Tag: fun

5 Survival Tips for Winter 2020

Posted on by The Style Cake

I’ve done one of these posts a couple of years back and I really think the tips could help get anyone through the perils of winter! This year, winter came out of nowhere, well, not really but it had been pretty mild considering I live in Michigan and then BAM! Snow, wind, cold, cloudy days and looooonnnnngggg nights! I usually have an easy time until the end of January hits and then I’m struggling to get through winter lol.

1. Let’s start with recreation. It can be human nature to simply stay in the bed, stay on the couch and binge watch tv or read, eat and become immobile. In reality, we were meant to discover, explore and venture out. To encourage mental health, getting out of the house is very important! Isolation is not healthy! Not even for introverts! Go grab a coffee at the local coffee spot, visit the library or art gallery or hit a winter festival. Grab a bite to eat at a local inexpensive restaurant nearby your home. Take a cooking class, go to your local hardware store and complete a project for the home. There are a plethora of options to choose of things to do besides sitting in the house the entire season of winter and this is coming from someone who hates winter!

2. Besides just getting out of the house, getting completely away from your environment and going on a weekend vacation is enough to revitalize your mind and body for a couple of months! Maybe visit a quaint town in your state and unplug from social media and technology. Take in the sights and feed your senses without any interference!

3. Body care is so important during this harsh time of the year. It’s easy to slack on skin care in particular because the sun isn’t shining through the cloud but sunscreen is still needed. As is moisture! Continue to drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin. Likely, the winter has plenty of dry moments so water will feed the body moisture from the inside to prevent cracking from dryness. Beyond that, below I’ve linked a few things I love to use for body care during winter months. One is a lip product, body and hair products and facial care products. Check them out below!

A. Chapstick Total Hydration 100% Natural (Eucalyptus Mint)

B. Koils By Nature Nourishing Hair and Body Butter

C. DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew (Spf 15)

D. Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2

E. Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight (Water to Foam Shampoo) [My new ABSOLUTE FAVORITE HAIR PRODUCT AND I WILL DO A DETAILED REVIEW SHORTLY! ;-)]

4. Let’s talk ducking and dodging colds, flu and other healthy efforts. One thing leads to another, right? Well, you NEED hand and body cream in the winter especially because hand washing is still important! How else can you avoid getting sick and stay in good health?! Starts with handwashing first! Since I already gave you a suggestion for dry cracked hands, I wanted to share what I like to keep on hand for immunity and health below!

A. Zarbee’s Naturals Elderberry Immune Support

5. Lastly, reorganize your life! This could include examining your personality, organizing closets and storage spaces, refreshing or learning new skills and/or working on your body and health more in depth. Have a person that you’ve been allowing in your life but they are dragging you down or isn’t supportive? Maybe it’s time to rethink your association. I’ve been doing a lot of rearranging myself, it takes work but it’s worth it! Decide to save money, go back to school, fix your credit or purge things while keeping only what you need! Taking the time to invest in yourself will take up a ton of your time and help you survive a possible tough couple of months in the cold!

Summer Survival (Enjoyment) + 2 Hacks That Help!

Posted on by The Style Cake

Yes! It’s officially (and has been for a month now) THAT time…summer is here!!! I can’t even front or pretend that I’m not super excited because I swear Michigan winters are lllllllooooonnnngggg!!!! I was over winter in January like, “yup, you were cute now move it along”…{insert eye roll}. Now knowing we all seem to love summer, what happens when something steals your summer thunder, cramps your style or rains on your parade? Let me hook you up with what generally helps me get through those “okay, yea I’m over summer” moments.

Humidity induced swelling. It’s nothing like trying on the little black dress only to have your excitement disrupted by the inability to properly fit into it. So what can help reduce the chances of those no-go weight moments? Stay hydrated with not just water but electrolytes. A lack there of can result in puffiness. For a more natural option, try good ol cucumber, parsley and honeydew melon.

Bug Bites. Ugh, I’m annoyed just adding this to the list. Mosquito bites in particular really take a bite out of summer fun. I know there are TONS of remedies out there for this problem but I’ve found one, in particular, a real problem solver. Tucks Hemorrhoid suppositories!!! Yup, it sounds disgusting but it’s the only thing that gives me relief! I use every time! It not only stops itching but reduced the size of the mosquito bites! Of course, use at your own will and discretion but I have had nothing but success with this product!

If you try these hacks please be sure to let me know!

Happy Summer!!!

Goals! 

Posted on by The Style Cake

Plenty of us have things we’d like to accomplish. I’m finding more and more as the years go by, I’m reflecting on if I’m satisfied by my accomplishments. The verdict is: I’m not at all satisfied! I have some traveling that I would like to do, projects I would like to bring into fruition as well as some health goals I’m reaching towards that I’d like to accomplish. 

Nevertheless, I took time to reflect and plan on my next moves. While I won’t be sharing any of those goals here, I would like to encourage everyone reading to reach for a your goals. Let those goals be motivators for getting up in the morning. I have so many things that I put on a list that I wanted to conquer this year and I’ve done quite a few! I’m so proud of that! Moving forward, I am focused on not my fails but my progress…no matter how seemingly small. 

In the near future, you all will see my goals as I accomplish them and I will be sure to elaborate on them them. It is important that we not get frustrated at what seems like a fail. Each failure teaches us a lesson that can’t be learned any other way. Using focus, turn attention to all positives. Positive people, friends, thoughts and productive actions all help in gathering the gusto to check off those goals. 

Ignore the people that tell you that you can’t, the thoughts that take your confidence down and avoid procrastination. Don’t put off doing something because you’re afraid to fail. The weather isn’t always true to the current season but each season comes like clockwork! Things may not go right during a certain “season” in your life, leaving you to battle through treacherous storms but don’t put off your goals because of it. Makes accomplishments despite those storms. 

Fall/Winter Essentials: Twinkle Tootsies (Review) 

Posted on by The Style Cake

Wait, before you relax and go to bed…

With fall almost over with and winter just about 3 weeks away, comfort is on everyone’s mind. It’s definitely something I am slightly obsessed with when it’s cold out. I would put being comfortable first and style around that. Recently, my daughter and I had a slumber party and I had the perfect thing to make our slumber party fun: my Unicorn Slippers by Twinkle Tootsies!

First let me say that I LOVE these slippers! My daughter has already claimed them. She now feels I’m teasing her when I’m wearing them around the house lol. It’s hilarious because she’s obsessed with these beautiful house shoes. Quite frankly, they are pretty cool! The slippers are EXTREMELY comfortable!!! I seriously wish all of my shoes felt like this. They hug your feet and provide perfect warmth and cozy feeling.

Since this is a life & style and fashion blog, it’s only right that we discuss the esthetics of these slippers. They are absolutely adorable and fabulous! Nowadays, tons of girls post about unicorns and all the colors that are usually represented alongside the unicorns and this is a “no brainer” as a gift for those unicorn lovers! The best part? They light up! You have to see this for yourself! Let me just share the details.

-Made of cotton & polyester.

-The light up effect is suppprted by LED lights that change between 6 different colors.

-One size fit all that ranges from about a size 6 to 11.5! (I wear a size 7.5/8).

-There are directions for easy wear and use.

Anyone of any age can wear these! I’m in my mid-thirties and I love these! Enjoy the innocent and fun things in life! Life is already too serious! These are fun for nights with family and even party favors for girls night in! Check out the website for more info and to grab a pair for yourself or a gift for someone else!

Oh…and how cute is this box?! 

On to the rest of the pics…

Five Online Shopping Tips 

Posted on by The Style Cake

Frequently, I love to shop online. I mean honestly, how could I not? Let’s discuss the pros: you can shop in pajamas, hold a glass a wine while you shop, comparison shop and best of all, you can find the best coupons and deals. Who doesn’t love relaxation, wine and good deals? Lol! I’d like to offer you a few tips to make your online shopping experience not only more fun but more fruitful. 


1. Always Have a Goal

Sometimes this can be a fairly difficult task if you are emotional shopping. Let’s admit it, we’ve all done some shopping when we were in an emotional state of mind. I’ll be brave enough to admit first then lol. Nevertheless, shopping without a goal can promote over spending leading to buyers remorse and regret later. Who wants to feel bad about shopping? Know what you are looking for also eliminates the frustration of missing out on items that end being out of stock. That’s not fun nor productive is it?

  

2. Always Use Discount Codes

No ifs, ands or buts about it, we all love to get a great deal!! Well, shopping online offers exposure to more deals than in store a lot of times. There are tons of websites that offer promotional codes to save money. Also, signing up for email promotion usually offers the benefit of being the first to know of sales as well as getting “secret” promo codes for a percentage or dollar amount off. Shopping is definitely more fun when you can save! If you can’t find a code to reduce the original price, try searching for codes on social media sites. You’ll be surprised how you can find more ways to save by being social with the company. 

  

3. Cross Reference 

Sometimes it can be difficult finding a particular item. Companies that are resellers may change the “name” of an item on their site to try and create a non-generic “feel” to their site and items for sale. This can make it hard to search for the same item on a different site or a search engine. Look for tag information or the item description that may have the manufactured item name so you can use that information for cross referencing. You will be surprised how this technique can lead you to find an otherwise out-of-stock item! 

  

4. Know Your Measurements 

This is something enough of us are not even aware of but this helps when looking to purchase clothing and shoes. It’s easy to want to avoid this aspect of shopping but it’s vital to having a successful online shopping trip. If you know your measurements, you are less likely to have to make exchanges/returns, you can easily cross reference sizing information across international retailers’ sizing charts. I’ll use myself as an example. I wear a U.S. size 8, 29 (or sometimes 30 because of my hips/thighs/butt) and a medium shirt. Because I know my sizes I can find my measurements and also I know what sizes I wear in european sizing. I also know what size to pick when I have to size up or down depending on the manufacturers admonition. The same goes for shoes in which I wear a 7.5 or 8 (U.S.). 

  
5. Create a Wish List 

Like online window shopping or on a tight budget? Create a wish list! Wish lists help you see exactly what you want in the near future in correlation to availability. Wish lists can even be created on the websites in which you are shopping on for your convenience. You can easily add items from your wish list to your shopping cart! Creating a wish list helps with creating a budget, keeping in mind what you’re looking for as well as maximizes time management. If possible, use old fashioned pen and paper  to be sure you always have your wish list at your convenience. 

  

These five tips should help your shopping trip be productive and fun without any regrets! Do you have any tips? Which of these tips do you think would be most helpful to you?

Later Cupcakes! 💋

Blogging In Detroit: The Lip Bar Event

Posted on by The Style Cake

If you are from Detroit you know there were a ton of popping events going on this weekend. One of the best happens to be The Lip Bar launching at none of other than Thrift On The Ave (located on Cass Ave). I am too excited that I was able to attend. The event was AWESOME!! If you don’t know about The Lip Bar, let me give you a brief overview. The Lip Bar was created by a woman by the name of Melissa. She comes from a background of the corporate world where cosmetic creativity is stifled…among other things. Anyhoo, she thought that women should be able to create lipsticks they love without compromising color, quality or individuality. This company has been featured on the hit show Shark Tank. The Lip Bar travels by a mobile truck to accommodate clientele. To learn more about The Lip Bar, check them out on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram…all under the name @thelipbar (except for Facebook which will exclude the @). You can also get the ultimate experience at the company’s website: www.thelipbar.com. So now that you have been introduced to the company by a friend (me lol), let me describe my experience.

Thrift On The Ave was an absolutely a gorgeous place to not only shop but also to host this event. As guests, we enjoyed champagne, as well as the fine opportunity to get The Lip Bar experience through information and demonstrations. Lastly, we all got to network with other ambitious and driven, fabulous women. YouTube guru Chanda was there looking stunning and is just as beautiful on the inside. Side note: Thrift On The Ave definitely gave me an invitation to go back and shop because their clothes were calling my name honey!! Lol. I digress. Check out my pics below and definitely follow me on Instagram so you can see more candid pics and let me know what you think below. Be sure to check out The Lip Bar online as well as Thrift On The Ave the next time you are in Detroit!

My review on the lipstick:

I tried on the lipstick Sweet Shiraz and I loved the color so much that I bought it. The formula is between the Retro Matte of Ruby Woo by MAC and a “regular” Matte MAC lipstick.* The color is full on and wears for hours. I wore mine for about six hours and it stayed put regardless of my eating and drinking. The packaging is absolutely gorgeous and unique. The price point is $18.00/lipstick and you get 3.5 grams.* That’s about 0.5 more product than a regular MAC lipstick. All in all, I am very happy with my purchase and will make another in the future.

*MAC mentioned for reference, not comparison*

MAC Cosmetics Heroine Lipstick Review

Posted on by The Style Cake

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I’m not a cult fan or anything but I happen to like LOVE MAC Cosmetics lip products. In particular, the lipsticks are worth the money every penny. One favorite color that almost every lady that knows of MAC Cosmetics likes is Heroine. It has a lovely matte finish. The color has a cool pink base but is purple in hue. It is definitely W*O*C friendly. I applied one application that lasted for about 5 hours before I would have had to reapply. Unfortunately, I was ready to get in the bed after being out for 5 hours this particular night so all my makeup had a near future of being removed. Lol. Anyhoo, I absolutely am excited that MAC made this color permanent (it had previously come out in a limited edition collection and was being sold for almost body parts on eBay). If you are looking for a great color and are feeling bold, give Heroine a try. Heroine might actually “save” your makeup look!

MAC Make Me Over Collection

Posted on by The Style Cake

The new MAC Make Me Over collection was one of the first fall collections that MAC has released this summer. This collection showcases a lot of beautiful colors that are wide arrayed in color. I have yet to see the collection in person but on the website, I fell in love. My fav things are lipsticks and lipglass so that was the first thing that I wanted to see. I was really excited to see the vampydark colors for the fall. I ordered just two lipsticks online and I’m in love! The color lipsticks that I purchased were Prince Noir and Smoked Purple. Both colors are matte but are surprisingly moisturizing, unlike a lot of matte lipsticks. It’s not hard to apply the lipsticks

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and the color payoff is wonderful!!! One thing to note is that when I first saw Prince Noir, it immediately made me think of MAC’s lipstick Deepest Wish. The colors are similar, however,  Deepest Wish is a tiny bit more brown and slightly lighter in hue than Prince Noir. Deepest Wish is an Amplified Color. Above I have swatches on my hand for show and comparison. Later when I do a makeup look with these lippies, I will note that this is the lipstick color I’m wearing. Enjoy the swatches!