Monday, March 30, 2015

Diamonds // Johnnyswim

Just stopping by for a tiny post on one of my favorite songs EVER:) 


Alana and I LOVE  the beautiful duo Johnnyswim ! Amanda and Abner Ramirez are soooo amazing! I discovered their music while watching the movie "Unconditional" which became my favorite movie. As a result,  Johnnyswim became my favorite band <3  I sent Alana some of their music and she became hooked as well haha. They are incredibly talented and passionate and sooo genuine. Diamonds is an uplifting song with a great message. I watched one of their many interviews for this song andwhen asked about the meaning of the song Amanda stated "no pressure, no diamonds". This song is truly a pick-me-up on a dragging Monday morning lol. Like many of their songs, it represents  real emotion and life situations. It reminds me that in the midst of hard decisions or tough feelings, we will rise above.  Do yourself a favor and listen :) 

" We're the fire from the sun, we're the light when the day is done. We are the brave , the chosen ones. We're the diamonds, diamonds, rising up out the dust" <3


xoxo, 
Tonyette


Saturday, March 28, 2015

#blacklivesmatter



I've spent the past week trying to really put in words what has occurred on UVA's campus. On March 18, 2015,  Martese Johnson suffered wounds after he was brutally attacked by the ABC law enforcement.  Many of my former classmates, current students and organization's like UVa's Black Student Alliance rallied behind Martese and demanded investigation of this attack. 

I've watched social media posts express outrage, but I've seen many ignore this tragedy and many say "maybe this isn't just a race thing". I've read posts from the social media outlet Yik-Yak and I have been deeply disgusted that people walk around with such deep-seated hatred for people of color. I've watched my little sister, her peers, and friends that are still at UVa feel so alienated. I spent last weekend at UVa grateful that my sister was safe, but wondering what people were thinking as I walked in cafes/stores in the Charlottesville community. Last week, I mourned. I was reminded of the first time I learned about racism. At age 5, I watched  as a close family member was unlawfully treated and spoke harshly too. I tried to understand why my color could make people so angry. 

 Martese's wounds hit hard. 

I've seen so many reactions to the term "black lives matter"  but I want to make this clear, when we chant black lives matter, we are saying that NO ONE should have his/her head bashed on the ground for no reason. We are saying that despite the SAE racist chants that found their way to Duke University's campus last week, WE MATTER. That while people say "this isn't a race thing", we clearly see that we can be targeted for the color of our skin. Please take a look at these cases on all campuses. Because this isn't an isolated event. 

Eric Garner. Tamir Rice. Mike Brown. Trayvon Martin. Their lives matter 


Martese's life matters 

No one deserves to have his/her life taken. No one deserves to be chained or jailed for no apparent reason. No one deserves to have racial slurs screamed at his/her face. Black UVa students don't deserve the comments or ignorance on the campus. Take a minute and think why must someone not say this is a "race thing"? 

"If you aren't angry, you aren't paying attention" 


- Tonyette



Sunday, March 22, 2015

Make-up Travel Essentials: The Illinois Edition


Last week my sister and I spent some time in Illinois visiting family. The hardest thing about packing a suitcase is deciding what NOT to bring. I love my skin care and my make-up collection keeps growing, so deciding what tidbits to leave at home for a week took some real thought. So today’s post will be the makeup (and one skin care item) that were the essentials. These are the products that I took with me on my trip that were easy to use, versatile and just got the job done. 


Shisiedo Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+. The texture of this actually feels quite powdery, so I was able to use this as a make-up primer as well. The high SPF protection ensured that whether I was out just running errands with family, visiting Lake Michigan, or spending a day in Chicago just exploring, my skin was will protected from the sun. This served me well as a primer, which is great because it’s always nice to have products that can double up. It’s a great way to save space. 

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15. I've been trying a TON of tinted moisturizers lately (a collective post on those soon). On this trip I had a bit of a dilemma figuring out which one to bring. The day before I left, the Chantecaille Just Skin arrived in the mail and I made my decision. I figured it was a good opportunity to give this a test drive. It's perfect for those light makeup days when I just want to even out my complexion but not look too made up. It's perfect for plane rides or running errands with my family here because it's low maintenance but still looks beautiful on the skin. The added SPF 15 is always a pleasant bonus.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation. I wanted to bring a base product on my trip that provided more coverage than a tinted moisturizer but still wouldn’t look heavy. Not only is this the most travel friendly packaging for a foundation, its pretty low maintenance as well. Because foundation dries down nicely and doesn’t make you look too dewy or to matte, you can save yourself a step and save some room in your travel bag and skip the powder. It also wears longer than the Chantecaille Just Skin, so when I knew I was going to have a longer day out and about; this was my base product of choice.

butter LONDON Cheeky Tinted Hightlighter. I actually picked this item up while I was in Illinois in the shade Pence. I love illuminating products that make my skin look like it's glowing without making me look like a greasy disco ball. This is a beautiful warm gold that isn't too brassy. I mixed this in with my foundation or tinted moisturizer for a healthy, warm glow. The packing is also sleek and very travel friendly, no leaks here.

thebalm Hot Mama Blush. This has got to be my all time favorite blush. I wanted to bring a blush that pretty much went with anything and this one always fits the bill. Plus I own this in the sample size so it takes up virtually no space in my makeup bag. Also, because this has a golden sheen, I didn't have to bring a highlighter with me. I also took Benefit's Dallas with me because it's a neutral shade that goes with almost any makeup look, but I really only reached for Hot Mama.

NYC Sunny Bronzer. This is my go-to Bronzer, so there was no doubt in my mind that I would be taking it on this trip. It's easy, quick, fuss free and almost impossible to overdo. It adds just enough warmth to the face so I don't look pasty. My makeup on this trip has pretty much been my standard makeup look, but simpler in some ways. This was a not a Kat Von D Shade & Light palette trip. I didn't need to contour the living day lights out of my face. The NYC Sunny Bronzer provides subtle definition and nothing more.

NARS Lip Gloss in Striptease. Oh NARS, you and your cheeky names. I only brought three lip glosses with me but this was the only one I wore, minus one or two days. It's easy and goes with almost everything. It's a warm, peachy nude that doesn't wash me out. The color is not extremely opaque, which makes it versatile and low-key.

These were my standout products from my trip to Illinois. When you travel, what are your most reliable products?

-Alana

Saturday, March 21, 2015

run with patience.

Taken from the lovely Lauren Mim's Tumblr
After a long battle with my health this past March, I had to make the very difficult decision to slow down this weekend. Since January I've been training for a 10 mile race and I injured myself on Tuesday. It was difficult because I didn’t want to let up. Even though I have been sick, I have tried my hardest to get back in the game and not give up. I decided the morning of the race I wouldn’t run and I cried. Definitely upset me on so many levels because I worked so hard to reach this goal, but I’ve been so sick this month it’s crazy. I can’t even begin to explain how crazy it’s been. 
Oftentimes our minds and our visions are so huge and beautiful. I know mines are for sure.  But we have to stop and slow down and check in with our physical and mental health. I am so exhausted from being sick and my feet are really messed up.
As much as it hurts that I couldn’t cross that finish line today, I had to be fair to my body. God literally was telling me to “slow down Tonyette” and I stopped to listen. 
Even though I didn’t race, I went to support my director, asst. director, co-advisers, and our program’s alum/family support. I was blown away by how people ran faster when we (me + two other advisers) cheered on people. We stood at one of the many hills and at the 7.5 mile mark. Many of my co-workers told us that we gave them the push to keep going to the end. How amazingis that?! Wow - truly powerful. I was reminded that not only is it important to run a race (whether it is an actual race or reaching a goal), but it is important to support and cheer on those in our circles.  I am so proud of my co-workers and I am beaming with joy! Today was a great day and I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to watch them run the race set before them<3 
This has been my memory verse for training and definitely for the past two years after being challenged in so many ways spiritually. 
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
Stay lifted. Every goal and dream will come to past - you just have to grow with the challenges and be patient with yourself <3

xoxoxo,
Tonyette

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

#JusticeforMartese: Enough is Enough


I was sitting in my office this afternoon when an e-mail from Tonyette landed in my inbox and it was not good news.

She sent me a letter written by Black students of the University of Virginia, addressed to the University regarding Third-Year African American student, Martese Johnson. Martese, an Honor Student and member of Kappa Alpha Psi, was beaten by officers after being refused entry into Trinity Irish Pub with a Fake ID. Martese had to receive 10 stitches due to the head injury he endured and even as students pleaded with police to stop their attack on Johnson, the police threatened to arrest the students if they did not step aside. (See the article on the Cavalier Daily here.)

Photo Credit

Once again, we see that the punishment exceeds the crime. What justifies getting beaten to a bloody pulp for a fake ID? Out of all the students at the University of Virginia and nationwide that have a fake ID, officers decided to attack Martese. Let me pose a blunt question to you: If Martese were not a black male, would officers have attacked him like this? Out of all the underage, frat boy alcohol consumption that occurs, not just at the University of Virginia, but across the nation, police target Martese.

Let me detour very quickly and talk about police from the female perspective. As I was discussing with Tonyette, women are also subject to harassment. I am an African American female, but I am wary of police for a different reason. On too many occasions have I seen police paying too much attention to me and burning holes in the side of my face, when they should be paying attention to their surroundings. My sister and I were in Chicago this past weekend. Security called after us, attempting to flirt. The way they were looking at us was enough to make me want to jump in the shower and cleanse myself. Excuse me sir, but instead of checking us out you need to be checking out the surroundings to ensure the safety of the public instead of molesting my sister and me with your eyes. Have some dignity and pride. You are in a position of authority, stop abusing it.

Our black men are getting beaten and killed and women have to endure catcalling and harassment. Yes, I acknowledge that humanity gives way to the unfortunate, ugly and imperfect side of human nature. But enough is enough. Police need to be held accountable for their actions. We shouldn’t have to be wary of law enforcement. And students shouldn’t have to plead to the University to stand up for one of our own. I spent four invaluable years at UVA and I’m wearing the Cavalier proudly on my chest as I type this and because of this I say, to UVA and the Charlottesville community we’ve got to do better!

This is not what our ancestors fought for. Our black brothers and sisters did not endure tear gas, brutal beatings and lynchings to see their descendents suffer. Our black brothers and sisters should not have to go to one of the top universities in the country and be treated as second-class citizens. I say again, enough is enough. When are we going to stand up as a nation and stop speaking on racial injustice, brutality and discrimination using “safe” political terms and beating around the bush and call it out for what it is? This is wrong and yes, this is racial. Plain and simple.

It’s time we take heed to the lyrics of UVA’s good ole song, “Let’s all hold hands and give a yell…” Let us yell it until we can’t yell it any more! Enough is enough! Injustice is injustice. Black lives matter.

#JusticeforMartese

- Alana 

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Soulful Happenings: DChillin

Hi Everyone!

It's Tonyette here:) Just want to stop by and share one of my moments that I would define as a soulful happening.

I am in love with spaces - the architecture, layout, interior design, and the purpose. I am in love  with spaces that connect people and help people grow. I would definitely consider our Nation's Capital to be one of those cities that thrive in creating those spaces. I was truly inspired last weekend as I walked around DC and took in the many places to eat, shop, learn, relax.....the list can go on. 

Over that weekend I had an opportunity to relax in a few spaces that inspired me. 

I had a very late dinner at Busboys and Poets , but the atmosphere was definitely very vibrant at 11PM. I smiled as I watched people eat their dinners from comfy chairs, engage in intense debates over coffee, or type and read from a small corner. The food was delicious and unique and the bookstore is packed with a billion books I wanted to purchased. Tears almost formed in my eyes as I surveyed the "Education" section. True future educator over hereeee :) 

My sister shot a candid of me :)

Busboys and Poets is a community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted...a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul...a space for art, culture and politics to intentionally collide...we believe that by creating such a space we can inspire social change and begin to transform our community and the world



In addition to eating - my family and I walked around downtown. We visited the Smithsonian American Art Museum  and I was soooo in awe of the paintings, portraits, and sculptures. I haven't been to a museum in a while and this was truly a treat. My sister took another dope candid lol and I snapped a few photos of the architecture!


This is the picture of the ceiling of the courtyard in the museum. THIS.WAS.BEAUTIFUL. It was like spring in this space and people did not have on coats. This was great and I would love to come here and read one day. 


My family and I also visited Madame Tussand's Wax Museum and it was GREEEAAAT. I can't even begin to explain how real every figure looked. In the beginning of the exhibit - we took a journey through history and saw all of the presidents. It was super eerie at first, but so great to finally be able to have a representation of history. I've always loved history and this just really illuminated many of the events I've learned.  I am glad my sister decided to book this tour for us! 

We were so excited to finally "meet" the Obamas hahahaha. 

On Sunday, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend National Community Church . I found out about this church after reading The Circle Maker.  The writer , Mark Batterson founded this church about 16 years ago and many of the its origins are deeply rooted in divine intervention and miracles. I was sooo inspired and I was so grateful to attend church at one of its locations.  The service was held at the historic Lincoln Theatre and I was once again blown away with the architecture. I walked away full of hope because I witnessed a church service that is truly  product of God's power and craaaazy miracles. It was so great! 





You know  I had coffee LOL. I went to a few cool spots including the Corner Bakery





That's all for now :) Basically, I looooove DC. The traffic is terrifying BUT the spaces make up for it lol. 

BTW,

It IS better for our environment.....Okay...Okay AND it's cooler ! hahhaha. I bought this at a cool Vegan spot called Native Foods Cafe' :)


xoxo,
Tonyette



Thursday, March 5, 2015

February 2015 Favorites


I don’t understand where February went. Wasn’t it just Christmas? Wasn’t it just New Year’s Eve when I was sitting on the couch bumming it out in my flannel pajamas, a blue clay mask on my face and reading Cold Mountain, while my parents watched a jazz concert on PBS? Cool people stay in on New Year’s Eve by the way…

Even though I’m in severe denial about how quickly time is passing, February was a month of great beauty finds for me. This is a lengthy post, so grab some tea, sit back and relax.  




I tried two foundations this month. The Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation is a beautiful product. I have the shade Olive and it is a perfect match for my skin tone. This is a medium coverage foundation that as the name implies, has a satin finish. This works well with my oily skin, blends likes a dream, and wears wonderfully. In fact it looks better the longer I have it on. When I have a long day, this is the base I grab for. If you are looking for a foundation that gives you flawless skin without looking cakey and too made up, look no further. The second foundation is the L’oreal True Match in the shade W6 Sun Beige. I resisted buying this for a while, even though there is a ton of hype around this foundation. I finally caved and purchased it at the end of January. I’ve been missing out. This is a fantastic foundation at an even better price. It’s medium coverage, doesn’t lean too dewy or too matte and wears well. It lasts for hours on the skin and like the Becca Radiant Skin, I’ll reach for this when I know I’m going to have at least a 10 hour day. I like the Becca a little more than the True Match, but you can’t beat the price of the L’oreal; $8 compared to the Radiant Skin’s $42.

thebalm Cindy Lou-Manizer. I’ve lusted after this product since it was release almost two years ago. After finally getting my paws on Cindy’s champagne counterpart Mary Lou-Manizer and loving it, it was time to get Cindy. Cindy Lou-Manizer is a soft, warm pink highlighter. It isn’t as shimmery, pigmented and intense as the Mary Lou-Manizer, so it’s perfect for those days when I’m not trying to have my cheekbones to resemble high beams. It pairs well with my mid-toned mauve-pink blushes like NYX Mocha and Laura Geller’s baked blush in Sateen Subtle Berry.

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 01 Rose Shimmer. This is another hyped up product I resisted for a while. I just didn’t believe a lip gloss/lip balm hybrid could really be. That. Good. And even after I got this, I wasn’t initially blown away. When I first tried this I was like, “Okay, it’s just a lip balm that smells nice and barely adds any color to my lips.” Duh Alana, that’s the point! This gives the lips a beautiful sheen that isn’t too glossy. It’s moisturizing and just enhances the lips. It’s supposed to be understated, plus it smells lovely, like vanilla. The texture is smooth, creamy, not too thick and not too thin. There is a very subtle shimmer, but it is so subtle it doesn’t translate to the lips at all. In fact, it took me weeks to see that there was shimmer in this product. I have used this product everyday this month. It stays in my handbag and I grab this whenever I need to moisturize my lips throughout the day.

NYX Butter Gloss in Crème Brulee. This is a beautiful gloss. It’s creamy, nicely pigmented, smells of vanilla and melts into the lips. Crème Brulee is a milky pink-nude shade. I’ve been wearing this alone when I’m in the mood for a paler nude lip and I’ve also been layering this over MAC’s Cremesheen lipstick in Peach Blossom. Those two are a match made in heaven. If you’re a fan of soft nude-pink lips, this is your combo. Go do yourself a favor and put these two on your face.

Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara (non-waterproof). It was time for me to put the L’oreal Miss Manga mascara down and give another mascara a chance. I decided on the Maybelline Mega Plush because I liked the color of the packaging. Once I tired it out, I decided that I also like the product. That’s always a bonus. I favor length over volume in a mascara and this gives me great length. I have really long lashes anyway, so I can generally make any mascara work, but this one is quite nice. It doesn’t make my lashes as long as Miss Manga, but I sill like it. It doesn’t smudge on me, even though it’s not waterproof and people have asked me if I’m wearing false lashes, even my parents. Dear Parental Units: No, I am not wearing false lashes. They scare me. No glue is going anywhere near my eyeballs.

I acquired two more Real Techniques brushes this past month. I’ve been eyeballing the Expert Face Brush for a while now and I’ve really been enjoying it when I use it to apply foundations that tend have a more fluid texture. I really like it with the Becca Radiant Skin, L’oreal True Match and the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. Because this is a denser brush, I can really get precise application and it blends foundation in flawlessly. I’ve also been putting the Stippling Brush to good use. I strayed away from concealer this month (except underneath my eyes, because the hereditary dark circle struggle is real). I’ve been using the stippling brush to apply more foundation where I think I need it, mainly on my cheeks and it covers up any hyper-pigmentation flawlessly without looking cakey.  

Fresh Umbrian Clay Face Lotion. I was in the market for a moisturizer to use in the morning. I stumbled across this Fresh one that was formulated with oily skin in mind. It claims to control oils while gently hydrating and toning the complexion. I really, really like this stuff. It really does keep my face less oily and I find that I don’t need to blot my face as often throughout the day.  I also like how it smells, like cucumbers and citrus with a hint of floral. I have a back up.

Origins Plantscription Face Oil.  I like this face oil so much that if I were to describe to you in person my love for it, I would just make incoherent noises. My skin drinks this oil up. I use three drops at night and one drop in the morning and my skin is more radiant, bright, even, smooth, soft and more youthful. Granted, I am in my 20s, so my skin is already youthful, but it’s still improved the texture of my skin. My skin has the texture of my 17 year old self and that almost 7 year gap makes a difference. If you’re into facial oils, you may want to look into this gem by Origins.


Those are all my monthly favorites for the month of February. This was definitely a long post, but I hope you enjoyed it. I like taking the time to write these more lengthy posts, there is something satisfying about it.

What were your favorite products from this past month?

-      Alana