CureDiva – Navigating the Beauty Aisle as a Breast Cancer Fighter

makeup-789807_1280

  1.  Be gentle with your movements and your moisturizers – read the label:
    Use only hypoallergenic products, or those that don’t have harsh ingredients such as acids, emulsifiers, preservatives, fragrances, mineral oils, silicones, dyes or amines. You want happier, more comfortable skin, so scan your products for these ingredients and restock your supplies with organic, chemical-free and sensitive items. CureDiva.com has an entire line of facial natural and organic skin care.
  2.  Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize:
    To prevent dryness and cracked, uncomfortable skin, be sure to moisturize immediately after washing and toweling dry. This means for your body, apply moisturizer after the bath or shower; For your face, apply moisturizer in the morning and at night; For your hands, moisturize after washing many times during the day; For your lips, use a hydrating lip balm throughout the day.

moisturizer

3.  Acne at our age?  Yes, some chemo treatments can cause acne on the face and scalp. Even if you suffered from acne before, take another look at your old acne ointments. They usually contain salicylic acid, retinol, benzoyl peroxide and other harsh ingredients that further dry and irritate skin. Try more natural solutions like Acne Clarifying Serum by Nurture my Body and a mild, natural soap.

1403Lymphedema

4.  SPF should become more than just an afterthought:  Although SPF is used in the summer outdoors, it should become a priority when in treatment. Chemo skin is super sensitive, especially to sun exposure which can cause lasting damage even in the winter. Wear sunscreen whenever you go out, and protect your skin with UV-protective clothing (hats, gloves, long sleeves). With skincare and beauty products, choosing an SPF version is best.  While it can be overwhelming to find products that are safe on skin and look and smell great, asking your doctor or a friend who has been through treatment is the best way to receive a referral. Websites like CureDiva.com provide a great amount of information for those going through treatment to get the answers they need.

5.  Fingernail care:  Some chemo drugs can cause finger and toenail damage. They become dry, cracked and may start lifting up. Apply cuticle balm and lots of hand cream. Checking out the label is relevant here. Switch to water-based nail color like CureDiva’s water-based nail polish by Acquarella which is my favorite when I’m dressing up!

livid

South Moon Under Spring Fashion and Accessories

There’s something about the photos (below) that made me excited about dressing for warmer weather!  It’s time to transition out of faux fur and into those maxi dresses!  I like South Moon Under because their brand truly epitomizes my individual style.  Their clothing’s on trend, laid back, but most importantly, it’s well-made.

178528-NAVY-a-tn180127-WHTM-a-tn180022-WHT-a-tn178758-BLCK-a-l1_large

Yes, the prices are a bit different from other retailers but I am the type of girl who will wear a maxi dress several times before donating.  My favorite dress should not start ripping at the seams or (even worse) the zipper breaking.  The store also has “cool kids” accessories such as Kate Spade Sunglasses, Flash Tattoos, Beauty Blender Sponge, and Spanx Panties.

mini-emoji-color-hot-pink-best-friends_grande

I like to wear fedora hats, jumpsuits, hoop earrings, and denim skirts.  Dressing for me is about what I want to communicate during that particular time.  My body frame is petite (short girl) and due to this you will rarely see me wear flared pants or dolman sleeve tops.  Having great style is about wearing what makes you feel comfortable and understanding what works for your figure type.

Enjoy the coupon below (click on the photo) and start updating your Spring wardrobe today!


 

South Moon Under Affiliate Program

Mascara Favorites for Reasonable Price – Top Three Brands

Can we talk about the use of mascara?  I’ve discussed on this website my obsession with the product due to having small eyes.  After months of testing various wands, I want to share my top three favorite brands.  All of the products featured are under the price of $25.00 and can be picked up at any beauty store.

Lash-Senational_pack-shot41415

This is the ultimate mascara and has nothing to do with the great price!  After visiting numerous Youtube videos, a fellow vlogger shared her love for this mascara.  I decided to test it out for myself and discovered that my eyes looked amazing without faux lashes.  Maybelline Lash Sensational can be purchased everywhere from Target to Rite-Aide.

2289064

LOreal Voluminous Superstar was second in demand.  This particular mascara has a two-step process for any makeup enthusiast.  Start with the primer on your lashes for volume and apply the super-lifting mascara.  My lashes appeared much longer with the use of this brand.

Elizabeth Arden Grand Entrance

Elizabeth Arden Grand Entrance was sent for a product review.  This mascara made the list because the wand is small which decreases clumps, flakes, or smudges.  The Elizabeth Arden brand is a bit more expensive but does yield amazing results.

If you have a favorite brand of mascara that’s not listed here, please feel free to share in the comments section below!

Martha Stewart Weddings Big Day Beauty Guide

For the fifth year in a row, Martha Stewart Weddings has unveiled its Big-Day Beauty Awards, where they surveyed more than 500 recent brides to find their tried-and-true favorites for that special day.

From skin prep and hair products to cleansing products and cosmetics, Martha Stewart Wedding’s editor Amy Conway shared a few of the 42 best products that brides swear by. Below are a few of this year’s winners and here is the limited online feature

LIP COLOR WINNER: Chanel Rouge Coco ($36)
Available in 29 shades, this lipstick lasts, looks beautiful, and feels amazing. Brides say: “Gorgeous, moisturizing color in one perfect package.”

S172440_LARGE

STAY-PUT SPRAY: TRESemme TRES Two Extra Hold Hairspray
This humidity-resistant, water-free hairspray holds updos with grace and keeps down-dos in place with our compromising touchability. Consider this product an insurance policy for your hair.

2041373

ALL OVER COVER-UP: MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer ($21)
Offering up to 15 hours of foolproof production and available in 16 shades, this concealer is a necessity for a long day of celebrations. Brides say: “It’s one and done . . . even if you apply it in the morning, it lasts well into the night.”

mac_sku_M02123_640x600_0

SHINING GLORY: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector ($41)
Whether dabbed on cheekbones or mixed with foundation to fake a dewy complexion, this creamy creation is worth of a white carpet. Brides say: “Red-carpet magic in a bottle.”

s1538107-main-zoom

SUPER SHADOW: Urban Decay Naked Palette ($54)
With more than twice the votes of the runner-up, making for its third win in our beauty awards, this palette remains brides’ choice for eye-popping appeal. While everyone has her favorite (there are four iterations), one things is certain: you’ll get tons of mileage from each 12-shade pan.

604214916630_naked

MAJOR MASCARA: Maybelline Volum’Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara ($6)
This mascara is waterproof, clump-free, and dramatic – which is exactly what you need on your big day. Brides say: “Creates length and volume without much fuss. . . I’m often asked if my lashes are real because they look so dramatic, and who doesn’t love that?”

2218874

Sparkling Ice Teas New Flavors – Product Review

WHAT: Sparkling Ice®, part of the Talking Rain® Beverage Company portfolio, announced a new packaging design for its great tasting, zero calorie, Sparkling Ice Tea product line, which now includes Lemon Tea, Raspberry Tea, Peach Tea and new Half & Half flavors.

Sparkling Ice

The introduction of the Sparkling Ice Tea collection in early 2015 provided the brand with a new opportunity to expand on-shelf presence at retailers nationwide by offering a variety of products in assorted categories to meet a wide-range of consumer demands. The new packaging features bold colors and bright fonts designed to reflect each of the Sparkling Ice Tea flavors and refreshing characteristics.

As part of the new design debut, Sparkling Ice will also merge its current Sparkling Ice Lemonade with Tea product into the tea collection, renaming the flavor “Sparkling Ice Tea Half & Half.” Half & Half has the same great taste that consumers have come to love, and makes the perfect addition to Sparkling Ice Tea’s line of refreshing pick-me-ups that deliver just the right amount of fizz.

The full Sparkling Ice Teas collection now includes, Raspberry Tea, Lemon Tea, Peach Tea, and Half & Half flavors.

WHEN: April 5th, 2016

WHY: As the leaders in the sparkling water category, Sparkling Ice continuously seeks out new opportunities to meet the demands of our dedicated customers. Through the redesign and expansion of its Ice Tea collection, Sparkling Ice is responding directly to consumers searching for healthier beverage options.

WHERE: The new teas packaging is currently available in select retail outlets across the country via single serve bottles. For more information about Sparkling Ice products and flavors, please visit www.SparklingIce.com and www.facebook.com/SparklingICE.

About Sparkling Ice Beverages:
Sparkling Ice beverages combine sparkling water, natural flavors, fruit juice, vitamins and antioxidants to offer a great tasting lightly carbonated beverage, all without the calories. Sparkling Ice is the Bold Side of Water, offering a bold, flavored, lightly-carbonated beverage that appeals to all age groups. Available in eleven refreshing flavors: Black Raspberry, Orange Mango, Pink Grapefruit, Kiwi Strawberry, Coconut Pineapple, Pomegranate Blueberry, Peach Nectarine, Lemon Lime, Crisp Apple, Cherry Limeade, Strawberry Watermelon and new in 2016 Black Cherry. Sparkling Ice Lemonades, launched in 2013, are available in three refreshing flavors: Classic Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade and Peach Lemonade. Sparkling Ice Teas launched nationally in 2015 and include Peach Tea, Raspberry Tea, Lemon Tea and Half & Half flavors. SPARKLING ICE can be found in retailers nationwide. Sparkling Ice is part of the Talking Rain family of beverages, and retails for $1.19-$1.29. To locate Sparkling Ice, visit www.sparklingice.com/locate/.

Review – 

Truthfully, we consume too many beverages that are not healthy.  Our selections are either loaded with sugar, sodium, acid, or caffeine.  In a previous life (teaching Nutrition and Foods) I learned that anything your body craves is considered a deficit.  This means your body has a lack of the proper vitamins or minerals.

Sparkling Ice is a great substitute from our normal unhealthy beverages because it’s caffeine free, gluten-free, and zero calories.  To make this beverage more appealing, it comes in a variety of flavors!

My first connection with the product was actually through my husband.  He tested one for me (smile) and said, “Kim this tastes really good!”  From that point, I have started to sip Sparkling Ice as a soda substitute.  My favorite flavor is the Raspberry Tea.

Take my advice and try Sparkling Ice Tea to get on track with your dietary needs!

IMG_3625IMG_3623

Wildfox and Nordstrom Fragrance Event – Walk on the Wild Side

Stop by Nordstrom Montgomery Mall during their Beauty Trend Week for an exclusive Wildfox Fragrance Event! Take a walk on the wild side by dropping by the Wildfox counter to experience a scent journey that’ll leave you feeling dreamy. For an added bonus, layer Wildfox body crème frosting plus a spritz of Wildfox juice. See complete details below:

WILDFOX Fragrance

Nordstrom Montgomery Mall
Saturday, April 16th – 10am-9pm
7111 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
(301) 365-4111

Follow Nordstrom Beauty:
Twitter: @Nordstrom
Facebook: facebook.com/nordstrom
Instagram: @Nordstrom
Pinterest: pinterest.com/nordstrom
Blog: blogs.nordstrom.com/beauty
#Nordstrom

RESPECT by PRSVR – DC Lifestyle Boutique Grand Opening

Washington, DC’s fashion scene has something to celebrate! The newest RESPECT by PRSVR Lifestyle Boutique will be opening in the city April 15th. Located in the historic Shepherd Park neighborhood at 7610 Georgia Ave NW Washington DC 20012​, PRSVR will host a 2 day opening celebration on Friday, April 15th and Saturday, April 16th.

cafe1_grande

Brandon Williamson, CEO of PRSVR, has been waiting for the opportunity to have a presence in the DC market. The Chicago born Elevated Lifestyle Brand will introduce a new concept where the entire store will be for sale. The lighting, art, furniture and of course the clothing!

RESPECT by PRSVR will launch with a 2­Day Grand Opening Featuring:
Friday 4/15/16​: Slayed ­ A Presentation of Style for Spring 2016 (7 PM­10 PM)
Saturday 4/16/16​: Squad Up: A Pop­Up BBQ for Cool Kids and their Parents (12 PM­4PM)

Currently operating a flagship store on the famous Michigan Ave, the family owned fashion powerhouse is ready to show a different side of the brand. PRSVR, which stands for Persevere, is based on thefundamentals of Passion, Resilience, Sacrifice, Values, and Respect. The Georgia Ave location, named RESPECT by PRSVR, will be the second of 5 new locations to open around the world. “We aim to fill a void in the marketplace. PRSVR is a brand that caters to families living and working in the city, and offers a unique shopping experience for those who strive to follow their passions”, says Margaret Williamson, Brand Manager for PRSVR. The store will feature one-of-a-kind artwork, clothing, footwear, and furniture all from minority and independent designers. “We are bringing back the old school boutique. The place you went to find that piece that no one else will have!,” says Brandon Williamson, CEO and Designer of PRSVR.

The DC outpost will be the brand’s only brick and mortar presence outside of Chicago. RESPECT creates an environment where men, women, and children will find unique pieces of clothing, footwear, and home decor to elevate their lifestyles. RESPECT by PRSVR is created for the new generation of “ballers and gangsters”, for those entrepreneurs and millennials who turn their passions into paychecks.

Experience the PRSVR lifestyle via www.shopprsvr.com, @PRSVR, and @RESPECTDC. For more
information, contact Margaret Williamson at 855­BY­PRSVR, or info@prsvr.com.

To attend the grand opening events, please RSVP to RSVP@PRSVR.com. For all media inquiries, please contact​ ​candice@candicenicolepr.com.

ABOUT PRSVR, or Persevere- An Elevated Lifestyle Brand owned and operated by husband and wife Brandon and Margaret Williamson. The Chicago based company caters to those who live and work in the city. “Our goal is to create stylish, yet functional pieces that complement a busy lifestyle,” says CEO Brandon Williamson. Launched in September of 2012, the collections of travelwear, footwear, and luggage are sought by celebrities, bloggers, stylists, and everyday city dwellers. Standout clients include basketball star Kevin Durant, actress/singer Zendaya, and Hip Hop artists Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj. The brand has been featured on Empire, in a McDonald’s commercial, and in several publications including the Chicago Sun Times, Fashion Bomb Daily, Good Day Chicago, XXL, 360 Magazine, and Athlete’s Quarterly.

GO YOU! ACTIVE EVENT FEATURING ROZONDA “CHILLI” THOMAS – Macy’s Lenox Square Mall

Macys-logo

Lenox Square Mall

SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2016

12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Join Macy’s for a fabulous health and wellness-focused event featuring Fitness Expert, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas as she teaches you the dance moves from her hit single “Body”. Also, there will be fun challenges provided by the Fitness organization Divas in Defense!

Plus, see the newest looks in activewear from head to toe.

Chilli Thomas

For more details visit: macys.com/events or RSVP visit www.gochilli.eventbrite.com. #goyou