Rihanna and MAC Cosmetics coming to a screen near you!

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Were you as excited as I was when you heard of the collaboration between Rihanna and Mac Cosmetics? It was widely reported back in February that bad-gal Rihanna would have a collection of her own appropriately titled "Ri-Ri hearts MAC." According to Style Bistro, the line would include 4 collections including the highly-anticipated "RiRi Woo" lipstick. Similar to the brand's popular "Ruby Woo" shade, this seductive, matte red lippie is sure to please fans across every hue. MAC Cosmetics confirmed today via twitter that the "RiRi Woo" lipstick would be available exclusively on-line starting May 2! 

                                                           Will you be purchasing?

All Linked up for Style Me Friday!

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 So this week's edition of "Style Me Friday" with The Fashionista Next Door featured Neon Pop for your LBD (Little Black Dress) As soon as I read the inspiration title I knew I had to participate. I own several LBD's, but unfortunately I haven't had many places to wear them (at least not yet). You guys know I'm an H&M STAN and the LBD I selected for this link up was no exception. Check out this cute lace LBD I got on clearance for $20! I'm in love with it. It showcases my curves but not to the point where I can't breathe nor does it make me self-conscious. I felt like a complete MILF as soon as I put it on...(in my opinion..lol).  Now let's get to the look:

Fab Beauty Look in Under 5 Min!

Are you like me where you drag yourself around in the mornings to get ready? As a mom to a rambunctious toddler, my little angel limits me to no longer than 10 minutes to complete my beauty routine before he throws a tantrum. It's a battle with us EVERY MORNING. Through trial and error, I've been able to finish my make-up looks in under 5 minutes! With these 5 tips, you too can achieve an "everyday natural look" with minimal effort.

1-Groom your brows. Eyebrows really do shape your face and can definitely transform your overall look. I'm in LOVE with Anastasia's "Brow Wiz" pencil that I purchased from Sephora. Using light strokes, you can make your brows as dark, thick, or thin as you desire. 

   2- Apply a tinted moisturizer. I prefer MAC's "Studio Moisture Tint." It has SPF 15, lightweight and has a sheer to medium coverage. It also doesn't clog your pores. 

3-Make your eyes pop with your favorite mascara. I'm currently using Benefit's "They're Real." Let me tell you something. This mascara is THE TRUTH. I have very thin, short and non-existent lashes. With just 1 coat, my lashes appear longer and make my eyes POP! YAS hunny. 

4- Apply blush to your cheeks. Have you checked out NYC's (New York Color) powder color wheel? You can get it at your local Duane Reade, Walmart or CVS.

5. Lastly, apply your favorite shade of lipstick. Right now I'm going through a "nude" phase. So I always have my MAC cremesheen in Modesty in rotation. 

6. Optional--If you have time, go ahead and use an eye primer so that you can apply a subtle eyeshadow to your lids. Check out Urban Decay's Naked Palette:

                            Voila! There you have it. A beauty look in under 5 minutes. 

Have you used any of these products? How long does it take you to finish your make-up looks?

In Defense of Kim Kardashian and her bump..

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 If you're the type to pay attention to tabloid fodder, then you've probably seen these "riveting" headlines. Reality-star Kim Kardashian's pregnancy has provided nonstop punch lines from the blogosphere to your daily local news. But is it fair? Critics have debated Kim's maternal instincts, tracked her ballooning weight gain and declared her a single mom. She's been called "fat," "detached from motherhood" and many folks have even said she's faking her pregnancy. All of which to me is utterly ridiculous! 

Let me clue you in on what's not in the pregnancy books:

1. Every pregnancy and every pregnant woman is different.           

                    
2. Pregnancy is not like the movies where you glow, feel fabulous and float like a goddess everyday.
                  
 3. Pregnancy can hurt and be exhausting--both physically and mentally.Yes, you will reach a point where you're "over it."
        
4.   People can and will get on your nerves. So imagine how it feels to be photographed all the damn time.
              
 5. While you may be lucky enough not to experience morning sickness, there are     TONS of other pregnancy complications that you may experience which no one talks about (i.e preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, cervical issues, pre-term labor issues and much more)                 

So let's give the girl a break. Granted, if you're a public figure you're expected to face a higher level of scrutiny. But let's ease up and have some compassion. After all, this is a woman carrying an innocent LIFE. 

What do you think of the controversy surrounding Kim's pregnancy? 

Celeb Mom Alert! Alicia Keys Spotted on beach date with son Egypt

All images in this post via: Daily Mail

How cute is Mrs. Alicia Keys with her adorable son Egypt? Taking a break from her " Set the World On Fire" tour, the song-tress was spotted on the beaches of the Bahamas soaking in some sun.

Happy Earth Day!!

Truth time! When I was in high school, I participated in the "Environmental Club." It was a small club which consisted of about 5 members led by one of my favorite English teachers. Back then I wasn't too aware of how too make a difference in protecting the environment. But as the club progressed, I helped others make small changes that I hope still continue today. I used to drive my mom crazy trying to recycle every single plastic bottle / can or cutting the plastic on the soda cans so animals didn't get caught in it. I also participated in building sand dunes on the local beaches, and planted shrubs on the high school fields. Ahhh memories!

Do you celebrate Earth Day? If so, what changes are you making in your efforts to "go green?"

Beauty Beat: 3 Essential Oils for your Beauty Routine

Thinking about updating your beauty routine in a more natural way? Try incorporating some oils. Jojoba, castor, almond, coconut and olive oil are just a few natural ingredients that can be applied healthily to the face, hair and body. Let's start with the face:

You can apply Coconut Oil to your face as a light moisturizer for day or nighttime uses. 

EVOO, better known as Extra Virgin Olive Oil, can be applied to the hair as a sealant after you moisturize your strands. I find it to be extra thick, so you can use it sparingly.

 

Raise your hand if you experience dry skin right after you moisturize your body. Well, I definitely do. Right now I'm using a bit of Bath & Body works lotion after I shower, but I still find dry patches on my skin right after using it. The sweet almond oil seems to do the trick and once again--it's completely natural. 

Of course the uses for these particular oils are completely interchangeable. You can use EVOO for your face, sweet almond oil for your hair or coconut oil for body. You might have to do a bit of experimenting to find what works best for you.

What are some of your favorite essential oils for your beauty routine?

                                             

5 Ways to add a touch of Mint

Ya know what's the IT color of the season? If you guessed Mint green--hi five to you. The color Mint is absolutely fabulous and compliments virtually any skin tone. To hop on this season's latest color trend, you can seamlessly blend the color Mint into your wardrobe with this simple steps:

1-Nail Polish
My favorite mint nail polish happens to come from Essie

 2. Add a clutch
I love a printed bold pattern. It's by none other than DVF (Diane Von Furstenberg).

3. Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize! You can dress up any outfit with the right statement necklace.

4. Pop of shoe color. What's better than an affordable high heel from Jessica Simpson?

5. Sunnies. Normally you won't catch me in anything but black over-sized sunnies a la Nicole Richie.

 But how can you pass up these mint green round sunnies from ASOS.

Will you be adding Mint to your styles this Spring?

Motivation Monday

Source    Usually I hate the phrase "life is short." However, this weekend, a close friend of my family passed away suddenly. She was a special person that was always filled with peace and joy. Upon hearing news of her death, I was reminded that no one is promised tomorrow. So with that said, I think it's important to live each day as if it were your last. Haven't spoken to a loved one in awhile? Pick up the phone and call. Haven't told that special person in your life that you love them? Say it now. Haven't paid attention to those friends/family members because you're too busy? Stop and let them know of your appreciation.We all lead busy lives, but that shouldn't stop us from giving our all to those who matter the most. Peace and blessings,    

 

Fab Find Office Decor

     Looking to spruce up your office decor with budget friendly items? Well look no further than Staples. I'm currently looking to add a more personalized touch to my office and  i found just the right items. Check out this mini-shoe tape dispenser! So cute right? 

Where have all the Jeans gone?

   

  White Denim    So this weekend I haphazardly decided to go jean shopping. BIG Mistake. I told you recently that I gained a few pounds (here) but for some reason I was on a mission to find a decent pair of skinny white jeans.