Sunday, August 3, 2014

Finding my center.




As work and life keeps me busy and my mind constantly racing, it becomes increasingly important for me to find ways to center myself and quiet my thoughts. Meditation is proving to be one of the best ways for me. Here are some of my meditation tips and routines:
  • Pick a time and try to meditate at that time everyday to build a routine.
  • Find a quiet place where you can be undisturbed and comfortable.
  • Don't expect too much from yourself, start small 5-10 minutes, then build from there.
  • Research different techniques, methods and benefits.
  • You can meditate anywhere anytime, so if you get stressed at work go sit in your car and use a few minutes to calm yourself.
  • Breath. Focus on your breathing.
  • Try your hardest to clear your mind and think of nothing, just be.
  • A friend suggested music, I haven't tried this yet, but I'll let you all know how I like it. 
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XoXo
Courtney

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Finding the Perfect Hairstylist

Finding a hairstylist that takes her time, cares about hair health, is able to deliver the results you ask for, is professional and actually styles hair well is harder than it sounds.

When I moved to a city like Atlanta I thought I would have no problem finding a talented hair stylist, but boy was I wrong. With so many claiming to be "Weave-ologist","Master Stylist" and "Veterans" you'd think there would be too many great stylist to choose from.

So far, I've been to four hair stylists at four different hair salons. I've come across extreme unprofessionalism, lack of attention to hair health, hair damage, and just down right bad service. It left me wondering if I would ever find a stylist worth paying my hard earned money. I believe I've finally found a stylists I will be going to for a while & I'll share more about her in an upcoming post.

Now that I've been through a couple of stylists and had my share of horror stories I feel that its only right to share some of the tips I've learned in picking a stylist who will make your hair both beautiful and healthy.

Tips:
  • You get what you pay for. Do not attempt to find a quality stylist by searching for the cheapest one. You may have to spend a few extra dollars for someone who is more qualified and uses quality products and tools.
  • Ask Questions. Before you book your appointment do not be afraid or feel like a bother for asking questions. Find out about the products the stylist uses, how long the stylist has been doing hair, if the stylist can do the specific style you want and if the stylist is familiar with styling your hair texture.
  • Get the price up front. Make the stylist aware of what you want done specifically and get the price so there will be no surprises.
  • Take before and after photographs. It's always nice to have something to compare your final outcome with.
  • Bring a picture. This is the best way to illustrate exactly how you want your hair, but be mindful all hair types are not the same and won't look the same in a style.
  • Be professional. Although the salon is often seen as an informal place it is a place of business, so be comfortable and enjoy yourself, but always be professional and on time.

I will be sharing my hair story and following my hair journey here on Fashionofliving.com.

Stay tuned.

XoXo
Courtney

Monday, May 19, 2014

Nude Lips

I've been on the hunt for the perfect nude lipstick for a very long time! It's hard to find a nude lipsticks that flatters your skin tone and doesn't wash out your face or make you look like you've been eating powdered donuts!

Recently I've hit the jackpot in my search.

Tip: Lip liner makes the colors transition better with your skin and helps you customize the color.
I pair my lipsticks with mauve and brown lip pencils to obtain the perfect nude lip.

Peep my nude favs below:


 (Left to Right)

Lipsticks: Maybelline "Touchable Taupe", MAC "Freckle Tone", MAC "Hug Me", Revlon "Mink" & Revlon Colorburst "Coy"
Liners: "Nutmeg", "Nude Truffle" & "Medium Brown" (All by NYX)

My favorite of these so far is MAC "Hug Me"! It's an everyday, creamy nude and I can't get enough of it.


TO BUY LIST:
  • MAC Velvet Teddy
  • MAC Twig
  • MAC Snob
  • MAC Shy Girl
  • MAC Myth
  • MAC Jubilee
  • MAC High Tea
  • All of the Maybelline "The Bluffs" Lipsticks
Oh yeah, I bought MAC Mocha and returned it the very next day, it was too orange for my skin.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave me some lipstick suggestions below!

XoXo,


Courtney

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Food Adventures | Twist

I decided to go on another food adventure (when I eat somewhere that's not one of my routine favorite spots). One of the things I love about Atlanta is the variety of restaurants!

We went to Twist in Phipps Plaza and the food was different and yummy. We ate outside, which I love to do, it was a great experience.

 I had crab cakes and Twist macaroni and cheese. I loved the crab cakes, the macaroni and cheese...not so much.

Babe had duck breast and of course I ate his food and mine! I can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes they have.

Rating:8.5

Monday, March 10, 2014

No Soda Challenge


For the past few years I’ve been doing “No Soda Challenges”. I realize how unhealthy my addiction is and I’m trying to stop. I don’t know if I’ll ever stop drinking soda for good, but I’ve gone eight months no soda, so I know I can conquer my demons.  Soda is my biggest guilty pleasure. Coca cola is my all-time favorite and I literally can’t get enough of it.
Usually I convince my boyfriend and his mom to join me so I won’t feel alone and so tempted. My boyfriend’s mom is just as addicted as me so it’s fun to see who can hold out the longest and to have our little check-ins/support group.
This time not only will I be cutting out soda I’m going to drink a lot more water, this won’t be too hard because I’m an extremist. If I’m not drinking soda I’m usually drinking water,  I don’t really like juice.
This time my challenge started at the end of February I was two weeks soda free, then this weekend I couldn't fight the urge and relapsed. SO, let’s try this again. I’m attempting to go March 10th  to October 10th (my birthday), NO SODA!
I’d love for you guys to join me. 
Good Luck! :)
Fun Facts:
  • Soda causes dehydration. 
  • The acid in soda weakens the enamel on your teeth.
  • Soda is loaded with calories and cutting it out of your diet may get you closer, quicker to your summer body goals!
  • Drinking lots of water improves your skin’s tone and texture.
  • Drinking water makes you happier! Research shows dehydration can cause a change in mood, staying hydrated remedies this and helps you think clearer

Friday, January 31, 2014

Is Beauty Killing Us?

I've been doing a lot of research lately regarding the ingredients in the beauty and personal care products I use every day. 

It started with my hair products, I'm on a healthy hair journey and for the past two years I've been weeding out all of my hair products containing mineral oil, sulfates, petroleum, and parabens. 


While reading the ingredients I realized how many words I could not pronounce and had no idea of what they were. So I wondered, "If this is what I was putting in my hair...WHAT THE HECK AM I PUTTING ON MY SKIN, especially my face?!" 


Before I get into my findings I have to to admit I'm a product junkie! I love going into Sephora, Ulta and MAC and finding new products, so I was extremely afraid to check the labels of my beloved beauty products and most likely see unfavorable ingredients.


Nonetheless, I check and was blown away by my findings. Not only do popular cosmetics contain the same parabens and sulfates I vowed to never again use on my hair, they contain lead and chemicals  that cause cancer and reproductive issues. 


I am not yet an expert on the subject, but I did want to share some chemicals to look for and AVOID:


  • Benzoyl Peroxide
  • Propylene Glycol
  • Sodium Hydroxide
  • Sodium Laureth
  • Polyethylene Glycol
  • DMDM/UREA
  • Mineral Oil
  • Triclosan
  • Isopropyl Alcohol
  • FD&C Color Pigments
  • Fragrances
  • DEA, MEA, TEA
  • Dioxin
  • Parabens 
Don't just take my word for it look it up! & Please share anything you know on the subject with me. These chemicals not only threaten our health, but they threaten our beauty (some age skin and cause wrinkles), which is the very reason we use them. How ironic?!

Anyway, I'm in a researching frenzy right now. Next, I will be having a funeral for all my toxic products....I'll be sure to document any other findings and my journey to overall better health.


XoXo
Courtney

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Red Wine | Antioxidants

It's been pretty cold out here in Atlanta. Especially today, A SNOW DAY! I find myself staying in during the winter months, a hibernation of sorts.

There's nothing like Netflix, some cozy pjs, a oversized hoodie and of course WINE.  Since, moving into my new place and getting fancy new wine glasses I've been trying out a lot of different wines.

So far my favorite is Red Moscato with Sweet Red Wine being a close second. I like to think not only is it delish, it's also healthy, you know the antioxidants! :-P

What are some of your favorites? I'm going to go out of my red comfort zone and try some other wines. I'd love suggestions.

Leave a comment below or go to my contact page and there you'll find all my social media links.

Stay cozy, until next time.