Archive for the ‘Faith’ Category

Hey Glossy Ones,

This Monday’s edition is inspired by items I saw in one of the recent Neiman Marcus catalogs (the title on the cover is “Accessorize Me”).  Once I went to the site to pull pics, I came across other items that begged to be posted. 

Luxury is defined as “a material object, service, etc., conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living rather than a necessity.”  I’m a “key word” kind of lady, so the key word for me in that definition is necessity.  In essence, luxury could mean unnecessary.  For some of us, a shoe is a shoe is a shoe, and that’s great. 

Keeping in mind “Counting Up The Cost,” my motto = You Have To Treat Yourself Sometime!  Not all the time, but sometime.  Everything in moderation!

MONDAY MELODY

The-Dream (who wrote “Umbrella,” “Bed,” and “Just Fine”) is no longer behind the scenes.  Is your name mentioned in “Shawty Is A Ten?”  Even if it’s not, you’re still a 10!  Check out the remix featuring R. Kelly on The-Dream’s MySpace page.  Also check out his song “Falsetto” – it will most likely be his next single.

MONDAY FLASHBACK

I heard you last week Jam Bella!  Here is Guy’s “Let’s Chill.”  “From the first time I saw your face, Girl I knew I had to have you.” – I LOVE that line!

LIFE OF LUXURY

Here are my shoe and purse picks from Neiman Marcus.

This Christian Louboutin “Speechio Very Prive Pump” is fire!  I love the covered platform and although the highest heel in my collection is four inches, I am inclined to give these 4.75 inch bad boys a try.

There is nothing sweeter than a matching shoe/purse combo.  I love the buckles on the  Miu Miu “Stretch Ballet Flat” and on the Miu Miu “Pleated Leather Hobo.”  The hobo is pictured from a side angle in the catalog and it shows three buckles on each side of the shoulder strip and it has “Miu Miu” embroidered on the side of the bag.

I couldn’t decide which Prada flat to post, so I am posting both!  The “Linea Rossa Squared Cap-Toe Ballerina” and the Mary Jane “Linea Rossa Leather Flat” are too darling.  They look pretty comfy too.

I LOVE this glossy Prada “Vernice Bowler.”  I love the shape, the colors, everything.  The matching shoe is cute (click the link above to view), but a matching pump would have been great.

Once again, I came to a hard decision – which color to post?  The black and brown Gucci “Bonnie Mid Heel Platform Pump” can do no wrong in either color.

The Burberry print was always a little too busy for me, but I love the splash of color it brings to this boot.  The Burberry “Check-Trim Leather Boot” is supa dupa fly!

Finally, I love the simple, classic but modern look of Kate Spade’s “Small Carla Hobo.”

MONDAY PRAISE

I hope Tonex returns to the music industry soon!  Here is “Make Me Over,” one of my faves.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ~~~Psalm 51:10

Have A Wonderful Week!

~ Joy

Happy Monday Glossy Ones,

October is coming to an end, but let us keep Breast Cancer Awareness in mind and heart throughout the year.  If you have a cause that you would like us to share with our readers, send us an e-mail at pumpsandgloss@yahoo.com.

MONDAY MELODY

I am really liking Keyshia Cole’s “Should Have Let You Go.”  This is my favorite song by her to date.

MONDAY FLASHBACK

I heard “Goodbye Love” by Guy on the radio late the other night and it made me think of this song.  I don’t know how true this is, but at the time, I heard when the Guy reunion initially didn’t work out, Teddy Riley gave this song to Blackstreet.  Here’s “Don’t Leave Me.”  The Guy reunion worked out after this and the only song I remember from that project is “Dancin,” which I really liked.

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT:  The Gap’s (Product)Red Line

I hold three causes very close to my heart – church, breast cancer and Africa.  The Gap has partnered with (Product) Red and 50% of all sales go to helping Africa with the fight against A.I.D.S.  There are fashions for the whole family, so be sure to check out the entire line HERE.  Here are my three favorite items:

I simply must have this “Inspi(red)” top – too cute.  A Gap.com Exclusive, it comes in sizes XS-XXL.

How adorable!  This baby t-shirt comes in sizes 3-6M, 12-18M, 18-24M, and 2 Years to 5 Years Old.

Can’t you see your little sweet pea in this?  Sizes 0-24 Months.

To learn more about thee (Product) Red initiative, go to JoinRed.com.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?

I love to dance, so I thought I would share my favorite dance-related songs.

The dance to “Crank That” by Soulja Boy Tellem is more like a routine, so I figured I better post the instructions!

The “Cupid Shuffle” by Cupid is a fave because it is easy! LOL!  This song will forever remind me of my family reunion!

This was the jam way back when!  I just had to have that #1 Anfernee Hardaway jersey – I miss you Penny (oh, he was so fine)!!!  I know you all have to remember “Tootsee Roll” by the 69 Boys.  Dip Baby, Dip!

JOY’S SHOE PICK

Sometimes, you have to give your feet a break and wear some flats.  I keep flats in the car for after church and other dressy occassions.

 

The adorable “Luena” by Baby Phat is perfect for shopping sprees and when you need a break from your heels. 

MONDAY PRAISE

A friend of mine once said “CeCe Winans has a real connection with God because it just shines through in her music.”  Amen!  Here is one of my favorite songs by CeCe – “Alabaster Box.”

“Alabaster Box” is based on this Scripture:

Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”   ”Tell me, teacher,” he said.

“Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.  Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.”   ”You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.  You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.  Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

~ Luke 7:36-50 NIV

Have a Wonderful Week!

~ Joy

Happy Monday Glossy Ones!

I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend.  We have been having a wonderfully warm fall thus far.  So grateful for sunny skies!

MONDAY MELODY

I have been hearing this song on the radio, but always missed who it was singing it.  I would have never guessed it was Trey Songz!  “Can’t Help But Wait” has a nice groove to it and I can’t wait to see the continuation of the story line.

 GOD’S MERCY by Kari West from “Dare To Trust, Dare To Hope Again”

When tears are the only language you know, God hears.

When darkness envelops your way, God sees.

When pain forces you off course, God stabilizes.

When loss wears you down, God comforts.

When grief suspends your progress and saps hope, God remains.

ELLEN’S PUPPY BLUES

I just wanted to give my two cents on this issue since I am a puppy fan (my puppy will be one next month!).  I certainly understand that there was a contract signed stating that Iggy should be returned to the organization if he did not work out with Ellen and Portia.  At the same time, I think Mutts and Moms went about it the wrong way.  I see nothing wrong with Iggy going to Ellen’s hairdresser and having Mutts and Moms check out their home.  It kinda feels like Mutts and Moms was looking to make an example out of this situation.  In my opinion, it’s better to just do good than to follow the rules.

JOY’S PURSE PICK

If it were up to me, this site would be called Purses, Pumps and Gloss.  I am addicted to purses like Mix and Sen are addicted to shoes.  I got a really neat storage organizer from Ikea and I have it filled with purses already.  So, from time to time, I will share a purse that has grabbed my attention.

My Mom recently got a new Coach purse, and while I had seen it on the website, it really didn’t grab me until I saw my Mom’s in person.

The Bleecker Signature Duffle is so sharp in person.  I love the leather on it. 

JOY’S SHOE PICK

I love the Steve Madden Lezlie pump.  It comes in so many colors, so you are bound to find one you really like.  The all black (above) is from SteveMadden.com (where there are 16 color combinations) and the Burgundy (below) is from Zappos.com (where there are four color combinations).

NEWS – LIPSTICKS CONTAIN LEAD from Yahoo! News

By Karen Jacobs Thu Oct 11, 6:59 PM ET

ATLANTA (Reuters) – Lipsticks tested by a U.S. consumer rights group found that more than half contained lead and some popular brands including Cover Girl, L’Oreal and Christian Dior had more lead than others, the group said on Thursday.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics said tests on 33 brand-name red lipsticks by the Bodycote Testing Group in Santa Fe Spring, California, found that 61 percent had detectable lead levels of 0.03 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm).

Lipstick, like candy, is ingested. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of public health, environmental and women’s groups, said the FDA has not set a limit for lead in lipstick.

One-third of the lipsticks tested contained an amount of lead that exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 0.1 ppm limit for lead in candy — a standard established to protect children from ingesting lead, the group said. Thirty-nine percent of the lipsticks tested had no discernible lead, it said.

“It’s critical that manufacturers reformulate their product,” said Stacy Malkan, a co-founder of the coalition. “It’s possible to make lipsticks without lead, and all companies should be doing that.”

Lead can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as reduced school performance and increased aggression. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, the group said in its statement. Lead has also been linked to infertility and miscarriage, it said.

Procter & Gamble Co‘s makes Cover Girl brand and France‘s L’Oreal is one of the largest cosmetic companies in the world.

Over the last three months, more than 20 million toys made in China have been recalled, mostly due to the use of lead paint.

The coalition said that some less expensive brands it had tested, such as Revlon, had no detectable levels of lead, while the more expensive Dior Addict brand had higher levels than some other brands.

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association trade group said in a statement that lead was a naturally occurring element that was not intentionally added to cosmetics.

The FDA has “set strict limits for lead levels allowed in the colors used in lipsticks, and actually analyze most of these to ensure they are followed,” the association’s statement said. “The products identified in the (CSC) report meet these standards.”

L’Oreal’s U.S. arm said its products are reviewed and tested by a safety team that includes toxicologists, pharmacists and doctors.

“All the brands of the L’Oreal Group are in full compliance with FDA regulations” as well as safety requirements in international markets, L’Oreal USA said in a statement.

P&G said in a statement that the quantity of lead a consumer might be exposed to from its lip product “is hundreds of times less than the amount that she would get from eating, breathing and drinking water.”

“Lead builds up in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels. The latest studies show there is no safe level of lead exposure,” said Dr. Mark Mitchell, president of the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice.

MONDAY PRAISE

I went out of town recently and saw LaShell Griffin in a play and WOW- she can sing, sing, sing.  This is the title track from her first cd, Free.  Great CD – I love this song and “Get Away.”  LaShell is the winner of Oprah’s Pop Star competition.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 

~ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Have a Wonderful Week!

~ Joy

Hey Pumps and Glossy Ones,

We, typically, think of the summer as wedding season, but that time is only the culmination of the planning and praying. This is the seasoning for plotting, planning, selecting and critiquing. You may ask, “Sexual Carob, what does that have to do with getting your freak on?” Well, I am glad you asked. (I love our readers!!)

Well, during the wedding planning process, couples must, must have pre-marital counseling. I think that wedding planning can show the true colors of bride, groom and families. (Check an episode or two of Bridezilla) Bride and groom must continue to keep the relationship strong and intact.

Premarital counseling examines the relationship and the readiness for marriage. Many topics are covered including:

1. Creating household budgets
2. Anger management
3. Roles of husband and wife
4. Personal and familial goals
5. Sex
6. Are children apart of the marriage plan?

Each topic and questions help the couples to answer, “why do we want to get married?”
One of the many books that has been recommended to couples is Dr. Robin Smith’s Lies at the Altar.

In this book, Dr. Robin asks couples over 200 questions i.e. do you want a pet, what do you like to eat for dinner, what religion or denomination will our children learn. Another serious question is “How often do you want to have sex weekly?” (Sidebar: You know Dr. Oz says that we should have sex 4 times a week.) These questions may seem mundane, but can turn out out to be deal breakers for married couples.

The truth about great marriages is that it takes a lot of work, a conscious effort to be aware of each other’s needs and desires, and plenty of good (exceptional) sex.

Adam Sandler from The Wedding Singer

The quintessential wedding song, Here and Now by Luther Vandross.

Have fun planning the wedding. Remember that your wedding day is not the most important day of your life, but the days, weeks and years to come. Take a 2-week honeymoon (if you can), one for freaking it up and the second for doing activities out of the room i.e. horseback riding, jet skiing, tennis, and outdoor nooky… woohoo!!

Keeping It Steamy,

Sexual Carob

Happy Monday Glossy Ones,

Happy October!  Is it me or is the year flying by?  Don’t get me started on how quickly summer passed us by.

 MONDAY MELODIES

Rihanna and Ne-Yo team up for “Hate That I Love You.”  Say what you want about these two, but they are making big things happen.  I am a little disappointed by Ne-Yo’s new video, “Can We Chill” – the song is cool, but I was expecting more.

Mix Maven and I were just saying how hot this song is and then I came across the video on Yahoo Music.  Here is the one, the only, Kayne West (featuring T-Pain) with “Good Life.”

Speaking of Yahoo Music, I loooove their Urban New Releases Radio Station.

STARBUCKS

I am not a coffe drinker, but when a dear friend of mine wanted to get together at Starbucks, I did not have the heart to say no or let’s meet somewhere else.  I mentioned to Sensual Element that I was going to Starbucks and she told me to try the Hot Apple Cider.  Mmmmmmmmmmm, it was SOOOOO good!  I had the Blueberry Coffee Cake and had a sample of the Iced Lemon Loaf.  I see why people are so addicted to Starbucks – great atmosphere, good drinks (even if you don’t like coffee), WiFi, and sweet sweets.  I am officially addicted. 

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I encourage each and every one of you to get involved.  The American Cancer Society is sponsoring walks in every major area during this month – get out and walk, donate to the cause (every little bit helps) or eduate yourself on this disease.  My Mom and I walked in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk last year and this year, we will be walking on a team that was started by a lady at my church.  My husband and I also walked with church members this summer at the Susan G. Komen event.  Let’s rally together to make a difference Ladies and Gents!

Even Bath and Body Works is getting involved by selling the C.O. Bigelow Shine For Life Mentha Lip Tint.

You can even eat to help the cause!  Yoplait has been promoting the Pink Lidcampaign for awhile now.  Buy Yoplait yogurt, save the pink lids and mail them in by December 31, 2007. 

Hopefully there is a Tanger Outlet in your area – they are selling PINK SAVINGS CARDS for $1.00.  For $1.00, you will receive a 25% off coupon to be used in one store in the Outlet Center.  Buy as many cards as you want to use in as many stores as you want.  Great deal for a great cause.

JOY’S BOOT PICK

The last time I did a boot pick, I showed an Aerosole boot.  Well, here is another Aerosole boot that has caught my eye.  I love the studs on the Lane Squeeze.  It also comes in brown leather.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

Before I met my husband, I knew nothing about football.  Since he played football in high school and college, his brother played in high school and college, and their mother was their biggest cheerleader, I found it best that I learn the basics of the game so I wouldn’t be so bored at family dinners.  Hubby taught me the basics a few years ago and now I am a football junkie – College and NFL.  Right now, I am going to talk about College Football very briefly.

Before I start,  if you need to know the basics, go HERE.

What in the world happened to Oklahoma, Alabama, Alabama State, Michigan State, and Texas??????  This was an unbelievable Saturday.  While I have love for Northwestern, Michigan cannot afford any more losses this season.  Glad that Michigan, Alabama A&M, and Purdue did their thing.  I know I am leaving some teams out, but I did say “very briefly.”

MONDAY PRAISE

This song reminds of Sunday Morning.  Here is “Jesus Is Love” by The Commodores.

This song always gives me chills – whether it’s Richard Smallwood’s version  or Whitney Houston’s version.  Here is Whitney’s version of “I Love The Lord.”

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  ~ 1 Peter 1:8-9

Although we can’t see him, let us look for him in others.  Have a wonderful week!

~J.R.

Who knew there was such a thing as “Christian Sex Toys” for married couples?  We have seen sex toys referred to as “Marital Aids,” but here are some sites that cater to Christians who want to keep the spark alive:

Wholly Love

Book 22

My Beloved’s Garden

Maybe these sites are in existence to attract those Christian couples who would never dream of going to a sex toy store or website.  It is ok people – it is really ok to enhance and enjoy your sex life.  Joyce Meyer once said, “I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing as tragic as being alive and not enjoying life.“  The same can be applied to our sex lives.

Here is an interesting site that discusses sexuality for married couples from the Christian perspective:

The Marriage Bed

Just so we are in the know, here are some interesting statistics about general sex toy use and sex courtesy of Babeland.com:

• 44% of women between the ages of 18 and 60 have used a sex toy
• 20% of men report using a vibrator
• 9  in 10 women report being comfortable talking to their partners about their sex toys
• 1 in 5 women report masturbating at least once a week. Of those women, almost 60% use a sex toy in their solo play
• Women who are in relationships are most likely to own and use sex toys. 78% of women who use or have used a sex toy reported being in a relationship
• Women who use sex toys report experiencing more frequent orgasms and greater satisfaction with their partners than women who don’t use sex toys
• Of women surveyed, 15-17% were under 20 years old when they first tried a vibrator, 50% were in their 20s, 22-27% were in their 30s, and 8-10% were forty and older
• People worldwide are having sex for the first time at an average age of 17.3
• Globally, people have had an average number of nine sexual partners
• Almost a quarter (23%) of adults around the world have incorporated sex toys in partner sex
• 20% of adults report indulging in kinky play, including using masks, blindfolds, or bondage
• The most common place for adults to have sex outside their bedroom is in the car (50%), followed by the bathroom (39%), parents’ bedroom (36%), and the park (31%)
• 15% of people have had sex at work, and 2% have joined the mile high club
• Globally, people have sex an average of 103 times a year

We would love to know how many Christians were surveyed.

On yesterday’s Oprah, there was a sex survey on Oprah.com and more than 14,000 people responded. When asked, “Are you happy with your sex life?”, 57 percent of women said Yes (source).  If you fall into the 43% percent category, do something to change your “no” to a “yes.”

Happy Monday Glossy Ones,

I hope your weekend was better than mine – I have been sick since Wednesday!  DO NOT take your good health for granted!

MONDAY MELODY

Kelly Rowland is back with “Ghetto” featuring Snoop Dogg.

For those of us who are sick,

12 TIPS TO PREVENT COLDS AND FLU THE “NATURAL” WAY

(see WebMD for full details)

1. Know when not to Treat Symptoms
2. Blow your Nose often and the Right Way
3. Treat that Stuffy Nose with Warm Salt Water
4. Stay Warm and Rested
5. Gargle
6. Drink Hot Liquids
7. Take a Steamy Shower
8. Use a Salve Under Your Nose
9. Apply Hot or Cold Packs around Your Congested Sinuses
10. Sleep with an Extra Pillow under Your Head
11. Do not Fly unless it is Necessary
12. Eat Infection-Fighting Foods

JOY’S BOOT PICK

I am really digging brown for the fall.  These boots by Aerosoles have to be comfortable since they make the most comfortable shoes ever.  The “Lane Squeeze” boot also comes in black leather.

FACE TIME

My favorite face cleansing product, without a doubt, is Johnson and Johnson’s Clean and Clear.  I’m not trying to sound like a Proactiv commercial, but I have combination skin (oily/dry) and Clean and Clear keeps me just that – clean and clear!

These are the products in my bathroom drawer – I switch up daily and my skin has no complaints.

Go the Clean and Clear site to get a $2.00 off coupon.

OBAMA AND HILLARY

I found this cute parody of the top Democratic candiates for President.  When the time comes, whether you are Republican or Democrat, VOTE!

DEVOTIONALS

“Our Daily Bread” from RBC Ministries is one of my favorites.  The monthly pocket size devotional arrives once a month and the cost is only what you are led to give.  You can also view their daily devotionals on their website.  This is a great resource for those who need a quick Word for the day.

I recieve “Heartlight” devotionals through e-mail daily.  You will receive a Scripture Verse, Thought and Prayer.  They also offer many more devotionals to choose from – check out the complete list here.

MORE ANNIE LEE

Last week, I posted two prints by artist Annie Lee.  In the comments section, Miss Loden said I should check out “Power Shopping.”  I did and I love it!

Looks like Mix Maven and Sensual Element on any given day.   Thanks Miss Loden -  and if you like “Power Shopping,” you will love “Maxed Out.”

It’s September 17th and two of my dear friends are celebrating their birthdays today!

Happy Birthday Mix Maven!  Happy Birthday Sensual Element!

Happy Birthday Sensual Element!  Happy Birthday Mix Maven!

I love yall!   Any Virgos in the house? LOL!

Here are some Simpson clips to get you two in the Birthday spirit… 

Go Sen, it’s your birthday!  Go Mix, it’s your birthday!  If yall want to dance to Luke, go here!  LOL!

Have a Great Week Everyone!

~ J.R.

Happy Monday Glossy Ones,

Hope you all had a great weekend!

MONDAY MELODY

I love a song that celebrates women.  Here is the adorable Raheen Devaughn with “You.”  I love the first line of the song and the groove is hot.

ANNIE LEE

My Mother is a huge fan of Annie Lee art.  She loves that there are no faces – “If I want faces, I will put pictures of family up!”  I spent the majority of the weekend with her looking for a frame for “Drip Dry.”

Sites say it is 24×36, but that does not take into account the write trim around the actual pictures.  Whew!  Finally found a frame and it looks great.  Black frame with a black mat – perfection!

Why did I post this picture?  Because I need your help with figuring something out.  We see the lady washing clothes – what exactly is the child doing in the picture?  My guess is that the child is supposed to be potty training, but is playing instead.  I will write Annie Lee and see what she says!

WEDNESDAY MORNING UPDATE:  My Mom called the official Annie Lee website – the person who answered wasn’t sure, so Annie Lee was called to give the answer!  Annie Lee said that the baby is supposed to be potty training, but instead the baby is pulling the sheets off the line/playing; as soon as the mother hangs a sheet, the baby pulls one down.

Here is another cute pic my Mom got by Annie – it is called “Burn Ya Baby?”

That was me many a day when I was a child!

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

“To ignore evil is to become an accomplice to it.”   ~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (source)

“What’s truly audacious is to believe that something different is possible, to hope, to aspire, to change.”   ~ Senator Barack Obama (source)

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll ed up having more.  If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”   ~ Oprah Winfrey (source)

BEDROOM DECOR

I posted a beautiful blue and brown comforter set last week.  I came across this one on the JCPenny site.  Different pattern, but the same colors are there:

I found this combination on Target.com:

Blue comforter set, brown sheets and accent pillows.  Great look!

SHOE PICKS

I love this gymshoe – it immediately caught my eye in the store Saturday.  The Nike Dart V comes in a couple of colors, but my fave is the Clay/Garnet.

These kicks can be found at JCPenny and Kohl’s – both have them marked down to $39.99.

I love the berry color of these Steven Madden “Blazzin” pumps.

These pumps can be found on Macys.com for $74.25.

A WORD FROM T.D. JAKES

“You CAN Recover From A Fall” – A Word we can all use!  “Let the haters hate” – alright now!

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
~ Matthew 7:12

Have a Wonderful Week!

~ J.R.

Happy Labor Day Glossy Ones!

MONDAY MELODY

For all my working people, in honor of Labor Day, here’s Vanessa Williams performing “Work To Do.”  Check out the music video here.

 TEN WAYS TO BE YOUR VERY BEST - by Jeness Ruhanen, from TopTen.org

1. Practice Extreme Self Care.
2. Create 10 Delightful Daily Habits.
3. Get Rid of Stuff You Do Not Need.
4. Get Rid of Commitments You Do Not Want.
5. Be Clear on what You want for Your Life.
6. Get Organized.
7. Take Care of Your Needs
8. Elminate Things You are Putting Up With.
9. Celebrate Your Success.
10. Laugh Often.

See each item in detail here.

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT – ANIMALISTIC

I received an ad from Newport News showing different outfit combinations in shades of brown.  Called “Touches of Animal,” this collection screams “Fall” to me.

I know that’s pretty small, so go here to get a better view.

I especially love this leopard print skirt.  Not too long, not too short.  Gotta have it!  This skirt comes in Misses Sizes 2-18 and Women’s Sizes 14W – 24W.

BEDROOM DECOR

I received the Midnight Velvet Fall Catalog recently and saw this fabulous comforter set.

I love the brown and blue combination.  I can see blue candles to match on my night stands.  Just as I was about to order this, my Mom surprised me with this duvet set from Target for my birthday last week…

I am a huge fan of butterflies and my Mom’s thoughtfulness certainly touched my heart.  At the same time, I am still longing for the blue and brown.  I would put one in the guest room, but Hubby and I have a tropical theme and neither of the prints coordinate with the room.  I’ll just watch Midnight Velvet to see if they mark it down.  Christmas will be here before we know it – I am going to have to be a good girl for the rest of the year so Santa can bring it to me!

JOY’S BOOT PICK

I get e-mails from Dr. Jay’s on a regular basis.  Urban wear for women, men and children, Dr. Jay’s is the site for clothes, shoes, and accessories.  This Timberland Boot was featured in the most recent e-mail I received and it was love at first sight.

Who knew a Timberland boot could be so hot?!  It also comes in light caramel suede and black leather.

LIP COLOR

Maybelline SuperStay Lip Color in Violet

0.077 Ounces of Lip Color and 0.063 Ounces of Moisturizer Sealer

Purchased for $3.48 on Clearance at Target – Regular Price was $6.99 (Picture is from Walgreens.com. where the price is $9.49)

Sticky? – Lip Color = Yes,  Moisturizer = No

Shimmer? – No

Applicator – Brush for Lip Color; “Chapstick” Application for Moisturizer

Buy Other Colors? – Yes

Buy Second Tube? – Yes

Thoughts – I bought this Lip Color doubting that the color would last.  I am now a believer!  I cannot rave about this product enough!  The lip color is applied with a brush -it goes on silky smooth and within two minutes, it becomes dry and sticky.  Apply the moisturizer and your lips are smooth with a touch of shine.  The color lasts for up to 16 hours.  I drank out of cups and there was no color left on the rim!  You will need to apply the moisturizer every now and again for shine.  Maybelline sells a product that will remove the color.  I used baby oil and it came right off.  Overall, I give this product an A.  This product is available as a lip gloss – I will be purchasing it and letting you all know about it!

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF

I LOVE this song!  “Encourage Yourself” is by Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers. 

“Sometimes you have to encourage yourself.
Sometimes you have to speak victory during the test.
And no matter how you feel,
Speak the Word and you will be healed.
Speak over yourself,
Encourage yourself in the Lord.”

“But Remember Giants, they do fall!”

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  ~ Galatians 6:9

Have a wonderful week!  Be Encouraged!

~ J.R.

Happy Monday Glossy Ones!

 

MONDAY MELODY

While this song did not get much radio play in my area, I always loved it.  Beyonce’s “A Woman Like Me” is from the “Pink Panther” soundtrack.  Can any of you relate to the message?

SEVEN TIPS FOR MAKING YOURSELF HAPPIER IN THE NEXT HOUR

1. Boost Your Energy
2. Reach out to Friends
3. Rid Yourself of a Nagging Task
4. Create a Calmer Environment
5. Lay the Groundwork for some Future Fun
6. Do a Good Deed
7. Act Happy

~ By Gretchen Rubin – See each step with full details at The Happiness Project.

 

LIP GLOSS

Maybelline “shiny*licious” in Grape-Full

Ounces/Price/Location = 0.38 ounces for $3.48 at Target (Clearance Price; Regular Price is $4.99 at Target);  Image is from Walgreens.com, where the regular price is $5.79, current sale price is $4.99.

Applicator = Fuzzy Angled “Doe Foot” applicator with hole in the middle – gloss is squeezed through this opening.

Sticky? = Yes (Hubby agrees)

Shimmer? = Yes

Coverage = Very Sheer – Grape-Full provides very little color (Hubby agrees! LOL!)

Purchase A Second Tube? = No

Try Different Colors? = Maybe

Thoughts = shiny*licious is just that – SHINE!  Lots and lots of shine!  But Grape-Full does not provide any color.  I would recommend this gloss to wear over a lipstick to boost the shine.  I used it over my M.A.C. “Lure” lipstick and it pops!

UNACCEPTABLE!

I was so disheartened to hear about Juanita Bynum being abused by her husband, Bishop Thomas Weeks, III.  On Friday, he turned himself in to police.  There is no excuse for this type of behavior!

Pictures have also surfaced of Amy Winehouse appearing to be abused.  Reports say she was fighting with her husband, but Amy has publicly denied that her husband abused her.  The pictures of them are hard to view!

Ladies, and Men too – there is no plausible reason for abuse of any kind to be tolerated.  If you find yourself in any of the above situations, PLEASE get help.  It is never too late!

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

I love when our urban designers work it out for us curvy ones.  :-)  Rocawear has some really sharp outfits that go up to 3X/24 in size.  I can see myself in each and every outfit! LOL!

BOOKS

I am an avid reader!  I love a good book, but even more so, I love a good sale on books. 

While in Dollar Tree – you can find some real gems in their book section every now and then – I see “Lies and the Lying Liars who tell Them“by Al Franken.  Looked like an interesting read, why not, it’s just $1.00.  My, my, my – I implore all of you to get this book.  Eye opening and hilarious, the end result is pure gold.  If I was a conservative, I would not like Al very much! LOL!

Mix Maven and I went to Border’s last week and I picked up “Yeah, I Said It“by Wanda Skyes for a whopping $1.00.  Wanda started off her book talking about politics – I thought I had picked up Al Franken by mistake!  I could hear Wanda talking as I read, which made it all the more funnier.  I laughed out loud through most of the book, but there are times when Wanda goes over the top.  In those instances, remember the title of the book!

I also picked up a book that grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.  “Bullsh*t or Fertilizer“by Pierre Bennu was on sale for $1.99 and I am all for a “Portable Pep Talk” (that’s the subtitle).  It is a small book – 83 pages – but it is a great read!  Very encouraging, but not all preachy, this book should be on everyone’s shelf…or in their bag or desk for a quick pick-me-up!

QUOTE TO PONDER

Don’t assume that people know how to love and choose to be evil instead.

Some of us haven’t seen the alternative.

Be that alternative.

~  From “Bullsh*it or Fertilizer” by Pierre Bennu, 2003

If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.

~ Isaiah 7:9 NIV

Have a Wonderful Week!

~ J.R.