Comments I would never make on my own blog

This is the latest comment I received on my blog regarding the stalking and murder of Morgan Ingram. As you can see, the person who commented is using my actual name and identity (Sarah Afshar and linking directly to this site) to comment on my own blog. And to make matters worse, they are posting a comment I would never post.

This is what I have been dealing with for years. Four years to be exact. 

I have received quite a few hateful comments and recently, have been told by two concerned women who I don't even know personally, that I am being impersonated. Someone even had the audacity to troll me and ask why I am harassing Mike Boudet of Sword & Scale using my own name. Not sure if it is the same person in the screenshot above, but definitely makes me wonder. 

And to answer this question - No. I am not harassing anyone nor have I ever harassed anyone. So in spite of the lies you are being told, everything you are hearing is not true. I don't know Mike Boudet's email nor do I ever visit his website to make any contact with him. This is a lie. 

First of all, I heard the podcasts Mr. Boudet did regarding Morgan Ingram (episode 11 and 12) one time each back in 2014 when I was sent a link to them. To be honest, the lies were outrageous; however, what I found disturbing about them was how poorly researched they actually are. I am also kind of surprised at how he interviewed Mayra Martinez (MayraMM) and Tricia Griffith of Websleuths, who are simply part of an online cabal dedicated to discrediting and mocking Toni Ingram and the homicide theory, but I was not shocked as that is to be expected. 

And what is even more baffling is how Boudet would glorify their propaganda for ratings in efforts to make me and Mrs. Ingram look bad (crazy for a lack of a better word) for strongly supporting the homicide theory, a theory he evidently disagrees with. 

I must say that I am modestly surprised Boudet would allow internet stalker Michael Odegard on the program, my mother's former friend from Portland who I do not even know. This individual, Mr. Odegard has made many hate blogs about me for no reason and started attacking my boyfriend Joe shortly after for simply asking why he was attacking me, shortly before asking Odegard to stop. You can watch the video here regarding this individual and their menacing. I am also confused as to why he was even featured on the program when his lies hold no value on the Morgan Ingram case. 

I want to clarify that when independent podcaster Mike Boudet originally contacted me in 2014 requesting an interview, I didn't see his message until years later. He contacted me on Facebook and his message went to the other folder where it sat for years before I actually saw it. I would have agreed to do his interview, had I found the message sooner. I don't check that folder much. 

I would also like to say that I do not go on Sword & Scale nor do I frequent the site. I do; however, find what he did to be relatively low especially what he said about Toni Ingram. She does not have Munchausen by Proxy either. This is just another pseudo diagnosis and ad hominem retort by a group of ladies (which Mayra and Tricia are part of) who spend their lives meddling into other's affairs, spreading lies to hide their inferior complex and health issues, and trolling those who disagree with them. Of course, this doesn't shock me due to his association with these two individuals. I do; however, wish him the best. 

Get the hair look: Karlie Kloss at the 2016 TIME 100 Gala

Model Karlie Kloss at the
2016 Time TIME Gala.
(Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Every year TIME magazine acknowledges and recognizes 100 people who have influenced the world in their annual 'TIME 100 Gala' celebration. Supermodel Karlie Kloss stunned the red carpet earlier this evening in a gorgeously glam, spaghetti strap purple dress courtesy of Victoria Beckham. Whether it is raining purple in memory of the iconic Prince, Kloss blew up the spotlight at this evening's festivities. As her makeup was on fleek, her hair was impressively chic. In fact, Kloss teamed up with Matt Fugate, Kérastase Paris Consulting Hairstylist for a polished yet chic hair look.

“We really wanted to make this a big moment for Karlie. We opted for a cool Cinderella type vibe that was polished, yet super chic,” Fugate said about the hair look.

So, is it possible to re-create her amazing hair look at home? Absolutely.

First and foremost, you are going to want to wash your hair. For this particular look, Fugate prepped the supermodel's hair with the Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin 1 and Kérastase Lait Vital. As Fugate continued, he applied the Kérastase L’Incroyable Blowdry throughout Kloss's damp hair.

Now, taking a large boar bristle brush, Fugate began rough drying her hair. He made sure to blow dry in large sections. As he continued, he would apply the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Bi-Phase Spray Oil. This gave Kloss's hair what is referred to as a "treatment blowout" which really helps infuse the product into the hair and as a result, promote a shiny finish that perfection.

As Fugate continued with the hair look, he gathered Kloss's hair and began pull her hair back into a low ponytail. As he used his hands, he slightly twisted the hair. As he twisted the hair, Fugate created a loop with the ponytail with the ends of hair pointing up. Once Fugate completed this step, he secured the hair in place with a long bungee wrap. He did not use hooks. Instead, Fugate tied the wrap around the ponytail and through the ponytail loop until bungee is fully wrapped. Then, to secure the style, he tied the bungee into a knot. The Kérastase Paris Consulting Hairstylist continued by hiding the ends of the hair. He accomplished this by pulling back and hair into the upper portion of the ponytail.

To finish the look simply take L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Blow Dry It Blowout Extender Spray and spray all over the hair. This will not only tame flyaways, but promote texture and even create a very soft hold.

Congratulations! You have just re-created Karlie Kloss's hair look at the 2016 TIME 100 Gala.

The Artis Elite Smoke collection, a powerful evolution of makeup brushes

The Artis Elite Smoke collection.

 

Artis is a world-renowned beauty brand that creates quite possibly some of the greatest brushes the world of beauty has ever seen. But, what really makes Artis different from other makeup brushes and brands? Well, their brushes are created with high-tech machines using only man-made fibers. This makes up the entire fiber bundle which consistently provides you with fantastic makeup application. The secret is CosmeFibre which is produced using this particular method. The brushes also possess up to ten times as many fibers than traditional makeup brushes, resulting in both superior blending and smooth application.

 

Artis brushes also have an unique shape which is designed to pickup product better, delivering both effective and efficient makeup application. And what makes the Artis Elite Smoke collection so amazing is that the brushes contain a very distinctive aesthetically appealing brush handle that consists of a smoked chrome finish with a special gray grip. As a result, you are provided with superior control which allows you to evenly apply, distribute and blend.

 

“The profiles of this brush collection take inspiration from how I would draw a human face with oval, linear, and circular shapes making up the various components of the facial structure.” founder and COO of Artis Matthew Waitesmith said about the Elite Smoke collection. “The Artis Elite Smoke Collection design is both familiar and modern, which creates interest, while providing comfort.”

 

The Artis Elite Smoke Collection consists of ten revolutionary makeup brushes. These brushes include: Circle 1, Circle 1R, Linear 1, Linear 3, Linear 6, Oval 3, Oval 4, Oval 6, Oval 7, Oval 8, and Oval 10. If you cannot decide which state-of-the-art brush you want to snag, you can grab the 3 brush set, the 5 brush set or the entire collection, the 10 brush set.

 

Artis brushes reign supreme, as this award-winning brand has been featured in an array publications including my Best in Beauty Awards for both Yahoo! Voices and Examiner, where both the Oval 8 and the Linear 3 won best brush in multiple categories.

 

Waitesmith is a man with a vision and believes that upcoming Artis brush collections will take his creativity one step further. “I want Artis to continue to incorporate a fusion of artistic ideas, like the shape of the human hand and fingers, or the flow of water over an edge, or even the traditional woodworking techniques of lathing a piece of wood,” he said. “Each collection will use different design starting points, and then evolve with the ergonomics and aesthetic beauty we’re known for. We want to make tools that deliver both art and function,” Waitesmith continued.

 

The Artis Elite Smoke collection brushes are available now at Artis as well as select retailers such as Dillards, Saks Fifth Avenue and Space NK. For more information, visit Artis today.

Lillian Panages wearing Colourpop Cosmetics

Colourpop Cosmetics is one of my favorite beauty brands right now. And the best part is, they are extremely affordable and fit virtually every single budget around. 

Recently, I surprised my friend Lilly when visiting the gym with some Colourpop products including lipstick. For those of you that are unaware of this brand, most (if not all) are under $10. And although you cannot find these products at your local drugstore (at least yet) you can find them online. 

For those of you that want to know, Lilly is wearing the Colourpop Cosmetics Lippie Stix in the shade Cherry Bomb. 

What is your favorite product from Colourpop Cosmetics?

Exclusive interview with Justine and Katie of LOVE GOODLY

The amazing founders of LOVE
GOODLY, Justine and Katie.

LOVE GOODLY is one of the hottest subscription boxes right now. It features an array of healthy and natural as well as eco-friendly and cruelty-free products sent directly to your door. Everything is non-toxic, vegan and free of GMOs. And the best part is, every single purchase from the store supports a cause. What started out as a simple plan, LOVE GOODLY turned into one of the best ideas in the world today. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with the creators of this amazing subscription box, Justine Lassoff and Katie Bogue Miller. Here is what they had to tell me...

(Q) Hello Katie and Justine. How are you? Tell me a little more about LOVE GOODLY...

Justine and Katie: We are doing great.

Justine: Katie and I co-founded LOVE GOODLY, a subscription box service and e-commerce boutique for discovering the best healthy, natural products delivered to your door.

Katie: From non-toxic, cruelty free beauty, to stylish eco accessories, wellness and healthy snacks, every purchase on our site always supports a cause.

(Q) Creativity is definitely in your forte. LOVE GOODLY is such an inspiring subscription service. I have to ask, what inspired you to create LOVE GOODLY?

Katie: We wanted to do something we are passionate about while making a difference. We help women discover amazing products that are better for them and better for the environment, and with each purchase we give back to a cause. Plus everything in our boxes and website store is always cruelty free, vegan and non toxic. We love discovering new brands!

Justine: Having worked together at our last company LovingEco, where I was co-founder and Katie head of merchandising, we already had the experience and great connections with some of the best brands in the industry. After LovingEco was acquired a year after launching, it was a natural evolution to start LOVE GOODLY where we can bring the best brands right to women’s doorstep.

(Q) Is it true that every product included in the LOVE GOODLY subscription is non toxic and free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

Katie: Yes! We have 12 values that we measure all of our products and brands to if applicable. We try everything, vet everything before we offer it to our customers. We have very high standards for what we out in our body and what goes into our body.

(Q) I am so impressed with your philanthropic efforts. I have to ask, is it true that 5% of every purchase from the LOVE GOODLY store supports a cause? Tell me a little more about this...

Justine: Yes absolutely, 5% from all box sales and shop sales go to one of our two charity partners Farm Sanctuary and Cure Cervical Cancer. We really stand behind these charities and work closely with them. Farm Sanctuary promotes compassionate living while exposing the horrors of factory farming while Cure Cervical Cancer is on the ground in third world countries training doctors how to detect and prevent cervical cancer to women in need. We are impressed daily with our partners.

(Q) You recently curated with the iconic actress Alicia Silverstone for a special Earth Day box. Tell me a little more about this...

Katie: We have always admired Alicia Silverstone as the leader of the kind movement, and a strong health advocate. Personally, as a longtime vegan woman and now mom, she has been an inspiration. Alicia is also a passionate supporter of Farm Sanctuary. We are honored to have her guest curate our April/May box for Earth Month where she has selected some of her favorite vegan products.

(Q) What is your stance on animal cruelty?

Justine: Of course it should not be tolerated. We like to give a voice to the voiceless and speak up for animals.

(Q) For all of those eco-friendly enthusiasts including cruelty-free lovers reading this interview - what would you like them to know? What is next for LOVE GOODLY?

Katie: Stay tuned, we are launching a lower priced box to make our subscription accessible to even more people, but we will still feature the same full-size, eco and cruelty free products.

Earth Day: How a vegan diet can help save the planet

Vegan food haul from Whole Foods.

A vegan is someone who does not consume any animal products let alone any bi-products. A vegan does not eat meat or fish, as a vegan does not consume dairy, eggs and honey. Instead, a vegan consumes only plant-based foods. Although this eating lifestyle has proved to be effective in terms of improving one's health, there is scientific evidence that eating vegan can also help save our planet.
 

Did you know that the production of meat is the leading cause of climate change? According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, this fact was shared in the Livestock Long Shadow. Animal agriculture is the number one source of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. These greenhouse gasses are responsible for over 50% of climate change according to World Watch. And according to PETA, if every American alone would skip one carnivore meal and ate plant-based food instead, it would be like taking half a million cars off the road. Factory farming causes more pollution than every single plane, ship, train and automobile in the world today. So, what does this do? It poisons our planet. The UN suggests eating a vegan diet will ultimately destroy the effects of climate change.

The production of meat is the #1 cause of water waste. Did you know that? Now, this is water that could be used to save the planet, as it has been scientifically proven that 70% of the earth's fresh water is used for agriculture of both plants and animals. Did you know that it takes over 2,000 gallons (2,400 gallons to be exact) to produce just one pound of meat? It only takes 25 gallons of water to produce a pound of wheat. According to PETA you would save more water by not eating a pound of meat than you would by not showering for six months. The facts are real. By going vegan you will simply conserve water.

Water pollution is simply contamination of our water. Everything from harsh chemicals to bacterial pathogens to even physical changes can cause pollution to our oceans, our lakes, our rivers, our streams and our aquifers. This form of pollution can also affect our groundwater producing toxins that spread. And according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), animal agriculture is the number one cause of water pollution. More so than raw sewage, trash, ammonia, phosphates and even heavy metals from motor vehicles. The ultimate cesspool of desolation and 400 dead zones alone have already been identified. You may ask, how so? It's simple, the feces from animals are flowing into the water and as a result, contaminating it and poisoning it. Water pollution also causes species endangerment and has caused birth defects in fish and other sentient beings who live under the sea. And according to the Raleigh News & Observer, in 1995 millions of gallons of waste from pigs killed 10 million fish alone in a single spill. As a result, almost 400,000 acres of land was forced to close.

Animal agriculture also depends on the rain forest and because of this, they must use over 50 square feet (55 square feet to be exact) for every single meal. As a result, this causes deforestation. Keep in mind, this is just for cattle to graze. Millions upon millions of trees have been destroyed to feed these responsive and innocent beings. According to PETA, the rain forest is entered every six seconds only to be cut down for factory farming. So, if you do the math that is over 14,000 of acres a day to create room for farmed animals. That is nearly 80% of the land deforested to feed innocent animals who will only die for your food source. For all of the food you feed to these animals, you could feed to your loved ones and even starving children around the world.

The beefless tips.
An amazing meat alternative by
Gardein.

If you have clothes to wear, a roof over your head and food to eat, you are still richer than over 70% of the planet. Choosing a vegan eating lifestyle would help destroy the concept of world hunger. Over 70% of grains grown is fed to animals only for those animals to be used as food source later. If you think about what an animal consumes and how they are treated, those who consume them later are very prone to what they have had to endure, including disease. Any pathogens including fecal coliform and other disease transfers to human beings. You can still obtain sufficient micro and macro nutrients from eating a plant-based diet. In fact, they would just increase. Consuming meat can cause an array of problematic health issues. If you think about it, animals are innocent beings and should never have to suffer for food, as humans should not want to ever put them into their mouth. Some of you may ask about where vegans get sources of B-12. We get our B-12 from fortified foods such as mock meats, non-dairy milk and cereal as well as nutritional yeasts. According to National Center of Biotechnology Information, the B-12 present in meat comes from waste, bacteria and feces. 

Instead, you can enjoy your favorite carnivore classics as plant-based mock meat choices which are healthier and taste amazing. According to Yves Potvin, the CEO and founder of Gardein,"eating meatless, even just one day a week, is the simplest way to improve your overall health. Gardein has less fat than traditional proteins and no cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of obesity, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Gardein provides a good source of protein and fiber." With that said, you can find my list of vegan and vegetarian alternatives here.

Eating a vegan diet will not only improve and help your health, it will do much more including protecting and saving our planet. If you don't believe me, you can consider the research I have shared with you. Veganism has a plethora of benefits and is a step further in evolution. Although I am a vegetarian, I have been a vegan for a month now and I enjoy it. Do your part this Earth Day and enjoy the benefits of being healthy and happy by eating plant-based foods. Happy Earth Day!

RIP Prince

As many of you are already aware, I am a huge fan of Prince. I first discovered Prince as a little girl. There was something captivating about his music. It resonated dopamine and really made you gravitate to it. The first song I ever heard was 'When Doves Cry'. I remember begging my mom to buy me his CD, but she knew the type of artist he was and at the time I was too young for his music. So, I took my allowance money and went behind her back and purchased 'Diamonds and Pearls' which came out when I was 10 years old. Ever since, I continued to support him and his music for years. I have so many favorite albums, but there is something about 'The Gold Experience' that stood out above the rest with 'Purple Rain' in a close second.

 

What are my favorite songs?

 

Gold

P Control

Baby Im A Star

U Got the Look (long look)

Purple Rain

Darling Nikki

Cream

Kiss

Get Off

Computer Blue

Pope

Raspberry Beret

Peach

Let's Go Crazy

Bat Dance

Controversy

Seven

etc.

 

Prince was more than just an artist with talent, he was an iconic mastermind who polished an entire genre by taking a few notes, putting them together and turning them up a notch. Prince's craft is and will continue to be legendary and his legacy will continue to live on. How many artists do you know compose, lay out the tracks, produce and perform their own music like Prince? To anyone who listens to his music let alone any Prince tune, you will know that the earworm was eminent.

 

As I type this, I am heartbroken. I am very sad that he left the world the way he did. And although Prince left this world, his music will forever remain in my heart and the hearts of millions. He was a true rock star and will forever live on in spirit. RIP Prince. 

Mother's Day 2016: Diamonds Unleashed by Kara Ross

The Diamond Silk Cord Bracelet from
Diamonds Unleashed by Kara Ross.

Diamonds Unleashed is more than just a collection of jewelry that empowers women, it is a movement that celebrates the strength, beauty and brilliance of both the diamond and the women who love them. Created by world-renowned jewelry designer Kara Ross, Unleashed World embraces the conception of creativity and praises women for their worth. Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th and what better way than to surprise the most important woman in your life with something of worth.

Why not dazzle mom this Mother's Day with the Diamond Silk Cord Bracelet? As part of the #ShesBrilliant collection, this bracelet features a black woven silk cord and 18 karat yellow gold with a pave white diamond trim. With a total carat weight of 0.73, this bracelet also includes geometric center stations and an adjustable pull-cord closure. Available at Neiman Marcus for $3,200, this is the perfect present for your mom this Mother's Day.

Another great gift is the #ShesBrilliant Geometric Intertwined Diamond Pendant Necklace which includes 0.19 carat pave white diamonds along with 18 karat yellow and white gold accents. This diamond piece is not only magical to your mother, it is a reminder that your mother is strong and beautiful too. What better way to say 'I Love You' than with this piece. You can find this beautiful necklace at Neiman Marcus for $1,500.

Made with Pave and bezel-set white diamonds along with 18 karat yellow gold, these amazing Pave Diamond Climber Earrings are he perfect present for mom this Mother's Day. With a carat weight of 0.87, you can expect to stand out and make a statement no matter where you go. Mother's Day is on it's way and what a better way to show your mom that she is loved and appreciated than with these earrings. You can grab these amazing earrings at Neiman Marcus for $3,250.

100% net proceeds from Diamonds Unleashed go towards 'She's The First' and 'Girls Who Code' organizations.

Lillian Panages wearing Too Faced Cosmetics

My friend Lilly is one of the sweetest girls I have ever met in Idaho. She is not only beautiful, but very kind and very rarely has an ill word to say about anyone. She's one of the few people I have met who refrains from being negative, which makes her very easy to be around. 

When I first met Lilly she was working at the local gym of all places, where she currently works as one of the trainers. We immediately clicked after having a conversation about tanning and became great friends shortly after.  

I decided to surprise Lilly with some products from Too Faced Cosmetics which include a limited-edition eye shadow palette, a mascara and a lipstick. I also surprised her with some other great goodies by other brands.

The lipstick Lilly is wearing is the Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in the shade Melted Chihuahua. I wanted to share this post, as I love how this color looks on Lilly. 

Beautiful Sunset in Fruitland, Idaho

Fruitland, Idaho is a smaller town in Idaho which borders Ontario, Oregon. I go through it when I visit my family in Weiser, a town that is about 45 minutes away, which is even smaller. 

Right now it is almost 9 pm or 9 pm (haven't looked at the exact time) and I noticed that the sun was still out. Based on the picturesque beauty of the sky and how the sun is slowly going down, it looks absolutely beautiful. 

I wanted to share this picture with you because I took this from my iPhone yet it looks like something I snapped with another kind of camera. I am astounded by the both the sunrises and sunsets here. The sunsets more so because they really are captivating compared to other areas I have traveled. 

Anyways, I hope you are having a wonderful night. 

OFRA Cosmetics introduces MannyXOFRA

OFRA Cosmetics presents Aries, Hypno,
and Charmed. Part of the new MANNYXOFRA.

It is official. OFRA Cosmetics is collaborating with internationally known beauty vlogger MannyMua. As one of the first boy beauty video bloggers to hit the world of beauty (and on YouTube), Manny is teaming up with OFRA Cosmetics to launch his very own collection of three liquid lipsticks - Aries, Charmed and Hypno.

Aries is a very beautiful neutral pink shade. Crossing into nude territory, this shade is perfect for those of you looking to embrace a haute smoky eye. Charmed is a gorgeous cool rose color that works amazing for everyone. Whether you are looking to wear a natural face or simply looking to go completely dramatic, this lip is the perfect necessity in making that happen. Hypno is the boldest and darkest shade of the entire collection. If you are in need of the perfect berry shade, this is definitely the one for you.

OFRA Cosmetics' famous liquid lipsticks won best lipstick in Examiner's Best in Beauty Awards last year for 2015 and have been recognized by an array of online publications and internet beauty vloggers including Kathleen Lights, who they collaborated with last year. As the liquid lipsticks are pigmented to perfection, the color payoff really brings everything together. Not only are they long-lasting, but modestly hydrating and come in an array of unique shades.

On top of that, everything is made directly in the state-of-the-art facility located in heart of Pompano Beach. As everything is made domestically, these liquid lipsticks are do not possess parabens and are cruelty-free.

This highly anticipated collection with MannyMua launches April 18th. Aries, Charmed and Hypno will be available at OFRA Cosmetics on Monday. #MannyXOFRA

Top 10 best Eminem songs

Eminem is more than just a rapper and entertainer. He is a songwriter, a poet, an artist, an actor, an author and even a philanthropist. Born Marshall Mathers, this Michigan born star has sold over 170 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. As Eminem's career spanned out decades, it wasn't until 1999 when he hit mainstream with his album 'Slim Shady'. Only a year later, Eminem released 'Marshall Mathers' the album that started his entire career in hip hop while dipping into mainstream. As one of the greatest hip hop artists of all time, Eminem's career has evolved. With many hits, the real question is; however, what are the top 10 best songs by Eminem?

To continue reading, simply click here.