National Cancer Month

Every month of the year is dedicated to one or two specific cancers since there are more than one hundred types of cancer. We are fortunate enough to have organizations that help prevent, detect & prolong life along with treatments and support programs. 
To detect early cancer offers a higher possibility of survival. Half of all men and one-third of all women in the US will develop cancer during their lifetimes. The month of April is special, it's National Cancer Month & indeed the disease is a nation wide dilemma killing on average over 500,000 cancer patients.
With statistics so high it is inevitable that we ourselves, a family member or friend have not experienced a loss or at least a scare. Please click on the links below & I hope this blog may help in some way.
Know your body, the signs & get tested! Set an example for your family & friends!
xx TBT.

January

• Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

February

• National Cancer Prevention Month
• Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month

March

• Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
• National Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

April

• Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month
• Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
• Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

May

• Brain Cancer Awareness Month
• Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month

June

• National Cancer Survivors Day

July

• Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
• Sarcoma Awareness Week

September

• Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
• Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
• Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Month

• Leukemia Awareness Month
• Lymphoma Awareness Month
• Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month
• Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
• Thyroid Cancer Awareness Week
• Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

October

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Liver Cancer Awareness Month

November

• Lung Cancer Awareness Month
• Carcinoid Cancer Awareness Month
• National Family Caregivers Month
• Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
• Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

My cosmetic bag.

I like to be as organized as possible. I have days when I have nothing to do & then others where I have appointments for myself, my son & any one else who needs help in my family or along the way. So I have my cosmetic pouch which I just take out from one purse & place in another.

I like a nude lipstick (mac in Lustre syrup, it looks purple but its more of a warm lip tone) for soft natural looks in the morning & a lipstick that offers a pop  of color (L'oreal in pink cashmere) just so I won't look too monochromatic.


Life can get so hectic you may not have time to look in the mirror, that is where chapstick comes in. I cannot decide between my EOS chap egg or my sugar's chapstick (sugars fits better in my little bag) which I received as a gift from Sephora.

 An eyeliner helps to liven up a face and says I cared a little this morning. I use Mac's graphblack.

 Aside from Nars cosmetics having naughty names that gives consumers a justification to say them in public, I really do love their products! I have the blush in liberte & the bronzer in Laguna. I just purchased orgasm & a couple of other products (see what I mean :-) ... I just purchased an orgasm, haha).

My hair is always down I take pride on its length since it to so long to grow yet sometimes it can get unruly back there and tying it up with any ol' thing won't do! So... I invested in a cute butterfly which would look perfect for a spring up do!

A sample of a perfume that I usually get at Sephora (of course you have to like the smell, never settle!) I adore Michael Kors, Rose Gold, perfect smell & title for the spring.

I tend to carry BB cream samples as well, I only use it if its a dire emergency and usually its any that Sephora is giving out.

I always carry all types of wipes, for all body parts, I am a mommy! The pack I have now I received in my Ipsy bag and have not used it yet so I have no idea how good they are. But they can't be that bad since it was free :-)

I stole the cosmetic bag from my mom, I don't think she has noticed yet. And I added a tassel which fell from a bracelet I bought on etsy. 

Do you guys have a cosmetic bag? And how easy is life when you do have one?!
xxTBT

In the search for something pretty.

Lately I haven't written on here because I didn't think there was any point since I haven't been able to reach my desired audience. Last night I spoke to a wise friend who helped me realize that blogging should be done for oneself and that the audience is just a sweet bonus. I do love to write, I do love searching for beautiful things and I have a wonderful + blessed gift for finding beauty in everything I see. therefore, I will start blogging... again, for the third time yet this time it'll be for myself and along with this I hope my audience enjoys the change. I am now searching for inspiration for my blogs transition! W is a first time buy and it has spurred such fabulous ideas that I am now a member!
xx TBT

Feb 2013 Scrumptiousness

I chose the month of February to work on accomplishing goals which is definitely a work in progress. I recently watched a video from Michelle Phan in which she says "I set goals without expectations" which can eliminate a lot of negative feelings such as failure.This month I enjoyed a lot of books, actually I am obsessed with books... to read , to write and some that are so beautiful I just display them!
My first monthly favorite is better said to be a yearly favorite, I've had it for over three years now (from Barnes & Noble) and it's made of papyrus: in this book I jot down my yearly shopping list (from clothes to accessories to Broadway plays), premonitions by psychics (I'll write on this eventually), life changing dreams,  and goals to accomplish for the year. The second note book I use as my to do list for the week or month (from set up a dentist appointment to be nice to ???...), any inspiring quote, blog I want to write, etc. I bought this at a corner for less than a dollar!!
I had an appointment in Flushing, Queens at the beginning of February and I cannot wait to head back! One of my items is a creamy honey + ginger tea, perfect to warm up to. I love to drink my tea in my favorite flowery cup with an amazing book in which I use to escape when ever I am in need of an uplifting of spirits for what ever reason. The book I am currently reading is "The Time in Between" by Maria Duenas, I leave the book feeling empowered and in control of what ever situation I am facing just like the protagonist.
My clipboard is my salvation! I love making list and highlighting all of my accomplishments, a trick I use is to jot down even the most tedious of task which I have to do anyway; I do this so when I look at my list I feel as if I have accomplished a lot and that fuels me to continue with other task. My current project is helping a friend find decor for her new apartment.  My EOS chap egg is amazing, I need no mirror to apply it on, its big enough that it never gets lost therefore allowing me to concentrate on other things. And last but not least are my ginger candies at only 15 calories each, all natural and with such soothing healing spices, it's a must have!
I hope you guys enjoyed this blog and please let me know what you guys couldn't live without for the month of February. xxTBT

London Fashion Week Wreck!

Fashion week can be a hit or a miss, any where it's done. Creativity is fabricated by these hard working imaginative designers and the relativity of hit or miss is expressed by the FW audience during and after the artwork has gone down the isle.  I chose not to name the designer because we all mess up a little here and there. This is just for a nice laugh!

Have you ever been in a (enter the franchise of your choice here), unfortunately, had to use the bathroom and found out there was no toilet paper!?.. "Not I" said the model below, because she definitely has the solution. Would you try it just to avoid the inevitable?

Do you have a friend who is always green with envy!? Does she/ he look like this.... don't you wish when you disputed the jealousy incidents that you could just point out her/ his face as exhibit A??

Ladies, ladies, ladies... we pay a lot of money for bags that carry all of our essential belongings, pay a lot of money for concealers and highlighters that hid bags that we need to mend due to lack of sleep, we bag all of our emotions up so we don't seem like an emotional wreck, sometimes having to hire a therapist... and now we wear bags on our heads.

Next time I wake up late & don't have time to do my hair, makeup, brush my teeth and/ or any time I don't want to interact with the rest of society, I'll have to remember to do this!

 

Hope you enjoyed! xx TBT

Black + White Spring 2013

Classic black & white print, one which will never go out of style and Spring 2013 is no exception. I prefer to incorporate what is in style mostly with accessories until I can further commit to a more expensive wardrobe item I also find that there is a broader range of prices for quality accessories. xxTBT

 Kate Spade Checker Space Lacey

BCBgeneration Lim

Nine West Joeley

Urban Outfitters Iphone case

H&M bag

Rhyme LA Contrast Arm blazer

Green Tea Spritzer

I like to use green tea as a facial spritzer to help decrease the redness of any pimples and bumps I may have disrupted while using my clarisonic.   Green tea is said to help a similar yet more severe condition called rosacea (chronic skin condition that makes your face turn red and may cause swelling and skin sores that look like acne) sufferers. Not only do I feel like some swelling subsides but the smell also allows me to feel relaxed. Below are the steps on how I make my green tea spritzer.
Items needed...

• spray bottle the smaller the better (throw out any unused tea after 3 days which has lost potency)
• green tea/ green tea leafs (box, make sure the only ingredient is green tea)
• water 

Brew tea leaves (my choice) in water for five to seven minutes. Wait until the tea is cool and you are able to put into bottle and even more cool enough to spray on face.

Rachel Zoe NYFW: I die!!!

So it's my first time being NYFW obsessed and I see my addiction will live on for ever! The attention to detail is amazing.  I am in love with the leather placed on the inner pant legs, the leather straps on top of the arm sleeve and the sexy cuts on the dresses. What I wouldn't wear for business I could see myself wearing for play. Click the link on the side, so you can see the magic!     (Link to Rachel Zoe's NYFW Fall 2013 video)

Fall 2013 NYFW

There is nothing better than sipping on coffee and watching slideshows of NYFW's best designers! I jotted down some notes on the designers I love and have snap shots of my favorite outfits. My only problem is that I could not find Rachel Zoe's collection :-( if anyone has a link please post it on the comments below. Hope you enjoy this and thanks for stopping by!


Victoria Beckham, usually known for her form fitting outfits and dark color blocking before it was a style. Yet her fall 2013 collection although full of color blocking + neutrals, the trimmings and fittings of the outfits would only be flattering on the rail thin models. It was a major disappointment to me.

Tommy Hilfiger; known for his polo shirts of all colors. NYFW expressed a collection of a lot of plaid with faux fur collars and some over sized pieces.

3.1 Phillip Lim; don't know more of this designer other than everyone is obsessed with his purses. He did use a lot of over sized clothing and layers of leather and faux fur. Below was my favorite outfit of his collection. I think I own a similar piece of all that's in this picture!

Jason Wu; Fall 2013's collection brought out structure and form fitting pieces. And a lot of black + white. I love the shimmer on the long skirt and the half turtleneck.

Donna Karan; played with a lot of sheer cuts in very flattering places of the dress for all sizes, her fabrics were faux fur, wool, jersey cottons in black or brown. This was my favorite dress!

Carolina Herrera; known for her white button down shirts with pearls, she says it allows her to be prepared for any occasion. Her hues of pink and red ombre dresses and belts with faux fur embellishments make her the best NYFW collection! Below are my top favorite...

xx TBT

How to: Vday mani

1. Use nail polish remover to remove any color from previous polish.
2. Cut, buff, oil cuticles to satisfy your liking.
3. Wash, dry & lotion up hands.
4. Paint below your nail which ever color you'd like (I chose Essie's "fun in gondola").
5. Paint nails any color of your choosing (I chose Essie's "sand tropez").
6. Allow nails to dry.
7. Use as many stickers, sprinkles etc. to embellish a nail or two.
8. Remember to seal the deal with clear nail polish!        

Look at mine....

back of nails, Essie's "Fun in gondola"

Essie's "sand tropez" & heart cloud stickers

xxTBT

Love.

 Valentines day falling on a Thursday this year makes us, the optimistics, feel as if it's Valentines WEEK. Target is preparing for Valentines by featuring New York's designer Prabal Gurung Love Collection starting February 10. Check out the lookbook, take a love quiz and watch a video on fashion design (click on me)! How are you preparing for Valentines?

Grammys dress code...

Many articles have been discussing the fact that CBS- TV has sent out a cautionary memo for artist and their representatives. Part of the memo read, "Please be sure that buttocks and female breasts are adequately covered. Thong type costumes are problematic. Please avoid exposing bare fleshy under curves of the buttocks and buttock crack. Bare sides or under curvature of the breasts is also problematic. Please avoid sheer see-through clothing that could possibly expose female breast nipples. Please be sure the genital region is adequately covered so that there is no visible 'puffy' bare skin exposure." Alongside the memo many articles put pictures of what they thought were examples of the malfunctions that caused CBS to send out the memo.


What affect do you think this cautionary memo will have on the 55th Annual Grammy award?
xxTBT

Staying Warm!

This winter is definitely for wussies! Yet there exist those occasional mornings and nights that are excruciatingly cold. My tips for staying warm are as follows...
1. The layer that is directly in contact with your skin should be wool (provides great insulation).
2. Inhale and exhale through your nose (the nose acts as a filter and warms it).
3. Try a ginger tea; before heading or after arriving at your destination. (recipe up soon)
4.  Cover up!.. your toes, hands and ears!

stay warm! xx TBT

Longer Lasting lipstick + Lip Forming Tips.

Lipstick hues of red, wine and purple are in style. Yet they can cause others to fixate on our imperfections of  cracked or undefined lips. Here are some steps on fixing both problems immediately... check below for my Winter lip scrub for a longer term solution!

1. Prep your lips with a moisturizer (chap stick, Vaseline, coconut oil).
2. Pat tissue on lips to get any excess.
3. Use your normal foundation around your lips, this accentuates your natural form (also allowing lipstick to stay on longer).
4. Use a lip pencil that matches the lipstick you will be applying (this step is only necessary if you still want more lip definition).
5. Apply the lipstick of your choice. (I stop here but I know many like that extra umph!)
6. Another application of lip gloss. (This makes the color you choose shine)
7. Apply pigment with a brush. (I don't feel this is necessary yet many makeup fanatics do use it)


xx TBT

Superbowl Madness...

                                                                                      

     How I wish I had some Doritos for my daddy! And how good is that little girl at applying makeup? By the time shes 10 she'll be a pro! This was my favorite commercial. What was yours? In case you missed all the Super Bowl commercial madness, follow the link below provided by CodbyNight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8qy8v1ghy38 by CodbyNight

Jan 2013 Scrumptiousness

 

 Winter is beautiful, with all the phenomenal activities that deserve all of your attention & deserve to be remembered with lots of photography!  I try to stay flawless with these four items:  Garnier BB cream (found at any drugstore, retailed around $13.00), Sugar Fresh "chapstick" (at Sephora, retailed at $20.00 &  it was Sephoras HBD gift), Burt's Bees wipes (drugstores, at $6.00) & Clarisonic ( Sephora, retailed anywhere from $120 to $250.00).  As we go along in the month I'll share more of my ritus with you all! Stay warm, xxTBT

2013 in Emerald.

The color of the year is emerald (basically beautiful shades of green). If you're on a budget yet a fashion whore you MUST find a way to incorporate the color of the year! If  like me you can hunt a beautiful emerald jacket from Banana Republic for $7.00 then no worries but I have to admit not everyone travels with my shopping luck. So here is a sure way to shop on and keep a full happy wallet!    xx TBT

  Neiman Marcus: Dogeared Green Jade Charm $16.00

HM.com scarf $12.95

 Piper Lime:    Hunter original short $125.00

  Piper Lime: Joie  Nice $115.00

   Neiman Marcus:  Majorica Elastic Pearl Bracelet $40.00

     Piper Lime: Jessica Simpson Waleo $89.00

Piper Lime: Pim + Larkin Solitaire Stud Earring $16.00

Company you keep...

I went to a Sephora Smashbox event for Curtis Kulig with a great friend & of course we had a blast! For as the swell Epictetus says: " The key is to keep company with only those who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best."

Winter sugar lips

During the winter my lips are so cracked, not only are they unattractive (I have to be very selective as to what lipstick I use), but they can also  be excruciatingly  painful! This winter it's a bit different due to this lip scrub I found some where online. I tend to do it when ever I remember I should. Plus you get to enjoy a natural wine lip color, enjoy!    xx TBT

1/2 a lemon
tbs of honey
tbs of sugar
*mix together and scrub lips with a toothbrush.

Welcome... for many reasons.

                                                                            Taking small steps ;-)

    Realizing what my dreams are and taking steps towards realizing them can be described as no shorter of an emotion than thrilling. I am glad that I am where I stand (I'm actually laying) right now: Where you stand right now is where you belong at this very moment; for a reason. xx TBT