{Scent-Sational}: The Beauty Hack of Layering Fragrance

My current layering trio - Coco Mademoiselle Body Oil, Body Cream and Perfume

You’re never fully dressed without a…fragrance.  

That beauty and lifestyle ethos was lived before me as I grew up watching both my grandmother and mom regularly incorporate fragrance into their “get ready” beauty routines.

Scents of days gone by lined their vanities and dressers and inevitably finished off the “look of the day” before they headed out for work, church, or wherever the day took them.  As the observant bystander, I soaked it all in, including the way my mother, in particular, layered her scent of the day for the ultimate aromatherapy for those in her path.  And she’s still layering to this day, if you’re wondering. :)

As these things have a way of unfolding, it wasn’t long—high school, to be exact—before I was donning my own signature fragrance. (I’ve always had a signature fragrance in rotation since then.  Anyone else?). Back then it was Giorgio Armani’s Acqua di Gio.  Who remembers that?! I absolutely lovvvved it and would soon recognize my fragrance proclivities as leaning heavily toward florals, citrus, and lighter bodied scents—that carry a punch.

I wasn’t layering my fragrances just yet, but the time would come, when I’d start to adapt that beauty technique, too.  Currently, my layering is mainly centered around stacking the same scent through perfume, body cream, and/or body oil, and there’s a body wash that I’m eyeing to complete the end-to-end experience. It’s an indulgent hack to really give your scent a luxurious boost and lingering effect, while nurturing your skin, as well.  Because who doesn't want to smell sensational longer?

And as layering goes, I’m also excited to dip my foot in the world of layering complimentary fragrances from different perfumers to create bespoke scents that are uniquely my own.  If you’re also interested in doing more with your fragrances, you’ll find this article from L'Oreal Paris on layering fragrance, including a break down of complimentary scents, to be worthwhile.

I’ve shared how I’m wearing my fragrances these days, but I’d love to know what you’re doing, too.  So tell me: is fragrance a regular part of your beauty routine and, if so, how do you currently wear your scents?  A single scent?  Layers of the same scent? Layering different scents or oils?  Whatever you do, there’s no denying the intoxicating scent of a woman who’s adorned in beautiful fragrance.

I’m grateful to my grandmother and mother for giving me the gift of fragrance—and I’m thrilled to share my passion for it with you.

Happy Scenting!

{Hairstory}: Tribal Braids x Life Lessons

I can barely recall a time, absent young childhood, when my hair wasn't top of mind.  Whether it was the leap from virgin to relaxed hair; my first chop--a chic bob that would become a favorite go-to style over the years; keeping it healthy while living miles apart from my trusted stylist during college and law school; enduring the upheaval that workout sweats wreak, and on and on, it's always been (and remains) a consideration.  And allowing myself to embrace myriad styling options (albeit gradually) has become invaluable.

A couple of years ago, I switched gears from my minimally relaxed routine about three times a year (to help with manageability) and stopped applying any chemicals, despite how slight the previous applications had become.  It wasn't intentional initially, but as time passed, I decided to go with the flow.  During that period, I also released my previous resistance to extensions, weaves, and the like, and jumped on the "sew-in", clip-ins bandwagon for additional versatility.  And, most recently, I opened my styling options to the easy, carefree world of braids.  In full candor, it was a somewhat unexpected adjustment that caused me to reflect more deeply about how I view myself, my personal aesthetic, embracing change and the freedom to express myself as I see fit on the hair and beauty spectrum.

I must say I was delightfully surprised at all of the positive and affirming feedback my new look garnered and how it truly served to help me settle into my new hairstyle.  Because let's face it--hair is a big deal.  Whether you're deciding on texture, styling options, healthy maintenance, battling hair loss or diminished density due to improper care, illness, aging, etc., our hair is our crown of glory and is forever attached to our self-expression.

Back to my foray into the world of braids (beyond my previous, simpler, but no less lovely, cornrow styles), I decided to go for the tribal braids with inspiration drawn from Bo Derek's famous look in 10.  My motivation was lifestyle ease, especially regarding those style-crushing workout sessions I mentioned earlier, coupled with my admiration for the sheer beauty of the style as worn by other women.

I said farewell to my braids on last night after my six week stint and can say that along with my hairstyle change came a greater self-appreciation and open-mindedness to express myself in ways I deem beautiful and authentic.  I fell in love with this new expression of myself and added another notch in my hair story.  See of more of my tribal braids looks here. :)

Happy Living!

P.S. What is your hair story?  Have you ever made a bold change to your hair?

{Self-Care x Pampering} ~ 5 Ways To Treat Yourself Well

Self-care can mean many things to as many people.  However, one thing is constant--it's necessary for actualizing our most fulfilled, balanced, and healthy selves.  Whether you're talking physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, well-being, making time to care for yourself is essential.

One of the many ways that I spell self-love and self-care is through pampering!  Whether it's a trip to the spa, or special at-home rituals, a little pampering goes a long way to reinvigorating and uplifting us into our best selves.

Here are five of my favorite ways to indulge:

Drink to Life - with a 24-hour drink menu for the prettiest skin of your life. (Marie Claire)

Detox Your Skin - grab the secrets of five beauty bloggers as they spill the beans on the best ways to care for your skin from the inside-out. (Bloglovin')

Enjoy a Spa Day - at home! With these DIY spa treatments, your spa day is closer than ever. (Lulus)

Unplug - Going off the digital grid for an afternoon, a day, or more, can contribute immensely to a renewed outlook and a recharged mental state.  And fewer things can be more indulgent and nurturing when the world beyond beckons and your favorite app is only a touch away.

Rest Up - Sleeping in, afternoon napping, early bedtimes, anyone? Slowing down and prioritizing restfulness is the essence of self care and the side benefits are endless!

Sounds simple, right?  But if we're being completely honest, how consistent are we about actually doing it?  Let's make the days ahead the best they can be with a bit more self-love and self-care in action.

Happy Living!

P.S. How do you spell self-care?

{In Case You Missed It}: 2018 Highlights

Happy New Year (again!)  Amazingly, this year is off to a fast and furious start, with January soon to be in the rear view.  So before any more time elapses, I want to share one of my most favorite perennial posts, highlighting many of the moments that made the year gone by special for me, personally, and for D.M.R. Fine Foods.

Each year it seems like it couldn't get any sweeter and, then, it does!  And that would be 2018.  On a personal note, I enjoyed more fulfilling career, personal, civic, and relational highlights that made everything else the proverbial (and oh so delicious) icing on top.

That "icing" included special moments, among others, in food, travel, lifestyle and media--a well-rounded foray of the good life.  And I'm excited to recap some of the most special for you here, starting with a fun slideshow round-up. (*Recommended: watch in full screen mode.)

Food ~
My year in food included such highlights as once again being a featured blogger and contributor to the acclaimed Black History Month Virtual Potluck, with my Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding with Maple Glaze, along with more recipes and foodie indulgences from near and far.

Travel ~
My wanderlust led me to exceptional new destinations, including Cartagena, Colombia and Cozumel, Mexico, and repeat favorites, alike, including South Beach, New York City, Chicago, Orlando and Bermuda.  From the occasional business jaunt, to vacation getaways, 2018 was another year of fulfilling travel and exploration.

Fashion & Lifestyle ~
I experienced of the biggest honors of 2018 on what I'll label as the lifestyle front, which was being selected as a 2018 BHG Stylemaker by Better Homes and Gardens magazine! Can you say, awe-mazing?!  (I'll be a doing a dedicated post soon to share more of the fabulousness of my entire experience, so stay tuned!)  Beyond BHGStylemaker, I had the pleasure of joining gorgeous fashion influencer, CariRene Vintage, for an amazing afternoon of fashion inspiration at the Global Runway Fashion Presentation hosted by the Atlanta Airport.  And as a special bonus, to boot, I met one of my favorite fashion and beauty editors!

Beyond decor and fashion, another highlight included a private Girlfriends' Spa Party courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty and Saks Atlanta, making for a great afternoon of pampering with some of my favorite girls.

Media/Collaborations ~
2018 was another standout year on the media and collaboration front.  I was so thrilled to return to the t.v. to share more of my food and lifestyle passions, this time with the fabulous daytime show, Atlanta and Company.  My media footprint continued with my running monthly column with Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, media corp for my forever favorite Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, and myriad media collaborations on behalf of exceptional local restaurants, wineries, farm co-ops (City Winery Atlanta, Varun Napoli, Dantanna's, Peach Dish), Atlanta Magazine, and more!

I obviously kept to my busier pace but, as always, it was extremely worth it, and equally as special to share it with you here on the blog and via social media.  I thank you for remaining connected and appreciate your ongoing support and interest in my corner of the world.  I love having you along for my journey and look forward to sharing more as 2019 continues to unfold. 

Happy Living!

 

{Let's Celebrate!} Popsugar Must Have Box Turns Five!

If you're like me, it doesn't take much to get you in the mood for a celebration.  And when my August PopSugar Must Have Box arrived in the mail recently, it was just the indulgence I needed.  As a resident girly girl, it was right up my alley.  From beauty treatments, to a stylish journal, to glitter candles (my personal favorite), a gorgeous confetti tray, chocolate chunk cookies (yes, you read that right), and more, I've been like a kid in a candy store. 

But that's not the only reason this month's box is special.  The August Must Have Box also marks the five year anniversary of this lifestyle favorite.  And to keep the celebration in high gear,  PopSugar Must Have is doing weekly giveaways!

All current subscribers are eligible--and if you're not a subscriber yet, not to worry.  Simply sign-up before the end of August to get in on the fun and chances to win.  And use the discount code 'PARTY' to receive a $10 discount off of your first box if you order by August 31st.

Here's to more celebrations and many more years of curated goodies!

Happy Birthday Must Have Box!

{Be Inspired!}: Spring Fling

Although today began on a rainy note, I'm counting on the old adage, "April showers bring May flowers", to prove truer than ever.  I'm anticipating the growth, life, renewal, beauty and full on 'bloom' that Spring represents, as new beginnings and a healthy dose of inspiration beckon me to embrace the gift of life like never before. 

I'm having a fling with Spring--and sharing some of my favorite seasonal inspirations ala my favorite go-to to help you do the same.  As you might have guessed, my girly girl sentiments shine through. :)

I'd like to know how you're embracing the season and staying inspired.  Share with me and let's inspire one another!

Here's to...Happy Inspired Living!

{POPSUGAR MUST HAVE}: Summer In a Box!

Summer called and just in time for the upcoming holiday weekend, your essentials for a stylishly fun season await!  Beauty, fashion, fun, snacks and more make for perfect afternoons by the pool or oceanfront.  And the before the month wraps, you can get everything delivered to your door in POPSUGAR's June Must Have Box!

Featured Clockwise: Wild and Wolf's Ridley's Game Room "Who Am I?" Quiz | Hat Attack Neutral Diamonds-Printed Sarong | Pacifica Deodorant Wipes | Knock Knock Compact | Sisters of Los Angeles "Cheers" Gold Bottle Opener | NCLA Born on the 4th Nail Lacquer | Sriracha Pressels 

Happy Summer Living!

Disclosure: POPSUGAR sent me this Must Have Box to try. All opinions are my own.

{Beauty Rx}: Winter Skin Essentials

Dry skin be gone.

When your go-to moisturizers don't seem to be up for the challenge, what becomes the dry, cracked, dull tendencies of "winter kissed" skin most? Soothing body oils, super-power body scrubs and pout-worthy lip masks keep things beautifully simple, while getting you on your way to soft, supple skin again.

Your Arsenal:

The Best Body Oils to Banish Dry Skin (Glitter Guide)

Lip Treatments to Beat All Lip Treatments (Refinery 29)

My Can't Get Enough Body Polish  (Fresh)

Dry skin be gone.

Happy, Beautiful Living!

P.S. What are your beauty tips for radiant winter skin?

Photo Credit: Glitter Guide

{Be Inspired!}: Fall Beauty Is Here

"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself." ~Coco Chanel

For me, the allure of Fall extends well beyond the captivating foilage and invigorating weather into the world of beauty.  Rich hues for nails and lips are especially gorgeous and seem to match the cozier elements of the season with a natural flair.

Also not to be forgotten are the earthy tones that lend warmth and a subtler punch, but read equally beautiful.

So whether you prefer bold, or less so, Fall is the season to let your inspiration lead the way into a more beautiful you.  For more beauty-liciousness, go here.

Happy Inspired and Beautiful Living!

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX: Indulge, Pamper, Celebrate

Earlier this week a wonderful package arrived to my sheer delight and excitement.  And as soon as I opened my October 2014 POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX, I knew I had every reason to feel the way I did.  

Indulgent, delicious, and filled with goodies made for pampering, I couldn't keep this all to myself.  From candles to candies to beauty and bath and more, there's really something for everyone.  So here's what's inside:

Happy Socks

Warm and cozy leopard-print socks perfect for the cooler temps now (happysocks.com)

butter LONDON  

A blendable WINK Eye Pencil in Earl Grey that's great for achieving an effortless look for day or something more dramatic, like a smokey eye, for night. (butterlondon.com)

Isaac Jacobs International  

An acrylic frame that's durable, chic--and great for displaying your special memories. (isaacjacobs.com)

Mine Design 

A supremely fragrant Chalkboard Candle.  Made out of soy, it's reusable and rewritable, so you can send the perfect message every time. (minedesignhome.com)

Dean & Deluca 

Pumpkin Spice Balls made with real pumpkin spices and dipped in dark chocolate; they perfectly capture the flavor of Fall. (deandeluca.com)

Nailed Kit  

Nail art decals that are fun, festive and easy to apply. (nailedit.com)

Bonus!: K. Hall Designs

Shoreline Shea Butter/Olive Oil Bar Soap--the moisturizing and refreshing treatment your skin will love, especially as the colder months approach. (khalldesigns.com)

And not to fret.  You can get your own MUST HAVE BOX subscription at a special discounted rate from now through November 2, 2014. Simply go here and enter the code OCT10Select to save $10 off a 3-month subscription. 

Happy Indulging!

Disclosure: POPSUGAR provided me with a complimentary POPSUGAR Must Have box. The opinions I have shared about the box are my own and POPSUGAR did not tell me what to say or how to say it.