June 2017

Beauty

6 Nude Lipsticks for Women of Color

If I may cut straight to the chase, the mainstream hue of nude does not include me or other women of color.

When you say the word nude, based on definition you assume the color to be your skin tone.

Nude (adj.)

Denoting or relating to clothing or makeup that is of a color resembling that of the wearer’s skin.

Somehow the universal shade of nude is depicted in hues of peach, pink, and beige. That’s somebody’s nude, not mine.

I’m glad to see brands starting to address this gross misrepresentation of “nude”. The amount of time it has taken for this issue to come to light is alarming and we still have an extremely long way to go but the journey of a thousand miles really did start with the first step. Some of our conversations are finally being heard at the level that brands are noticing that there is an entire portion of the human population that patronizes the beauty and fashion industry that is hard pressed to find a cute dark brown, or tan, read nude shoe, or lipstick or bra or……

I digress.

One of my new favorite cosmetics line is Mented Cosmetics. Mented offers a line of what I consider true nude lipsticks for women of color. Mented sent me over 6 shades from their line and after trying them out for a couple of months I am truly smitten with them.

These lipsticks are vegan, paraben-free, non-toxic, cruelty free, and proudly made in the USA. As I’ve searched for the perfect shade of nude or pink I always find that something is a little off in the coloring that makes it hard to really compliment my darker complexion, that even includes red lipsticks. These nude lipsticks seem to have the perfect undertones that compliment my skin color.

My daily makeup routine is extremely minimal but lipstick is a staple and I have fallen in love with these Mented lipstick colors. I don’t leave home without Dope Taupe and Nude Lala.

(l. to r. Dark Night, Foxy Brown, Nude La La, Pretty in Pink, Mented #5, Dope Taupe)

If you have been on the search for the elusive perfect shade of nude that is complimentary to a darker complexion I stand behind Mented and this philosophy quoted from their website,

” We know you’ll love being put first – because when it comes to beauty, no one deserves to be an afterthought.”

Amen.

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DIY• Home• Video

DIY Bed Net Canopy

On a Friday evening trip to Ikea, my daughter spotted a bed net canopy and in her very best begging voice pleaded her case for me to shell over $20 for something I knew I could make for under $10.

I was right.

Once we made it down to the first floor in Ikea, I spotted the exact same sheers used in the bed net canopy upstairs in the curtain and fabric section. They came two in a pack for $4.99.

Armed with a few additional supplies, her net was completed in under 30 minutes and the tab came in under $10.

To make one of your own you will need.

A pack of Ikea LILL curtains

A medium quilting ring (purchased from Michaels for $2.99)

Ribbon or String

Ceiling Hook

Spraypaint (optional)

I. Start with removing the inner ring of the quilting ring from the outer by untwisting the screw until the outer rings disconnect.

II. Once the rings are detached, carefully string the curtains onto the rings. If you choose not to spray paint the rings, the wood will catch the fabric on the curtains so be careful not to tear or rip the fabric.

III. Once you have strung both panels onto the outer ring. Measure out your string or ribbon to the length desired. Keep in mind a knot will have to be added so account for that when measuring. Once you have your measurement in mind. Loop knot three ribbons or strings onto the ring.

IV. Once they have been attached to the ring. Collect them together and make a knot at the top.

V. Now, place the inner ring back into the outer one, making sure the fabric is hanging how you want. Then tighten the screw to connect the two rings.

VI. Put your ceiling hook in place and affix the knot onto the hook. I recommend screwing the hook into a drywall anchor to ensure it stays. ~~Ask me how I know.~~

Need a visual?! Addison is on Youtube showing how it’s done

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Living• travel

Family Friendly Things to Do in Miami

My husband is from Miami. The struggle of getting someone who was born in a highly popular tourist destination to take you to do touristy things is absolutely real. This past weekend we travelled to Miami for his family reunion. Our free time offered up the opportunity to do touristy things, and we absolutely made the most of the limited amount of time we had. We were able to see a few very neat places in Miami that I am looking forward to going back and exploring when we make it back, and have more time. One of the things I’m thinking about doing is checking out the fascinating famous people from Miami, Florida. This is just one of the things you to consider if you want to maximize what you get out of your trip.

If you are headed to South Florida here are a few family friendly things to do.

SOUTH BEACH DUCK TOUR

The South Beach Duck Tour is a 90 minute tour that rolls through the streets of South Beach offering an up high view of the city, along with a in-depth history and architecture lesson on the inception and growth of South Beach. After about 20 minutes our ride turned into a boat and afloat the water we toured the mansions of stars and learned more about the history of Miami.

The ride was full of energy and music.

Once aboard land again we cruised the strip, a.k.a. Collins learning more about the rich history and architecture of South Beach

SOUTH BEACH

After the tour we took a quick walk down to the beach. In the past I have assumed that South Beach wasn’t for kids, while crowded there wasn’t anything inappropriate for little eyes. At least when we were there. I will say it was extremely crowded and it was very hot. I would recommend an umbrella if you intend on taking kids out there in the heat of the day.

We ventured back the next day in the evening after the family reunion cookout. It was much better in the evening, the breeze and the sound of the waves at high tide was everything.

WYNWOOD

Miami, like many major cities undergoing regentrification there is new life being breathed into areas that were once forgotten . This section of Miami really intrigued me. The area was full of walls decorated with graffiti, its known as the Wynwood Walls. I really would have loved to have gotten out and walked the area taking photos. The art scene in Miami is very vibrant. The kids were intrigued. We definitely have to make this a priority when we go back.

I did capture this one.

Across from the wall above was an open air food truck area that seemed like it might be all kinds of lit once the sun goes down. The sun was up while we were there and it was HOT. The ambiance nonetheless was right up my alley.

Much like many other major cities, Miami has a Children’s musueum and zoo that we are looking forward to exploring once we make it back. I really enjoyed our short little getaway. The change of scenery and fun in the sun was just what we all needed.

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Fashion• Mama Style

Instant Style with a Canadian Tuxedo

Chambray and true denim are two very constant staples in my wardrobe. I love these two fashion pieces as a high/low fashion lover because although denim and chambray can be pricey they are also easily found at thrift stores and consignment shops for pennies on the dollar. This versatility in pricing makes this look available to everybody.

If you are fashion term challenged, a “Canadian Tuxedo” simply means denim on denim.

No need to make sure the shades of blue match, just throw on a denim top and bottom, add some accessories and go.

As I’ve slowly dwindled my wardrobe down to nothing in the last year or so with the intent to rebuild it with classic pieces I’ve found myself running to my denim pieces more than ever because denim and black/white stripes seem to be the only thing left in my closet.

These were jeans that I grabbed from the thrift store and in a desperate moment where I needed shorts that I didn’t have I took scissors to them and am constantly swatting at my legs somehow convinced the loose strings are bugs. True story.

Mixing denim is one of my favorite looks.

The Canadian Tuxedo is simple, and can be punched up by throwing on some jewelry, and will make you instantly look put together with minimal effort.

What is one of your favorite go to looks?

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