Breaking Dawn

I don't know if everybody else is just as excited as me but I've already purchased my Breaking Dawn tickets. I've been waiting for this moment since the last movie showing of Eclipse. I'm a little sad that it has to be made in two parts but it's okay I've read the books. If you've seen the Breaking Dawn trailer let me tell you there will be some steamy sexy scenes. While adult fans can't wait to see Edward and Bella finally consummate their relationship, the sex was almost too hot for teens. Robert Pattison and Kristen Stewart's sex scene had to be toned down. Then again the story is about romance but give them a break they're married now. Apparently she was very into it, then again Robert Pattison in my opinion is a hottie. If you must know I'm Team Edward. Favorite quote from Edward Cullen "I am purely full of joy, because I am missing nothing. No one has more than I do now" : )

What to Wear to Work

I've been meaning to blog about this particular subject for awhile. There are a few general rules for work attire, it really depends on where you work. Different employments call for different styles. I’ll provide you with some general tips on appropiately dressing for work.


Beware of Human Resources and your fellow co-workers. I suggest to sticking to neutrals just because you think that coral blouse is cute doesn't mean it's appropiate. Therefore dress for success when you’re on the clock.


Regardless of all the different rules as to what is and isn’t okay to wear, the following covers most of the dos and don’ts:

1. Avoid any revealing clothing. No cleavage or short skirts in the workplace is a no no.
2. I personally think that no logos should be worn.
3. This applies to fashionistas and DON'T let your outfit outperfom your work.
4. If you have to think twice of wearing that particular piece of clothing more than likely you're unsure for a reason.
5. Don't be afraid to be edgy either, just make sure not to overdo it.

For those of you who are fortunate to work in a casual environment casual dress code can be just as important. Dressing like a slob is not appropiate but in some work environments dressing formal doesn't always mean success. As long as your outfits look like they're put together as well as you're grooming.The best thing about a casual dress code ALMOST anything goes. While most people are forced to sacrifice their style each morning. Casual attire involves wearing jeans on a daily basis but don't be afraid to change it up, wearing leggings is allowed but just be careful on how you wear them. They're leggings for a reason and not meant to wear as jeans or pants.


Maybe you're wondering I'm required to wear scrubs or a uniform and this blog doesn't apply to me. Well many work in the medical field where scrubs are required or uniforms are required as well. Because of the hold back of scrubs or uniforms focus on accessories and your grooming. Try new hairstyles new nail lacquers, and unique jewelry.

If you love fashion I hate to break it to you but some of the time professional employers don't care for the fashion forward styles. I believe that is where toned down accessories and classic silhouttes come in handy. Business professional doesn't always mean wearing "THE" power suit. The possibilities are endless. 


DO'S and DONT'S for the business professional workplace:


1. Grooming it's a must from hair to makeup. I personally love the bun in the workplace it's feminine and yet looks authoritative towards others.
2. Skirts should not be short and should hit above the knee. Suits should be fitted but not tight and blouses should always be tucked.
3. Heels should not be more than 3 or 4 inches tall. First of all it wouldn't be comfortable but it's not fine in the workplace.

Modernized French Manicure

French tip manicure polishes nails in two colors, one for the bed of the nail and another for the tip. French manicures create a polished look that replicates the natural nail in pink and white, but modern styles vary in other colors. The French tip manicure is one of the most popular choices for both formal and everyday occasions but now and then is nice to change it up a bit. I decided to incorporate both a modernized french tip and the matte and shiny trend. I definitely in love with the matte look for this fall and I have to say I'm loving the end result.

Sephora by O.P.I Matte Top Coat, Wet n Wild in 204A Private Viewing and Nail Art Pen in black

Peppermint Mocha Tasty Goodness

I've always had an obsession for mint and peppermint. The taste and smell of mint makes me smile, from gum, mojitos, and anything that has mint. The only reason I look forward to the holidays it is because of all the peppermint beverages and peppermint bark, which are limited of course, but I found some alternatives to my obsession.

McDonalds has a limited time hot beverages: McCafe Peppermint Mocha and McCafe Peppermint Hot Chocolate I did try their Peppermint Mocha and it was delish but after several visits I was disappointed because the Peppermint Mocha did not taste the same. I felt like I was wasting my money and the staff were not putting the effort in making it as good as my first experience. Maybe others will get lucky in getting that perfect cup.

Starbucks has their seasonal Peppermint Mocha. I have to tell you that the beverage is heaven when it hits your lips. I can't explain how delicious it is. The only problem being that I'm trying to be more careful with spending my money. I have to say that it can get a little bit pricey after time but I do recommend this beverage. If you want to have the same taste of Starbucks Peppermint flavor buy their Peppermint Syrup to flavor your coffee at home. It can be purchased online or at stores.

Chick-fil-A has a Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake. If you're like me and love both hot and cold beverages anytime of the year you should stop by for this dessert. I tend to get a meal there and then order their Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake to go. It's an indulgence of just the right flavors. The sad part is that is seasonal. I first tried this when I was a stylist at Toni & Guy and they used to give us free coupons for this delicious dessert and ever since I was obsessed.

Steak 'n Shake also make an awesome Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake. I've only recently tried it and is similar to the one from Chik-fil-A. The only difference I believe this one has more crushed peppermint which makes it very good.

As much as my obsession for peppermint I have it can get pricey over time. Especially being that I work overnight I tend to drink a lot of caffeine to stay up. I found a budget friendly way to my craving of peppermint and it's affordable. Coffee Mate makes a Peppermint Mocha flavored creamer. I was so ecstatic to find out that they had a creamer and lately have been drinking a cup daily. I can't live without it.

Ingredients:

1 Cup of water

I TBSP of Nescafe Clasico Pure Instant Coffee

2 TSP of Hershey's Chocolate Syrup

1/3 cup of Peppermint Mocha flavored Nestle Coffee-Mate Liquid Coffee Creamer

1 TSP of Peppermint Extract (Optional)

Instructions:

COMBINE Nescafe Classico Pure Instant Coffee and Hershey's Chocolate Syrup in coffee mug.

STEAM water and Peppermint Mocha Coffee-mate together using microwave on HIGH for 1 minute or until very hot. Pour over Nescafe Pure Instant Coffee and Hershey's Chocolate Syrup.

Whipped Cream and crushed peppermints is optional and voila enjoy your cup.

Matte For Fall

I've been so busy lately that I haven't had the time to go spoil myself with any shopping. I recently went to the mall to stock up on my skincare items. While I was passing by Sephora I decided to stop by and see if they had matte laquers that I've been interested in purchasing. Love it or hate it, matte nails are the big trend for Fall. With all the matte nail polish collections coming out, it will be a hard style to ignore. I asked the girl if they had any in stock or ones that I could try but she said they did not. She did show me the Sephora by O.P.I Matte Topcoat. If you're on a budget try a matte coat instead. Using them to mattify any polish in your polish collection makes it more versatile and budget friendly. Give it a try and update with a new matte finish. From flat to satin there are many choices in the non-glossy top coat laquers and I’ll name a few other alternatives.

Sally Hansen Instant Dry in Blazing Blue

 
On the negative side there are certain things you give up in using a matte top coat.

1.These are not fast drying products so you have to be willing to put in the time to get the finished look. 2.The more matte the top coat, the more unforgiving it is. 
3. Matte top coats absorb oil and water as you go about your daily routine so the finish will become more satin over time.

Here are some of the alternatives I didn't use:

Essie Matte About You, Rescue Beauty Lounge, V for Men Matte Finish Top Coat, Orly Matte Top, Orly Nails For Males, Barielle Matte-inee, Matte Finish Topcoat by Butter London.

I can't help but be inspired by these colors and contrasting textures. I hope I've inspired you to change it up this Fall to try the matte trend...

Dia De Los Muertos

The first of November means a nasty Halloween hangover for some; for others, it's the beginning of "All Saints' Day". Time to stock up bunches of golden marigolds.

Dia De Los Muertos is one of Mexico's traditional holidays reuniting and honoring beloved ancestors, family and friends. It is an ancient ritual when the living commune with the dead it starts from October 31 till November 2. The historical roots of this celebration date back to the pre-Hispanic cultures. November 1st a ceremony starts in honor of the "Angelitos" known as "Angels" it takes place in the cementary. The "Angelitos are the children that died and could not experience the happiness and sorrows of adulhood. The church starts ringing bells and calling children's souls from there the celebration continues till November 2.

Throughout each period in Mexican culture, death is not about terror. In Mexican art, legends, and religion, death has not been a mysterious and fearful thing but a realistic recognizable part of life as life itself in the after life. Dia De Los Muertos expresses this perspective: it is not a mournful day but a happy and colorful celebration. There is no place for sorrow or weeping for this could be interpreted as disrespectful to the dead relatives who are visiting.

People believed that souls did not die but that they continued to live in a special place where they finally rest. Tradition holds that the dead return to earth to visit their living relatives. It is believed that although we can't see them,  we can surely feel them. Altars are created to welcome and celebrate the dead. Marigolds are offered in abundance because it is believed their aromatic scents guide the dead to the place where the feast is being held. It is very common to make mole or tamales because those are the foods we tend to make for celebrations in Hispaninc culture. A excess of candles eliminate the darkness just as the souls are being illuminated from the shadows of death. Offering and altars are created with photos, liquor, mementos, fruit, atole or champurrado and pan the muerto known as sweet bread. This also provides the opportunity to teach children about those who came before them.

Dia De Los Muertos is a time of celebration on remembrance. It is also a time to come to terms with our mortality and become aware of the cycle of life and death. Rather than deny and fear death. This event teaches us to accept and contemplate the meaning of mortality. So don't mourn the dead but celebrate it.

Trick or Treat and Something Sweet

I hope ya'll had an awesome Halloween but for some reason I didn't seem to be in the Halloween spirit this year. It might have been due to the fact that I had to work all weekend. I was a little bummed because I did have a costume that I was not able to wear but I still had a good time. Last year for my son's first birthday I did a Toy Story theme and I was sure for Halloween he would be "Woody" or "Buzz Lightyear" but lately he's been obsessed with "Batman" and "Superman" so I decided to go with the Batman costume from Wal-Mart it was very affordable.

I met up with my friend at Victoria Park to eat pizza, cupcakes and candy with the little ones. After the park I took my son trick or treating to some nearby neighborhoods around where I live. I am very disappointed to say that a lot of houses where not giving out candy for the kids this year I remember when I was a kid all my cousins and I would go home with full buckets and now it seems to be more quiet. We didn't trick or treat out too late since my son was feeling ill from earlier and I wasn't feeling too well myself but regardless it was a successful night.

Although I wasn't able to do anything for Halloween over the weekend or with friends and I did have a costume so I took the time to do my makeup to show ya'll. I put on the full costume on to show how the whole look would of looked. I had help from my mom to take some of the pictures and she is not very good at taking pictures but she tried. Enjoy and hope ya'll had a spooktacular day.