Winter-Proof: Products for Dry Winter Hands

February may be over and the first day of Spring may be three and a half weeks away, but you wouldn’t know it due to the amount of snowfall and below zero temperatures we’ve been experiencing across the States. I live in an area that typically doesn’t see much snowfall, but we got hit with substantial amounts of the white stuff two weeks in a row.

The cold, dry winter weather was really starting to take its toll on my hands and cuticles. Even though I was constantly applying hand cream throughout the day, especially after washing my hands, by the end of the day my hands were so dry it was almost painful. And my cuticles! My cuticles looked like they’ve never come across a moisturizer! They were dry, peeling and borderline unsightly. I needed products that would really penetrate my skin and keep my hands from getting dried out as quickly, especially since I wash my hands a lot.

These four products together have really done a number on my hands. My cuticles are pristine and nourished and my hands don’t get nearly as dry throughout the entire day. My hands have NEVER been this soft before. I kid you not; my skin feels at least a few years younger.

LUSH Helping Hands Hand Cream. I went looking for a product for nighttime use before bed and settled on this. This cream is thick and rather greasy, but that’s what I was looking for and because this is a thicker cream, a little goes a long way. I don’t mind heavier products at night because I’m usually just lounging in bed reading and don’t mind if I get a few fingerprints on things. I use a generous pea-sized amount and really take the time to massage this in. It doesn’t have much of a scent, but I faintly detect the scent of donuts (wishful thinking…). When I wake up in the morning my hands are unnaturally soft and moisturized, even after a few washes. I credit this hand cream for keeping my hands nourished throughout the entire day. This may be the best hand cream I’ve come across thus far.

Christian Dior Abricot Nail Cream. This is another new product to me. I stumbled across it on the Internet and became curious. It has a plethora of rave reviews, so I figured, why not? I was looking for a product that would save my cuticles and this sounded like it would do the job. I was previously using the Qtica Intense Cuticle Repair Balm, but it wasn’t doing the job for me. I was applying it as a night treatment for my cuticles, but I still felt like my cuticles were lacking something. I like the Qtica Cuticle Balm, but my cuticles needed something more. The Dior Abricot Cream is my “something more.” It’s thick, gooey and emollient. It will make your hands feel greasy, which is why it’s instructed for nighttime use. The first couple of nights I used this, I woke up and my cuticles looked good, but the more I use this, the better my cuticles look and remain. They don’t dry out as badly and I found that when it’s time for my next manicure, I don’t have to work so hard to get my cuticles back in tip-top shape. This combined with Helping Hands is a dynamite duo. Two things to keep in mind about the Abricot Cream: It smells so weird to me. I don’t care for the scent; like fake apricots and something akin to earwax. However, I’m so pleased with the results I could care less. Also, this product does contain mineral oil, which some people are completely against. This doesn’t really bother me because again, I’m getting the results I want.

Crabtree & Evelyn Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Cream. This is a great product. It’s lightweight, doesn’t feel greasy on the skin, absorbs quickly and moisturizes well. This is the product I use during the day. I was using it at night, but it wasn’t heavy enough. This comes in a variety of scents, so almost everyone will find something they like. I keep one tube by my bed, one tube in my handbag, and a spare in my drawer of goodies. This is one of the better hand creams I’ve tried, though it comes with a hefty price tag. A 3.5-ounce tube retails for $20. However, keep your eyes peeled at TJ Maxx. I was able to find my tubes there for $7 each. Whenever I see them at TJ Maxx in a scent I like, I snatch them up!

Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. This is a staple product for me. I started using this in 2011 and when I run out, I purchase another. It smells lovely, like tart, fresh lemons. It has more of a balm-like texture than that of a cream. This is lightweight and non-greasy, so it’s great for daytime use. I use this with the Crabtree & Evelyn hand cream and keep it in my handbag to keep my cuticles hydrated, especially throughout the workday. When I apply this immediately after washing my hands, it prevents my cuticles from getting dry beyond repair and you don’t need to use a lot of product either, so one tin should last you a while. For $5-6 a tin, it’s a quality product to incorporate into your hand and nail care routine.

What are your favorite products to keep your hands, nails and cuticles in prime condition during the brutal winter months?

- Alana

What's in My Bag

Hi lovely people <3

So happy to be back and I want to do the famous "What's In My Bag?" challenge that I've seen throughout YouTube and Instagram. 

So this is my tote bag that carries a billion things. LOL. When I bought this I was definitely thinking it could carry a lot of books. I LOVE huge bags and I hadn't came across many like this one until I saw this one last summer on blogs, Pinterest, Instagram. It is Madewell (J.Crew's sister store) "Transport Tote".Due to its price, I was definitely reluctant to purchase the bag, but I've saw a lot of great reviews of it. I finally broke down in late October and purchased this baby and I love it. Actually - I am attached to this bag yall. I haven't stopped carrying it since I purchased it. The leather is gorgeous and it's sturdy...beautiful...timeless...a staple piece....amazing. Okay...I am obsessed. 

Positioned on the left side of my bag is my "wallet" lol but it's a clutch.It is the Madewell Medium Pouch Clutch in English Saddle ! I've worn this by itself and it has a cool pocket for change and slots for cards and it's roomy. It's super pretty and it's all leather as well. I've had this since I bought the bag and it's super sturdy.  

I have a crazy love for notebooks and planners (Thanks to Alana and her organizational skills lol and to my  memory which isn't as great as it was in college. I have to write down everything these days smmmh. Signs of age ha). The White planner is by Moleskine and it's apart of the Peanuts tribute collection and Peppermint Patty graces the cover of mines. I purchased this in late December via Ebay for a great price. Alana also has a Moleskine planner that she purchased from Amazon. This is my first one and I love it so far. 

Next to the planner is my journal! I journal everyday and that mint green notebook keeps my thoughts, prayers, and breakthroughs in writing. 

To the right of the journal is my pocket-sized Bible! I purchased it at a Lifeway Christian Store. It is super cute and in the shape of a wallet and you can actually secure it in the front so that it doesn't fall open. 

Next to my Bible, is my iPad Air! I love the iPad and I can throw it in my bag when I don't need my to lug my Mac around the world. FYI - I am not a techno whiz but it definitely takes WAAAY better quality photos. 

I am currently reading Love Does by Bob Goff - one of my friends mentioned that this book changed his life and I love it so far! I will have to do a book review on this one for sure. The book talks about the fact that love is lived out and is an action word. Whew. It's awesome!

Direct your attention the bottom and you will see Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter and my Pacifica  Color Quench Lip Tint in Blood Orange - I looove this set and I bought it with a roll-on perfume at Marshall's for 8 dollars. The lip tint leaves a beautiful creamy color that moisturizes the lip! 

Beside the Lip Tint is the 

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in True Red and I LOVE THIS STUFF. It goes on as a cream and dries matte and it's so rich and it just adds color to all of my outfits. Definitely worth the money for sure!!!

My Lancome Pink Safari Eyeshadow Palette just happened to be in my bag. My mom bought this for me two summers ago and I love it because it has a good balance of neutral tones! 

In the little pink box are NYX Tea Tree Blotting Papers and I purchased this last week at Target for like 2.50 (steeeaaaaaal) and I like them so far

Annnnd of course I have my keys, a Pilot pen (can't leave home without it) and my Kleenex Pocket Tissues touched behind my Eyeshadow palette (because I apparently have year round allergies now and I have to blow my nose smh)

I hope you all enjoy! Please share your bags and items on your social media and definitely let us know by using the hashtag #allbasescovered

xoxo,

Tonyette

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