First look of the Month. Fall Inspired

Hi Beauties, Happy fall 2016! This is by far me favorite season! I love the cool days and nights, leaves changing colors and best of all, the gorgeous fall inspired makeup that comes out! I love it.



 I recently did a fall look. If you haven't seen it, it's posted above. I am currently looking and creating a list of things I want to purchase to create looks for you! I see Milani has some gorgeous liquid lip colors that I can't wait to try!

Also, Maybelline has a gorgeous lip collection out called The Color Sensational Loaded Bold Collection. They have a dark blue and purple I can't wait to get my hands on!

Well until next time Beauties,

Samantha

XOXOXO

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Black Opal Beauty Flash BOGO Sale!!

*This post contains affiliate links.

Black Opal is having a flash BOGO sale today! 8/24 10am-8pm

If you haven't tried Black Opal products, I highly recommend getting their foundation sticks, concealers and powders.

Please use my special link below to take part in this fabulous sale! Happy Shopping Beauties!


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Blessings & Beauty: Loving You Intoduction

Hi Dolls,

I so appreciate you being so patient as I balance being a wife and mother these days! If you're into makeup and skincare, you have come to the right place! I love makeup. My page will be all about beauty, both inside & out, self-expression, self-confidence and the joy of being who you are! Don't ever try to fit in someone else's box.

I have some big plans for this blog and for you all, so please continue to rock with me! Blessings and Beauty, Samantha xoxoxo

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Baking With Black Opal Beauty Deluxe Finishing Powder

*This post contains affiliate links.

So I wanted to come tell you guys about the awesome Memorial Day sale Black Opal Beauty is having! I have just started using their products and I love it so far. But I have many more things to get to build my stash.

Specifically, I wanted show you the powder I use to set my concealer when I do get a chance to do my makeup. It's their Deluxe Finishing Powder in Medium. I love it. It's a less expensive dupe for the Ben Nye Topaz powder and more brown girl friendly. Here's a photo of me "baking" with it. "Baking" is just an industry term for letting the powder sit on your face for a period of time to set your concealer and to reduce shine.

Use the link below to purchase your own powder and try their other fabulous products!

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Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself...

I am Mrs. Jones as of May 14th! I am so happy. Thank you, my loves, for being patient while I stressed out being a mother and wedding planner. I am so happy to finally be fully committed to my Mister. I was almost two hours late, a lot of people flaked at the last minute, I didn't have time to do my makeup properly and my dress barely fit! But the day ended up being perfect and I wouldn't change a thing! I can't wait to get back into the swing of things and start writing for you again! In the meantime. enjoy these photos of my beautiful ceremony! 

XOXOXO,
Samantha

A Healthy Change Is A Good Change

Morning Readers,

It's about 8:58am here on the East Coast and I just finished a great workout. And when I say great I mean I feel great! Working out gives me so much energy and life. It seriously, sets the tone for my day.

I just wanted to share with you more of my journey in my Lose 75 Pounds Challenge. I am only down 3  pounds currently. I had lost 5, but it seems the other two found me again. Not to worry though, it happens. In my case I had screwed up my diet and had been slacking in my workouts. No that I am getting back into the groove of things, I've made some more changes. To my workout routine as well as my diet.

Yesterday we went shopping and I made conscious decisions to pick up things that would be healthy and beneficial for me. I picked up 3 times more fruit than I usually get, not only for my self, but I have a big family. Apples, oranges, plums, bananas, strawberries. I also got more fresh green veggies like spinach, collard greens and lettuce. Since part of my diet is reducing my carb intake, I bypassed the white bread and got whole grain instead. For breakfast I also picked up a couple bags of bagel thins. They are half the calories of a regular sized bagel and just as tasty! I also paid attention to getting things that were protein focused. I got dark chocolate snack bars, breakfast smoothies and some milk mix.

Losing weight or trying to live a more healthy lifestyle is hard! At least in the beginning. You literally have to change your whole life and way of thinking. But this 180 degree turn is soo worth it. The weight loss is just a bonus. having a clean bill of health. No heart disease, diabetes, etc is the best reward for myself. And my family. I'm no good to anyone sick.

And one of the reasons changing up your diet is hard, is because you have to  really think about your meals and plan them so you know you're getting the most out of them, and watching your calorie intake. After going shopping, this morning I made a bagel thin with reduced fat cream cheese, 2 fried eggs cooked in coconut oil. (Click HERE to see all the wonderful benefits of coconut oil.) And a cup of green tea. (Green tea helps in the oxidation of fat, but check out these bonus benefits HERE!)

For lunch I am making a 15 bean soup! I will make another post with the recipe.

Ladies, today is a great day to decide you want to live a healthier lifestyle. Small changes work. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Eat a chicken salad for lunch instead of a pizza or cheeseburger.

Stay Healthy, Stay Cute,
XOXOXO

Samantha J.

Advice For Preventing Fluid Retention

As a person who suffers from extreme edema in my legs, I found this article to be very helpful. I know I plan to change up my habits from now on. Click HERE for article. 

Wedding Planning Blues -

Hi Readers,

Sorry I haven't posted in a while! So caught up in this wedding planning. If you haven't peeped my last post, I am getting married May 14th of this year. And I literally have weeks to plan EVERYTHING! It's quite insane. I don't know why we didn't just got to the justice of the peace like we planned. I blame my fiance. *SIGH*

But, I am up for the challenge. In the meantime I am trying to keep up with my new diet and exercise routine. It's been difficult because I'm so stressed with the wedding planning, I find myself slacking a little. But the good news is I've lost 5 pounds! Doesn't seem like much, but to me it's everything. I feel like I'm accomplishing something and it motivates me more to keep going and pushing for my goals. Only 70 pounds to go! I can do it!!

If anyone is interested, this is my daily routine starting about 8/9am

Drink a smoothie
Drink water
Stretch for 10 minutes
7 minutes of ab exercises
7 minutes of butt exercises
10 minutes of Strengthening exercises
20 minutes of cardio


So almost an hour of exercising altogether. I feel so energized after working out that I end cleaning most of the house lol. And with five kids, there is always something to clean hahaha! Sometimes I may not get around to exercising until about 10am or even later. As long as you get at least 15 minutes of movement a day it doesn't matter. But I find I am more motivated to do it early so I don't talk myself out of it!

Oh, below is my colors and inspiration for my wedding! I can't wait to see how it comes together.

Well until next time my loves,
Stay cute, stay healthy

Finally! I'm Getting Hitched...

Hi Fabulous Readers,

So this happened! I am officially engaged! That's the good news. Bad news is, I only have 2 months to plan everything out. To my dress, ceremony, decor, food, music everything! To be honest, I never really thought about how I would want my wedding to be. I never sat around and dreamed of my "perfect day". So you can imagine how overwhelmed I feel right now.

The first thing I am looking for is my dress. I have narrowed it down to 6 and I want to get your input. Which one do you like the best? Vote and I'll randomly choose a winner to get a mystery prize!

P.S. Must be subscribed to the blog to vote! Just comment which number.

1

2

3

4

5

6

Dress photo credit: JJ's House

Thanks for all your help!
Sty cute, stay healthy,
Samantha Renee

Biology and Depression

Hello Everyone,

The last blog I wrote I briefly touched base with how biology is linked with depression. I also mentioned I would go into how genetics is linked with depression. I would like to continue with both today. I might even add in another section with this blog. It all depends on how long it turns out to be. Anyway, enough with me rambling on! Let’s get started!

Inside the brain, there are many other regions, and pathways that are thought to be linked with depression. However, no single brain structure or pathway is fully accountable for clinical depression. Even though depression is a very complex illness with many contributing factors. Recent scans of brain chemistry shows that antidepressants can help sustain nerve cells, which is allowing them to form stronger connections that can handle biological stresses.

Now onto genetics and depression. Believe it or not, genetics can also be a cause with depression. As I stated in the last blog. Not many people think that depression is linked with genetics. However, kids, siblings, and parents of people who suffer from severe depression are more likely to suffer from depression. There are multiple genes that interact with one another in certain ways, and they can possibly contribute to different types of depression that run through families. However, it is rather unlikely that there is a single “depression” gene, but many genes contribute a small effect towards depression when interacting with the environment.

Drugs and depression. In some people drugs may cause depression. It all depends on the drug, and how the person’s body processes the drug. Some medications like the acne drug “Accutane” can sometimes be linked with depression

Hopefully this also helped further your knowledge on depression. I can assure you this is not over yet! I don’t want to overwhelm you with a lot of information in one blog, so I am trying my best to break them up. The next blog may or may not be the last for the causes of depression, and how biological factors are linked to it. After that, I will discuss treatment and such.

Spiritual and Mental Fitness: Positive Thinking

I know my co-author Brooke, deals with the health and fitness portion of this blog, but I just wanted to share part of my journey of living a healthier life. Not only for myself, but for my children and family.

I have challenged myself to lose 75 pounds. And from there, trickle down 5 or 10 pounds more. I have no specific time frame, because I want to do this realistically and safe as possible. As I finished my 45 min workout (abs, butt and cardio) I turned to where I receive my spiritual fitness. The Bible. It's no secret that I believe and love God, so I will not keep it from you!

Today's devotion was all about positive thinking, not only by having faith in God, but slowly and gradually changing your way of thinking and willing to be positive. Now you can take God out of this and it still applies, so I don't want to alienate my athiest and nonreligious readers.

I know it's never easy to "just be happy". Some days it's like whatever. But it takes one day at a time. That's all you need. Below is a guide to becoming more mentally and spiritually fit:

1. You are what you think so think positively!

2. Having a positive mental attitude is a daily battle. Victory is achieved one day at a time.

3. Love is always positive in its outlook: keep loving.

4. You can’t lose. No matter what the situation. God is for you and He is in absolute control. Stay positive. Don’t give in to your fears. God will make a way for you.

5. God loves you and He will be with you in your greatest hour of need. Choose to believe it.

6. A positive mental attitude of praise will give you inner strength.

7. Find something to laugh about in your circumstances each day and it can be healing for you.

8. A positive mental outlook about God and His Word will produce His peace in you.

9. When all hope seems to be lost and destruction seems logically imminent, “Keep moving!” God will make a way.

10. You are powerful in God; lay hold of that in your mind.

11. Determine not to speak negatively about anyone. Don’t be critical or judgmental. You reap what you sow.

Negative talk about others is like poison in your spirit. Forgive, forget and move on if you have been wronged. Don’t gossip about others. If you don’t have anything positive to say about someone, don’t say anything.

I hope everyone has an awesome day and enjoy the rest of the week and weekend!

Stay cute, stay healthy
Samantha xoxox

P.s. That pic is of me just mins after I worked out. Lol

Let's Wear All The Makeup!

Dear Fabulous Readers,

As I was sitting here applying my makeup and getting slayed for the day (nowhere to go but clean the house), I was thinking about the reason I do this. Why WE do this. I asked myself to impress others? To gain the attention of our male counterparts?? To be accepted by society? NO! None of those things are the reason I choose to wear makeup. Or to wear weaves, braid extensions or anything I feel makes me feel beautiful.

I do it because it's apart of who I am and how I express my individuality. My makeup and weave doesn't define who I am as a person, it's just an extension of myself that I share with the world. And have fun doing it. I love trying new things with my makeup and being creative. I am not creative in other art, like painting, drawing, sculpting, cake designing, dress making, but doing makeup is where I feel I can be the most creative and express myself. 

You know what I find the most funny? When someone says girls/women wearing makeup is 'false advertising'. Umm, how? I would love to have been born with glitter eyelids, but the way it is, I have to apply it. I don't understand what I am supposed to be 'advertising' and what you're mad at that you don't see lol. I don't get it.

I think most women know they don't NEED makeup to look and feel beautiful. We wear it because we are already proud and confident in who we are. And no, I don't need to wear "just to enhance". If I wanted to look the same when wearing makeup, I wouldn't wear purple lipstick! 

So all in all, what's the conclusion? Ladies, continue to be fabulous and don't let people stop you from expressing yourself and your art. And all you naysayers, leave us alone! We like what we like, we love what we love, and that's a matte lippie on sale from Sephora. Or a glowing highlight so the Gods can see us. 

Ciao my loves,

Samantha

Causes of Depression

Dear Reader,

Today I would like to discuss major depression. I would like to discuss this topic because I feel like not a lot of people understand much about it. I personally have had people tell me to “suck it up” or “get over it” when in all honesty, it’s hard to get over certain things. Especially if you have depression. I will not go into everything about it, as there will be other blogs after this with more information on them. For today however, I would like to focus on what causes major depression, and the beginning stages.

In a list below, I will state the beginning causes of depression. Before I go any further, I found these causes on the Web MD site. "Causes of Depression." WebMD. N.p., n.d. Web.

• Abuse. Past physical, sexual, and emotional abuse can cause depression later on in your lifetime.
• Conflict. Depression can be caused by conflicts or disputes between family members and friends.
• Death or a loss. The death or loss of a loved one can increase the risk of depression.
• Genetics. As odd as it may seem, you can also gain depression if your family has a history with depression.
• Major events. Who would’ve thought this could cause depression??? It doesn’t matter if it is a good event or not.
• Personal problems. Social isolation, and being cast out by family or a social group can lead to depression.
• Serious illness. Sometimes depression can co-exist with an illness,or it can be a reaction to an illness.
• Substance abuse. Nearly 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have major or clinical depression.

These are just some of the main causes for depression to begin.

How can biology be related to depression?? Well, the hippocampus, a small part of your brain that holds all of your memories appears to be smaller with people who have depression. As opposed to those who don’t have depression. Scientist’s don’t really know why the hippocampus is smaller when it comes to people with depression. Some researches believe that the stress hormone called “cortisol” is produced more often in people with depression. Causing a “shrinking” effect on the hippocampus. Other experts believe that people are born with a smaller hippocampus, which causes them to have depression.

Not to cut this blog short, but in the next blog I will go further into how biology is linked to depression. As well as how genetics is linked with depression. Before I close this off, I would just like to add this. If you have depression, or think you have depression. Please go speak with your doctor, or talk to someone about it. Get the help that you need. Don’t fight this alone. Also, for those of you who do not have depression, or for those of you who do. I really hope this is starting to help some of you understand how depression starts, and how it affects some parts of the body. Again, I am writing this blog to help people understand depression, and to help those who don’t have depression understand that this isn’t something that people can just shrug off and get over.

Q&A Introduction!

Hey Everyone!

As March is beginning, I thought I would share an idea. I hope this is something that I can get started on over the next few weeks! However, this idea has changed quite a bit. Throughout my past week of blogging, I have had several of my readers message me and ask me questions about many questions about health and fitness.

As I keep getting more and more questions each day, I have decided that maybe I will do a Q&A. Seeing as I get enough questions in each week, and also if that question is appropriate for the blog. I may do this i different ways.

One way I was thinking, is if you all send me in questions I will post a Q&A on Sunday. However, for those blogs I am looking for only one question. Not a high demanding question when not just one, but several people ask the same thing. Don’t worry, if I get more than one of the same question(s) I will most definitely answer! Just not on a blog where other questions would be. If there is enough questions that are asked, I will do a minimum of three and a maximum of five questions. This all depends on the question, and it’s length!

When it comes to commonly, or frequently asked questions. I will do a blog based on that question. I have already done one, and I am currently working on two others. I don’t just want to ramble on about things some of you may or may not know. I would like to get some more interaction between I as the blogger, and you as the reader!!

With that being said, I am sorry this is a shorter than usual blog for me. Although, this was meant as just a little introduction as an idea I have had throughout the past week. So, let’s get some questions sent in!!!

Progress On My Journey

Dear Reader,

Now that I am a bit more comfortable with blogging, I have decided every other week I will post updates on my journey to a healthier life. These past two weeks have been rough staying on track, but I somehow managed to stick with it. Especially when it comes to drinking water.

We all know how important water is to our body, and organs. However, after drinking straight water for a while can get a bit bland. I will admit I have been drinking a lot more tea than I have water. I was doing good for about two days, but I immediately got bored with just plain water! So, I compromised. I went out and got zero calorie and sugar free drink mixes! After that, I began alternating my water intake again! One cup of the flavored water, then a cup of plain tap water! Needless to say, this definitely helps out alot if you are like me at all, and can not stand plain water!

So, when it comes to eating, I still have not set up a strict diet just yet. Due to me not being able to make it to the gym (I love going at night, not many people are there at night). However, I have decided a plan once I start going. Of course, do not start off drastically, you can shock your system by immediately cutting out a lot of things you eat. I would recommend starting off with the lighter things. For me, I would stop using veggie oil, and start using olive oil. I will be honest with this, sometimes I use olive oil rather than butter. Also, when it comes to cooking eggs, I would start cooking just the whites. Unless I am boiling them for protein. Finally, I would start watching the meat I purchase, Try to go for meat that has less fat in it.

Working out, has been a bit tricky with me. Whenever I get some time alone (that is when I can focus on the workouts) I do some basics, Squats,crunches,push-ups,etc. When it gets nicer out, I will start walking again, but until I can get back to the gym these workouts will definitely do!

With that being said, no major changes just yet! It will take time, and until I can get to the gym for at least a week or two I will not do anything drastic. Like I said before, a lot of people give up on this journey. I have came to that point quite a bit these past few weeks, but I am most certainly not giving up!!!

Energy After Working Out

Hello Everyone,

Throughout the week, I have had some people ask me a question, that I thought would be awesome to share with you all. A lot of you would like to know how older people have so much energy after working out. So, this blog will focus solely on that question. I will even admit, I personally wondered that. However, every time I go to the gym to work out, I always feel energized after the workout. So, with that being said, let’s find out how we have so much energy after working out!

Believe it or not, working out cures a lot of things. Working out isn’t just a main focus for losing weight, but as stated before many other things. I will go into more detail in another blog of the other purposes of exercising! However, exercise is definitely a cure for exhaustion!!!!

When it comes to exercising and fatigue, we all don’t want to get up and do a workout or two while we are tired! Especially when it comes to the heavier, more hard core workouts! Studies show that people who do light workouts, become more energetic while those who do the more complex workouts become more tired.

As many others have tried to figure out why exercising helps with fatigue, there is no legit answer to that question. So, with that being said I thought I would throw my two cents in on this topic. I strongly believe (from personal experience) that working out does increase your energy. Why? I personally don’t know, but I strongly believe it has to deal with a psychological impact. I believe exercising makes us feel more energized because it is something some of us have been wanting to do, and the thought of finally doing it just makes us in general feel better. As if we are accomplishing a goal. I also feel we are more energized after because once we start getting into a workout we don’t want to stop. Being up and active just gives us energy, which again I believe this can go along with a psychological factor.

With that being said, I have came to a conclusion. There is no correct, or strong answer when it comes to this question. The way I look at it right now, is that it is up to us to determine why we have so much energy after working out. Do you think you know why we have so much energy after working out??? Leave your thoughts down in the comments, or feel free to email me!