soulful happenings: Interview with Royal Obsession<3

Hi everyone!  So excited to blog on this lovely Saturday. Currently I'm working on this post in one of my favorite places - Starbeezy aka Starbucks lol. Sooo happy to be sitting and writing. Grateful for moments like these. 

I wanted to stop by and share with you what I hope to call "soulful happenings". I am a huge lover of things that touch the soul of people. It's been a goal of mines to surround myself with things that touch my soul or the very essence of my identity. 

I blessed with the opportunity to sit with my friend Leidra last week and discuss her love for uplifting people through her handmade jewelry line called Royal Obsession. I reached out to her to buy a few of her pieces because they are SO beautiful and inspiring. When I stopped by her place I was so excited to see all of the jewelry she has made and I had the best time picking out what I wanted (soooo hard because everything was simply lovely). Before I left, I immediately told her I wanted to blog about her business because she is truly talented.  I asked her to do a mini interview to share with you all. Enjoy and I hope it inspires and uplifts the soul <3 

Leidra: Oh wow! It is truly an honor to be a part of this interview with A.B.C.  Thank you for taking the time to get to know my artistry and ME. My name is Leidra Danielle and I am the owner and designer of Royal Obsession Jewelry. 

 

 

ABC: What encouraged to you to create your line Royal Obsession and when was it founded?

 

Leidra: Growing up I always had some kind of business, from bubble gum to handwritten “fake” IDs. This is elementary school we’re talking about! Ha, that still makes me laughtoday. Around that same time I also started making HIDEOUS beaded jewelry that I would proudly weareverywhere.  I made jewelry as gifts for family members like my mom, grandmothers, aunts, etc. I did that for a few years, but it wasn’t until my 4th year as a college student that I picked up my old hobby again.  This was in 2011 (and if you look closely at my logo you can see where it says, “Est. MMXI”). I fell in love with creating and making my own jewelry all over again! Just as I did when I was younger, I made and designed pieces for my family and friends.  Because of their positive feedback and encouragement I decided I wanted to take things seriously and start a business. I’ve had setbacks and discouragements along the way, but I don’t regret one single moment about starting Royal Obsession.

 

ABC: What types of products do you sell?

 

Handcrafted beaded and charmed accessories.

 

What does your jewelry represent and what makes it unique?

 

When my Royal enthusiasts crown themselves with a piece from Royal Obsession I want them to absolutely love what they are wearing. And feel empowered to chase dreams, love fearlessly, live freely and inspire someone else to do the same. All of the bangle pieces are adorned with a crown and an inspirational line, symbol, or word. These serve as reminders that we are worth our dreams, love, and feeling good about life. (Instagram @_royalobsession#CrownYourself).

 

 

How do you balance a professional life and your jewelry line?

 

Balancing my professional life and Royal Obsession can sometimes be difficult.  I love my job and I love my business. My 9 to 5 is providing me with the financial resources to push the dreams I have for my personal business, so of course, the job takes priority right now.Managing my time effectively is definitely the key to making sure that I am successful in both arenas. I’ve learned to leave work at work and dedicate my evenings and weekends to growing RO. I have great support from my family, boyfriend, and close friends who step in to helpwhen they can.  They are the ones that actually keep my head on straight. Literally.  

 

What three words would you use to describe your artistry? 

 

Inspirational. Intentional. Genuine.

 

How do you feel your artistry touches and shapes the community and world around you?

 

I’m always thinking about my community, my hometown, and ways to make an impact.  From a financial standpoint, money I’ve made from Royal Obsession has gone back into causes that I truly believe in in the city I am from.  From a people-minded perspective, I believe RO has put a lot of smiles on a lot of faces and that’s all I really hope for.  I can’t really put into words what it feels like when I see someone confidently rocking Royal Obsession.  I hope to continue inspiring people to pursue their dreams and look good while they do it.

 

If people have any inquiries – where can they contact you at?

 

Instagram: @_royalobsession

Email: royalobsessionjewelry@gmail.com

Website: COMING SOON

 

Btw- here's my Royal Obsession bracelets and bangle :)

I hope you all are inspired just like myself:)

- Tonyette 

Writing a story

Hi lovelies <3 

Before I start - I would just like say that I've been trying to post this since Monday morning. For some reason, my computer flipped on me on Monday. I've never had it act like this and I've had this computer since 2011. SO I AM SO HYPE about this post.

I know yall are thinking - this chick isn't a blogger - she ain't real. LOL. BUT I am back.Working 40 + hours, AND applying to graduate school has been very time consuming and my life is really shifting. It's craazy and I'm in this beautiful stage of life - God is so great yall<3 

I just wanted to stop by quickly and share with yall a new found hobby of mines - calligraphy. I've always admired the canvas art at Hobby Lobby, Marshalls, Ross, Target. I've obsessed over women who showcase their calligraphy on Instagram and Pinterest and I as always like "man...they are so talented". I never really considered it something that I too could do and really love.

Around the time that I was studying for the GRE- a teacher "book fair" was set up in the teacher lounge and I saw this calligraphy set entitled "Calligraphy the Easy Way" for like super cheap and for the first time I thought - I could DO THIS. But for some reason - I didn't purchase it (I think they were taking orders on the day I was taking the GRE). But a week later I actually found the SAME kit in Ross for like 10 dollars and I grabbed it. The kit came with a fountain pin (you can put ink in a pin that is like a quill dip pen) and a dip pen, some ink (came in tubes - very hard to use), practice sheets, and paper.

Calligraphy Starter Handbook

Fountain Pen that came with Calligraphy Starter kit

All in all - I liked it BUT it only had ink for that specific pen and it had no directions for how to use the dip pen and ink. So I basically broke the dip pen (will show pictures of what that looks like in a few).So I only used the fountain pen and I wasn't getting the look of art I desired with fountain pen. The fountain made the writing look too rigid and it was hard to write in cursive with it. I can say that this pen is still working and it lasts a LONG time. It's good for the first-timer user, but I would really suggest buying a dip pen to dive right in.  I basically sat this fountain pen aside and  I started doodling and practicing calligraphy- like drawings with my Pilot ultra fine tip pen. I also didn't have the time to really practice during the holidays.

Once I had the mindset to focus on practicing - I started searching around for quill pens and I purchased a Speedball Dip Pen and Nibs and some Higgins Fountain Pen India Ink (recommended because it is the darkest and doesn't bleed). I purchased some more paper and I purchased the Canson Mix-Media book which comes with Acrylic, Watercolor, and Pen/Pencil paper. I bought this at Walmart for like $8 and it's HUGE lol. I am truly getting the hang of calligraphy since I have purchased the new pen and I LOVE what I am creating. 

Here pictured is my Sketch/Paint book, my Higgins ink, and my Dip Pen

Here are the dip pen and nib (you stick nib into top of pen)

As I learn more I will make sure I update you all, but I wanted to tell you all how I stumbled upon calligraphy and how I pushed myself to do something totally out of my comfort zone. I am not an expert, honestly a lot of the stuff I am doing is free style and I mostly love the Modern Calligraphy style and I am getting A LOT of help from the Pinterest "modern calligraphy" search results and the lovely Liz Castro

I am writing a story and I love it <3

- Tonyette 

Weekend Bits & Bobs: The Perfect Cuppa

It is no secret that tea is one of my favorite things. I keep the pantry well stocked with tea and when the supply is getting low, I start searching for the next best tea. There is nothing like snuggling up with a hot cup of tea, a good book and fuzzy socks (I still wear the socks my sister gave me several years ago with fuzzy lambs stitched on the sides. I have not shame!).

This Sunday morning was grey, drab and quite frankly, miserable. By midday, it was pouring rain and there were even a few instances of thunder and lightening. What better way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon than with the perfect cup of tea!?

For this weekend’s post, I have for you guys three teas that are perfect for a cozy, chilly day in.

The Republic of Tea Vanilla Almond Black Tea. The Republic of Tea is one of my favorite tea companies. The quality of their teas is exceptional and they have such a wide variety of teas to choose from that it’s almost overwhelming! Their Vanilla Almond Black Tea is definitely a treat. It’s smooth, with the perfect balance between the vanilla and almond. It’s a warm flavor, definitely appropriate for the colder seasons. It has a bit of natural sweetness to it, so with just a touch of honey, it can satisfy that sweet tooth without leaving you high, and dry, and ready to cry, with guilt. When paired with milk, this tea becomes a decadent treat. 

Tazo Orange Chiffon. This is a black tea that Tazo describes as Earl Grey, but with a touch of orange. In these loose-leaf tea sachets you can even see the orange peels. Tazo isn’t my favorite tea company. I think they tend to over flavor some their teas, but they do have some standouts. I think this is one of them. The orange makes this take on Earl Grey brighter, but it’s not overpowering. It’s a great chilly morning tea to help perk you up!

Teatulía Organic Green Tea. This is my first time trying anything from the brand Teatulía. I was in Target last weekend and decided to try this, as I had run out of green tea. I can’t be without green tea! It’s a must have in my tea arsenal. I’m also on the hunt to find my favorite green tea, so I’m always trying different brands. This is a nice one. It’s smooth, light and fresh, bonus that it’s organic! There is something comforting about a simple green tea on a gloomy day; it’s familiar. After staring at these three teas and debating which one to drink, I chose this one this afternoon.

*Quick tip: Green tea is a more delicate tea than black tea and is easy to burn. To prevent the bitter taste that results from burned green tea, wait five minutes after your water boils and then pour the water over your green tea. Don’t let it steep for more than 3 minutes. This will ensure you have a perfect, non-bitter cup of green tea! The same applies for white teas.

I finished Cold Mountain and I have now started the second installment of Game of Thrones. Only 60 pages in and I’m already nervous!

I hope you all enjoyed this post! What are your favorite teas to snuggle up with on a dreary day?

-Alana 

Book Review: Stoner by, John Williams

Stoner by John Williams is not a novel I would typically gravitate towards. The only reason I was intrigued by it was because some of my favorite YouTube vloggers mentioned the book (if you don’t watch essiebuttonvlogs you need to get on it. Estée, her boyfriend Aslan and their dog Reggie are addicting). They have such unique taste and Aslan was reading it and said that it was extremely interesting.

I like how I’m talking about Aslan and Estée like I know them. Wishful thinking…

So, I looked the book up on Amazon and read the reviews and it had high ratings. I was curious as to how a novel about a man named William Stoner, from a poor Missouri farming family, and his life at university could be so fascinating. So I bought it. And I liked it.

Upon entering the University of Missouri, William Stoner lives the rest of his life there. He enters as a student and then becomes a professor in English. The story follows his life as a member of the university, his unhappy marriage, strained relationship with his daughter and his brief romantic escapade.

From my point of view, there is something existential about this novel. When William Stoner discovers his love for English literature, the reader watches him grow into an independent person. Yet at the same time, there is this irony of his increasing independence. He doesn’t know how to define himself outside of the image and culture of the university. The reader is constantly aware of this tension as William Stoner struggles his way through life.

This novel has quite a melancholy tone. By no means is this a happy story and when I finished it I felt slightly exhausted, but not in a bad way. In the way that one feels exhausted after finally coming to the end of a difficult time. It is a novel of a mediocre life and how life can beat one down. There is nothing exceptional about William Stoner. He is an average man with average abilities. It is amazing to me how John Williams took the story of such a simple man and made it compelling.

In a way, this book reminded me not to get complacent. Life is too short to stay comfortable. I definitely think this book is worth a read, even if it’s not something you would initially be drawn to. It’s also a book I plan to re-read because there are always things that stick out more the second time around.

Noteworthy Quotes:

·      “It [love] was a passion neither of the mind nor of the heart, it was a force that comprehended them both, as if they were but the matter of love, its specific substance.”

·      “A war doesn’t merely kill off a few thousand or a few hundred thousand young men. It kills off something in a people that can never be brought back. And if a people go through enough wars, pretty soon all that’s left is the brute, the creature that we – you and I and others like us – have brought up from the slime.”

Have you read this book or any others by John Williams? What did you think?

-Alana

Weekend Bits & Bobs: LUSH Goodies

I have a bit of a thing for LUSH. Their products are packed full of wholesome, fresh ingredients and everything I’ve tried thus far from LUSH, I have really enjoyed. There are so many smells, textures, and unique products that you just cannot find anywhere else. Going into a LUSH store is definitely an experience and can also be rather overwhelming. I prefer to peruse online first, read reviews and do a bit of research so that when I go into the store, my visit is short, sweet and to the point.

I had my eyes on three items recently and I finally bit the bullet and indulged. I haven’t had the opportunity to really dive into these products yet, as they are literally brand new to me, but I figured a small LUSH haul would make for a quaint weekend post. 

Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner. I have been curious about this product for at least a year, maybe a year and a half. You are supposed to apply this in the shower after you’ve already washed, rub it in, rinse off sans soap and then pat your skin dry with a towel. Only so much of this will rinse off. It’s supposed to leave behind a residue. This is like hair conditioner, but for your skin. It’s supposed to be hydrating enough for you to be able to skip the body lotion after the shower, which is perfect for me because I get lazy after the shower. It’s packed full of intensely hydrating butters and oils like shea butter, cocoa butter, brazil nut oil and of course argan oil. I haven’t used this yet in the shower, but I will tonight. I have however applied some to my hands. This is quite greasy, as to be expected. I have the suspicion I may also apply this to dry skin at night, when I really want to give my skin a treat. And the smell! MY GOODNESS THE SMELL! This is the same scent as their Rose Jam shower gel. It’s rich, luxurious, rosy, sweet, warm and dare I say, delectable! If you were to marry rose, vanilla and a touch of honey, this would be it. It really is a decadent treat for the senses. The scent persuaded me to purchase this, much to the dismay of my wallet. If you haven’t smelled this product yet, go give it a whiff and you may just want to slap the nearest person to you. It smells that good. You’ve been warned. 

Helping Hands Hand Cream. I was in the market for an intensely moisturizing hand cream for nighttime use. I really enjoy the Crabtree & Evelyn hand creams, but they haven’t been cutting it for me lately. They are great for daytime use because they are light, moisturize well and sink in quickly. However, by the end of the day, my hands feel tight and almost painfully dry, even with the Crabtree & Evelyn. In comes Helping Hands. I actually wanted to purchase the Handy Gurugu hand cream, but the lovely LUSH employee told me they were sold out, but that Helping Hands was actually a more intense hand cream. It was created for nurses who have to wash their hands a ton. It contains Chamomile water, shea butter, cocoa butter, honey, lavender oil and African marigold oil. It doesn’t really have much of a scent, just light and natural smelling. I have only applied a small amount to my hands and that small about (less than a pea sized) was rich in texture. This is definitely a heavy hand cream, which is what I wanted. I’m excited to apply this tonight and see what this is going to do to my hands.

Lovely Jubblies Breast Cream. Yes you read that properly. Lets save the most awkward for last. I love awkward topics. Tonyette and I are convinced that these LUSH people like awkward topics as well; just go to their site and read their descriptions of their massage bars. So lets venture into the world of TMI. This cream was formulated with the Girls in mind, but after laughing hysterically when I stumbled across this product online, I was surprised by the magnitude of great reviews. People are actually saying this has tightened and fimed their… assets (and who doesn't want that!?). People also use it for much more, as an eye cream, for stretch marks, areas they have cellulite and any area they want to have a firmer appearance, such as arms and legs. Women who have nursed especially seem to like this product. Products like this automatically get filed into the “what a gimmick” category in my mind. But I was so intrigued I decided I wanted to test drive this. This product contains rose, cocoa butter, evening primrose, ylang ylang oil, jasmine and tiger lily petals. This definitely has as floral scent, but the ylang ylang gives it warmth and depth. It’s not my favorite scent, it’s definitely a more mature fragrance, but I don’t think it’s bad by any means. Again, I’m excited to see what this does and get a good giggle every time I reach for it. I’ll have to keep you guys posted.

Have you tried any of these LUSH goodies? If so, how did they work for you? I’ll definitely have to provide more in-depth reviews for each product once I use them for a while and develop an opinion.

Until next time,

Alana 

Weekend Bits & Bobs: Lippies, Masks and Cold Mountain

Happy New Year! I’m going to start a post on the blog titled “Weekend Bits & Bobs.” I snagged the phrase “bits and bobs” from the British. In a nutshell, it’s equivalent to the American phase “odds and ends.” 

For these types of posts I’ll feature a few items or maybe even something completely random, that I either used a lot over the weekend, stuck out to me, or made the weekend more pleasant, peaceful and relaxing.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey and YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in #9 Pink Caress. Both of these shades are the typical everyday pink shades. They don’t lean too bright, too red, too pastel, or too brown. They are the type of pink shades that look flattering on almost everyone and are easy to wear whether you are wearing a full face of makeup or nothing at all. Both are very similar in terms of color. Honey is a bit more mauve than Caress Pink, which is a bit brighter. Both have great, smooth, pigmented formulas and noteworthy lasting power on the lips. I kept my makeup simple and understated this weekend and wore quite dark clothes, so I wanted shades that would perk up my face, and these fit the bill.

C.O. Bigelow My Favorite Lip Balm 8 Hour Overnight Recovery. I have a lot of lip balms and I’m on the hunt to find the best of the best. I’ve owned this one for a while now, but have never really gravitated towards it. I decided to give it a go this weekend and I’ve really been enjoying it. It’s quite thick, though not sticky. It contains 5% shea butter and has a pleasant, sweet fragrance that is not cloying. I do have to be careful not to get it outside of my lip line, or I fear it may cause some clogged pores, as it is quite emollient. When I wake up in the morning, it’s still there and my lips feel smooth and hydrated even after I eat breakfast, wash my face and brush my teeth in the morning. It’s a great lip treatment for those dry winter lips.

Illamasqua Monogamous. After the saturated green and red polishes I sported on my nails in December, I was in the mood for something simple, clean and understated. Monogamous thus landed itself on my nails. Monogamous is a nude shade, though it has strong pink undertones. I don’t have a polish like this in my collection. This is my first time trying an Illamasqua polish and I’ve got to say, I think I like it. It’s difficult to get a nice formula on a polish that is this beige. The formula on this polish is creamy, smooth, pigmented and easy to control. It actually dries to a semi-matte finish, but a topcoat makes this nice and glossy. Two coats made this polish perfectly opaque.

Clinique Turnaround 15 Minute Facial. First, let me get the disclaimer out of the way: Clinique discontinued this product but if you are lucky, you may still be able to find it online. Never underestimate the power of eBay! They replaced it with Turnaround Instant Facial. This came in the mail last Saturday and I ordered it because the concept really intrigued me.  It claims to give you the effects of microdermabrasion without the harsh effects. It contains salicylic acid and other non-physical exfoliants that are supposed to reveal smoother, brighter skin after leaving it on for 15 minutes, when using this mask once or twice a week. I’ve only used this mask once, but will be using it again tonight. To me, it’s the perfect Sunday mask. It has shimmer in it, so it even looks flattering on after it dries down to a matte finish. It’s not drying like most masks I use. I actually leave it on for 30+ minutes, because I like to live on the edge! When I rinse this off, my skin feels so smooth and soft. And in the morning, after the first time I used this, I noticed my skin just looked nicer, though I couldn’t quite pinpoint what the difference was. I’m looking forward to slathering this on again tonight and settling down with a book and a cup of tea while this works its magic on my face. A perfect Sunday night treat.

Cold Mountain by, Charles Frazier. I started reading this book in December and I’m almost finished. I’ve really been enjoying this book and I will do a proper review on it once I’ve finish reading it. I look forward to the weekends just so I can get cozy and settle in with this novel. It really is beautifully written. When the Clinique mask is on, this is the novel I’ll be diving into.

Those are my Weekend Bits & Bobs for this first week of January. My goal is to have post for this new series on the blog every Sunday, so keep your eyes peeled.

What were some standouts for you this weekend?

- Alana