~Curves Ahead~ {Davids Bridal}

I had the pleasure in taking part in the 2014 Bridal Runway Show in my hometown of Harrisburg, PA. Being surrounded by size 0-2 models, you have to own a sense of self in order to hold your own on the runway. The average woman is curvy. You want to make the bride to be in the audience who may feel that they are not beautiful enough know that they too can fabulous in their own skin. 

~DIY Reception Chair Signs~

If you are recently engaged, you are probably looking for decor ideas for your special day. I am an advocate for details . One trend that will not be going away any time soon are Reception Chair Signs for the bride and groom. It's a cost effective way to add personality to your reception. They also make for great photo props and keepsakes. For my DIY brides, websites such as Pinterest offers step-by-step instructions on how to create reception chair signs. If you are not as crafty, they can be purchased from a variety of sellers on www.etsy.com

Natural Hair

As my 2 year anniversary of going natural is approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to show and tell about my journey and what my go hair products are.

This was when I 1st big chop. If you are planning to big chop, I do suggest having oils handy. My hair was very dry afterwards and I found myself always having to add oil and water to manage. My go to oils are olive oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and moroccan oil. Most can be found in your local grocery store.

My hair grows at a normal rate of 1/2 inch a month. This was my hair 1 year after I big chopped. I found that just using conditioner to wash my hair (co-wash) help to cause less breakage and helped me retain length. Shampoo and my natural hair did not get along at all. My conditioners that I alternate using are Alberto V05 Coconut Conditioner and Suave Moroccan Infusion Conditioner.

14 months after my big chop. This was a go to style for me. 

I decided to do a 2nd big chop in July ,2013. I had shaved the one side of my head a couple of months prior and grew tired of the style. Whether you are starting your natural journey or thinking about big choping just remember its about self acceptance and loving what is the true you. 

Wine Tasting Party

p

For my End of the 20's  (29th birthday) this year, I  wanted to do something that I would enjoy doing with my closest friends witout having to go out for a night on the town. (I'm a home body). I came can across the idea from a friend at work of having a wine tasting party. Here are some ideas of how to host your very own wine tasting in the comfort of your own home.

~Decide on what type of wine tasting party you will be having. (I'm opting for a simple wine and cheese tasting)
~15 guests is considered a good amount of people to invite. Ask guest to bring a bottle of their favorite wine. (You can set a max price range so guest are not overspending). Invites should be sent at least 2 weeks before your tasting.
~Provide pesonal wine glasses (see below). Provide a glass of water for each guest to rinse palate after each tasting.
~Design wine tasting cards for each guest to rate the wines that they try.
~For appetizers you can choose to have chicken skewers, pasta salad, fruit salad, cheese diaplay, brushetta with bread (Make sure to provide plain bread and again water for guest to cleanse their palates)
~Rule of thumb for tasting wines is to work from dry to sweet for white wines and light to full-bodied for red wines. Also white wines are to be served chilled and red wines are to be served at room temperature. Happy Tasting!

Wine glasses painted with chalkboard paint to personalize glasses

Pop of Color

I

 After all the bad weather winter has been providing us, I wanted to brighten my day a bit with a pop of color. Pink blazer was a thrift shop find for $3.99. Black trousers were also a thrift shop find for $1.99.

Celine inspired tee www.etsy.com $15.00

Silver chained necklace www.sammydress.com $5.99

Yellow Neon Clutch Nikki Minaj Collection for Kmart $7.99

Colored jeweled earrings www.sammydress.com  $3.76

Access to Accessories

Accessories can take a dull outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. I found a website that offers accessories for next to nothing. www.sammydress.com. I have purchased several pieces from them and I love them all. Here are some of the products I've purchased.