Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Upcoming Events: Howard Art Market (H.A.M) at Sol Cafe

This coming Sunday, 04/27/13, I'll be participating in the Howard Art Market. This market will be held at Sol Cafe from 10am-4pm. There will be several other artists there selling their wares too. So please stop by it you're in the neighborhood. Support local artists and get a cappuccino while your at it. Also, 10% of proceeds will benefit Hilda's Place which is a women's shelter. Hope to see ya Sunday!

What: H.A.M
When: 04/27/13
Where: 1015 W. Howard
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: Free to enter

Out and About: Free Makeup Class at Sephora!

I was wandering (aimlessly) at Sephora a couple of week ago when an associate asked if I would be interested in attending a makeup class. She gave me the rundown on what the class would be about and when it would take place. I was nodding slowly until she said the magic word, Free. Then I quickly agreed to take the class, although it was at 10am on a Sunday. And, I think I do an ok job with my makeup, I'm always open to learning more.

When I went to the class and there were about 15 other ladies there. Tables were set up with makeup brushes, products, mirrors and a clipboard with a form to jot down notes. This particular class was called Standout Eyes. We learned how to do a basic eyes into eveinig smoky look. There were about 3 instructors One worked on a model while the other two gave us hands-on help. And several ladies needed plenty of help because they never really wore makeup.

I didn't need very much help since this was such a basic eye. I did learn a new technique though. It's called tightlining which is lining the underside of your top lid; right under the lashline. I tried this technique and it really did make a difference. That was a great take-away from this class and I'll definitely be incorporating it into my routine.
Another take-away was goodie bag that had two full size products inside. And please note that I had no idea there would be freebies (though I hoped so). The products I got were Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream and Fresh Soy Face Cleanser.

Overall, I had a nice time.  I even signed up to try another class in a few weeks. I think it's on lashes. I'll keep you posted on that one. And I'll try to take a few more pictures.



Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Conscious Box Mystery Box Unboxing April 2013

Conscious Box, it's a monthly subscription service that offers 10-12 products that are vegan, fair trade, certified organic, cruelty free, and/or more. I subscribed to Conscious Box last year( and loved it)  but decided to let the subscription lapse because I'm trying to get my money life in order. I have really missed that box, so I was happy to see this mystery box which was available for a one-time only delivery. I decided to purchase it and I filmed the unboxing. Check out the video and photos below to see what I got.


 


Monday, April 22, 2013

Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Pudding Souffle Braidout

In a previous post  I mentioned how I went to an Eden BodyWorks event and got their new Coconut Shea Pudding Souffle in a goodie bag. Well, I tried that product out and I liked it. I used it to do a braidout and filmed what the results looked like. You can see the results in the first video below. The second video is just showing what the actual product looks like (color, thickness, consistency, etc...) Check them out and let me know what you think.And note, this is not really a review-just a little show and tell ;-)

This product is available at Edenbodyworks.net and retails for $8.99
Will also so be available at Walgreens, Walmart, Curlmart.com, and Sally Beauty Supply.










Wednesday, April 17, 2013

New Fave Fragrance: MCMC Phoenix

I have a new favorite fragrance and it's called MCMC Phoenix and I fell in love with it after getting a sample in my November 2012 birchbox . I wanted to get the full size but I didn't want to spend money (budget woes) and I didn't want to use so many of my Birchbox points.I don't think I had that many at the time. 

 Well, a couple weeks ago, Birchbox had sort of a flash sale and the Phoenix rollerball was only $25. FYI, I love rollerball and solid perfumes.  I wasted no time buying it. And yes, I used my points instead my cash. Those points really do come in handy when you want products but don't want to spend money. I'm so glad I got it. 
It's smells really great to me. Warm but still fresh, clean and not really sparkly. Plus, it's natural and it lasts; I still love it at the end of the day.I love it so that I'm curious to see what the other MCMC fragrances smell like. You can check them out on the MCMC site.  

Here's a little bit about MCMC Phoenix from MCMCfragrances.com


"Phoenix is about a girl I know. With fair skin and light blond hair, she’s ethereal and beautiful like a mythical fire bird. When I call her she does not come, but she floats in and out of my life.  
With top notes of peach and cherry blossom, gradually giving way to sturdy Tunisian neroli and a light, powdery vanilla"






photo souce (top): mcmcfragrances.com

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Out And About: Eden Body Works Style With Eden Chicago!


Last Thursday I attended the Eden BodyWorks Style With Eden event where they presented  their new Coconut Shea Line hair care line. The evening started with a little mixing and  mingling and there were plenty of folks there that I've met over years because of natural hair.  There were also small bites and cocktails.
Then there was a panel discussion which ranged from Fashion to haircare.

The panelists were hair stylist Alecia Tucker-Perkins, Autumn Merritt of Sir & Madame boutique, and fashion stylist Aramide Esubi of The Sassy Peach. They offered plenty of tips for styling your outfits and your hair. They also talked about trends for spring and much  more. There were also models (Nikia and Rachel) wearing ensembles by Sir & madame boutique with hair styled by Alecia.

Next, Ylorie Anderson (VP of marketing at Eden BodyWorks) introduced us to the new Coconut Shea Line which consists of a cleansing cowash, leave-in conditioner, control edge glaze (gel), curl defining creme, and a pudding souffle. Then Alecia talked about how she used the Coconut Shea line to style the models' hair. She particularly raved about the leave-in conditioner which is on my to-try list.



Lastly,  goodie bags were passed out. They contained a full-size Coconut Shea product along with samples from  Eden BodyWorks' other lines. I got the full-size pudding souffle, samples of Peppermint tea tree shampoo, conditioner, and Jojoba monoi shampoo. While I have tried products from  Peppermint Tea Tree, I have yet to use any of the Jojoba Monoi products; I hear the deep conditioner is amazing. Must try it. And I can't wait to try my souffle.



 I had to jet right after I got my bag because a friend offered to give me a ride home and she needed to leave. Note, I don't pass up rides. Ever. Any chance to not take public transportation (CTA) is highly appreciated. So if one asks if I want a ride, the answer is always, of course.


Below is some random footage from event. It was my attempt to do something while I was there.
See, whenever I go to these things, I truly intend to take photos, tweet, FB, instagram, youtube and all that. But I just end up checking in via foursquare, making one lone tweet and maybe an Instagram. Sad, I know, but I promise to do better. Meanwhile, Briana of The Mane Source was there working all the social networking platforms. There is  photo of me somewhere on  her Instagram. And of course I hate the way I look in it. One day I'll master that glamour shot, lol.

You can follow @EdenBodyworks on FB, Twitter, and Instagram. Seach the hashtag #StyleWithEden to see more from this event.












                                         
                 



April 2013 Birchbox And Women's Health (Unboxing)

I got my Birchbox yesterday and opened it up right away. And I filmed my Unboxing with my iPhone since I'm in need of a camera.  Anyway, here's what I got and I'm satisfied with it. Check out the video and feel free to comment, rate, and subscribe. 
Join Birchbox HERE:








Caudalie Divine Oil - 0.1 oz vial
retails for $9-49
Very light all-over oil with slight floral scent

Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir-0.14oz
Full-size retails for $20.99
I tested this on a small piece of dry hair. It felt nice going on  and added a little shine.  This is a tiny vial though and I have a bunch of hair. So I doubt I'll be able to test it all-over my head. We'll see.


Strivectin Eye Concentrate for wrinkles0.25oz tube
Full-size retails for $65
This is a very generous tube. I'll add it to my eyecream sample collection. I'll won't need to by eye cream for a while. 




Weleda Body Lotion - 3 samples 
Full retails for $16.50
I've tried Weleda body lotion before and I like them. They moisturize well and have a medium-light consistency. My fave scents are the pomegranate and sea buckthorn. 


Youngblood Anti-shine Mattifier - 0.05oz sample
Full-size retails for $36
This is a balm type of mattifier that you smooth over shiny areas. 
Seems to work well. I'll see if the mattifying results last don't turn in to oil like some of the other balm-like mattifiers I have tried. 

One Year Subscription for Women's Health Magazine
(valued at $9.99)
I have not subscribed to a magazine in a while, so it will be nice to get this in the mail


Check some of my  Birchbox Unboxings

January 2013
December 2012
November 2012
October 2012
September 2012
August Birchbox 2012
Glamour Birchbox July

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Gift Certificates Are Now Available!

I finally added gift certificates to my Etsy shop. They are the perfect gift for any occasion. And especially great for when you can't quite decide what to buy that special someone.
Certificates are available in denominations of $20, $25, and $30 for the moment. However, I will do other denominations by request. Check them out at jazjewelz.etsy.com.









Tuesday, April 2, 2013

New Items In My Etsy Shop!

I've added a few new pieces to my etsy shop including some very colorful beaded hoops. Check them out and let me know what you think.



                                                               Colorful Beaded Hoop














This item has sold out but I'll be adding more. 
Join me on Facebook for updates.