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MY LUXURY BAG COLLECTION + THE REALREAL REVIEW

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Louis Vuitton Medium Ring Agenda Cover

This was the first piece that I bought off of The RealReal and honestly it is one of my favorite designer things that I own. I have wanted this agenda for many years but could never get myself to pay full price. I was able to find it in excellent condition on their website for a couple of hundred dollars cheaper. I use this every single day to stay organized! I bought my inserts off of Etsy and use it to hold my calendar, notes and financial stuff. It makes budgeting and staying organized a heck of a lot easier. It also oddly enough has also saved me money because I used to buy a new planner every couple of months because I would always change my mind haha!

Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Damier Azur

This bag was my absolute first designer purchase that I bought. I will forever cherish this bag because of that. I saved for so many months lol! It is also sentimental because my grandma came with me to pick it out at the Louis Vuitton store. The neverful is one of the most popular Louis Vuitton bags from what I have seen and because of that they typically hold their value. It is the perfect size and has really held up over the years.

Gucci Small Dionysus Wallet On Chain

I have always used card cases but wanted to get an actual wallet that could also be versatile. So I bought this off of The RealReal. If I am ever going out to a bar or something where I don’t need my entire purse I typically will just use this. It holds my money, lipgloss and keys. I also like that the chain can come off so when I carry it in my purse I don’t have to use the chain.

Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandouliere 45

My most recent purchase from The Real Real is this duffle. I wanted a nice bag to use when I travel as well as when I go away to my families camp. It is the perfect size and fits everything that I need. I highly recommend this if you travel a lot! The strap does come off but it is much easier to carry with the strap on.

Gucci GG Marmont Mini Chevron Leather Satchel Bag

As I am sure you can tell, Louis Vuitton and Gucci are my two favorite designers. When I saw this bag I immediately fell in love and decided to treat myself…. as if I don’t always treat myself lol! I was a little disappointed because it was so small but after using it, I am so obsessed. It fits everything I need and then some so I am happy I ended up going with this size. I feel like the larger one would of been too big. I love the top handle and how the strap can come off as well. I also was concerned with color transfer but I have yet to have an issue and I use it all of the time!

What is The RealReal?

The RealReal is an online and brick-and-mortar store that sells consigned clothing, accessories, shoes, home decor etc. They have luxury authenticators who closely look at each piece making sure everything is authentic and the “real deal”. They have a perminat store in New York City as well as pop ups in San Francisco and Las Vegas. They sell pieces from Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Fendi, Dior and many more!

How does it work?

It is actually pretty easy. You simply pick something out on their website, check out and wait for your item to be delivered. As for the consigning part, I have never done that but they have a lot of information on their website that you can check out here.

T3 HAIR TOOLS REVIEW + ARE THEY WORTH THE SPLURGE?

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I haven’t really invested in good hair tools, like ever. I have had the same straighter since high school. Keep in mind I am now 26 lol! So with that being said, I decided to finally splurge and invest in a few T3 hair tools. After trying them out for a couple of months, I am here to give you my honest review on if these are actually worth the hype!

Every once in a while, Nordstrom will have some of the T3 tools on sale. I ended up getting the SinglePass Compact 0.8-Inch Travel Straightening & Styling Flat Iron on sale for only $67! I was afraid that this was going to be too small but it is the perfect size for my hair length. I can straighten all of my hair in less than 10 minutes. It also comes with a cover so if I am in a rush while on the go it can be packed right away without having to wait for it to cool.

I also bought the Whirl Trio Interchangeable Curling Iron Set which unfortunately was not on sale but it was so worth every penny! It is really good quality and I love how I can change the sizes. It is super easy to use and heats up quickly. Also, it comes with a travel bag.

The last tool that I bought was the Featherweight Folding Compact Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage. I opted for the smaller dryer because I wanted something that would be good for travel but also do the job when I am at home. With quarantine, I mostly have let my hair air dry but when I do use this it quickly dries my hair. Keep in mind my hair is shoulder length.

Overall, I really love everything I purchased and would recommend all three of them. If you’re looking to purchase anything from T3, I would keep an eye out around Christmas time at Nordstrom because they usually go on sale.

BE BETTER + DO BETTER

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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/858639485185595947/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AfDfrYwlUKq8T2Vlvr3DOH4ktgGh65KU3VFR1BDkbnwIvXDlgKvEUhM/

This past week, I took time off from posting on social media and instead, took the time to educate myself on the racial injustice that African Americans face. I am saddened that it has taken an event like this to further educate myself but from here on out I will speak up and stay educated. I was raised to not see people by color or see people by whom they love but to rather see people for how they treat others. I have friends of all ethnicity. I have friends who are straight, who are gay, who are lesbians. To me, I love them for who they are but many others can’t say the same. I ask that you please use the information in this post to further educate yourself and to keep talking. We must stop spreading hate and learn to spread love.

NETFLIX SERIES TO EDUCATE YOURSELF ON BLACK OPPRESSION

Explained: The Racial Wealth Gap

Time: The Kalief Browder Story

When They See Us

13th

Who Killed Malcom X?

PETITIONS TO SIGN

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019

EDUCATIONAL WEBSITES

https://blacklivesmatter.com/

PLACES TO DONATE TO SUPPORT BLACK LIVES AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR

https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ab_mn

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bailfundscovid

https://www.mutualaidhub.org/

http://www.wearemrrc.com/

https://www.gofundme.com/f/rebuilding-oakland-black-businesses?

https://blackandbrownfounders.com/

https://behearddc.org/

GO FUND ME ACCOUNTS

https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd

https://www.gofundme.com/f/i-run-with-maud

https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-james-scurlocks-family

https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-tony-mcdade

https://www.gofundme.com/f/justicefordavidmcatee

https://www.gofundme.com/f/gianna-floyd-daughter-of-george-floyd-fund

https://www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor

PITTSBURGH BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES

LaLa’s Salon & Spa

Shayla Hawkins Events

Walter’s BBQ Southern Kitchen

Gleam Team

Arnold’s Tea

BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES

Mented Cosmetics

Klur

Golde

Propabeauty

BYRD

REVLON ONE-STEP HAIR DRYER REVIEW

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I have received so many messages about this hair dry that I wanted to make an in depth post with my honest review so it would answer all of your questions. I finally bought this back in September after seeing it all over Instagram. Sometimes with bloggers, you have to watch what is posted because they get paid to review products. I would like to think that most women wouldn’t lie but unfortunately that isn’t always the case.

I purchased this on Amazon for around $50 and I can honestly say, I got my money’s worth. I pretty much use this every other day after washing my hair. I have heard to not use it right away to dry your hair because it can burn it since it gets so hot. Some have even said to be careful on how many times you use it because there is no way to lower the temperature. I personally have yet to run into an issue using it weekly, I just simply let my hair air dry for a couple of minutes before using it. I also use this Redken blow dry spray which not only helps speed up the drying process but it also acts as a heat protectant.

Here is a before and after picture from using it to dry my hair. Whenever I use a regular blow dryer, my hair is always frizzy but when using this as you can tell my hair drys pretty straight. Since I shower and wash my hair at night, I don’t style it because I am obviously going to bed but I do typically run my straightener through it in the morning.

Overall, this is one of my favorite hair tools mainly because it cuts my dry time nearly in half all while leaving my hair smooth, volumized and frizz free. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a new hair dryer.

MY FAVORITE DRUGSTORE BEAUTY PRODUCTS

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Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Wash | One of my favorite drug store face washes. I actually keep this in my shower to wash my face and take my makeup off at night. I love how it leaves my skin feeling super cleansed and soft. It is very gentle and not at all harsh.

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Wash | Another favorite face wash! I use this every morning to wash my face because it always wakes me up and leaves my skin feeling so refreshed. It has a cooling sensation which really wakes you up!

Pixi Glow Tonic Toner | Something that I go back and fourth on using is this toner. I have repurchased this many times and end up always going back to it. It isn’t as light as the Thayers Witch Hazel Toner but it isn’t as harsh as others. I would say its a medium toner when it comes to drying your skin!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water | My go-to when it comes to removing my makeup! It is great for my sensitive skin. I just put a little on a cotton pad and gently rub off my makeup. It takes off my waterproof makeup very easily!

Neutrogrna Makeup Remover Wipes |I love using these for when I travel. These wipes are one of the popular ones and I can honestly say they are by far my favorite makeup remover wipes! Again, with me having sensitive skin I have to really watch what I put on my face. That being said, I have been using these for years and have yet to have an issue.

Thayers Witch Hazel Toner | Really light on my skin and never drys it out. I would say this is the best option toner wise for people with sensitive skin. This bottle has lasted me months and I use it every day!

Jergens Daily Moisturizer | One of my favorite body lotions because it doesn’t break the bank and also actually does what it is supposed to do. I have used this since I was a freshman in high school so you could say it is a staple!

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment |Another product that I couldn’t recommend more. My dad actually showed it to me over ten years ago and I have been using it ever since. I only use it when I have a blemish and typically it goes away in a day or two. It really dries it out which helps it heal faster.

MY 26 BIRTHDAY + HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST YEAR

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Well, I have officially reached that age where birthdays are no longer exciting lol! Before we dive in, yes, I know, quarantine is spelled wrong. Honestly, if that doesn’t portray how my quarantine has been going then I don’t know what does. Spelling was actually something I was good at in school which I guess wore off over the years haha. In all honesty, I shot these on my lunch break and the day I got these cookies delivered. I rushed because well to be honest….I wanted a damn cookie…guess I should of proofread haha! So enjoy a good laugh!

Having a birthday during quarantine kind of sucks because I can’t celebrate with my family and friends but more importantly, I can’t go out to eat and I mean that’s the best part about a birthday…am I right?! Because of that, today I am consuming an abundant amount of cookies, pizza and wine. So I am really not that mad about it lol. These pictures will literally be me celebrating today…. after work hours of course!

Every year I like to write a birthday post talking about the past year and all of the cool things that had happened. Its safe to say that my 25th birthday ended at a crappy time but it definitely was an awesome year full of growth. I’ve had my struggles this past year with having to get my endometriosis surgery and what not but I would like to think that I had a pretty good year health wise. I am continuing to learn how to live with my endo as well as my IBS and for me that is a win.

As for my love life, it couldn’t be any better. This past year my boyfriend have grown closer as we traveled together and had our two year anniversary. Sometimes it is hard to let people in but he makes it pretty dang easy. It is nice to do life with someone who gets me. The good, the bad and the ugly. I am excited to see what this year brings being 26.

One of the most exciting things that have happened is my growth with blogging. I would love absolutely nothing more than to do this as my full time job but right now that’s obviously not possible. But one day, I hope it is. I am beyond grateful for the many friendships I have made as well as all of the amazing brands that I have had the pleasure of working with. Within the past couple of months, I have reached over 6k followers and from starting out with less than 1,000 two years ago, that is HUGE for me. To some, their followers are just a number but for me I like to think of them as friends. My goal for the end of the year is to break 10k. So far, I think I am on the right path to do so.

Lastly, this year I have become so much more confident in myself and what I have to offer. I have struggled over the years with anxiety and self doubt and I really think this past year I have overcome a lot of that. For me, that in itself was my favorite part of being 25.

Cookies are by Harper Honey Bakery. If you’re local to Pittsburgh, check her out!

All in all, this past year has had its ups and downs but I wouldn’t of had it any other way. Being in quarantine is just a little bump in the road that makes you become just that more thankful for your friends, family and loved ones. So although this quarantine isn’t ideal….stay home, stay healthy and wash your hands!

BASIL SHRIMP ZUCCHINI PASTA RECIPE

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Basil Shrimp Zucchini Pasta

Serving Size: 2

  • 3 scallions
  • 1 lemon
  • 1/3c olive oil
  • 4 basil leaves
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes
  • 1/2c jasmine rice
  • 2 zucchinis
  • 10 ounce shrimp
  • butter
  • clove of garlic
  • sesame seeds
  1. Wash and dry all produce. Cut scallions and separate the whites and greens. Heat a tbsp of butter and add the white scallions. Cook 2-3 minutes or until soft then add 3/4 cup of water and bring to a boil.
  2. Once water boils, add in the rice and let it simmer. Cook 12-15 minutes. Once cooked, keep covered and put aside.
  3. Trim ends from zucchini. Use a peeler to shred each zucchini until you get to the core. Put shreds into a bowl and zest a tsp of lemon. When finished, quarter lemon and juice two quarters into the bowl.
  4. Toss zucchini with olive oil and shred basil leaves into the bowl. Put aside.
  5. In a pan, add a little olive oil and the shrimp. Cook until pink.
  6. Melt 2 tbsp of butter and mince in the garlic and green scallions. Pour into the pan with shrimp and mix together cooking for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Put rice into a bowl and top with the zucchini and shrimp. Sprinkle sesames seeds and squeeze some lemon on top.
  8. Enjoy!

MY DIY TRAVEL JOURNAL + QUARANTINE PROJECT

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Hi Babes! I am back at it with another quarantine project. I actually bought this journal last year but just never got around to using it until now. Although, I have been a little miserable being stuck at home and not being able to see my boyfriend, I have had plenty of time to catch up on all of my TV shows, binge all of the Netflix I want and work on all of the crafts that I have had planned for over a year. That being said, I absolutely love traveling. I blame my parents because they took me to the beach when I was only six weeks old and ever since, I have had the travel bug. I grew up going to Florida multiple times a year because my mom worked for an airline. Looking back, I always say how great of a childhood that I had. I used to have so many journals and pictures but they got lost over the years so that is when I had the idea to create one of these. I bought mine at Michael’s for less than $10. I plan on using this until it is filled and then I will buy a new one to start. I think it will not only be cool to look back on but also would be fun to show my kids one day. I have even added in personal pages such as big accomplishments that I have had, one being a collaboration with Lumaze, another with Getaway. I bought a bunch of stickers to use and double sided tape for tickets, papers, etc. As for the photos, my boyfriend bought me a HP Sprocket last year for my birthday so I have really been getting the use out of it with this project as you can tell. In the back, it came with a mini folder insert so that is where I put like plane tickets, concert tickets, hockey game tickets and such. I cant wait to see what it will be filled with in the next couple of years! If you end up making one tag me on Instagram!

FIVE WAYS TO STYLE A SATIN SKIRT

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Band Tee + Vans

Crop Top + Flannel + Sneakers

Sweater + Ankle Booties

Sweater + Printed Heels

Blouse + Strappy Heels

I love reading through bloggers posts that show different ways to style one piece so I wanted to make one of my own. Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out how to style a unique piece such as this skirt so it makes things much easier when you have some pictures to go off of. This goes to show that you can get so many looks off of just one piece!

THREE WAYS TO STYLE A SPRING DRESS

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A few weeks ago, I was strolling around Target and came across this dress and immediately threw it in my cart. I have really been loving the look of tiered dresses and this print was to die for. I wanted to share three simple ways to wear a dress like this in the spring. You never really know what you’re going to get weather wise especially here in Pittsburgh so I tried to style based on rain or shine.

Vans/Sneakers

I love styling a dress with sneakers because it makes the best casual/firty look! I have had my eyes on these white Vans for years and finally caved a few months ago. I seriously get so so so much wear out of them! I highly recommend if you’re looking for a new pair of sneaks.

Combat Boots/Doc Martens

Another way you can style a dress is with of course, Doc Martens. I definitely would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous wearing these boys out because well lets be honest, old people think I am goth and depressed and my boyfriend makes fun of me….hey it is fashion right? I personally love them and they truly can make or break an outfit.

Denim Jacket

Lastly, you can always wear a denim jacket and throw on cute little ankle booties to make the perfect look. I have recently been buying so may denim jackets that I think I may be officially addicted. You can wear them with SO many different outfits though so I highly recommend getting one if you don’t already. I have about five different jackets that are all completely different which works for me because I can get a lot of outfits out of them!