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Hydration: Beauty's Best Secret

 Hydration: Beauty's Best Secret


Every lady must know her skin, body, and hair, knowing what makes your skin radiant, what keeps your body soft, your hair strong and beautiful is essential to staying beautiful. A lot of of  women adore the styles and admire women on television and in magazines, they wonder what the key to their success is. The key to their success is make-up, make-up, make-up and fantastic editing. Make-up, clothes, and even hair extensions can cover a lot of flaws, why spend thousands of dollars a year to cover up? 
Now I am a person who loves options so I am not against anything that enhances your beauty. We spend hundreds and some of us thousands of dollars a year to be the perfect you. Some us of hide our secret weapons in our purses so that we can stay beautiful all day. Well enough is enough it is time for us to start using beauty's greatest secret to achieve our goals. Beauty's greatest secret is water, yes H20, it is essential to beautiful lips, face, hands, body, feet and hair.
 Just a note, water is a secret ingredient however vitamins included with 8-10 glasses of water each day will help you reach your goal. Hydration is a key to your lips, face, hands, body, feet, and hair staying healthy soft, and strong. The products that we use can also be a deal breaker, for instance I can not use Pantene Truly Natural Hair Products. It stiffens my hair and does not give me soft and manageable hair, yet I can use other products from Pantene Pro-V. So you have to be mindful as to what works for your body and your hair.I did not know how much hydration played a part in the softness of your lips, I apply lip balm each day and now I know that is a total no. Some items are topical and just provide a layer over your lips like Chapstick
If you just need a layer of protection sure use Chapstick, however if you do not want chap lips and soft kissable lips you should use a product with shea, emu, and/or vitamin E oil.You also have to ensure that your body is not deficient of vitamin B, iron, or essential fatty acids. A trip to the doctor or a simple multi-vitamin may solve your problem. Ulta Beauty Store has a great product called E Oil Stick by Riviva Labs and it is around $3.99.The winter is a tough time for the body and face because enduring unfavorable temperature and windburn can damage your skin. It is important all year to wear a moisturizer and especially in the winter. I just recently discovered Kate Somerville 'Nourish' Daily Moisturizer there are two sizes that range from $20.00 to $65.00. I also use Kate Somerville daily wash, combing the use of these two products can lead to flawless skin. Ambi is a great way to repair your skin, Ambi mixed with Cocoa Butter helps to repair any sun damage. 
Now let's talk about feet most people are on their feet a lot and if you are on your feet with heels each day your feet may be in need of a spa day. Moisturizing your feet to keep them soft and smooth is easy to do at home. There is a great place called Lush that sales wonderful kits to help you achieve this. Another great tip is to wash your keep and then place vaseline on them, after applying vaseline wrap them in Saran Wrap and leave it on overnight, wash them in the morning and your feet will be softer than a tempur-pedic pillow.

Your hands are so important to staying hydrated; you use your hands to touch, feel, write, eat, and so much more. I wash my hands a lot each day and they are always dry, so I have to reapply lotion each time. One great product I have found to abate this is Baby Oil Gel, it helps to hydrate the skin as well as offers a layer of protection, which keeps your skin becoming dry. Hand creams with vitamin E  and SPF will surely make your hand worth holding. The best products in the world can give you the comfort and results you want, however nothing will help you stay beautiful inside and out like staying hydrated, water yes water is essential to a beautiful you. 



Keep your skin hydrated, moisturize daily.
"Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful"

XOXO

Nikki

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Stop Wasting Your Money

Hi Dolls,
     
With the way we spend our money on a day to day basis it should come as no surprise that there are many easy ways to cut back.  Also as we get our daily spending under control we will begin to have the confidence to look for more significant ways to cut our expenses.  But first things first.  Consider these 5 suggestions as a means to guide and get a handle on your day to day spending.
     PUT YOURSELF ON AN ALLOWANCE.
     Allowances aren't just for kids.  One of the best ways to get your spending under control is to monitor and limit the amount of cash you spend on incidental day to day items, many of which are unnecessary.  Figure out how to spend your day to day cash, look at purchases that can be avoided or reduced and put yourself on an allowance.  Start each Monday with a set amount of money that should last you for a week.  Of course if you run out of money you will take out more spending cash, but at least your impulse to excess will be tempered by the realization that you've exceeded your present limit.
     DON'T CARRY EXCESS CASH
     All too often the extra cash people carry for "emergencies "ends up being spent on frivolities.  You really don't need to carry a lot of cash.  Keep it in the bank, where it can earn interests. If you don't trust banks a nice safety deposit or safe in your home will do.
     USE YOUR ATM MACHINE SPARINGLY
    ATM machines are convenient, but do you know that they can be expensive?  An increasing number of banks are assessing charges for each use of the ATM machine. At some banks if you get cash back at let's say a local drugstore, you are charged an ATM fee. Find out your banks policy, and if you're paying for the privilege, keep your ATM machine visits to a minimum.
     MAINTAIN A SUFFICIENT BALANCE IN YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT TO AVOID MONTHLY FEES
     Chances are your bank will waive it's monthly checking account fees if you maintain a sufficient balance in the account.  If not, you can certainly find a bank that does.  Even if you fail to balance your account on one occasion, you may call the bank and request the fee be waived. It may seem like a lot to keep up the balance.  But compare that against the fees you'll other wise be assessed.  Usually you're far better off keeping the sufficient level to waive the fees than you are by having that money earning interest somewhere.
     PUT AWAY YOUR CHECK BOOK 
     Lastly, the greater the distance you can place between yourself and your check book or debit card (not to mention your credit cards), the less the temptation there will be to spend money for something you don't need. 

    Ladies these are some tips that will help you with your initial day to day impulses to over spend but it is up to you to use them.  Until next time Dolls be well and be safe.

XOXO

Nikki

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Are We Conditioned To Believe That Every Man Cheats?

Hi Dolls, 

The topic of this blog "Why A Woman May Think That Every Man Cheats?" Is not a new one, remember there is not much new in the world today, however it is a topic that should be addressed, and as a woman you should have high standards and some resolve about the issue of cheating. So, why do men cheat?
     There is no exact science for why a man cheats.  Women contribute cheating to loose women and standards, psychologist contribute it to a man's moral character and his upbringing.  Everyone is right in this instance, men cheat for all these reasons.  What women have conditioned themselves to believe is that " all men cheat!"  Yes I said "all men cheat!"  So why do women believe this?  They believe this because all the men they know have cheated.  If they come across a man who says that he doesn't cheat then they believe he is lying or, that something is wrong with him.
    I'm not sure as to when this malarkey started and who made cheating cool and accepted, as long as they didn't find out bring them any diseases and/or illegitimate children, however plainly stated that is just dumb.
     Whoever accepted this behavior caused a trend of broken homes, children with absent fathers, spread diseases, and increased the rate of divorce.  Sounds like Marxism to create a Proletariat society, but who knows?  The fact of the matter is that people are brain dead they accept a nickel worth of pay for a dollar worth of work.  Yes women when have been cheated on some in return have cheated on their man, and without resolve, they forgave them and stayed. Why?
     Lets talk about it.  Why do women stay after they have been cheated on?  Women are conditioned to bear the way they have been treated in today's society.  More often than not women have been abused physically verbally, and emotionally.  They have moved from one mane to another over and over from man to man, down graded by society; treated as second class citizens, whores, sex objects, and joys for the moment.  Young girl's grow up in homes where they witness this ill treatment from the same man or even the same type of men.  Then they observe these same women who they look up to sisters, mothers, cousins and aunts alike make themselves up beautifying themselves with lipstick, hair-do's toes and finger nails, and out fit after out fit for these same men who seem to mistreat them.
     This behavior is learned and taught as these same women pass the tricks of the trade saying," This is what you  must do to get this man, make him yours, and make him love you."  At an impressionable age we are all conditioned ladies to desire to be a man's prize, the apple of his eye.  No matter what we strive for ourselves or are, be it an ambitious career woman, to be a beautiful trophy wife, babies mama, or homemaker we all want our man.
     However, what women are missing is observing the qualities of the right type of man to search for.  What women are not taught is to have self-esteem beyond their identity of one's mate.  Nor are women taught to look for these qualities in a man that or one that influence these qualities in us.  As we seldom see woman treated right and decently on a wide scale what is prevalent is the opposite.  The negative.  As that information is processed in our brain it becomes the norm.  Women become bearers of such behavior and begin to perpetuate what one becomes accustomed to.  What is most comfortable and in turn most widely accepted.  In essence women stay due to a deficiency in one's own persona.
     So why do men cheat?  There are so many factors that contribute to this.  Still it comes down to a few basic things that are not limited to male behavior.  One basic truth is that people with low self-esteem use a means to build it up.  One of the ways are sexual conquests.  So the larger portion of men who cheat do so because this is what makes them feel empowered or in control, it gives them a sense of esteem.  Otherwise they feel inadequate and useless.  This is not limited to men of a certain class or status (you watch television right?). This marks true of all men from all walks of life that cheat.  This behavior stems from an emotional deficiency that is triggered by many factors.  Upbringing, what they feel they are deprived of, moral value and yes personal character.  In a similar way acceptance of this treatment that we as women pick up.
     So what if you have a man that has cheated or is cheating on you?  Well, is it time to leave?  That is a decision that of course is up to you.  In some instances I have known of relationships that has survived mistakes.  But consider this.  Is it a mistake for a man to take off his clothes and have sex with a woman?  That sounds like a deliberate action.  So what was the mistake then?  Was it his mistake to devalue your relationship?  Consider a males position in the regard.  "A man who recognizes his woman's' worth respects her and their relationship in front of her and behind closed doors", says L.T.
     Unfortunately ladies after a man cheats on us we don't value ourselves enough to say that we will not put up with this.  Is this you?  Mentally have you conditioned yourself to believe that you lack value?  Women who allow such ill treatment feel as if a man has provided her with an identity and she is nothing or powerless without him.  In reality, a woman may be nothing to him, surely not enough.  But in that event when you allow or perpetuate that kind of treatment you are in effect devaluing yourself.  What women must realize is that we are of value and any man who doesn't see value in you or your relationship is not worth your time.  And you are not the one that is valueless.  Your cheating man is.
     Now can a cheater stop cheating? Or will your man stop cheating?  Well ladies that is a difficult question to answer.  But the answer depends upon both of you.  First of all in if you continue to make excuses for him and continue to enable his behavior and disrespect he will not.  In this regard whether your cheater reforms his ways or not you must demand through your words and actions to be loved and respected, and that your man shows that he values you and your relationship.  In this regard if your cheating man can in turn find esteem in you and your relationship, reform is possible but this is by no means a guarantee.  The cheating is due to his own deficient character, lack of moral, and low self-esteem and until he is able to become a man of character and stand for something greater than what he is presently, he will never stop cheating on you.  He will continue to tear down your character in order to build himself up.
     Lastly, why every man does not cheat?  Believe it or not there are some men that do not cheat, yes ladies they do exist.  Frankly, put there are men who may have been brought up in homes, raised in environments, and experience things that could produce in them the characteristics that breed cheating.  Some men actually love their women too much to disrespect them in this manner.  Some of them love and respect themselves more than to devalue themselves to be disloyal, and dishonest.  Some men value principals like loyalty honor and respect.  One gentleman put it this way.  "Although I have many opportunities to have other women, even without my woman finding out.  I'm secure in myself and my relationship.  I love my lady and even though she may not witness my actions in my heart I'm pleased to put her first and choose her above other woman."  Another man put it this way.  "Men are like vampires.  (The character) Blade is superior to the whole species.  Some women to men are like blood to vampires. When a man is in his youth he tries to prove himself to his friends and peers, some of those conquests are not the smartest.  A mature man is like Blade.  Although he is a vampire and has the same temptations as one he resists these inclinations.  So too with a mature man as he is comfortable in who he is and who he is with he maintains control."
     I hope this inspires and answers questions that you may have asked yourself, and most of all empowers you if you are faced with such a dilemma.  As always dolls "Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful!"-Marliyn Monroe

XOXO

Nikki

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Bad Habits: Relationship Woes

Hello Ladies,

 Remember the fire that you've had in the beginning of your relationship?  Passionate kissing, him opening the door, fantastic little surprises, cruises, dinner & a movie, ski trips, you name it, the two of you have done it. So fast-forward to the present has the pressures of life turned that flame into a flicker?  If so let't talk about steps that can bring the spice back into your relationship.
     Most times we become weighed down and consumed with bills, child care, and even our personal pursuits and goals.  In this regard scheduling time for you and your partner can do much for a relationship that needs it's burner re-lit.  This time scheduled can include a date night whether it's once a month, once a week, or every two weeks which ever you both agree upon.
     Secondly, after a time is scheduled communication is important.  Ask your partner are all their needs being met within your relationship?  Whether the answer is yes or no, ask what can you do to make things even better? And ladies if there is any deficiency within your relationship respectfully let your man know what areas are he may be able to give attention to as well.  Be sure to be respectful of your mates feelings if the subject is sensitive.  Be sure to let him know that you wish to improve your relationship in any way possible.  Now here comes the fun part!  Express your wants!
     In fact, you can tell your man for instance that any wants that he'd like you to pay extra attention to you will provide to if he trades you for some of your wants, which will motivate your doing so.  Here's an example.  You could say, "baby I know that you like me to massage your shoulders and back.  As I'm on my feet all day at work a foot massage would be good motivation for me to give you that back rub you so desire.  We could even use our massages as a step of foreplay."  Not just communication but the way you converse with you mate could light embers that turn into a blazing fire.
     Third, is one that could easily become your favorite.  Role play.  Before you begin to role play though it is good to establish some ground rules.  Ladies some men and some women alike may experience insecurities from the idea of you entertaining the advances of another person even if it is planned and make believe.  Yes some of us are sensitive to such.  So establish ground rules in the beginning to insure that this doesn't happen.  For instance Jennifer let your husband know that when you role play your name is Lisa for the evening and with your new name change your personality. Try meeting at a bar as if you don't even know one another and let the sparks fly.
     Next up dress sexy for bed at times.  That same old T-shirt or night gown may not be as flattering as you may think.  Try getting ready for bed as if you were going out for a date.  Instead of wrapping your hair up for the night leave your hair down or in a comfortable style.  Lingerie, heels, lace, see through material is a sure way to raise the temperature of night time moments that might other-wise be could.
  Now ladies, last  but definitely not least.  Take a break from your same sexual routine.  The same positions can become mundane.  Not to say they are not pleasurable but consider this:  Do you always have sex with your mate at night?  During one of your date nights schedule a daytime rump.  Just that difference will certainly add to the prospective creativity of what could be in store.  If your man always initiates sex a sure way to adding some spice could be your motivation for taking your turn to initiate the loving.   As you do, get right into "character".  This would be a great time to role play.  Maybe you'll be a nurse or even a noisy neighbor.  Whatever you do, do it with confidence and style, and let your imagination run wild.  Once you cross those lines what is mundane will no longer be apart of your life.  For a flame will be ignited within the both of you that will not only add fun and spice.  These 5 steps certainly will bring satisfaction that will energize you for whatever life brings your way.  Until next time doll's be well and be safe and have fun adding Spice!

Stay beautiful!

Nikki




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Sanitizing Your Combs & Brushes

Hello Ladies,

     Have you ever grabbed your hair brush and thought it looks like a birds nest?  No doubt your next thought would be," Did all that come from my head?" Next thought, it is time to clean the hair brush!  Some of us even just throw it away. So if you have a comb and brush that works awesome on your hair, you have to do what it takes to preserve it. It's very simple and easy to maintain a clean hair brush, and comb, here's how:

     You can remove the hair from your brush using your hands and a comb for access hair harder to reach.  After removing the hair from your brush try soaking it.  You can also clean a brush or comb by soaking it in a small container of hot water and a bit of shampoo.  Try a few splashes of white vinegar, this will remove oily deposits left by your hair. Rinse and then dry.

     You may ask: "How often should I clean my combs and brushes?"  Once a month is a good guideline to follow though it really would depend on what you put on your hair from day to day.  If you use a lot of oil based products in your hair then it will be in your best interest to clean you combs and brushes more frequently than those who use water based products more often.
     Remember after each use remove any hair from your comb or brush.  This is to make sure that once it's time to clean your brush it will be less difficult and more hygienic. Just imagine if you are using the brush or comb on a daily basis all the dirt and hair care products is redeposited on a daily basis. That can add up to big trouble, such as hair loss, bacteria, hair that smells as well as dirty.
     The more natural products you use the less likely you'll experience that gunky build up that's sometimes difficult to remove.  Comb and brush cleaning maybe one of your least favorite tasks.  If such is true of you then consider your product selection.  In the event that you do not have heavy greasy build up in your hair care tools, cleaning them about once a month is fine.  However, if your combs and brushes are often carrying a load of product residue, a more frequent cleaning program would be necessary.  This may mean cleaning once a week or even bi-weekly.  In some cases it's near to impossible to remove the buildup in a brushes bristles.  This most often is the result of infrequent cleaning along with the use of heavy greasy products.  In this regard it is best to discard the brush and purchase another.  Don't forget to clean the new one more frequently.
     The benefit of such diligence not only keeps your hair styled and snarl free but it keeps your hair cleaner longer.  It also ensures that brushing and combing isn't adding unwanted particles and fluff to your hair.  Until next time dolls be well.

"Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful"
-Marilyn Monroe





XOXO

Nikki


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The Dirty on Eyelash Extensions

Hey Dolls,

My love for  lash extensions has been an up and down roller coaster for awhile now. The relationship started out great , but after my most recent individual lash extension application,  I am  starting  to see signs of a break up coming real soon.  I have always had decent eyelashes, not too thin and a decent length.  I do not wear much makeup so the thought of adding some lashes to enhance my look was that was easy to make.  Pictured below is me with a set of strip lashes on and eyeliner. 

As much as I love the individual lashes, applying a new strip everyday before work became tedious. So I decided to look more into individual lashes.  I went and got my first pair professionally done and I loved it!  The individual lashes lasted me about 3 weeks before they started falling off, but I did notice a few of my real lashes would fall off with it.  The pros outweighed the cons so I continued to get my falsies redone every 3 to 4 weeks as needed.  Sometimes  to  save some money, I would do a fill-in myself on my lashes.  This went on for a few months until well , yesterday.  I decided to take off my lashes that have been on for 3 weeks only to find out the glue (which was a different Ardell Lashtite glue than my beautician usually uses) broke off many of my natural lashes.  The glue left my lashes so damaged, that most either broke off or completely pulled out of the follicle. And they are completely uneven  , and my eyelids are puffy (See Picture Below). 

So now I am in the damage control phase, for the next week I will be doing a Vaseline treatment on my lashes at night, applying Vaseline near my lash line in small circular motions to help stimulate the hair follicles, drinking tea and taking Vitamin E daily.   I will post my updated results in 2 weeks.... if there is not noticeable change, I will try Latisse (Nervous to go there, but hey beauty require extra work sometimes). 

Wish me luck dolls.... hopefully in 2 weeks I can give you a glimpse of my successful eyelash recovery.

XOXO,

Paper Doll  

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Staying Glam: While On The Go

Hey Loves, 

I don't know about you dolls, but I 
LOVE going on vacation! With my husband working for the airlines, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel and see the world, but I often get concerned about my hair care (especially when going international).  So I have complied a list of 7 Hair Care Products for Staying Glam while on the go.  If you carry on and do not check a bag (like myself), you can find all of these suggested products in travel size bottles (From Walgreens/CVS/Walmart).
                                                             
                                                 

  1. Satin Headscarf 
    To preserve your hairstyle you must have your satin headscarf. The satin headscarf not only help keeps your hairstyle in place, but also keeps your hair (and pillow) clean longer.      
  2. Argon or Avocado Oil
    For edge and style control,  a little oil can go a long way.  
  3. Empty Water Spray Bottle No explanation needed. A little water and oil is perfect to re-moisturize natural hair (and even some wet and wavy weaves). 
  4. Elastic Headbands and Ponytail Holders These accessories are  perfect for quick styling fixes especially if you are at the beach or fresh out of the pool.
  5. Curl or Wrap Mousse Whether you have natural hair or wear weave, curl and wrap mousse can provide both the moisture and hold to help you achieve your desired style without the use of heavy product. 
  6. Wide Tooth Comb A wide tooth comb is perfect for detangling freshly washed or dry hair but won’t stress your hair out too much. 
  7. Large and Regular Size Bobby Pins Bobby pins help to create and secure various hair styles. They are perfect to use when you want to pin up your hair in a quick style.
                                                   

While every woman's hair is different with the right tools and supplies taking care of your hair while traveling can be easy.  Whether you choose to wear your hair natural , braided or with weave, don't let your hair get in the way of your fun... besides a cute hat is always the perfect accessory

XOXO,


Paper Doll 

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