My Love Affair with Jewelry F.O.T.D. Part I...

In the last three days, I've been finding inspiration in my jewelry for my face each morning. I do alot of organizing at night for the next day, so each night I pick out my accessories that I'll wear with my sad Food Lion polo shirt.

This ring is raw coral, purchased at Stein Mart for $10.

The face
The eyes.

I promise to list everything I used...I forgot the bag I put all the makeup in for the post at my house.:)

Jamie

*Update!!* Here's what I used:

Face: Maybelline Silky Smooth Foundation in Caramel 2 Dark

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse bronzer in Medium

Eyes: Revlon LE Scene Stealer e/s in Molten Bronze

Becca e/s in Satin

MAC piggie in Tan and Goldenaire

Rimmel Glam'Eyes Mascara in Black

Lips:L'Oreal LE Colour Juice in Sunkissed Sienna

Two Things to Get...

From Rimmel!!

I picked these great products up last week during Walgreens BOGO Free on Rimmel. I'll admit I'm not a Rimmel Fan. Their foundation consist of Ivory and Mo' Ivory and not a ethnic shade in sight at any Rimmel Display in my area. So if the brand is not diverse enough for ME I look passed it. I want everyone on the beauty crack known as makeup like me!!

I'm sucka for a bronzer and I got this Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sundance because I want the Rimmel Glam' Eyes Mascara and I need the "Free". It's nothing big and special in comparison to other bronzers but like it because the compact is BIG. I can take a my big fluffy brush and go to work"" without anything such as mirror or small compact getting in the way...




Check the box for "Sucka for Packaging", too for ya' cuz Jamesy.It soooo pretty! And of course like every other mascara these days it has that rubber brush. But the brush has short and long bristles alternating around. SO I apply a light coat with the long bristle side and then take the short bristle side and wiggle for length. The handle is comfortable to use and it is a great day mascara for me.

Jamie

Review: Maybelline SuperStay Silky Foundation in Caramel 2 Dark...

I copped Maybelline's Superstay Silky Foundation in Caramel 2 Dark couple weeks back when I saw that 50% sticker glaring back at me. I'm always scouting around for affordable products to review and blog about and the opportunity of 50% off was glaring at me...
This is how it comes out of the pump. I'm thinking"I did get Caramel 2 Dark didn't I?" and Dark is the next to the darkest color I saw. The white liquid is a mix of primer( or "Silky Coverage Extender") and a sunscreen...
I mixed around with my finger and then with a foundation brush...
I wore it yesterday to church and topped it with a discontinued H.I.P Bronzer. I like it. It actually blended in well, looked super natural and didn't feel heavy even though it was like 92 degrees yesterday down here.
I put it on to day before work without a loose powder or bronzer. I don't like when a foundation covers everything and I look caked up. I'm impressed...:)


Jamie

Mommy...Here go yo' pocketbook....

This month at Accessory Bug, you, my dear fashionable cuzins, can score the look for less. Just look at Miss Eva Longoria-Paaarker! lol!! That $1595 Jimmy Choo clutch, cuz, is not economical...

But this one is!! Black Evita Ruffled Faux Patent Leather Clutch $34.99. Just think of how many times you'll carry a simple fab black clutch, Dates, church, sometimes work, depending on "what" it is you do. :) And this Fuchsia Large Vicky Giraffe Print Faux Leather Satchel $45.99 ...I see this giraffe print bag all over Spartanburg County all day. Sometimes with monogrammed initials on it. sigh...But I secretly think it super cute...don't tell anybody.:)

How delicious and nutritious!!! Grape and bad for the Fall!!!Purple Tracy Faux Leather Tote $51.99.This might make it to be my key bag for the season... *scrouging up change for the Coinstar machine right now*

Jamie

Review: Lumene Cosmetic Brush Cleaner...

I believe caring for your makeup brushes, regardless of how much you paid for them.Hey, I don't have many expensive brushes myself, when Essence Of Beauty makes some of the best brushes sold at the drugstore.Why chunk out $50 for a kabuki brush when you can get one for 9.99( And sometimes wait for a BOGO sale at CVS, holla!).

So, I picked this Lumene Cosmetic Brush Cleaner up about month ago...and it inspires me to wash my brushes more often, My key favs about it:

1) It's unscented

2)It doesn't leave a soapy residue like shampoo would.

3) A little bit goes a long way.

Get a tube!

Jamie

Good Days Happen...

I love love love spending quality time with my kids.It's literally the only thing these days that make me happy. I think that is what God is doing, showing me the beauty of family.

Now, get me wrong they do crazy stuff, they 3-year olds, but the being tired after a Good Day is a Good Day!!

We went to the Dentist in Greer, SC so that gave me a chance to scoot up to Greenville SC and do some Whole Foods and other errands

Kelton AKA Kelton-ye' West.

Spencer-ye'

My favorite-ist place, Whole Foods and the Goodies I got.

Outfit: Top-Cato's Clearance (4.99)

Leggings-Target

Flats-Target

Earrings-Cato's

I went to the B&N at Shops@Greenridge and didn't find that damn Italian Vogue. I had a great day. Everywhere we went in Greenville and Greer, we got great service and friendly people and felt good. I reckon because in the 'Burg and Union that's rarity and I can't count the times I feel ignored in stores and restaurants. I could write a blog on the horrid profiling(racial,sex,financial,etc..) I get. But let me not ruin my day...:)

Jamie

Friends and Family Sale @ Tarte!...

Two words...Cheek Stain! www.tartecosmetics.com !!!

Jamie

A Lash Wonderland...

Must have now...:) Sephora's The Lash Stash ONLY $28...

Jamie

Bases loaded...

Thank God Wednesday is over!!!At least the work side of Wednesday which is the Ad prices changes at my job. It's the worst day for a Scan Analyst. But over last three days, I have discovered the goodness in the day before Wednesday in the perfect eyeshadow base in L'Oreal H.I.P. Cream Shadow Paint in Commanding.

I lightly pat the the color with my middle finger on my lid before I apply my eyeshadow for a long lasting, non-creasing color. I mean no creasing!! The color is pretty much blends into my natural color.And yesterday I did two MAC shadows and today a Revlon and Stila shadow with the same great results.

Plus the BOGO Free on HIP is on at CVS this week. Work it out...:)

Jamie

Dear Starbucks Hillcrest,

I deeply saddened by the news that your store is one the many Starbucks to be closing due to the fast and overwhelming expansion. I mean, seriously, you just opened like a year ago. I'll miss the spacious seating and quietness that the Pine Street store just can't offer. You just don't get a quaint and quiet Starbucks everyday you know....

Please don't leave me!!!

I thought with two Starbucks, The 'Burg was on the up and up... Ya'll can't have nothing in the 'Burg, man. Now where am I suppose to get my Tall Doubleshot on Ice with Soy Milk at before I hit the Goodwill with the hardness? Guess, I'm going to flip over to the Pine St. Store...they are cool, too but just not you...sigh.

Jamie

Beneath The Surface...

Well, I finally took that curly mop of a bonded weave out,washed my hair for about an hour, then used a deep conditioner.

Woke up the next morning and put a relaxer in and VOILA, my real hair is still intact!

I just decided that I as tired of the weave and wanted a new look for age 31. I will probably do some extensions in September. Even though I don't turn 31 for two more months, I 've ready planned my "Revamp", my yearly change in my look. I starting with my hair and diet and exercise plan...

The Back...

I know...some of natural friends( All who are online...I was the only natural in my whole group..) are going to mad at me. But my decision wasn't political it was just yearning for newness...

My whole life is going through a change. I read a post on The Bap Society's MySpace blog and this part spoke to my spirit loudly,

"We discussed the need for worldly separation and divine restoration-the need to sometimes walk alone to achieve a new closeness with God. God sometimes aligns our lives, so that there is a definitive pull to draw us away (from this life) and draw nearer to him.

My friend expressed that lately she'd felt a bit overwhelmed, drained from fulfilling the cares of others and not catering to her own spiritual needs. I could relate. I pointed her in the direction of Christ. For it is in my times of weakness I run to him and seek quiet moments to talk and commune with him.

I realize that most of my distressed moments stem from being drawn away from his spirit. That's when I step out on the balcony of life and look up. That's when I reassure myself with these words:

"I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more ABUNDANTLY." - John 10:10

I begin to focus on the life that I'm called to (rather than the current); for I know that I must first make spiritual preparation before I ever see a physical manifestation."

Jamie

Goings on...

I was going to post a great beauty review, but I've gotten hungry and angry sitting in front of the computer calling every bookstore in a 60 mile radius looking for that Vogue Italia July 2008"The Black Edition". Sold the F*ck out everywhere or because I'm in hillbilly hell...don't even carry it. I even called my Aunt Bonnie in NY and told her to search it...its life or death!!! Any way some quick thoughts on life goings on...







-Why is that own about four different kinds of blotter sheets packs but never have any my purse when I'm seriously greasy( which about noonday).








-Shut the f*ck every body about Michelle Obama and her accepting an invitation to membership into Alpha Kappa Alpha! I'm about to get real "Big Sister Cascade" A.K.A "Big Sister 'Bout it 'Bout it" on folks about it! I've been reading some message boards and Divine Nine peeps and G.D.I's just fighting over the "invitation" is getting insane. "She ain't on the line"( as my Blue People( that what I call Zetas and Sigmas) homie Shana would say)!!!! But when she DOES cross I'll send her a cake and some pink and green balloons to her dorm room. And please Michelle, no double paraphernalia.:)








-I'm about the revamp my WHOLE look. Tired of the big curly weave, the big ole' hips, too casual look etc. It about the be a new Jamie on the roll. My goal for the new look is September 23, 2008, my birthday.







-So, I cut some thangs out my life. Ya'll be alright. I doubt you miss me. I give and gave too much only to feel empty around you. As if I'm only good enough for fashionable capabilities .

Hell, I got grow now, I've been the same to long for you. We all know a certain person that switch up friends like they change shoes. Maybe we should take a cue from that. They happy and we still the same...







-I've learned so much from taking pics of outfits. That's the need for the revamp.







-Rihanna's pic on the cover of InStyle shows more personality than I even saw in her.








-In case yall were wondering...the black girl on the cover of the August 2008 Domino is Mara Brock Akil of the Girlfriends fame. Is she first minority to make the cover Domino?







I'm hungry...I'm out. Beauty and Goodwill Goodies next post...


Jamie

Jamie, Puleeze...

...Is what my co-worker said when I told her that I ran up on this brand new, still in its sanitary plastic wrap Revlon Creme de la Chrome in Berry Flashy at the Goodwill a few weeks ago. It was this bucket of makeup, some open, some not and was only 1.00.

Sometimes you can't tell folks nothing. You can't even clue them in on a deal...

Sorry, weird pic. I took it at work in the our restroom which is weirdly dark and mood light-y.
Next, I got these O.P.I Lip Sheers at the Green's for .25 a piece, still in their box.

The colors are: Sheer Romance, Sheer Heaven, and Sheer Charm.

Here's some swatches...

Jamie

Goodwill Goodies...

Shoes 3.49 a piece
Purses 3.00 a piece. Like I needed another straw bag. And the monogramming craze down South is too much. But I liked this bag and its not even my initials...
Skirts and Capri Pants both Liz Claiborne
Two Target Brand Ts
Old Navy and Cato tops. I love that "peace" Shirt. It was brand new.

Jamie

Hot Days and Makeup Porn...

I'm in a bad mood. Once again this summer, my A/C in my house is not cooling. I just want to go outside and set it on fire!!! I literally makes me so mad I want to cry. Actually I have already, when I left for work this morning feeling like I didn't dry off when I got out the shower. I swear the Satan is trying to make a vacation home in that unit...

But this great. There nothing like some makeup porn in the form of new Tarte kit in raise my spirits. That and using the computer free of charge at Grandma's. Check this out:

Complexion Collection ($54) @ http://www.sephora.com/ exclusive skinvigorating™ set($153 value)

This kit includes the following items in a purple, quilted bag:

clean slate primer (propylene glycol free, paraben free, preservative free, phthalarte free, dye free, sulfate free, mineral oil free, fragrance free, dermatologist tested)
avocado oil
safflower seed oil
echinacea root extract
hibiscus flower extract

the eraser smooth concealer (mineral oil free, phthalate free, naturally derived preservative, dermatologist tested)
safflower seed oil
arnica flower extract
cucumber extract
vitamins C&E

smooth operator foundation with SPF 20 (propylene glycol free, mineral oil free, phthalate free, sulfate free, fragrance free, synthetic dye free, dermatologist tested)
chamomile extract
vitamins A, C, & E
mineral migments

provocateur pressed mineral powder with SPF 8 (paraben free, preservative free, propylene glycol free, mineral oil free, phthalate free, sulfate free, fragrance free, synthetic dye free, talc free)
vitamins A & E
mineral migments

glam-on-the-go kabuki brush

Available in the following 4 shades fairpressed powder - fairsmooth operator SPF 20 foundation - facadeThe eraser smooth concealer - fair lightpressed powder - lightsmooth operator SPF 20 foundation - veil

The eraser smooth concealer - bisque mediumpressed powder - mediumsmooth operator SPF 20 foundation - disguiseThe eraser smooth concealer - medium beige darkpressed powder - tansmooth operator SPF 20 foundation - incognitoThe eraser smooth concealer - tan

Jamie

BigGyrl Fab Outfits...From Last Week's Vacay...

Nothing special just couple looks from last week when I was on stay-cation.

Top:Gap via Ooops Outlet

Tank:Old Navy

Jeans:Levis via Goodwill

Shoes:Sam and Libby via Off Broadway Shoes

Scarf: Vintage

Bag:mark. via Salvation Army

T-shirt-Wal-Mart( One of those Mutts Organic T's, it says "No Animal Testing")

Tank-Old Navy

Jeans-Steve and Barry's

Shoes-Almost pink

Headband-Aldo

Jamie

Rave!!!: Wet N' Wild Ultimate Brow Kit!....

Hey cuzins...

I'm back with a fresh new situation from our favorite .99 cent cosmetic line Wet N'Wild. Of course most of there stuff ain't .99 no more but the game has definetly change over in that camp.

I spotted a display in Walgreens for their new cream eyeliners-a-la- H.I.P/MAC inspired( which I'm going to get on pay day) and these new Ultimate Brow Kits which I LOVE.

Go and use the last 5.50 you have on your Bank Of America Visa Check card and get you one for 3.99. plus tax. :)


It's great. The color was a perfect match for my brows and the wax held the color all day. On the flip side...they can chunk the tweezers for a mini brow brush and stop putting that awful mirror in all of their eye compacts!

Jamie

Soul Music....

Hey!

Sorry I've been missing. Going through thangs, ya know. But I will be back tomorrow with new product reviews and such. I've been on this new Incognito album, Tales From The Beach, all week. Can you believe I found such indie fab at Circuit City in Spartanburg? I love ya'll!!

Jamie

My Summer Lip Prescription...

I love soft lips. On me and on cute brown- sugar colored, dimpled cheeked, white teeth, that smell like baby powder and Kenneth Cole for Men scented man-persons. lol! So I hold up my end of the soft lip deal with little combo for soft pillowy lips...

Smashbox Emulsion Lip Exfoilate goes first...


Then BeFine Lip Exfoliator is next. It's actually more like a clay mask. I let it dry and then take a warm facecloth and wipe it off...

Last I finish it up with Oiseau Lip Balm that I got at Anthropoligie last time I was in Charlotte.

Loves it!!

Jamie

Perfect Red...

I found my perfect red...right in my nail polish caddy, Essie Fishnet Stockings!

Jamie

Sweet Necessity....

I think I going to pick this up...Essie Sweet Necessities. I kinda just want the Corrector Pen. Is there a drugstore pen that's just as good? Let me know!!!


Jamie

Pool Side Revelations....

Today I took the boys' to the YMCA pool, the only public pool in town. But before we went, we ate lunch and then we popped into the Wal-Whizzle( or as Spencer calls it "Mal-Mart") to see if Mommy could score a swimsuit.

Okay let me stop there. I haven't had a swimsuit in 8 years. The last one I had I got at Old Navy in 2000 right before I went on a trip to Myrtle Beach with my homies. I had the best time that trip and I looked good in the swimsuit( and in love...because I was in LOVE!!!).

And a diva was Size12- 14.

Now a diva is Size 18.

And if you know me personally, its a BIG difference.

I haven't had many chances in the last 8 years to swim or get near water to get in it in a beach setting. Hell, I can go to Myrtle Beach, a South Carolinian pasttime( one must go at least 20 times in a lifetime) and get nowhere the water.

Now that I have two 3-year olds, I challenge myself to be an "active/outdoor"mommy. I don't have girls( Thank you, Lord!) that I can drag in and out of malls and stores. My boys want to be free of the confines of a house, a store, a mall, Grandma's house...they have a overwheleming need to RUN!!!

So, I wanted a swimsuit and all they had was the one above and it was in a maroon-dried blood red color and 32.88. Puleeze. You know it got left there. Hell,I just paid Charter and added DVR to the service.

But I thought I could just go with the flow and rock some jeans, tank, a head scarf and sunglasses. We get there and the other parents had on swimsuits and trunks and were in the water with their kids. Gut punch I tell you. Then I thought, "This is not about a 32.88 swimsuit , its about you not wanting to wear a swimsuit because you are really not comfortable with being 5'0, 200 lbs...You want to LOSE weight, but you keep talking yourself out it...You's a DIVA and sh*t and Big Girl Fab and sh*t and you can't even put on a swimsuit to swim with kids"

I'm speechless at myself. Still.

I wouldn't know where to start in the weight loss game. I was on one diet in my life in 2005, for the wrong reasons, trying make someone love me by losing some weight that I gained taking care of his kids. I guess that's why cling to the way I look. I don't want no man to ever have any influence on how I look AGAIN. It's a sad way to live.

But I gots to love me too, right? I got to love me that way I should be loved. Because I love myself... but maybe not enough.

Jamie

Rave!!: New Phisoderm Products!

I picked up Phisoderm Foaming Facial Wash at CVS. Hey the tag said 50% off...you how I do. I been using it for a week and it is fabulous.I has totally cleared my skin up after a sweaty weekend in the Low Country followed by the period from hell. And I'm not as greasy either. I also use it at night and my skin doesn't feel tight at all.

Phisoderm Clarifying Facial Moisturizer was ALSO on the 50% off chopping block. It's great for the day and I can say that I haven't been thru CVS brand blotting papers as rough as before.It's like a gel so its smoothed on and not rubbed in and is slamming grease fighter.

Buy it cousins!!

Jamie

Sephora+O.P.I.+Me=Happiness....

BREAKING BEAUTY NEWS! Nail polish powerhouse OPI has teamed up with Sephora to create Sephora By OPI, an extensive line of 54 fashion-forward shades for $9 each.The new and exclusive line will have you covered with all your nail essentials: base coat, top coat, nail color drying drops, remover, and of course, the most on-trend colors in the industry.

Plus, the long-lasting, chip-resistant polishes are free of DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde. Sephora by OPI Nail Polish will be available at Sephora in early August (and on Sephora.com in late July - blogger Jennifer "Product Patrol" Appenrodt will keep you posted).The exclusive line was introduced today at an editor breakfast at Sephora 5th Avenue, where editors were offered manicures with the 6 fall trend colors (pictured above from left: Don't Go There, Meet For Drinks, I'm With Brad, Never Enough Shoes, Metro Chic and Run With It).

I can't wait!!

Article+Pic- www.sephora.com

Jamie