Body by Fitness Magazine. She always wins those Body Contest (good for her) but I think their are other celebs who have great body too. You look good Jen, you go girl!!!

image - What's the buzz

image - What's the Buzz

My Affair With Turtlenecks

I used to be one of the people who don't like wearing turtlenecks. Growing up in Africa where we have warm/hot weather all year long,  I couldn't imagine how people would wear turtlenecks without suffocating. Not only that, the look didn't appeal to me due to the way some people wear it.

Since I moved to the Europe (Germany) where we have long days of minus degrees in winter, turtlenecks have become one of my must have winter clothings. I like dressing smart in them. I've come to like them or maybe I have psyched myself to. Why won't I since it gives me the kind of warmth I want (especially around my neck). I like it because it is versatile and you can wear it starting from Fall through Winter and even in spring. I used to think that only weird people wear turtleneck but the people around me wearing them are anything but weird (maybe we are all weird).

Wearing turtlenecks creates opportunity for me to accessorize. For a more classy look, you can wear it under a stylish jacket, cardigan or vest. You can reach out for more appealing fall and winter colours like purple, mustard, yellow, red, grey.

If you are wearing turtleneck, be sure to have your hair nicely styled, simple make-up, fitting accessories and you are good to go.

So if you are in the bandwagon of turtleneck lovers, go ahead and enjoy them. It's time to bring them out  or go get yourself some new piece/s.

Natural Beauty Remedies from the Kitchen (Fashion and Beauty Friday)

Oatmeal: is known to be a good natural and inexpensive home remedy for dry skin and acne. It is also very soothing for itchy skin. To treat acne and the likes with oatmeal, simply grind (using a blender or mixer) your oatmeal into a fine powder.Dissolve oatmeal in lukewarm water, and apply the solution to all affected areas leaving it for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with fresh (cold) water. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel, be gentle and make sure not to rub and further irritate your skin.


Sugar: Sugar can be used as body and facial scrub. Ex-foliating your skin regularly is important to help remove excess dirt, dead skin, and oils to rejuvenate your skin. Sugar ex-foliates without tearing away the skin because they are very fine(I don't use it on a daily basis though). Simply mix honey, olive oil, and brown sugar in a bowl. Massage with fingertips into the skin. Let sit as little or as long as you like. First, rinse away with warm water and then followed with cold water.


Olive oil: Not only for it's internal benefits, Extra virgin olive oil is the preferred grade for moisturising the skin and helps remove build-up.
Olive oil is loaded with skin loving nutrients and is a natural humectant that actually helps attract moisture to your dry skin. Olive oil contains antioxidants, squalene, clorophyll,vitamin e, vitamin k, phenols, oleocanthal, etc. It is also great for hair and the scalp. Olive oil is a good natural make-up remover, nail and cuticle moisturiser.


Lemon: This is very good for oily skin. The natural citric acid in lemon helps break down oil molecules and cleanses the top layer of skin to reveal a smooth and soft complexion. Simply mix equal part of fresh lemon juice and water. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and gently dab on skin/face. If the burning sensation is much, wash out with cold water. Follow up with a good moisturiser for an oily skin.


Natural Yoghurt: Apart from it's nutritional values, natural yoghurt can be applied externally. It can be used for the hair, face and body. It exfoliates the skin because it contains a good dose of lactic acid. It locks moisture , softens, brightens and soothes the skin. It cleanses the skin and helps in diminishing blemishes. It gives a clearer and smoother complexion. Apply it your face/skin using a soft brush or clean finger tips. Lease it on for about 15-20 minutes and rinse.

Do you have any Natural Beauty Remedies from the kitchen? Please share with us.

How to Detangle Afro Textured Hair (Fashion and Beauty Friday)

Afro-textured hair is a term used to refer to the typical texture of Black African hair that has not been altered by hot combs, flat irons, or chemicals (by perming, relaxing, or straightening).

Afro textured hair is known for it's super tightly curls. Because of this feature, it's not always easy to be combed or de-tangled and its unique shape also renders it very prone to breakage when combed or brushed. This can be so difficult to handle especially with kids.

There are some simple steps that I've been using which has been quite effective for me and also for my daughter.

1. Wash the hair with non Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Shampoo. One of the cheapest and natural product I use in place of a shampoo is Baking Soda (if you are in Germany, it is called Kaiser Natron, usually found in many drogerie stores eg, Dm, Schlecker, Müller, etc).  

*I will do a post on how to use baking soda.

2. After washing the hair, generously apply some hair conditioner. Using a wide toothed comb (which is very important), take small section of the hair and comb one section at a time starting from the tip. When it's untangled, gently work your way down to the roots. Add more hair conditioner (if necessary) as you comb each section. Make sure to rinse the hair thoroughly after this process.

3. Dry off excess water and add your hair products starting with leave -in -conditioner, hair moisturiser and hair oil.

4. After you must have added the hair products, braid or style as usual.

SHAMPOO (Fashion and Beauty Friday)

Some years back, I got to know about the Dangers of Shampoo from a hair expert Marquetta Breslin. It is unbelievable the kind of chemical we wash our hairs with in the name of shampoo.


Marquetta advised that the next time you make a trip to your local drug store to stock up on bargain shampoo, that you should think twice! Using a poor-quality shampoo can be devastating to your hair's shine and beauty.

Do you know that many "cheap" shampoos contain ammonium laurel sulfate, which is harsh on your hair. It causes dryness,
breakage, and split ends.

Believe it or not, sodium laurel sulphate is a synthetic detergent
generally used in the production of cleansers and dish-washing
liquids. Shampoo manufacturers choose it for its lathering effect,
but in truth it is very harsh and can cause excessive dryness.
Think about it - would you put dish-washing detergent in your hair?
Of course not!

Shampoos containing decyl glucose are gentler and milder in nature
and are a good alternative. I even prefer using a mixture of baking soda and water to wash my hair (which washes the hair and cleanses the scalp stripping off the natural oils.

Ideally, your hair care products should contain essential oils,
herbs and vegetable oils that help to strengthen hair. Rosemary,
ylang-ylang and West Indian bay have essential oils that stimulate
hair growth.

The bottom line is this: Don't skimp on your shampoo and other
hair-care products - go for quality instead. Your hair is worth
the extra cost!

Different Ways to Wear a Scarf (Fashion Friday)

Fall is here!!! In fall, I like emphasizing on accessories. One accessory that is a must have for every woman (Stylish or not) in Fall is a Scarf. Everybody has got it, but what makes a difference is the way you wear your scarf. You might not need to have a load of them but you can do a whole lot with just having a couple of scarves. It gives you more defined and classier look.

Here are two great videos on how to wear your scarf. These videos are must watch, each of them is different and I know that every body must find something new and exciting after watching them:

7 Ways to Wear a Scarf

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes!

Now, did you find something that suits your style?

Reviving your Hair (Fashion and Beauty Friday)

Photo:hairattention.com

Has your hair lost its lustre? There are things you can do to revive it and give it back it's shine. Dull hair can be the result of a variety of factors, but fortunately, it's a fairly easy problem to treat.

Here are some of the tips for bringing radiance back to dull,

lifeless hair.

1. Dyeing your hair frequently can rob it of its gloss. If you

have coloured hair, use products specifically designed for colour-

treated hair to help preserve its shine.

2. Use a clarifying shampoo (or baking soda) monthly to remove the dulling build-up left behind by styling products.

3. Mild and gentle daily brushing helps to activate natural

oils in the hair and restore its shine.

4. Wash and rinse your hair with cool or cold water. This

seals hair cuticles, which causes them to reflect more light.

5. Use an ordinary egg to boost shine! First, separate the

egg white from the yolk. Then add one teaspoon of water to the yolk

and blend it so the mixture becomes creamy. Whip the white portion

of the egg briskly. Mix the two parts and massage your scalp with it

until a froth forms. Lastly, rinse your hair thoroughly.

Fashion Forward and A Bit Funky...Summer to Fall Ideas (Fashion Friday)

It's Fashion Friday and I'm bringing in a guest post from a blogger Friend of mine. She is one of the authors of  LaDy LaDuke.They are the Creators & Designers of  handmade business, LaDy LaDuke...Unique Items For Mothers and Women. Their  personal blog features real Mom and handmade artisan interviews. 

Read her post:

Fashion Forward and A Bit Funky...Summer to Fall Ideas

This is the time of year when you’re still holding onto the summertime, but you know Fall is right around the corner, and you’re not quite ready for a wardrobe overhaul.  Plus, all of those Fall/Winter clothes can get pretty expensive.  Here are a few ideas to take your Summer fashion, and blend it into your Fall wearing. Plus, spruce up items you already have with some choice, and yes, fashion forward and pleasantly unexpected selections…

You know that easy cotton or linen Summer Dress you’ve been wearing, like this tank style?...

Just add some warmth on your gams with some really funky leggings...

There are so many fun leggings these days on the market, and not only are they comfy, but affordable.  

Let’s keep this outfit going…slip on a neutral suede bootie...

The peep toe bootie style here and camel color give you that combined, Summer/Fall look, and then throw on something like this Slick Grey Leather Coat or any of your neutral looking jackets in your closet...

What’s great about all of these pieces, is that they all go together, but can easily be worn separately, and go with so many other items in your wardrobe.

The most inexpensive thing you can do for a new look is to accessorize.  Have you ever taken a look at your husband’s ties?  They can be gorgeous right?  So use them…put one on with your shirt or dress, or you can even wear them as belts.  There are some really great prints out there too that will still give you a feminine edge...

Let’s take a basic t-shirt now, and add a new twist like this Elastic Harness accent.

You could add this harness to any of your clothes for something completely fashion forward and unique. And instead of a typical necklace, try something like a Dapper Bow Tie one…

Fall always calls for scarf wearing, because you can pair it with a light jacket or just on its own for those still warm enough evenings.  A scarf can really make your outfit too, similar to what a necklace does for it.  And if this Rusty Foks handmade fox shaped scarf is not a statement, I don’t know what is!  I like that they have little Mini Foks too…

Sometimes, you might want to splurge a little on something new for the changing season and treat yourself a tad.  So if you’re going to spend some money, go for something different and striking.  I’m sticking with the accessories here on this splurge, so that they can be used more with different outfits, and treasured for years.  You can always tuck away a good piece of jewelry and bring it out again and again.

This Glam Rock Black Leather Cuff can be dressed up or down, but will certainly draw some attention…

Or maybe you should go for the Sinai Glitz cuff, and pair it with your new Rusty Foks scarf!...

Now, can you get anymore fashion forward and funky than that!?

Courtney~Mommy LaDy Club


LaDy LaDuke...Unique Items For Mothers and Women
Try Our Moms Coupon Club at www.ladyladuke.com
Our New Blog: www.mommyladyclub.com
www.twitter.com/LaDyLaDuke
www.youtube.com/user/LaDyLaDuke
www.facebook.com/LADYLADUKE
Become Our Fan...Get Special Offers!

What's Inside My Mommy Bag? (Fashion Friday)

It's  Fashion Friday and today, I'm happy that I have a Guest Post by Gina Pomponio, Founder and Editor of http://www.mommyposh.com

Gina is the founder of MommyPosh.com, a website catered to fashion, beauty, parenting tips, and pop culture, particularly for mothers. The website was born when stay-at-home mom Gina channeled her previous beauty business knowledge to bridge her love of fashion and motherhood. Check out her blog on www.mommyposh.com.

What's Inside My Mommy Bag?

Preparing your baby's diaper bag can sometimes be a daunting task, remembering what to carry or trying not to overload your baby's bag can sometimes cause anxiety when getting ready to leave your house for the day.

So besides your baby's everyday basic needs: diapers, change of clothes, baby wipes, changing pad, a favorite toy and bottle, I'm here to tell you that there's more...trust me, there are items that every POSH MOM must-have with them at all times.

1. SUNCREEN (50 SPF or more) – This item is essential for summertime – for you and for baby!

2. A SMALL PURSE Louis - Vuitton’s Key Holder Change Purse is perfect for carrying small change, a credit card and your Driver's License.

3. PARENTING MAGS – Keep up to date with the latest and greatest mommy trends.
 
4. MOMMY BUSINESS CARD – Scheduling a play date or a doc appointment? Use a mommy biz card, its a great way to stand out amongst the other moms.
 
5. LIPGLOSS – This is A must for every POSH mom. A little glam goes all the way.
 
6. PHONE – Stay connected with other mommy via a Swarovski iPhone.
 
7. MINT/GUM – For those close encounters with other moms and upcoming parent/teacher conference.

What's in your purse? What can't you live without?
 
*********************