Victoria's Secret: Rose Foil + Neon Hot Pink

My amazing boyfriend Joe goes above and beyond when it comes to surprising me with gifts. Especially those little gems from one of my favorite stores, Victoria's Secret. I was only a child when I first discovered Victoria's Secret and back then, the brand was different. And although it has always been a great brand, it has evolved immensely since then.

Everything is intensified now. Back then, they had an array of beautiful styles, but it wasn't original let alone different than what you could find in your nearest department store. Now, they have unique things that you cannot find other places that in short, stand out.

 

The Very Sexy in the Rose Foil (which you can find here) and in the Neon Hot Pink (which you can grab here) are stunning. The colors really embody romance at it's finest and are the perfect dynamic duo to wear during the holidays, including Valentine's Day which is approaching us soon. My boo said he loved these colors hence why he got them for me for Christmas.

 

Remember, today is the start of their semi-annual sale online so you can expect to save up to 60% off, sometimes more. The deals are endless and this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of them considering the brand is offering free shipping when you spend $50 on clothing or $100 or more on your entire purchase. To get started shopping at Victoria's Secret, just click here.

Victoria's Secret: Love Red Lace with Nude Illusion Embellished + Silver Foil

Do you know what today is? Today is Victoria's Secret's semi-annual sale online. Not sure when it is suppose to happen in-stores, but I think if you tweet @VictoriasSecret you could probably find out when. I am a huge fan of Victoria's Secret. I don't care what anyone says, I love their bras. My favorite collections are both the Very Sexy and the Dream Angels; however, for Christmas this year my boo bought me a lot of bra and panty sets from the Very Sexy line.

The two new additions include the Very Sexy in both the Love Red Lace with Nude Illusion Embellished and in the Silver Foil. You grab these two gems both here. The matching thongs really make me love and appreciate these stunning VS additions even more so. Absolutely gorgeous and look even more beautiful in person than in the photos.

 

To get started shopping at Victoria's Secret just click here right now.

Victoria's Secret: Ivory Embellished

 

As many of you already know, I love shopping at Victoria's Secret. I love everything from the bra and panty sets to the underwear (bikini, cheekini, brief, hipster, thong, G-string, etc.) to the pajamas and lounge wear to even their beauty products including their fragrances. Recently, I have also garnered a liking towards their swimwear along with their athletic (or sport line). Last year, I was very proud of my bikini purchase, as earlier this year I was very proud of my sports bra and matching pant purchase, so of course when my boo asked me what I wanted for Christmas, one of the first things I said to him was "Victoria's Secret".

I don't know a single woman who would turn down Victoria's Secret, as the brand has evolved and offers an extensive selection of bras, panties, lingerie, sleep, beauty, swim, sport and clothing. They also offer and individual PINK line and an array of ongoing clearance. Every time I go into a store or look at the official website, I am like a kid in a candy store.

One of my very first choices was the Very Sexy push-up in Ivory Embellished. The matching thong of course is gorgeous too. Included with the purchase was this beautiful yet quite chic and simple backpack kind of bag. I really enjoy Victoria's Secret's gift with purchases (or GWPs) because they offer a great selection quite often. I am so happy I grabbed this bra and panty set while I did, as I looked on the website today and it is sold out. I am unsure if they are still offering it for sale or if you have to shop via catalog to find it or if they are going to include it in their semi-annual sale which started at 3 am this morning on the website.

If you are looking to shop at Victoria's Secret, I suggest heading to the official website today, as they just started their semi-annual sale this morning. You can save a lot of money. If you make any clothing purchases of $50 or more, you can receive free shipping. And if you spend $100 or more, you can receive free shipping on your purchases too. I am unsure when the semi-annual starts offline (or in-store) but I am sure you can ask one of the representatives on the site, as they offer online chat. You can also tweet them @VictoriasSecret and ask them when it starts in-store.

Giant Plush Zebra by Melissa & Doug

My amazing boo Joe really went above and beyond this holiday season. As a man who is naturally wonderful and full of surprises, he surprised me this Christmas with this huge zebra from Melissa & Doug. As I am a huge lover of Nordstrom, we both saw this zebra there and of course, Joe knew how much I loved it so it was one of quite a few Christmas gifts to me from him this year.

 

They have an extensive selection of plush toys that are great for all ages. I actually just discovered this cheetah the other day, although I have to admit, I am a huge zebra fan so of course that is what made me gravitate towards the zebra more so.

 

Melissa & Doug also offers an array of other tools such as games and even personalized play. I know when I have children, I will definitely be buying quite a few things from this amazing toy brand.

The zebra is available now at Nordstrom for about $100. Since they are having their annual after Christmas sale, I am sure it has been marked down. To grab it before it's gone, just click here now.

December 2015: Beauty Favorites

The red velvet roses at ProFlowers, one of my
favorites for December.

As December is one of the most exciting months of the year, it is also the final month of the year. With everything from Christmas to Boxing Day to NYE, a lot of amazing things always happen this month. As we say goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016, there are an array of new discoveries including beauty favorites. So, what are my beauty favorites for the month of December?
 
MAKEUP

One of the most popular makeup techniques in the world today is contouring and what better way to embrace the concept than with this amazingly new discovery, the AEsethica Cream Contour Kit. For only $59, this incredible contour palette is one of my beauty favorites for the month and features 6 silky creams that work together to sculpt and define your face, allowing you to put only your best face forward. As we head into 2016, I am definitely taking this AEsthetica addition with me.
 
SKIN CARE
 
Infused with everything from argan, borage, arnica and more, the Tata Harper Beautifying Oil works to hydrate the skin as well as, brighten the skin delivering only instantaneous moisture that corrects and protects your skin's natural acid mantle. For under $50, this product is 100% organic and is free of everything from synthetic chemicals and fragrances to even fillers, sulfates, parabens, GMOs and even gluten. As one of my beauty favorites this month, I am confident that once you discover this amazing face oil from Tata Harper it will become one of your favorites too.

BATH & BODY

Whether you are looking for the perfect pore purge or simply that divine detox, you can get all of that and more with the detoxing truffles. Made with real food-grade activated charcoal, these incredible additions to the CHEN brand will not only unclog pores, they will heal and nourish your skin too. Whether you have dry, oil, combination and even sensitive skin, this essential is great for every skin type. Available at CHEN Skin Health, the detoxing truffles start at $5 each when you buy 5 ($25) and go up from there. As they work amazing on the body, they also work on the face too. Definitely one of my personal favorites this month.

FRAGRANCE

The discovered the Mix•o•logie, including it's Blendable Perfume Collecton set earlier this month. The entire set comes fully equipped a beautiful box with eight rollerball fragrance oils along with seven recipe cards. The fragrance oils include: Electric (citrus twist), Serene (light floral), Tenacious (crisp vanilla), Sultry (wild musk), Free (ocean mist), Assured (natural), Inspired (rose floral) and Tender (Fruity). You can create your own fragrance and the best part is, everything is free of alcohol so it is not harsh and smells quite natural. The Mixologie Blendable Perfume collection is available for just $69.

HAIR

Ever since I discovered Style Edit's Root Concealer, I have been quite obsessed with it. It is a magnificient mask for every hair color and it is great for those of you who want to extend the life of your color and will give you the much needed boost you are looking to achieve from such a product, as well. The applicator literally targets the area (or areas) that need the color and applies it generously. The best part is, it isn't permanent and is free from parabens and peroxide too. Available in virtually every shade for $24.50, this spectacular Style Edit addition is a product you will benefit from.

NAILS

One of my favorite nail products if not my favorite for the month of December is definitely the New Globe Walk Snow Globe nail polish from NAILS INC. For only $15, this nail polish really brings so much to this month. As the sparkles tend to lay on the bottom, you can shake the bottle and it transforms into a gorgeous gold glitter nail polish. The sparkle in this fabulous NAILS INC. is very light, but you can apply it generously for a more glam look which I love. This nail polish is limited-edition so once it is gone, it is gone for good. That is unless they bring it back of course.
 
TOOLS
 
When I first discovered the Beauty Rounds from the Q-tips brand I was quite baffled. Baffled in the best way possible, that is. Why? Because they are not only incredibly effective, but they are also affordable. They also work for almost everything. Whether you want to remove your makeup or even tone your skin, you can use them. Whether you want to apply and blend your makeup, the beauty rounds work. Are you looking to remove your nail polish? If so, you will love these even more. If you are looking to clean your makeup brushes, they are an amazing essential that can help. You can grab the Q-tips Beauty Rounds at your nearest Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid. You can also find them online at Amazon too.
 
OTHER
 
My boyfriend Joe recently found himself on ProFlowers.com where he discovered an amazing bouquet of red velvet roses. For only $49.99 you can get 18 or for $69.98 you can get 36 plus the price of the vase, shipping and other additions. Also, if packages interest you that allow you to gift someone for 2 days, you can give 18 red velvet roses plus 6 of their swizzled berries or you can give 36 red velvet roses plus 12 of their swizzled berries. Prices vary and are subject to change on the packages. These are a beauty favorite simply because they look even more striking in person than they do in the photo. To complete this month's beauty favorites, if you are interested in beautiful roses, these are the one for you.

Merry Christmas 2015

When I think of how the holidays were when I was a child versus now, a lot has changed. I believed in Santa for the longest time and assumed he was real until my mom finally told me he was a myth. I remember I would wake up early so excited to find presents under the tree. On December 23rd and Christmas Eve (the 24th) I would write several Christmas lists and place them all over the house. I would even leave cookies all over the house too hoping to get "Santa's" attention. I also believed the more cookies I would bake for Santa, the more presents I would get in return.  

 

Then, I would be so happy to see my grandmother (who is now deceased and has been for quite sometime, RIP) the early morning into the early evening of Christmas day. We would celebrate Christmas at her house, as it was a tradition. She would cook and my mom, aunts and other family members would join her in the kitchen. It was different then. Back then I was all about the presents, the food, the music and getting time off of school. The memories. I also knew the origin of Christmas, as it was the birthday of our father, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Evidently, I appreciate a lot more now than just that.

 

In fact, what I love about the holidays goes beyond decorations that dangle on the tree, hearing Christmas music on virtually every radio station, bright white snow sinking into the earth's crust for the season or the gourmand scents that manifest the kitchen when cooking kringle. What l love about the holidays goes beyond opening gifts, enjoying time off from work to sleep in and sipping on classic grade A Moscato.

 

What I do love about the holidays, Christmas in particular, is living in the moment. Whether it means placing a new ornament on the tree, shopping for Joe or simply cooking a new recipe for the first time. I also love being surrounded by good energy. And by good energy, I mean by wonderful people. By those who I love and those who love me. The holidays are the time to not only love life, but appreciate every moment and memory breeding experience life offers, as if it were the last. Experiencing them is one thing, but sharing those experiences with wonderful people is always a blessing to me.

 

Everything has been the same since I can remember and yet every year there is "something" new and unique. Whether it is a new experience or even a memory created by another one. Nothing ever fades and that is the beauty of the holidays, of Christmas. To me, that is what this day is all about.

 

I hope you enjoy today, as I hope you are having a wonderful day. From my house to your house, Merry Christmas!

One of many surprises this holiday from my amazing boo



Thank you so much, Joe for the amazing flowers. I love them so much. The 'Red Velvet Roses' from Pro Flowers are stunning. Even more beautiful in person than in the picture. When I look at these roses, I think of the beauty of life, the power of love and all of the wonderful things that have happened, are currently happening and will continue to happen in the future.

 

 

 

When I look back 17 years ago from past until present, what we originally had evolved into something greater. I feel like our love is stronger today. Thank you for everything you do, as I appreciate you so much too.

 

 

For those of you reading my blog (including those new readers), I hope you will find love soon and if you already have one - love and appreciate him for everything he does for you. Happy Holidays!

Top 10 Christmas songs of all time

I love music and can appreciate every single band and artist under the sun, which is why it was a lot harder than you think to create this top-10 list of Christmas songs. There were quite a few that I contemplated adding, as there were a few that I wanted to add. Evidently those would have made another top list that was longer in length. Either way you put it, Christmas is approaching in just a few days so what better way to enjoy this amazing day with wonderful music. Here are my top 10 favorite Christmas songs of all time

 

1. Christmas Eve/Sarajevo by Trans-Siberian Orchestra

2. Santa bring my baby (back to me) by Elvis

3. Run Run Rudolph by Chuck Berry

4. All I want for Christmas is you by Mariah Carey

5. Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms

6. Merry Christmas Baby by Otis Redding

7. Thank God it's Christmas by Queen

8. It's the most wonderful time of the Year by Andy Williams

9. Rockin Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee

10. A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives

 

What are your top 10 favorite Christmas songs of all time? I would really love to know. Happy Holidays!

Holiday Hair Hacks from TRESemmé

TRESemmé offers some of the greatest
hair care essentials in the world today.

TRESemmé is a world-renowned hair care brand that can be found in virtually every drugstore across America. Started in the late 40s (1947 to be exact). After being part of the Godefroy Manufacturing company for many years, TRESemmé was purchased a little over two decades in 1968 by Alberto-Culver. With the intent to distribute only to salons, TRESemmé eventually became an Unilever brand. With everything from shampoos and conditioners to an array of styling products, this amazing hair brand is the official sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

 

For the holidays TRESemmé has shared various ways to keep your hair very merry and bright during the holiday season. So, what are they?

 

Suffering from dry hair? No problem. Just wash and condition your hair with the TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo followed by the TRESemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner. The Moisture Rich line offers targeted hydration which works to restore hair from root-to-tip.

 

Looking to protect your hair? Simply use the TRESemmé Thermal Creations Mousse for the ultimate blow out experience. Heat can do a lot to hair; however, you should never feel guilty about blow drying your hair let alone straightening or curling it. Another amazing product is the TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray. By adding these products into your life, you achieve results without ruining your hair.

 

Is your hair frizzy? Are you searching for smooth hair? Just apply the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Smoothing Crème Serum. As the ultimate treatment, this is a real gift for your hair so expect nothing short of amazing.

 

Looking for a chic yet very sleek style? Simply apply the TRESemmé Extra Firm Gel. Not only will this hair care styling essential keep your hair in place, but it will create a very chic yet sleek style without weighing the hair down.

 

Suffering from static? No Problem. Just take the TRESemmé Climate Control Hair Spray and style your hair a spritz of this incredible styling product and addition to TRESemmé. The cold weather can really counteract with your style in more ways than one. The last thing you want is for your hair to turn into a dryer sheet this holiday season.

 

Do you want to bring some holiday cheer to your hair this season? Simply grab the TRESemmé Fresh Start Voluminizing Shampoo Dry Shampoo and spray your hair. It is the perfect pick-me-up for those of you looking for volume and also those of you looking to combat oil this holiday.

 

Happy Holidays!

One of many reasons to love Whole Foods

One of the reasons I love Whole Foods.

I love shopping at Whole Foods for an array of reasons. One of the reasons that I love shopping at Whole Foods is because you can find everything there. It's an amazing place and my favorite place to shop for food.

The Cheesecake Factory in Boise, Idaho

Located in the heart of Boise, Idaho at the Boise Towne Square mall on 330 North Milwaukee Street lies The Cheesecake Factory restaurant. Although this eatery is one of America's largest franchise restaurants, what makes this place unique is the variety of cheesecake provided. With over 250 dishes, the menu is quite extension and provides a little something for everyone. I decided to dine here yesterday for dinner, as I had to buy some last minute Christmas presents. 

After sitting down for about a half an hour, the waitress finally arrived to take our order. She was polite, but extremely out of breath to the level she couldn't speak. After finally catching her breath she asked to take my order. I proceeded to let her know that I was interested in the fresh basil, tomato and cheese flatbread pizza. 

The flatbread pizza was great. Out of everything, I felt like this particular dish/appetizer was the strongest in terms of taste and presentation. If I would have known this was going to be the best dish of all, I probably would have ordered two. 

To drink, I went with a S.Pellagrino mineral water/soda and Factory Peach Bellini. The drink was good, but it lacked the sweetness and richness of the traditional drink. I have tried this particular at the franchise in Pittsburgh and what better. Perhaps the bartender just didn't know how to truly make it or is use to making them a certain way. 

After sitting there for 30 minutes, I knew what I wanted to order, so I went with the Four Cheese Pasta. The dish came with a side. I decided to upgrade and order the goat cheese and beet salad. The pasta had great flavor, but it wasn't warm. I literally felt like I was eating leftover food and was left modestly unsatisfied. The salad; however, was fantastic. 

For dessert, I decided to go with the Original Cheesecake. It has been a while since I had it and I just felt ultimately in the mood for a slice. I was extremely disappointed, as it just tasted okay. I have tried this particular cheesecake at other franchises and they had better flavor. I felt as if I was eating cheesecake that sat out all day.  

Overall, my experience at the Cheesecake Factory was just okay. With the strengths, quite a few weaknesses followed. I was just left with disappointment and dissatisfaction. 

With that said, would I recommend The Cheesecake Factory in Boise, Idaho? Probably not because the food was good, but lacked the quality it should have exuded. Would I eat here again? To be honest, I don't think I would based on this experience simply because I don't like waiting for food. 

If I am hungry, I want food within a few minutes. I don't want to wait 30 minutes for a meal in a place that wasn't extremely busy. And I have tried other Cheesecake Factory establishments around the country and never had to wait so long for food. 

Today Joe and I celebrate our 2-year Anniversary

One of Joe's many surprises this year.

When I first met Joe, I was only 17 years old. At the time, he was 19 almost 20. We hit it off the very first time we met. Joe took me to my junior prom dance and we continued to spend every single day together for the next month before he traveled to Texas.

 

Joe was in the military so for the next few weeks he would be in another state serving our country in the United Armed Forces. He would call me every single day. At the time, cell phones were existent yet not readily available. At least compared to today. Kind of like the internet. Technology has evolved a lot since then. Joe would purchase a calling card or I would get one and we would call each other at different times. We spent months spending every single day and hour together to spending weeks apart.

When Joe came back from Virginia, he and I continued to spend every day together. We had a lot of fun. There was never a dull moment in our relationship. Joe had a convertible and we would go places. Whether it was cruising the back roads blaring music or simply going out to eat, we were always together. We would even spend our nights driving to the lake to fall asleep looking up at the stars. My mom never really allowed me to date and Joe was the first guy she ever let stay over.

Joe and I decided to part ways before he would travel to Texas where he would spend a few years being stationed in Fort Hood. He called me about a year or two after we broke up to say hello and that he was engaged. I noticed something different in his voice. He sounded like someone who had something to say, but didn't know how to say it. As meek as he was, at that very moment I could hear the depression and exhaustion in his voice. I didn't know the entire story, so I never really pried. After all, I was young (a senior in high school) and was planning my future.


Words from Joe.

Needless to say, his marriage didn't last that long (only a few months) and he had to endure quite a few things throughout life, but in spite of the adversity he faced, he continued to improve his life for several years. We parted ways, but as Joe was the first man in my life, I always had him on the back of my mind. Why? Because he was my first. We both dated different people and basically lived life without each other for years.

 

I began to realize that everything in this life happens for a reason. There is always a purpose for everything in this life. Joe and I remained friends for years before deciding to make that next step and get back together. Joe hit rock bottom in late 2011 and continued to go down instead of up until early 2013. Instead of watching a nightmare evolve in front of my eyes, I decided to intervene. Without getting into too many details, let's just that it was the first time I really did such a thing and it was then that I realized how much I cared about Joe.

 

 It was December 13, 2013 we made our relationship a reality and decided to officially get back together. And ever since, our relationship has been nothing short of amazing. Never a dull moment at all. More passion and love than the first time we were together. Not only is this the longest relationship that both of us had, but it is a second chance that I am confident will last for many years to come.

 

Thank you so much Joe for everything you do. Happy Anniversary!

Morgan Ingram: 4 years since her murder

Today is December 2, 2015.
Today I am lighting candles for Morgan Ingram.

A very bright yet beautiful young woman from Carbondale, Colorado tragically lost her life to murder four years ago from today, December 2, 2011. When you look at this figure, it's been 1,460 days since Morgan was murdered. That is over 35,000 hours. That is how long it has been since her death. That she has been gone.

 

When I think about what has happened these past few years, there is a lot of contemplation and observation. I have been under scrutiny for quite sometime since publically defending Toni and Steve Ingram as well as, the homicide theory. I have been libeled, slandered, cyber-stalked and bullied. My face and name are associated with a plethora of lies created by only a handful of people. Yet, these lies are not even true. What I have contemplated stems from thoughts in the beginning which lead to big questions - do I regret supporting Morgan? Do I regret supporting Toni? Do I regret supporting Steve? My answer - absolutely not. Because I know what is true and I know what is false. I also know that the truth about what happened to Morgan Ingram will eventually come out.

 

This leads me to the question - do I believe justice will happen? Absolutely. Why? Because a lie can only be hidden for so long. Every single lie that is being told and sold to you-whether it is by Morgan's murderer, his family and friends, along with those who support and believe him and them, cannot continue as those people are sublimely comforted by them. These people did not know Morgan, they did not know Toni nor do they know Toni now, and they do not know me or anyone else who supports the homicide theory.

 

The facts speak for themselves. With 7,909 ng of Amitriptyline in Morgan's blood, there is no way she committed suicide. Absolutely impossible. Especially when looking at the drug ratio of Amitriptyline to Noratriptyline. Even if she would have taken the entire pill bottle, how does one explain that amount in her blood stream? It's easier for law enforcement to sweep this under the rug of lies and deceit while abrasively attacking the victim, her family and those who support them, but if you look at the facts you will see this is a homicide based on the level of drug in her blood. A suicide is easier to create because let's face it, this means not having to spend money, let alone time or make any efforts to do anything at all. A suicide is easier for those who refuse to do their job and fear they will lose their job.

 

It's very evident that the truth hurts, but it's better to be hurt by it than to be fully supported and comforted by a lie. A lie that is so deceptive and big, it is being sold to you right now as I type this out. Truth be told, the big lie that is being sold to you is just a way to distract and prevent the truth from being exposed. Time is relative and the waiting game sucks, but evidently things must happen before that happens. And when I say that, I mean the truth.

 

Lighting candles and praying there is justice
for Morgan Ingram.

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, as I believe the truth is a very powerful thing. So no matter how many lies are told, how many lies are spread about Morgan, her mother, myself and anyone else who believes/knows Morgan was murdered, those lies are just words and bare absolutely no influence on the truth. It is the truth that triumphs those fabrications, those useless lies, as it is the truth that is strong and cannot remain hidden for long.

 

With 2016 approaching us in less than a month, I can only have high hopes for what is in store for the future. What does the future hold? I am quite auspicious and confident that the outcome will be good and I will forever anticipate the big reveal, the truth. A lot of you ask why I continue to support Toni Ingram. Mark Twain once said "if you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." What Toni Ingram has shared with everyone are her words as a mother and not just any mother, the mother of Morgan Ingram who knew her daughter more than anyone in the world. Do I think Toni Ingram is telling the truth? Absolutely. Yes, I do.

 

Morgan Ingram loved life and embraced it for what it is. As there was always a project, a purpose - when I read some of Morgan's work, her creative writing that was shared with me from Toni, I cannot help, but ponder the idea of why she never left a suicide note. It is because she didn't take her own life. Buddha once said that there are three things in this life that cannot be hidden - the sun, the moon and the truth. And guess what? I agree.

 

Morgan's life, love, and light is not lost. In fact, it is her life, her love, and her light that lives on. Her spirit will forever remain in our hearts. Morgan is a face and a force of stalking and for change. And I will continue to support Morgan, Toni, Steve and the homicide theory forever. No matter how many lies are spread about me, I will never give up on the quest for justice. A wise individual once said "giving up is as good as losing and losing is as good as death." There are no truer words spoken and I will never give up on Morgan. For more information about the stalking and murder of Morgan Ingram, please visit the official site today. Rest in Peace, Morgan Ingram.

 

 

Everything Morgan:

1st interview with Toni Ingram

2nd interview with Toni Ingram

Interview with Ryan Ingram (Morgan's brother)

Why I believe Morgan Ingram was murdered (part 1)

Morgan's friends remember her life

Joe's interview with Rainer Jundt

Joe's podcast and why he believes it was a murder (pre-psychic channel)

Joe channels Morgan using his psychic abilities