Shop at Pacifica Perfume and Receive $10 Off

I just bought a little something from Pacifica.com with a $10 off coupon that they sent me for my birthday. You can get $10 off your order here -> Shop at Pacifica Perfume and Receive $10 Off

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Happy Birthday to Me! Discount Code For You!

It's my birthday and I'm happy to see what another year will bring. I started my day off with a 4 mile run/walk but  I don't have any other real plans for this day. I'm going to enjoy it the best I can and be grateful for another year. Life is Good! And that's more of an affirmation than a fact but I am striving to live the life that I want to live.

DISCOUNT: Use code BIRTHDAY20 to get 20% off of your order at jazjewelz.etsy.com.

I'm Running! Yay?!

For the past few weeks I have been running (2-3x per week) with a group called Black Girls Run (BGR). I started running with BGR because I've been in sort of a workout slump for the last few months.  I would do workouts at home with dvds, magazines, YouTube, and Pinterest. I started getting really bored with them though. And I didn't want to join a gym so I decided to give running a go.


I figured running with a group would make it more fun because I'd get to be outside and meet/befriend new people. There's also the factor of accountability.  Plus, my group (and many of the others) run quite early. So that helps with discipline, creating a new routine, structure. And I feel like I need that right now because it's not always easy to structure yourself when you're working out at home.


When I first joined BGR it took be about a month to actually get out and run. I wanted to wait until I got new gear because most of my old workout clothes have been killed by crafts (glue, paint, markers,etc...,). My running shoes are a little too. But I've become a firm believer of starting where you are because waiting for perfect conditions is usually waste of time. So one day I decided to just go. I threw on a t-shirt, some leggings, and met up with my group at about 6am on a Tuesday morning; I'm so glad I did. It was just the jumpstart I needed to get my A in G.


I must mention that I have ran on treadmills in the past but I never really set any goals; I would just run/jog for a bit then walk. With the running group we run/walk at least 3 miles every time we meet. I've even ran a few times on my own on days that we don't/can't  meet. So I'm getting a little more serious now. In fact, I'm trying to get increase my endurance and speed so that I can run a 5k. Could it be that I'm becoming a runner? Perhaps! I'll keep you posted.


Are you a runner? Love it? Hate it?


Note: the photo above is of a local running trail

Wen Healthy Hair Care System Review

I'm sure you've all the seen the infomercials for Wen by now. Maybe some of you have been itching to try it. Well, I haven't and I can't really tell you why. However my sister uses it and really likes it; she gets the system auto-shipped every month. This month she was accidentally sent two systems so she gave one to me . And I don't turn down free products so I took and tested them. The system is $29.95 for a 30 day supply and consists of a 12oz bottle of  Sweet Almond cleansing conditioner, 2oz of Re Moist Intensive Hair Treatment, 2 oz Styling Creme, and 0.35 oz texture balm stick.

I used the cleansing conditioner first (the bottle was slightly use 2/3 full) which is a substitute for shampoo. The directions suggested using 10-15 pumps for an entire head and more product for longer/thicker hair. I started with the suggested amount but needed more for my natural kinky/curly hair. I ended up using half of the bottle. So a little doesn't go a long way for me. And as far as how the product felt, it was a little meh for me. And it didn't aid that much in de-tangling. I guess I'm used to heavier and/or more slippery products that make make it easy to smooth my hair. I did notice a little less frizz though. Overall I thought that the cleansing conditioner did the job but didn't wow me.

Next, I used the Re moist Intensive treatment. I liked this product; it felt nice on and left my hair smooth. I used over have the jar though so...maybe I'll try what's leftover as a hair cream.
 I then continued with my normal routine which is adding a leave-in, moisturizer, oil/butter, and then braiding or twisting to air-dry.

A few days later I used the styling creme (not pictured) which seems more like a gel and serum hybrid. I thought it was ok. I used it to slick and smooth my hair back. And I used a tiny bit of the texture balm (not pictured) on top of the cream. The balm is like your standard oil and wax-like balm or pomade. It's a little less greasy than some though. I liked it ok but I have others that I like more.

Overall, I thought this system was good, not great. At least not for my hair. Granted, I have only used the system once and some people recommend using products for at least a month to see how they really perform. But I think I've got a pretty good idea of what my hair likes. Besides, these won't  last me a month  And I can't spend $29.95 on products that are going to barely last 2 washes.  I think this system is probably better for those with normal, fine, relaxed, wavy, and/or looser curly hair.
What are your thoughts?
Do you want to try Wen?
Have you used Wen? If so, do you like it?

Glamour Birchbox July 2012

Hi all! I did a little video to show you what I got in my Birchbox.Check it out! And, I'll still provide links to the products below.



Manna Kadar sheer glo shimmer lotion (.01 fl oz/3ml sample tube)
Nice shimmer. I'll probably mix a little with lotion. Full size retails for $29

Laura Geller Double Dipped Lipstick in Caribbean Kiss (Full size :))
Nice basic colors that I can mix with other colors. Full Size retails for $17.50

Oscar de la Renta Live in Love (.01 fl oz/ 3ml sample vial)
Don't love it, don't hate it. Full size retails for $25-$78

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ( 0.14/4ml 3 sample packets)
I'll see how it works for me. Full size retails for $38

Birchbox Earbuds - I really needed some new earbuds

Jazjewelz - 15% Off Coupon Code

Hi all! I am offering a little discount in my etsy shop from now through July 4, 2012. Use code FREEDOM15  at checkout to get 15% off of your order . Happy Shopping!
Jazjewelz.etsy.com