Thursday, December 17, 2015

it's been a while...


Hey Y'all! I know...I know...It's been a while! Over the past few months there has been many changes in my life. I got a new job and shortly after moved into a new place. With all the much needed changes came a lot of adjusting, tons of unpacking and organizing, which that I'm still in the process of working through.

I came back to hundreds of views and that's motivated me to turn it up a notch with the content and the frequency of my posts.

I want to commit to a posting schedule, I'll start with every Sunday and then move into twice a week...Even though I'm writing this Wednesday night and scheduling it to post tomorrow...Thursday :-/ LOL

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for continuing to be a part of my journey.

XoXo,
Courtney


Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Summer Favorites


This summer I've stumbled across a few gems! I live in hot, humid Atlanta so I'm all about keeping my beauty products light and breathable and using as few products as possible. I've also been trying to restock my makeup and beauty products with new ones containing fewer harsh chemicals.

Tip: When shopping at Sephora online you can filter product selection by ingredients. I always filter by paraben free & sulfate free. You may be shocked to realize some of your favorites are already free of these ingredients, for example the infamous Nars Creamy Concealer.

I am on a quest to find holy grail products! I'm always excited about trying new products, however I'm trying to do less hoarding and overbuying and go for products that I can use every day. I think I've found some keepers that I'll be repurchasing over and over again.
 
Products:
Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation - N90
Nars Creamy Concealer - Amande
Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil
Loreal Telescopic Mascara Carbon Black
Loreal Telescopic Eye Liner Carbon Black
MAC -Retro Matte -Flat Out Fabulous
NYX Tea Tree Blotting Paper
Essie Sand Tropez
Essie Topless & Barefoot
Givenchy Ange Ou Demon le seceret


XoXo
Courtney

Monday, July 27, 2015

Green Smoothies | 5 Benefits

As always I'm on a journey, this time a journey to health. I have been trying several combinations to make the perfect green smoothie. This time I think I've perfected it!

Why green smoothies?! They can be a substitute for breakfast or for lunch, they are filling and loaded with nutrients.
5 Benefits of Green Smoothies:

  • Low calorie
  • Pure nutrition
  • Weight loss
  • Energy
  • Clarity

Ingredients: Kale, Spinach, Strawberries, Lemon Juice, Blue Berries, Bananas, Coconut Water, Greek Yogurt(Strawberry) & Ice Cubes

Try my recipe above & tell me your favorite smoothie recipe! 

XoXo
Courtney


Monday, June 22, 2015

good health, good life


Recently, I picked up the book Good Health, Good Life by Joyce Meyer and I am really enjoying it. This book is filled with tips to help change unhealthy routines and improve physically as well as spiritually and mentally.
I'll do an overall review when I've finished reading the book, but so far I'd highly recommend it and you can't really lose with this book costing less than $10.
I know sometimes I've had the thought that most self help books are the same, but I've learned you don't have to take away or use every tip, but if you learn one new thing or are inspired in a positive way it's worth it.

Let me know what you're currently reading or would suggest I read next.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Myrtle Beach | Much Needed Getaway

Myrtle Beach is a staple place in my childhood summer memories. It's always great to go back to the same beach I played on as a child and reflect, relax and just have fun.

I can't wait to go back, it always seems like vacation days fly by. Where's your favorite place to vacation?

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Protective Styles | Havana Twists

As you may know I did the big chop a few months back. I haven't quite figured out how to style my natural hair and because I relaxed my leave out when I was transitioning I had to cut it much shorter than the rest of my hair. With all that being said, I'm becoming the queen of protective styles.

Even before the big chop I've never wanted to have to do a lot with my hair in the mornings, so I've been wearing sew-ins religiously. I kind of wanted to changed things up so I decided to try some different protective styles.

1st up...HAVANA TWISTS.

I did these twists about two months ago and have been redoing them every other week or in sections as needed. I love them! Havana twists are so versatile, they give you a different look and your hair gets a break from constant manipulation.

It took me about 7 1/2 hours to complete these and I used 5-6 packs of Marley Hair.

I think I'll leave these in until the end of March or until I think of the next protective style to try.



Monday, March 9, 2015

natural everyday makeup


For a natural everyday look I use a beauty blender, wet it, apply a dime size of Mac Studio Fix Fluid all over my face. I then apply mineralize skin finish to my t-zone. After my skin tone is even I brush out my eyelashes and eyebrows with a spoolie, fill in my eyebrows, line my water line, then apply two coats of mascara. Lastly, I line my lips with a brown liner and apply one of my favorite nude lipsticks.

Products:
MAC Studio Fix Fluid
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish
Eco Tools Spoolie
Maybelline Lash Stiletto
NYX black eye liner
NYX brown lip liner
MAC Jubilee

XoXo,

Courtney

Monday, February 2, 2015

Minimalism?

For the past few months I have been attempting to live a minimalist lifestyle. I've started with the most challenging part of my life...shopping. I was shopping far too much and buying too many pieces that weren't classic, were over priced and are now forgotten. I realized I have a closet full of clothes with tags that I will probably never wear.

As with anything the first step is realizing the problem. I am getting to point in my life where I really have to prioritize how and where I spend my money. I am buying more classic pieces and investing in clothing that will last. I do on occasion buy something that pops out at me that I know is simply trendy, but that is no longer my common practice.

I've been seeking functional items I know I'll always love and I can get a lot of wear out of. I love black, blazers, and button ups, which is pretty practical since I work in Corporate environment. 

Next up...

I'll be giving away clothes and shoes and reorganizing my closets.

XoXo,
Courtney

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Big Chop

I've attempted to go natural 4 times. Each time I didn't stick with it; it was too time consuming, too expensive, too hard or just looked too bad. On my fourth attempt I decided to relax my edges only, then later realized that made no sense at all, so I cut it all off.

 October 10th I relaxed my edges for the last time and 8 weeks later I cut off all my relaxed ends.

I thought I'd cry or feel some sort of attachment to my hair, BUT I actually felt relieved and free. I don't know why I held on to those scraggly ends for so long.

So I'm officially all natural. Let the journey begin.