Friday, February 28, 2014

Let's Talk: School & Reality


Education/ Real Life/ Careers/ Dreams


*Does Shimmy down the hallway at work* It's Friday everyone, the weekend has arrived. So this week I have been extra hard on myself and it has weighed me down so much. I have over thought and evaluated every aspect of my life and it has made me feel powerless at times. Remember I'm human, no sugar coating on here. Everyone has a purpose in life, we are here to fulfill that destiny and I think sometimes people don't realize in the end it's not about you and anyone else but the person who placed you here.

So let's talk about Education and Reality. Everyone knows that no one can ever take your knowledge away from you which is a very powerful thing to have these days. Taking time to learn everything that you can whether it is in a school setting or not equips you for everyday living whether good or bad. You remember the excitement you had when you were about to graduate high school and go on to your on my own college days. Swimming suit shopping and gearing up for beach week and just so happy that you wouldn't have to grace those doors of your high school any longer. But what you didn't expect was that this is where real life really kicked in, this was the beginning of your mold to what ever was in store for you in the upcoming years.

Think about many forms that you fill out it and it always asks you what were your parents highest education level. Have you ever wondered why did they want to know about your parent's education when now it was about your education and what was in front of you. Did you think that they were basing you off of how far your parents went? But in reality whether your parents or you completed a bachelors or doctorates, never finished elementary or even seen the cafeteria of a high school you both could still be very intellectual and very successful in life.

You know one thing I wish I could have really taken grasp on in my younger years? It is to take advantage of the free education that is given to you because college is in no way inexpensive and you would be in total debt unless you are riding on a full scholarship. See I've tried college online and community college etc., but I have placed myself in debt and have yet to finish my degree. I know in my heart that I want to be a psychiatrist and I can't see myself doing anything else unless I mean I can get a gig in fashion or beauty. But Psychiatry sparks my attention, it is the ying to my yang. I can see my name on that door Dr. *****. Helping others become the best that they can be in life, it has always intrigued me in understanding what makes a person go crazy, what triggers their mental into such states and mental health really get's swept under the rug more times than often.

So with that being said, since my loans have literally kicked my ass and I've made an agreement with Sallie Mae just not too long ago, I can't figure out what to do about school. But I've figured out that this blog is a way of uplifting and inspiring others, helping women like me, showing the unmasked side, and just giving and accepting advice can be my career and goal without the paper and signed initials for now. Being in the humanitarian field and philanthropy is something I crave and I hope to one day achieve.

We see individuals everyday without degrees who are on Forbes, who are running successful businesses on social networks, and who are making a difference in lives all over the world.

So my question is do you think one should always obtain that paper to really work in their dream job? Leave your comments below and let us know.

Who inspires you? I enjoy reading Rob Hill Sr quotes and he inspires me. Kenny Burns is another well rounded man whom inspires and encourages. Myleik of Curlbox is such the business and empowerment god mother. And many others I'm inspired by whom I don't even have to mention it's obvious such as my mother and father who have grounded me and made me into the woman that I am, my loves and my son, my friends and others whom I just see go after what they want in life.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

images via Google


Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Dainty and Delectable: Food Loves


If you are a girl like me you love a good meal, snacking, smoothies and such. I enjoy cooking when I have time, finding new recipes to tweak into my own personal style, and dining in at the best restaurants to enjoy delectable meals. 

Food/ Restaurants/ Healthy Living

Since I sit at a desk for most of my day it is so easy to just snack, snack, snack and gain those extra pounds. Snack day at work, lunch breaks, and outings don't make any of it better. Since January I have been trying to be more educated with what I eat and put into my body, it's not about being supermodel skinny but living a better lifestyle to feeling more healthy and having more energy, looking good on the outside and the inside. Now don't get me wrong I do not ignore my cravings for sweet and salty snacks, nor a filet mignon with scallops and mashed potatoes. 

Some of my favorite things to have are a smoothie for breakfast which may include almond milk, bananas, frozen peaches, and pineapples. I like to replace one of my meals with a smoothie just as a better option, and usually my evenings are more heavier meals. I don't incorporate a lot of greens into my smoothies but I am looking for a tasty green drink to have soon. 


Snacks that I put together may be tortillas and wholly molly medium salsa. Aaaahhhh, this is so delicious that I probably could eat it everyday. Fruit is always in the mix somewhere such as green grapes, pears, and honey crisp apples being that it's refreshing and tasty without all the added calories. *thinking of a snickers as we speak* Can I just be honest with the people? I'm human right... Frozen Yogurt pops is an afternoon pick me up as well. 


I think that it is great to eat clean and live a more healthier lifestyle, I have tried being a pescetarian for a few weeks before but I don't think I was as serious about it as I would be now and I would love to really give it a try again. 


I don't know about you but I could eat crab legs, lobster, and scallops every day of my life. My seafood steamer pot has been one of the best inventions for seafood and I love to turn that big baby on and get the party started. 

Before I go I just have to mention one of the best healthy living recipe websites called Skinny Taste. I promise you would be on there for hours thinking about cooking your next meal for the family.


What do you enjoy indulging in healthy or your cravings? Leave your thoughts....

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

via Google Images 

GX Gwen Stefani Collection for Shoedazzle

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Shoe dazzle/ Shoes/ Accessories/ Gwen Stefani

It's said that a woman can never own too many shoes. Honnneyy Child build me a Carrie Bradshaw Sex in the City Closet so that I can have my shoes on display. *Waits for Confetti and Glitter to fall from the sky* 

Shoedazzle is a site that I purchase from more than I probably should but you can't beat the prices, the styles, and the credits that you get for purchasing. My last 5 pair of heels have all came from shopping on their site. They have celebrity boutiques such as Rachel Zoe and now they have introduced their line with Gwen Stefani which premiered today. 

The GX Gwen Stefani collection inspiration stems with diverse influences such as tribal to punk. She has incorporated many different colors in various styles such as your classic pointed toe pump, wedges, chunky heels, lace ups and nice clutches and over sized hand bags. This line is very structured, sophisticated and sexy. 

See anything that grabs your attention?


Lipstick & Love, XOXO 



Think Serve Not Lead: Highly Effective Leadership

Think serve...not lead
Leadership/ Serve/ Empower 

Hey Yall, Guess what day it is? Guess, Guess, Guess! It's Hump day, we are halfway through our week so despite of how it may have started or how yesterday was we are happy that we have a new day to start all over again. 

Remember when you were a child and you always wanted to be the leader in everything? Well if not let's just say that was me, I had to be the leader in line at school, the leader when playing with my friends, and whatever the task may have been. As I grown into my adult years I have learned that leadership is not about yourself, but it is about empowering others to be the best that they can be. 

Simple Truths is an email that I usually receive on a daily basis with such great inspirational excerpts and books to read. The latest one was on highly effective leadership. It stated that John Maxwell had three keys to becoming a great servant leader. 1. Let go of your Ego: Knowing that it is not about your personal gain but serving others. 2. Become a good follower first 3. Give your power away: Share whatever power you have instead of saving it for yourself. 

We see all the time how individuals think that they are leaders just by a position that they hold but they don't know how to treat others around them, they are more Bossy than anything and sometimes let the titles get to their heads. We see how some don't want to help others, they are afraid of them climbing the ladder past them so they hold all the power to themselves and never share their knowledge. 

The ten rules are:

Rule #1..............Think Serve...Not Lead
Rule #2..............Companies Don't Succeed...People Do
Rule #3..............Simplify Your Vision for Success
Rule #4..............Remember "Old Warwick"
Rule #5..............Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Rule #6..............Set the Stage for Innovation
Rule #7..............Commit to Excellence
Rule #8..............Take Full Responsibility
Rule #9..............Measure Results
Rule #10............Your Example is Most Important

Going that extra mile for someone other than yourself makes a huge difference:

At 211 degrees...water is hot.
At 212 degrees...it boils.
And with boiling water, comes steam.
And steam can power a locomotive.
And, it's that ONE extra degree that...
Makes all the difference.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Images/Rules/Quote via Simple Truths

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Real Talk: Parenting


Parenting/ Real Talk/ Inspiration

Let's have a little real talk conversation today :) This site isn't for the woman who lives a fairy tale life, I myself don't have that, not the American dream with the white picket fence and two dogs. I live a realistic life with ups and downs, a road that I want to often travel straight but it sometimes winds me up and causes a detour as well. All of it is worth it, it makes me who I am and strengthens me each new day.

So let's talk Parenting, which is a wonderful blessing to bring in a bundle of joy into the world and enter into Parenthood.

We have the two parent homes, the single parent homes, and also the children whom may be raised by someone else other than their parents. Parenting is such a joy, it is amazing to watch our child/ren take their first walk, say their first words, see what they like and don't like, their unique personalities and developing talents. I think it is so vital that both parents be involved in a child's life whether together or not. I believe that a mother is the nurturer, she kisses the boo-boo's. A father is the strength whom teaches the child how to handle the tough situations. Both parents have the birds and bees talk with either their daughter or son. A father teaches his daughters how a woman should be treated, he is the example of the man she want to have in her life. A mother teaches grace, class, the level of respect that should be given and so on.

It is hard when you are a full time parent, and the other is just PRN. This isn't a part time thing, it takes so much responsibility and patience. We are a jack/ jill of all trades. We become a teacher, a superhero, a doctor, a chef, a custodian. We are so much in our kids lives. They watch our every move and copy what we do. We have to lead the way and build the road to their future lives. Train a Child in the way that he or she go and as they are older they will never depart from it. I teach my son that he can be whatever he wants to be in life, I breathe life in his direction each and every day, I remind him that I love him and I am always there no matter what. It isn't easy at times, I become frustrated and impatient, but I am thankful for his unconditional life, his smile when we are together, and so much more.

We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves.

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.

Children are educated by what the grown-up is and not by his talk.

Share your parenting moments with us, we would love to hear them.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Images via Google, Quotes via BrainyQuote

Monday, February 24, 2014

Kitchen Decor Inspiration

A kitchen is an area that some spend a lot of time in, whether you are a stay at home mom or dad, an individual who likes to cook, or a chef serving and catering on a day to day basis. There are many details that one likes in a kitchen, including light fixtures, spacious stainless steel ovens, stove vents, dishwashers, islands, granite counter tops, cabinetry space and much more. You can always add any detail you like to your kitchen to make it cozy, comforting, and entertaining for guest.



I love this kitchen area from the eat in island with cabinetry to the shining hardwood floors. This space makes a great area for cooking and entertaining a small crew of family and friends. So much great counter space and great lighting from the fixtures and open window.

EAT-IN KITCHEN COUNTER WITH BARSTOOLS

Catch the view from this kitchen. The space seems odd not one for much of a family style kitchen area but more like a vacation home. There is a lot of storage space, different from your everyday cabinetry. I live for the kitchen being in clear focus of the patio. This will be a great area to fixing cocktails and pumping the music for a nice night of festivities.



Get life from this chandelier, color scheme, and built in banquette. Makes me feel like I have my own little coffee shop in my home, chai' tea latte for two please! With the built in seating, the pop of color and decorative pillows add so much style to this kitchen area.



This is simply stunning. Fit for a Queen! The gray hues and marble counter tops makes this space cozy yet very breathtaking. This area makes me think of a home just for a powerful business woman who kicks off her heels, and sips wine after a long day of work. Fresh flowers, and stand out pieces of light fixtures can adds simple beauty to this kitchen.

images via HGTV

What makes your kitchen unique to your home space?

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Lipstick Thoughts: Assets & Liabilities



Inspiration/ Thoughts/ Self Growth

Hello to you all. Back off the weekend, and halfway through our Monday at work eh? Hope that your weekend went well. My thoughts are on overflow usually while driving to work in the morning, scratch that my thoughts are always overflowing.. So I was thinking about assets and liabilities. Not the terms used when thinking of your home, or bank values. But Being an Asset or Liability in your own life, in your relationships, friendships and so on.

So first assets is what you have, liabilities are what you owe. In everything that you are connected to on a daily basis you are either adding to it or subtracting from it. You are either making a deposit or making a withdrawal. Now don't start beating yourself up if you feel like you aren't doing the first, just be conscious and aware of your situation-ships and began to filter and figure out how you can mainly be an asset.

You know the saying You have to bring something to the table? That's what it is in a nutshell, you want to put out more than you take in. Now at times we can't bring much to the table for we are still building a foundation for ourselves but our everyday effort brings something. It is about self growth, being aware of our lifestyle and decisions, and trying to be better each day.

Are you an asset or liability? Take time this week to stay in self awareness.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

via Google Images


Saturday, February 22, 2014

Saturday Soul


Cheers to the freaking weekend, although I have only one more day and it's back to my 9-5. *sighs* I'm trying to really work on my thoughts, my habits, and my inner self. You realize that your thoughts really creates your day, it really determines everything about you. 

I'm hard on myself, always trying to figure out where I went wrong, what I need to do to be better, and what's my next step in life. You see life isn't about me only, it's about the people that surrounds me meaning my family, my friends, and just people I interact with. Staying positive and helping others helps you as a person. 

Isn't it crazy how we can have so many talents, so many ideas and dreams that at times our visions become blurred and our direction becomes detered. Trying to find your purpose takes lots of clarity, prayer, and time to self. 

We have to work hard even when we don't want to. You don't work, you don't eat. Push yourself everyday even when you don't want too, but don't burn yourself out. Little steps began to produce bigger results. Stay consistent :) 

On another note, check out this protective bun style I've been rocking! I am loving it! It's super quick and easy to achieve and I don't have to wake up everyday and do much. 

Find your happiness, let no one become superior of you! 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO 

Friday, February 21, 2014

TLC Thoughts: Patience

Inspiration/ Patience/ Thoughts/People

Have you ever just sat back and observed individuals day in and out no matter what they are doing? Today while commuting down the highway to work I was so in my thoughts, mind on overflow almost to the point of explosion when I looked up and seen how a car was really on my tail. My first action would have been to look in my mirror and tell them a little something something but today I wasn't up for that kind of hostile attitude. But what I did think about was how most individuals have no patience, everyone is zooming past one another racing to get to their destination at the set time appointed for them. 

Going into stores to pick up a few items, you may be the person waiting or in front of the person who is tapping their foot, looking at their watch, and thinking how long will this cashier take so that I can get out of here and get on with my day. It's actually sickening to see that most people, including myself don't have patience. 

Patience can be so valuable, it can lead to many great things once you get over the initial time of wait. We need patience in this lifetime whether it's waiting for a new position, waiting to see growth in a start up company, day to day activities with our children, or whatever it may be. Being so impatient only leads to negativity, draining mindsets and physical beings, and things of that nature. 

We are in a society where people want things to happen right then and there, they want immediate results and honestly it does not happen like that most of the time. 

Keep Calm and Be Patient..

What are your thoughts on Patience? Leave your comments below.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

MyBrownCanvas: Face Cleansers

Mia2™ Skin Cleansing SystemMia™ Skin Cleansing SystemOlay Professional Microdermabrasion + Advanced Cleansing SystemOlay Fresh Effects Va-Va-Vivid! Powered Contour Cleansing SystemOlay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing SystemSt. Ives Scrub Free Exfoliating Pads - 60 count

Having a clean face is very important. Washing your face every morning and night before bed helps to cleanse the skin of dirt, impurities, and makeup. It is normal that some may just use warm water to cleanse their face while others opt to indulge in facial cleansers, exfoliates, and tools in their everyday regimen.

Facial cleansers are a great tool to have in your beauty cabinet because it helps to remove dead skin cells, and clean off excess dirt that may still be lingering onto your skin and for deeper cleansing. It is not essential to use them in conjunction with an exfoliate scrub because your skin may end up becoming more raw than obtaining the benefits of the tool.

You can try out the Olay Pro X  which can be brought in stores such as Target before spending the big bucks on a Clarisonic Mia which that is found online or stores like Sephora.

Also using exfoliate pads that are dual sided with ridges and a smooth soapy pad reaps many pro's to a daily facial regimen especially to individuals like myself with very sensitive skin and is the least expensive.

Sleeping in makeup or going to bed with a dirty face can cause skin problems and bring about aging as well. Be sure to change out your pillow case often. Your Skin is the largest organ on your body, treat it daily. Good skin is the foundation for a flawless face, with or without makeup.

What tools do you have plugged into your bathroom for beauty?

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