2019 Favorites!!!

Can’t believe it’s the year 2020! Time truly waits for no one and has flown by! This past year, I took a much needed break. I needed to focus on me.

In doing that, I had to really make some repairs to myself. I started taking full advantage of chiropractic care and really communicating with my doctor about how I wanted my healthcare to go. I was unwilling to be unheard as my health largely depended upon ME! It can be scary to not only speak up but also disagree with your doctor about the care that is being received. I had long conquered that fear because in the end, I pay for a service and refused to just go along with care that I didn’t agree with since I would be the one living with the end results.

Some things I refused to go to the doctor for. I was suffering terribly from skin issues. It seemed that no matter what I did, my skin condition worsened. I began to get frustrated as I was not even eating certain things that were known to aggravate my acne. The acne I was experiencing was cystic in nature. I sat in pain for days sometimes. My frustration increased when that wonderful time of the month rolled around, que eye rolls, I was also suffer from hormonal acne. Needless to say, I did heavy reading and research to figure some things out.

My hair was having shedding issues. Now I do have Hashimoto’s disease so the shedding can be a problem from time to time but my shedding became coupled with massive tangling and some breakage. Again, I did research and found what I needed to help.

I didn’t play in makeup much this year, I only wore makeup about 8 times this past entire year. I did make a purchase for some faves that I had run out of…I was a hostess in my big sister’s wedding so, you know how that goes…I HAD to look good! Otherwise, I made sure to focus on healing my skin. I will still share what I bought to replace my long used favorites!

I’m on a weight loss journey so I’ve been avoiding sugar and carbohydrates like my life depended on it, partly because it started to. I had gained weight due to medication and became insulin resistant. That insulin resistance made it incredibly difficult to lose ANY weight!!! When I tell you I cried (and I’m not a crier) but I swear I could have jumped out my window without opening it. I was so done. The only thing i could think of was trying the Keto ‘way of eating’ again. Honestly, Keto is not a diet to me. I’m not indulging in anything that can contribute to insulin resistance or diabetes. If you’re unsure, be sure to do your research. One thing is sure, the SAD diet (standard american diet) has the appropriate acronym. I’m not by any means telling anyone to do keto or low carb, do what works for you but please take care of your health and eat for nourishment! That being said, below I will list all of the faves I have for this past year.

I hope you have a great day, week, month and year! I’m back to go through it all with you! 💪🏾

Favorites of 2019

Health

  1. Doctor’s Best MSM Powder

     

  2. Sports Research Vitamin K + D3 with Coconut Oil

  3. Renew Life Women’s Probiotic 90 Billion CFU

  4. EzyAbsorb Gluten Free Berberine 500mg (blood sugar and cholesterol support)

  5. Best Naturals Betaine HCL 648 mg 250 Capsules

Hair

  1. MegaFood Blood Builder Minis

     

  2. Doctor’s Best MSM Powder

  3. Sports Research Vitamin K + D3 with Coconut Oil

  4. GLISS Hair Repair Conditioner, Ultimate Repair for Heavily Damaged Hair 13.6 ounces

  5. Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Shampoo 22 fl oz

  6. Sulu Aloe Vera Oil

  7. Sulu Cold Pressed Unrefined Avocado Butter

Skin

  1. Sports Research Vitamin K + D3 with Coconut Oil

     

  2. Tumeric Powder (used to make a mask with milk, yogurt and honey)

  3. Shea Moisture African Black Soap Problem Skin Toner

  4. Philosophy the Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

  5. Tetyana Dark Spot Corrector Brightening Serum [LOVE this stuff!]

Keto/Eating

  1. Surkin Fiber Syrup

     

  2. Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder

  3. Surkin Gold Brown “sugar”

  4. Nutricost Allulose Sweetener

  5. Magic Spoon Cereal Variety Pack

  6. Premier Protein Caramel (for coffee)

  7. Slim Fast Keto Fat Bombs

Makeup

1.

From Mod to Modern

I was one of those people waiting on warmer weather here in Michigan and am thoroughly elated that it’s here. We’ve been experiencing warmer than normal temperatures (not complaining lol) so when cooler weather rolled in, I enjoyed the brief change. It was just the right temperature that I could rock my high waisted black jeans. I wanted a sleek yet mod inspired look. 

Way back when, I thrifted a striped swimsuit that I converted into a bodysuit to wear as a top with my black jeans. The stripes in the bodysuit gives of mod vibes but paired with the jeans offers more of a modern appeal. I chose red block heels to bring out the pop of color in my bodysuit. My neck candy, a gold cuff choker emphasizes the bar-like stripes in the look and my black clutch keeps from drawing attention AWAY from the modern mod details. I almost opted for my favorite black and white chevron clutch. Anyhoo, let me know what you think of my look!! 

Side note: my natural hair is in a high bun again for a modern, fresh look. It’s an easy breezy style! 

Later Cupcakes! 💋

Jeans: Fashion Nova. Choker: Aldo. Bodysuit: Thrifted. Heels: Asos. Bracelet: Jewelmint. Clutch: American Apparel (similar here).

   
  

  

  

 

MY #naturalhair Inspired Outfit

I have been in a mood for about a month now where all I want to be is comfortable. Hair and outfits. Well my hair is definitely the inspiration behind my look today. Generally, I’m strategic with what I wear but this time I’m bent on going with the flow, just being the best me and accepting what comes naturally. 

I’ve shared in the past that I have an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s. This disease has ravaged my hair, causing extreme amounts of shedding and thinning. Adding to that, my medication has caused my texture to change. I thought it was my imagination but nope, I checked some forums where others have expressed the same concerns. Anyhoo, all that being said I had chosen to wear my own hair out less to avoid seeing all of the shedding. My endocrinologist is amazing and has worked with me in finding a medical plan that works best for my health. I’m on new medication and some of my shedding has been reduced. So I’ve decided to wear my hair out…without being straightened. I’ve worn my hair out before while flat ironed. You can see where I wore it here

I feel so free, free like when I used to wear my hair in all kinds of styles. I’m ready to enjoy my hair again. It’s so freeing to not feel like I have to keep my hair covered. To signify my comfort, confidence and freedom I’m wearing this flowy, wide legged H&M jumpsuit from several years back. This is my first time wearing it. It suits my skin perfectly, almost a reflection of being able to see me for me. My shoes are faux wood & leather platform sandals. My bag you’ve seen before and I think it fits perfectly. My jewelry is simple and chic, tell me what you think! I’ll be styling my hair more so stay tuned for that! 

Later Cupcakes! 💋

Jumpsuit: H&M (old but maybe similar here). Shoes: Target. Bracelet: H&M (similar here). Handbag: Justfab (similar here). 

   
   

     

        

  
 

Mina's Handbags & Accessories Review

Every girl loves a great bag, right? Let me introduce you to a lovely clutch that I was gifted from Mina’s Handbags & Accessories. I actually attempted to purchase the clutch but the owner (whose name is Sabrina) is super sweet and decided to send the clutch while refusing to accept payment. Anyhoo, the shipping was really fast (we live in the same metro area) and I’m sure shipping to any location would be fast. The clutch was neatly wrapped in a lovely wrapping paper. The clutch is impeccably made by hand. The zipper is of obvious quality and the details are great. The inside boasts of a unique bright green tribal-like print. If only I could also wear this clutch inside out lol, but I digress. There is a tag on the inside of the clutch so you never forget where you bought it. This clutch was made with love and it is definitely worth the price I was going to pay before I knew it was being gifted to me. Check out the pics and afterwards head over to the site and see what you like. I’m thinking of doing a giveaway soon for one of these bags. Stay tuned!
www.etsy.com/shop/minasaccessories

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