My Reliable, and Somewhat Random, Beauty Tips

Posted on June 19, 2013 by

Just about every girl has an unconventional beauty tip that may have been passed down from her mother or discovered accidentally. Over time I’ve accumulated quite a few and they’ve proven to be without fault. So of course I decided to share some of them with you all.

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Tea Tree Oil for pimples
Ever since I began using my favorite cleanser, I’ve unlocked the power of tea tree oil. As dramatic as that sounds, it’s true! This bacteria-fighting oil helps to fight pimples. Having acne-prone skin can be a struggle, but my “magic potion” makes it easier. Rather than apply it with my fingers, which can carry germs, I use a cotton swab to dab the oil on the problem area. I do this a couple of times a day and this helps to drastically shrink pimples.

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Conditioner to shave legs
I’m all for saving money. Why pay $5 or more for shaving cream, when you can just use hair conditioner? My favorite kind to use is Vo5, which is only 97 cents. Using conditioner leaves my legs just as smooth, as if I were using Gillete or Skintimate. The main perk is how soft my legs feel afterwards.

I still get the side-eye about this tip but hey, if you can use conditioner for the hair on your head, why not use it for the hair on your legs?

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Milk of Magnesia for oily skin
Milk of magnesia isn’t just for constipation, it can help tame that shiny forehead! Oily skin can be a pain, especially when dealing with the heat and humidity of summer. I can’t tell you how many oil blotting sheets I used to go through.

As you may recall from a previous post, I picked up this tip from natural hair vlogger, Ambrosia. I pour the milk of magnesia into a smaller bottle, that I picked up from Sally’s Beauty Supply, so it’s easier to apply. Then I pour a small amount on my fingers and apply it to the areas of face that are prone to shine, such as my cheeks and forehead.

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Coconut oil for, well, everything
When I first began using coconut oil, I only used it on my hair as a sealant to lock moisture in. Now I use it in so many ways thanks to experimenting, or tips from other bloggers.

  • Get rid of dry nail cuticles
    I rarely make it to the nail salon, but I still want beautiful nails. When they’re not looking their best I massage my nails with coconut oil. This also helps to promote nail growth.
  • Moisturize rough skin
    This especially helps with your feet. After I shower at night, I apply the oil and then put on my aloe-infused socks. In the morning I have soft, moisturized feet.
  • Lip balm
    Some of my favorite lipsticks, such as RiRi Woo or Chili, are matte. If your lips are dry, this can pose a problem as your lip color will soon look cracked. Coconut oil can serve as a lip balm or primer.
  • Remove make-up
    When you’re ready to take off your lipstick, once again coconut oil does the trick. Apply to a cotton round and gently wipe away.

Do you have a random beauty tip that never fails? Share in comments section! I could always use a few more (lol).

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22 Things I Learned on the Way to 22

Posted on June 7, 2013 by

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Happy birthday to me!

Today I am 22 years old and I already feel seasoned and distinguished. I admit that as recent as three days ago I wasn’t too hyped about getting older, but I’ve had a change of heart. As I write this I’m reminiscing over the past and how much I’ve grown and matured. I’m thankful for the lessons I’ve learned, both the easy way and the hard ones, because I can honestly say I’m falling in love with the person I see in the mirror. With that being said, here are 22 lessons I’ve learned thus far:

1. “Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose Wisely.” -Karen Kaiser Clark
I used to be so comfortable with things remaining the same, but now I crave change like it’s a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. Some people may fear it, but it’s all about your approach. You can decide to adapt or complain. Welcome change with open arms and see it as a testament to how much you can persevere.

2. Never, ever ignore the obvious. Don’t let your heart override the facts.

3. “Forgiveness is giving up your right to retaliate.” – My dad

4. When you find a good eyebrow waxer, never let them go. Seriously. I’ve had my left eyebrow taken off one too many times.

5. You’ll never know how powerful you are, until you learn how to say no. Saying yes to every favor or task would leave me drained. If you can’t help your classmate with a paper, say no. If you don’t want to lend your friend 50 bucks, say no. I realized that it’s OK to be a little selfish and look out for yourself.

6. There are two types of people: those who God put in our lives for a lifetime, and those only meant to be around for a season. Never hold on to people who have served their purpose. Let them move on.

7. God’s not going to give you anything that will derail His purpose for you. When I think of this it makes me realize how strong I can be.

8. There’s a thin line between loyalty and stupidity.

9. Dreamers, be patient. Habakkuk 2:3

10. Be thankful for closed doors. It just means God is redirecting you to a greater opportunity.

11. Never lose who you are in a relationship. A man/woman is supposed to complement you, not complete you. If their wants trump your needs, it’s not love.

12. “Don’t you know that true love asks for nothing? Her acceptance is the way we pay.” – Stevie Wonder

13. “If you’re going to spend frivolously, do so on experiences, not things.” -Demetria Lucas

14. My parents are right 99% of the time. I could have avoided a whole lot of nonsense if I had realized this sooner. Sigh.

15. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. I’m human; I can’t do it all.

16. Some decisions in life can be made on an impulse, like what to eat for dinner or what shoes to wear. However, many need time. I can credit this lesson on dying my hair red on my own.

17. You’re in charge of your own happiness- not your mom, not your dad, not your siblings, not your significant other. You are.

18. Words hold more power than you think. In hard times, speak triumph. Your positive words can break down the highest mountains.

19. Be careful who you take advice from. Have they experienced a similar situation? Are they practicing what they preach? If not, then keep it moving.

20. “Speak the truth, even if your legs are shaking.”
I saw this quote on a bottle cap once and it stuck with me. Many times I’ve been afraid to be honest because I was afraid of how it would be understood. If you speak the truth out of love then you have nothing to worry about.

21. Be comfortable in your own skin. This can be difficult when you’re bombarded by society’s beauty standards, but “to be beautiful means to be yourself (Thich Nhat Hanh).” Realize that no mistakes were made when God crafted you. There’s beauty in what you may deem as your flaws.

22. Don’t get so caught up in the future that you can’t truly experience the greatness of the present. We’re only guaranteed today. Enjoy it.

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Recipe: Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie (Updated)

Posted on May 29, 2013 by

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So the other day I remembered that my house has a blender. It was tucked away within the dark depths of our kitchen cabinets between a cake pan and some baking sheets. The discovery had me feeling a little spontaneous and I decided to whip something up.

Side note: You know you’re getting older when spontaneity consists of a blender… and no margaritas. 

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This peanut butter banana smoothie is easy to make and requires only three ingredients:

  • 1 cup of almond milk
  • 1 banana
  • 1 spoonful of peanut butter, or 2 tbsp of PB2

Update: For those who may be wondering PB2, or peanut butter powder, is an alternative to regular peanut butter. It tastes the same, in my opinion, except it has less fat calories. Two tablespoons of Peter Pan peanut butter has about 200 calories compared to PB2, which has only 45! Thanks to a comment below, I learned about PB2 and bought it from Whole Foods for about $5. Other health food stores may carry it as well. Using the powder instead of regular peanut butter is a good way to make the peanut butter banana smoothie healthier, without sacrificing the taste.

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Simply blend all the ingredients together for about 10 “Mississippi seconds” or so and voilà, you’re done!

I enjoyed this smoothie after my Zumba class, which nearly killed me, and it was very filling. It’s so delicious that you could also sip on it for dessert. Kind of tastes like a milkshake as well.


I’ll be experimenting with more fruits and even some veggies so stay tuned!

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I’m Feeling 22 and I’m Not Sure How to Feel About It

Posted on May 25, 2013 by

The other day I was in the car running errands when Taylor Swift’s song, “22” came on the radio:

“We’re happy free confused and lonely at the same time
It’s miserable and magical, oh yeah
Tonight’s the night when we forget about the deadlines, it’s time

I don’t know about you but im feeling 22
Everything will be alright if you keep me next to you
You don’t know about me but I bet you want to
Everything will be alright if we just keep danc–”

Yeah, I had about enough and decided to instead jam to Macklemore’s “Can’t Hold Us” for the umpteenth time. No disrespect to T-Swift, but no song could make me ecstatic about June 7th, also known as my 22nd birthday. For some reason I’m not marking down the days on the calendar or making plans with my friends to get turnt up. In fact, I haven’t even made a birthday list yet!

Yes, I’m too old for birthday lists but I lack even an ounce of care.

My sentiments toward my birthday are the exact opposite as last year, when I counted down the very second until I turned the big two-one. There was something magical about 21, and I’m not talking about being able to order a Tequilla Sunrise rather than a Shirley Temple. It felt like a rebirth, a new start. Though I was already one year out of my teens, I felt like I finally crossed over into the wonders of young adulthood. Ages 13-20 were full of awkward stages, acne, and stupid boys. But 21 felt like a brand new Lexus; 22 kind of feels like your dad’s old Buick.
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Summer Styles for Natural Hair

Posted on May 17, 2013 by

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Many ladies are switching up their hairdos just in time for summer. Especially those with curls, kinks, and coils since the humidity can do some horrid things to natural hair. Last year I tried every single gel, serum, and pudding I could find to keep my twist-outs defined, but I’d still end up looking like a poodle. Some would say just to embrace that shrunken fluffiness; I refused.

This year I’m prepared and started off with my old time favorite hairdo: box braids. I had them done to finally give my hair a much needed rest. Lately it seemed as if my hair was taking on a life of its own and wouldn’t do anything I wanted it to do.

I used to wear box braids a lot when I lived in New York. African braiding salons were so easy to find and didn’t break the bank. Not to mention my braids were always poppin’.

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Jessie and her “Marley twists.” These are easy to do on your own with the help of a few Youtube tutorials. I tried them late last year and was pleased with the result.

Havana/Marley twists have become popular recently, at least I’ve noticed. My little sis Jessica loves them and they’ve become her go-to summer protective style. We find our braids and twists to be very convenient when we have to get up and go, or work out at the gym.

Another protective style which is popular are weaves or wigs, and not just silky straight ones. I’m noticing more women with kinky-curly dos. This trend was probably inspired by Solange Knowles, who rocks a number of natural textured wigs. I may consider a wig over a weave, only because I freak out when I don’t have easy access to my scalp. For my high school senior prom I only had a few tracks sewn into my hair and it drove me nuts after a couple of weeks.

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