Today is my birthday!! Woop Woop. I am very happy to see another year.

My aim is to always be grateful for the little things in life, family and friends. God has been good to me and the family, so no complaints.

I have been so busy with stuff and stuff that I had not even thought about what I wanted for the birthday.   Sometimes, I feel like that Roots song,”Seed 2.0″, “I don’t ask for much these days…”

Lily Printed Shift Dress

I like this dress. Elegant and chic, yet understated.  The exotic print adds to the visual interest.

Elizabeth and James "Linda" Caged Pump

I am totally drawn to this pump. I love the texture and the 4-in metallic heel.  “Linda” must be the focal point of any ensemble.  These pumps need to be loved, adored and embraced by the eyes.

MAC Photo Realism Palette

I am usually not a huge fan of the pre-made MAC palette. Some weeks back, I swatched these shadows from the Photo Realism palette and my heart skipped a beat and melted all at the same time. lol The texture is divine i.e. more veluxe pearls than frosts.  It seems that everyone is doing the season, so I would settle for the Bobbi Brown Ivy League Collection.

NARS Laguna Blush Bronzer Duo and Orgasm Nail Polish Set

I love NARS and I was not too sure about the Orgasm blush. When I swatched  it, I thought it was nice, but not a must-have.  I must say that  Orgasm works well with the Laguna bronzer, especially for Women of Color who want to have that healthy looking glow.  But the pièce de résistance is the nail polish. I have seen swatches on Nailgal.com and I really, really likey! Plus, it looks great on brown skin, as most (if not all) polishes do.

I will try to have tons of fun on my birthday, but know for sure that I will be celebrating all week or maybe two.

Keep it Glossy,

Mix Maven

My home girl, Yummy411 , aka President of “The Pretty Committee”, called me out for being a Cherry Culture fanatic. I want to blame her because she exposed me to Specktra, where I learned about Cherry Culture. LOL!

One of my new favorite nail polish brands is LA Colors.  The bottles are shaped like OPI polishes at fraction of the cost ($2!!!) and less toxins. I found this product on my foray at the Cherry Culture website.  The LA Colors lacquer, Vibrant Violet,  was apart of my first purchase on Cherry Culture.  I was totally pleased with the brilliance of the color and purchased other colors from Cherry Culture. One of the Specktrettes (a Specktra.net member) discussed buying LA Colors products at her local dollar store.  I decided to head a Dollar Tree and I noticed that this store carried a few LA Colors products that I have seen on Cherry Culture’s website. (Unfortunately, no LA Colors nail polish…

Here is what I got:

LA Colors Shimmering Loose Eye Shadow – This product is similar to MAC pigments, which I love, but I find them to be somewhat chunkier than most pigments.  I am glad I only paid $1 and not the $3 listed on Cherry Culture.  The brush applicator is not favorable and I will find away to open the container (without too much fallout) to put in another container.  If you are starting out on the makeup scene, definitely check these loose shadows out, which is why I gave them to my cousin J to play with.  (Always remember to use a base when applying any type of eye shadow!)

LA Colors AutoLiner, Mascara and Liquid EyeLiner

I have not used these products yet, but I have heard rave reviews about the mascara and autoliner. These products range between $2.50 and $3.00 on Cherry Culture.  The liquid eyeliners are, somewhat, issued, because some may be opened and have a bit of dried liner liquid on the product (see photo) Hey, only $1!

My Cherry Culture Haul from the recent 20% off sale:

NYX Brushes

I like NYX brushes.  You know I still love my MAC brushes, (especially the black-bristled brushes).  As one of my friends says, “What’s better than money? More money!” I have the same feeling about brushes.  One cannot have enough makeup brushes. I have other NYX brushes and I use them alongside my MAC brushes.

I ordered: NYX Professional Blush Brush (I will use for foundation blending), NYX  Professional Eye Primer brush (similar to MAC 252) and a NYX Professional shading brush.

I also picked up one of my favorite low-cost eye shadow brands, Wild & Crazy.  This time I got “Favorite Pink” which is a dupe of MAC’s Da Bling eye shadow.  The texture is great and is blendable.  For the most part, I have enjoyed the Wild & Crazy eye shadows that I have, except for a matte.

I decided to try NYX’s nail polish in Barbie Pink. The pink is vivid and pretty. I cannot wait for my next manicure appointment. (which is very soon)

I also wanted to try the LA Colors metallic palettes. The palette is called “Serenade” a series of pink shades.  The shadows are pigmented, but the palette is smaller than I thought it was going to be.  I swatched a few of the shadows on my hand, so I think they will be fine.  For the $4 price, I am pleased, though, chances are I will not stock up on the other LA Colors metallic palettes.

Overall, I am pleased with my haulage. MAC has some good stuff coming out almost every month of 2008, so I am definitely bracing for that.  Happy Haulin’ to you!!

Mix Maven

FYI, I am not a photograher…. ok

I love watching MTV’s (me watching is a rarity these days) Randy Jackson Presents American’s Best Dance Crew (Dang that is a long A$$ name . (Sidebar: this is the only competition show I watch… No Idol, no America’s Got Talent, No So You Think You Can Dance et al.) As of now, I do not have any favorite dance crews, but I am not feeling Fanny Pak.  I do think SoReal Cru is pretty good and the Detroit Crew was also good (yay for the deaf dancer.)  I am looking forward to the rest of the 2nd season.

I enjoyed hearing the heartfelt back stories of the dancers and the crews.  I wish all of them best and I hope they can parlay this show into something very successful.

Which dance crew is your fave?

I love me some Maroon 5.  Last summer I was rocking this album on a, seemingly, endless loop, so I was excited to hear about the release of the  Deluxe CD/DVD of “It Won’t Soon Before Long”  I loved this album because of the 80s elements, sexy lyrics and soft ballads.

I love the idea of Maroon 5 and Rihanna partnering in the song, “If I Never See Your Face Again”.  I did not even realize that Maroon 5 did a remix (kinda) with Rihanna. (Sidebar: I have been super, duper busy lately, rendering me unconscious to popular cultural happenings.)  I will say that Rihanna does not sound half-bad and her style and makeup (FLAWLESS!!!)   Adam Levine is definitely a looker, which adds to the mystique of the band.   Dangit, I am still PO’ed I missed them in concert last year.  And the upcoming tour date to my area is not even convenient.  Damn you, somebody! LOL No one to really blame.

I will be picking up the Deluxe CD coming out July 8, 2008.

Maroon 5 (and Rihanna) “If I Never See Your Face Again”

Keep Cool,

Mix Maven

Mother’s Day is May 11, 2008.

Mothers work hard to make sure their children have everything they need to be successful, well-adjusted, respectful human beings.

I have never seen pregnant pics of my mother, but I can picture her swollen feet, her feelings of nausea. I am grateful to my mum for being who she is and raising a well-adjusted, respectful, intelligent, (and many more positives) woman.

Here are some mother’s day gift ideas for mothers and I things that I would want when I become a mother.

I love Barrie Pace. Over the years, I have gotten suits and dresses for my mother from this e-tailer. I love, love, love this French pink suit. The black beading work is so delicate and visually appealing.

I love this Chloe peep-toe shoe. The shoe is not very exciting to the eye, but I know it would look good on my feet. Mama Maven does not wear heels anymore, so I know she would not even look at these shoes. Mama Radiance and Mama Sensual Element would definitely be pleased with this gift.

We love Coach and I am in love with this purse. (I love it so much that I would name it!) I think our moms would love to include this lovely patent leather satchel to their collections.

I am in love with my MacBook and I think all the mothers of the world should own Apple computers.

If your mom enjoys inspirational gospel music, she will love this CD. One of the favorites on this CD is “Never Would Have Made It.” Mama Maven loves this song and she hums this song often.

We wish all the moms of the world a very happy Mother’s Day. Message to children and fathers: Spoil and pamper mothers on this day (better yet once a month!)

Special Shout Out:

To our favorite mom blogger, Yummy411.

Hey Pumps and Glossy Ones,

Who all is ready for summer?? I know that I am. This summer will be quite busy for me, so I probably won’t have too much time to go to the beach. But if I had time to go to the beach, I would definitely keep the following options in mind.

I love this Gottex swimsuit. I love the swirly pattern and the one-hook strap. It is quite elegant…nice for a lady who does not want to show too much skin.

I like this one-piece bandeau. If the lower frills were removed, I would definitely love this Juicy Couture one-piece. The shade of green adds a feminine flair.

Victoria Secret’s Tankini is something that most women can wear. This particular top has a miracle bra, so if you are not big-busted, you can keep the girls up and ready for action.

Baby Phat has some cute swimwear. Baby Phat’s feels that women should “swim sexy” and all of the swimsuit options are sexy. The “Glamour Jewel Bikini” is super hot. This bikini is made for women who are very fit and work out on a regular basis, so if you do not fit in said category, please back away from this bikini. (Said with love. )

Baby Phat’s St Bart’s Belted 1 Piece is totally hot. This one-piece reminds me of a Bond Girl swimsuit. I absolutely love it!!

What are some of your favorite swimsuit/bikini looks?

Here is the quintessential summer song….

Feelin’ Hot

Mix Maven

Hey Pumps and Glossy ones,

Every woman needs several clutches in her life. These mini-handbags do not hold the kitchen sink, but the bare essentials to keep you looking fresh for night out.

I can always trust JCrew to have classic, yet unique products. Navy accessories that are not boring can be to find. I am totally in love with this navy clutch. I like the visual interest of the “hand-painted paillettes on linen.” This clutch is a must have for my collection.

Bottega Veneta’s Lizard Clutch. I love, love, love this clutch. This metallic lizard clutch is a must have for those women who have $4500 USD to spend. I also love the details, the knot closure, the gold/silver tones. Well done Bottega Veneta!!

Gucci, Gucci, Gucci, I love thee. I think this clutch is just breathtaking. The Tippy evening bag is made from “platinum leather with platinum resin stone detail.” Pure luxury!

Mix Maven

Rihanna is not apart of my playlists, but I do love the evolution of her hair dos.

When she arrived on the scene, she had classic updos (i.e. chignon), spiral curls, very girl next door. Now, she has morphed into a chic baby Vicky Beckham and I love her 80s-inspired hairdos. I also like the fact that she is looking less Beyonce and more like her own person. (Great job, Team Rihanna!!) Here are some of my favorite looks:

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I also love her make-up in most of these shots. I hope she has longevity, so we can all admire her style transformation (on mute though!!)

Mix Maven

Happy Friday Glossy Ones,

You know how we do it on Fridays…

FRIDAY FREAK

Ray J. is back with “Sexy Can I.” Gotta give it to Ray – he has been coming out with jams in recent times (“One Wish,” “What I Need“). While T-Pain caught flack for commenting on Ray’s “meat,” we have to agree with T-Pain 100%! LOL! Ray can get it at minute 2:45, getting his D’Angelo on! Yum!

FRIDAY FLASHBACK

[youtube= http://youtube.com/watch?v=7ULZuCK_fgo]

Speaking D’Angelo, let’s go back and peep one of my fave videos of all time for very obvious reasons. Whenever I watch “How Does It Feel,” I have this overwhelming feeling of wanting to bump the camera down! Big ups to D’Angelo for giving us Ladies some eye candy!

I heard this on a Russ Parr “Wrong Song” mix last week and wow, it took me back. Here’s Oaktown 357 with “Juicy.” If you want to see it in color, click here.

SEXY SHOE PICK

Decisions, decisions!

You will be killing them softly in these Jessica Simpsons. The “Jacie” has the shine, the style and the 4.5 inch stilleto heel to turn heads. I couldn’t decide which color is the hottest – tell us which color you would rock! I would definitely invest in the black pair, but the other two colors are simply dazzling. I would love to see Jess do a chain of shoe stores.

SWIM SUIT SEASON

Are you longing for summer like I am? This has got to the be coldest and longest winter ever! SIDEBAR – If you haven’t read “The Coldest Winter Ever” by Sister Soulja, please believe it is a great read. An urban tale of life’s ups and downs, I could not put it down when I read it a few years ago. Ok, sorry, back to the matter at hand….I plan on dragging Mix and Sen to the beach as soon as it gets hot. Here is a darling ensemble I plan on getting from Old Navy:

How cute! Green is my fave color, so I’m too thrilled! LOL!

Or step out on the beach like a Top Model in this tank with matching bottom – that’s Dani from ANTM btw. I love it paired with the bracelets.

Think you don’t have the body for a swim suit? Then get a plain one piece suit and pair it with a cute cover up – it will look like you have on a dress:

I love breezy black and white prints for the summer.

How cute is this one!

I would wear this one as a cover up and later on, pair it with some jeans. Old Navy has cover ups that go up to a size 3X. No need to be ashamed to go to the beach this year Ladies – you do you!

AEROBIC STRIP TEASE

If you have been with us from the beginning, you know Sensual Element’s first post was about Carmen Electra’s strip tease. Here is a clip of the routine that you can use for exercise and for turning things up with your lover.

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=D0RExNFS0JQ]

10 SEX CRAVINGS ALL GUYS HAVE from Cosmopolitan.com