Where Are My Virginia Followers???

 

It's time for some fun!! What kind of fun you may ask... well we are having an Artistry Show! This event will include food/drinks, gifts, and a runway show for everyone. You will be able to vote on your favorite model looks and mingle with other guests and Beauty Advisors. I would love to send out an open invitation to you guys. So come on out, bring your family and friends, and enjoy the show! 

In addition I am looking for 3 volunteers to walk the runway!! No experience needed. I will be doing your makeup personally which will show off a Fall/Winter look. All models will receive a door prize from the store for attending as well as a special gift from myself. This will be a contest between all cosmetic counters! If we are the winning team, I will definitely show my appreciation to you guys for being a part of this experience. So if you enjoy makeup, free gifts, and want to try Estee Lauder products, email me if you would like to be a model for this show! 

Details (GUESTS):

Date: October 27th

Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm

Place: MacArthur Center (300 Monticello Ave, Norfolk Va 23510)

Price: FREE

Details (MODELS):

(Same as above except Time)

Time: Will come in between 12pm and 1pm to allow me time to do your makeup before show begins.

Attire: Must wear all black and have hair in ponytail to properly show the makeup.

Interested in attending? Email me at xosimplyellexo@gmail.com and let me know if you would like to be a guest or model. Gifts are given out to only those who are on the guest list. So be sure to contact me so I can put you on the guest list. 

What A Busy Week!

Yesssss! It has been such a busy week for me. I don't know how in the world I got through it and I still have a head full of hair. If you ask me, I should be bald or grey. But I did it and I can finally kick my feet up!

After a 6 day work week consisting of 10 hour days, I feel so rattled and unorganized. I have videos that I have been meaning to upload to Youtube that will be posted shortly. I also have emails that I need to get to from you guys! I also want to thank all of my new subbies/followers from Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, and this Blog. You guys and gals are truly my inspiration.

I just wanted to poke my head out of hiding and let you all know Im doing great and there will be some requested videos posted soon! Thank you all for the support.  :)

~Elle

Caged Bird

I dream of having wings in order to fly

Fly out of my cage into the topless blue sky

It traps me within, containing my rage

People pass me by and are amused, there’s no escape

I scream and I cry feeling powerless… a simple captured bird

They may hear my voice but they never interpret my words

I see all the others walking so free

And I tell myself be firm it could some day be me

But a trained bird gets used to its supervised cage

You let it go free… yet it returns the next day

So I go back and forth getting captured in the storm

I have no other place to rest. I have no other place to keep warm

So I may dream… dream of wings to fly away

But its only a way out… its only an escape

So I realize I dont need to be the gorgeous bird with wild wings

Maybe God made me to be strong and spiritually free…

~Elle

Natural Hair Wash Day!

Am I the only one who really loathes wash day?? My hair has a combination of curl patterns and textures which in turn causes it to be easily tangled. To keep the knots and kinks from forming again while I wash and detangle, I have to wash and co-wash in sections. This allows me to cleanse more thoroughly and detangle with as little damage to my hair as possible. 

I have different technique when washing in the shower and washing in the sink. So here is how I go about washing my hair in the shower.

(1) I separate my hair into four sections, pulling each into a ponytail.

(2) I remove one ponytail and begin wetting that section. While adding my conditioner to that section, I began finger detangling and massaging scalp to break up any debris/dirt. 

(3) After finger detangling, I then go through with either my Tangle Teezer or Denman Brush . This is optional. I do not use hair utensils every time I detangle.

(4) Twist this section up and move onto the next one.

(5) After I have detangled each section, I allow the conditioner to sit in my hair as I do the rest of my "business".

(6) After allowing conditioner to sit, I remove one section at a time and rinse with cool water. I add my leave in conditioner and then re-twist to prevent tangling. 

And there you have it! You have any tips on detangling on wash day? Leave comments below.

~Elle

A Promotion!

This year has been such a blessing for me. If you knew me well you would know exactly what Im talking about. It has been rough and full of twists and turns, but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and you should grow from those hard times. My family is together and everyone is happy and healthy... what more could I ask for?

Well as previously posted, I just started my new job as a Beauty Advisor for Estee Lauder. It hasn't even been a full month yet and I have already been offered a promotion! I will now be the Counter Manager for my location. Well nothings set in stone yet until it's down on paper. I have a meeting to go over all details which will help me better decide if I want to go that route. 

Previous associates from the counter, who have been there longer, have already shown a new air about themselves since it has been brought to their attention that I would be filling the position. I'm guessing a feeling of "Why didn't I get the promotion since I've been here longer?". So I may have my hands full, but I love a good challenge. 

Have you ever been promoted into a position where you had to manage individuals who you once held the same position with? Was there conflict? Leave comments below.

~Elle

I Smile

Loads of confusion and despair running through my mind and my veins.

Times when Im lost and running in circles, fighting against your reigns.

But each day I rise and part my lips to show you my shine.

Pearly whites dare you to cause trouble, attempting to force them to hide.

I smile when Im angry and even when my face stings from your constant lashing.

I smile when Im bruised and hurt, even when my heart has been given a bashing.

This grin is not always real but it tries to feed positive energy to you.

Simply contagious, I notice, as you return the favor without a single clue.

There’s a dark storm inside but my eyes read calm flickering candles lights.

Calming you slowly as I listen to your woeful and unfortunate plights.

I smile even when I want to be in a corner and live off that pitiful frown.

Forcing myself to produce happiness and swallow all of my troubles down.

It soon becomes natural and I forget why I was originally so worried.

I float on a cloud and dance in the wind just like light snow flurries.

As the day goes on I no longer have to pretend that all my worries are gone.

It has grown on me, mind has cleared, and I continue to spread the smile along.

A Nice Bottle of Wine

Today was a great day. I got to enjoy the full day of nice weather and one on one time with the hubs! We got to shop, browse the malls and stuff our faces with Chipotle. I was a tad spoiled by the time came around to pick the babies up. I didn't want to share Daddy!

But now it's time to wind down and you already know what that involves! Amongst the ironing of clothes, and packing lunches for the next day comes... yes wine. I thought I would share one of my fave red wines. Usually I love to sip on Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, but Menage a Trois has a great red wine that's a mixed blend. It's a combination of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. Has a sweet taste due to the Zinfandel that also takes off the bite of the Merlot. I highly recommend if you are new to red wines! So on that note, CHEERS!

Ever tried this wine? What wines do you enjoy? Leave your comments below.

~Elle

Healthy Breakfast Options: Meal 2

I'm not a big breakfast person. I am the type of person that I have to force myself to eat. So finding something to fuel my body and isn't too heavy when I don't have an appetite is key. And who doesn't love something that is sweet and healthy at the same time? I know I do.

Smoothie Recipe:

1 cup Plain Yogurt

2 cup Frozen Fruit

1 Whole Banana

1/2 cup Vanilla Soy Milk

1 tbsp Honey

2 tbsp Lemon Juice

1 serving Whey Protein 

Splenda (Optional, eyeball it)

This recipe makes enough for the four of us in my household. You can definitely break the servings down to make a smaller batch.  Swap out ingredients to your liking. My children love smoothies in the morning and I love them because it helps to get their needed servings of fruit for the day. Play around with different recipes and see what inspires your taste buds. You can even add veggies such as kale or spinach. Whatever your preference... smoothies are a great way to start your day!

Do you have a smoothie recipe? Share your recipes or ideas below!

Dear Blog: I Nurture

It seems so long ago that you needed me. But not that long ago. Long enough to miss the connection. But not long enough to forget the emotions. Your bright eyes playing a game with my own. Daring me to blink but forcing me to stare. Fingers tickled my face as you drank until your heart was content. Cheeks moved with purpose as I studied and caught the rhythm. Tracing the features of your face sketching every detail into my brain. Feeding you warmth and memories that I too would hold onto in the passing years. I blister... I shudder in discomfort. But nothing is more important than the in and out... in and out... in and out of your suckle. You needed me. And I needed you more I will admit. The twinkle in your eyes gave me light. The pressure of your grasp drove my motivation. My mind juggled you and my struggles and sometimes something would take me away from our moment. Then the tickle of your tiny fingers brought me back to you. In and out... in and out... in and out again. Our eyes met and they danced together. You took a small piece of my being away but I felt more fulfilled. We would shut the world out and created our own cloud to float on. No one else mattered or existed in that time. Time no longer existed. It was just us... swallowed up in love. If I had nothing else in my being to give you, I gave you my heart and my being. For you I loved... I fought... I shed my selfishness... I surrendered. For you I nurtured. 

~Elle

Breastfeeding is a beautiful connection between mother and child. It holds many benefits for not only the infant, but the mother as well. I was blessed to be able to give my daughter the gift of breastfeeding well over the recommended time frame. I strongly encourage others as well to at least try. My daughter is now 6 and remembers nursing. It's a very special bonding experience that I am happy to have experience. 

Tangle Teezer Review

What it is: Tangle Teezer Original

Size: Fits in palm of hand

Price: $12.99 USD

Material: Handle (Plastic), Teeth (Nylon) 

What it claims: It's a super smooth operator that works the minute hair is lathered and rinsed. Glides through wet or dry hair with no pulling, tugging or yanking. Use to distribute product and provide the scalp with a revitalizing massage. Adds gloss and shine to hair with minimal damage and no pain.

For Hair Types: Any including color treated, weaves, long or short. 

PROS:

Great for travel due to small size

Easy to use

Quick results

Comes in variety of colors

Distributed products well

Painless 

CONS:

Slippery with wet hands because of no handle

When used on dry, coily/curly hair breakage does occur (NOT surprised) 

Final Thoughts: I have been using the Tangle Teezer Original for about a year now. It does exactly what it says with one exception, shine. I do not find that it adds any shine or sheen to my hair when in use compared to other hair utensils. However, it does provide a very easy and painless detangling experience. I also love to use it when doing a ponytail to smooth down any lumps to give a perfect finish. I do limit my use of this brush to prevent hair stress. I only use this brush when my hair is wet, although I have tried it once with dry hair for reviewing purposes only. I love the small teeth on the brush because they move with your hair minimizing breakage. These small teeth eases the strands to untangle rather than forcing as some brushes/combs with stable teeth that do not flex do. 

Side Notes about the Brand: The Tangle Teezer was invented by Shaun P, a color technician from London. The Tangle Teezer line is manufactured solely in the UK, although they have over 40 countries that distribute the products. The teeth on the Tangle Teezer original has been issued a patent, and took about 4 years to perfect. 

Would I recommend/purchase again: Yes/Yes

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Have you used the Tangle Teezer? What are your thoughts?

A World of Pink Toys and Lollipops.

So innocent and pure while they live in their own world of pink toys and lollipops.

I close my eyes and can smell their newborn essence… that scent just won’t escape me.

Beats at me to remember… to hold on to the emotion stirred by the smell.

Can still hear the innocent cries getting louder commanding attention.

Can remember the need and peaceful stare as she suckled at my milky breast and gazed into what felt like my soul.

That stare that says I need you… you amaze me… please protect me.

They will always be my little girls. Always be my sunshine.

They lead me… they teach me… they keep me alive and with purpose.

I smile at them and they smile back and for a split second, I don’t have a care in the world.

Their smiles lead me to want to dance with them in their world of pink toys and lollipops.

To my beautiful daughters Marie and Trinity. You will always be my sunshine.

~Elle

Healthy Breakfast Options: Meal 1

Pictured (2 Scrambled eggs with green peppers, red peppers, and onions. Served on a bed of raw spinach and topped with salsa)

If you're like me, you LOVE cheesy eggs in the morning! Usually I would eat about 3-4 scrambled eggs with 2 slices of cheese. Well now that I have begun my new lifestyle of eating healthier, I had to find ways of enjoying protein filled eggs without the fattening cheese I love. I have also minimized my proportions so I now eat no more than 2 eggs.

So let's compare 1 slice of cheese to 2 tbsp of salsa. Please note: These nutritional values may vary depending on brand.

American Cheese                                                                            Medium Salsa

As you can see there is a big payoff from switching from cheese to salsa. From fat content to calories, you are making a smarter decision. You can even kick it up by using hot salsa instead of medium if you like spicy foods. Also swap out the butter or margarine for an olive oil spray. Try this out and let me know how you like!


~Elle

Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner Review

What it is: Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner
Size: 385 ml (13 fl oz)
Price: $6.99 (usd)
Ingredients: Water, Behentrimonium chloride, Cetyl alcohol, Glycol stearate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Parfum, Argania Spinosa Oil, Theobroma cacao extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Persea gratissima oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, PANTHENOL, Tetrasodium EDTA, Dmdm hydantoin, Methylisothiazolinone, and Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Red 40, Yellow 5, lanalool.

What it claims: This exotic precious blend of Moroccan argan oil penetrates, moisturizes, renews and creates softness and strength while protecting your hair from harmful styling heat and UV damage as it gives you smooth, sexy tresses.
For Hair types: Any/dry hair.

PROS
Thick and creamy consistency 
Lovely smell
Sulfate free
Paraben free
Safe on color treated hair


CONS
Leaves residue
Drying
Shape of bottle
No conditioning or moisturizing benefits
Didn't help with detangling


Final Thoughts: While I love the smell and consistency of this conditioner it really does nothing for my hair. I found that it left my hair very dry and waxy feeling. I did not get any moisturizing benefits from this conditioner. This conditioner may be good for people with finer hair than my own. I was really looking forward to enjoying this product because it gets great reviews, however it was a fail for me.

Side Notes about the Brand: Organix is a very good brand when it comes to the environment. The packaging is eco-friendly and manufactured from materials containing recycled post-consumer resin. All labels are printed using environmental inks and compostable label film made from annually renewable resource corn, not from petrochemicals. They also do not test their products on Animals. Some products do contain animal by-products however if you live a complete animal cruelty free lifestyle.

Will I recommend/purchase again? No/No

Rating:  2 out of 5


Have you used this product before? What are your thoughts?

Beauty Advisor For Estee Lauder? Who ME?

Can we all say together, "I LOVE MAKEUP!". Ahhhhh the sound of music! 

If you read my prior post, then you know I just went on an interview. This particular interview led me to write the post to give tips on how to get your bearings together before and during the process. This was the  FIRST job interview I had been on in approximately 3 years. And guess what... I am now a beauty advisor for Dillard's.

I just received the call today and I feel so happy. It's always a joy when you can do what you love and make money doing it. Makeup has always been a passion for me and something I have become more experienced in on my own. So now that I can now do it on a broader spectrum I can not be happier! 

Dillard's features cosmetic lines such as Lancome, Estee Lauder, Bare Minerals, and Clinique to name a few.  I am excited to be able to get my hands on a few of these brand that I have fought myself not to indulge in. I now have a legitimate reason for feeding my makeup hunger, which I have been doing for so long in a bit of an obsessive manner. 

All things come to those who wait. And I now believe to those who speak it into existence! "This is my job. I deserve it", were the words I spoke to myself before walking into the interview room. I told you guys talking to yourself was a great idea! Now less than a week later it really is my job. What a way to start out the week huh?

Stay Blessed

~Elle

I Am...

I am my mother's child. Strong and determined. Loving and enthusiastic.

I am my father's child. Ever changing and stubborn. Closed and neglected.

I am beyond what you see, beyond the inner me that I allow to be gazed upon.

I am birthed from Indians and Italians, Jamaicans and Britons, a big mixing pot like most.

I am a procrastinator yet impulsive. Addictive and rare.

I am 1 million symbols trying to be deciphered by 1 million men. I am the color black and white, but never grey.

I can be odd yet fit into the circle in which you thrive. I am the opposite of what you’re thinking right now… I am… I am

~Elle

Time to get fit P90X Style!

While I have always been confident about my body for the most part, there are still things that I would love to change about it. I have never been a fanatic on weight loss because I really never wanted to be a "skinny" woman. In no way do I turn my nose up at those with a slimmer build or those wanting to be a size that walks the catwalk. I just have a liking of how I want my body to be. And I have ALWAYS had meat on these bones and I LOVE it!

Most people don't believe how much I weigh when I tell them. Just the way my body carries my weight I guess. But my pants size is in the double digits and I haven't been 145 or below since high school, which is my ideal weight if you ask a medical professional. They also recommend no more than two glasses of wine a day and LAWD knows that's nearly impossible! So I walk the guidelines on a thin line.

So in the name of getting fit, I will be starting my workout regimen up again. Yaaaay me! I will be doing the program we all have heard of and most love, P90X. I have experience with this workout and can attest that it really does works. While I only lasted 30 days, not because it was too hard but due to life, I achieved serious results. Within those 30 days I lost 15lbs and around 2-3 inches off my waist. I wasn't too happy about the 15lbs but I knew it would happen due to the high energy workouts. I wish I had been able to keep going for the full 90 days, but I have another chance now and I will not fail. I also followed my own eating plan which I will go more into detail at a later time.

With that being said, I welcome anyone who would like to join this journey with me. Whether you want to do the P90X: Tony Horton's 90-Day Extreme Home Fitness Workout DVD Program with me or a self developed workout regimen, I would love to see and hear about your progress! Working out and getting fit is always more fulfilling when you have someone doing it with you. So if your up for the challenge, then reply down below or shoot me a personal email.

Either way, I will be updating my blog with my progress and I hope it motivates you guys to want to get fit as well. More info will be on my Youtube for those who follow me there. So enough talk... Let's GO!

~Elle

10 Random Things You May Not Know About Elle

I was asked to do a facts post about myself so here it goes. Hope you all enjoy and keep the requests coming. 

10 Random facts:

1. I do not drink cow's milk. I can eat food cooked with milk, but other than that... vanilla soy milk for me.

2. I have a phobia of seeing toothpaste anywhere else other than my mouth. If I have to clean it up off the sink, I have to close my eyes and hold my breath. And if I get it on my hand, I have to wash them with soap.

3. I am a mutt! Italian, Jamaican, and Indian runs in my blood. My sperm donor's side is definitely a walking melting pot.

4. Hence fact 3... Me and my father do not have a good relationship. Never have and probably never will. I have come to accepted that.

5. I have 2 daughters. My first I named after my late mother Marie Antoinette. Which the movie coincidentally came out the same year I gave birth to her. Meant to be huh?

6. I cry when I tinkle! Weird? And a tad TMI but hey... you asked for it! Lol

7. I was a victim of rape as a child. I hope to help other's one day on this topic.

8. I use to be a tom boy growing up and beating up on the kids in the neighborhood was my specialty!

9. I have a total of 16 piercings and would like more.

10. I HAVE to sleep on the left side of the bed. The right side is the enemy.

I would love to hear you guys random facts! Whether you have a blog or not... leave them in the comments below.

~Elle

A Job Interview??

Am I the only one that gets nervous right before an interview? Let me tell you, I hear the word INTERVIEW and I am a split second from passing out and hoping someone will catch me! It is such a nerve wrecking situation for me. But nonetheless in this day and time I am happy to have had one. No interview =  no job! I have been working for myself the last year doing freelance modeling and makeup. While this can be a lucrative scenario, I sometimes miss having the stability of an on the clock job. Not to mention paying out of pocket for good health insurance for a family of 4 is reason enough to hop onto an employers health plan! So the hunt begins and I have become one of the crabs in the barrel fighting to the top for that one position to create that stability I long for.

I began to think as I'm getting all "Beautified"... I wonder what others do to keep their nerves down when they are going on an interview? And why is it so dang nerve wrecking! I mean it's not like the interviewer is a part of the CIA and I'm about to be interrogated on top secret information. Why do I fall to pieces at the thought of going on an interview?

So I thought to compile a few tips that will possibly help you like they did for myself yesterday. I found myself repeating a few of these tips to myself to keep me positive and calm before stepping foot into the office with the big round table and penetrating eyes with no hint of a smile. I mean seriously... do interviewers have to stare you down like that?? Creepy!

1. Remind yourself that the interviewer is only HUMAN like yourself. They are not above you and are only doing their job. They once sat on your side of the equation.

2. Give yourself a pep talk. In this case it's ok to actually talk to yourself! Just make sure no one's around to hear. Speak positive affirmations such as, "I am worthy of this job", "I am successful in whatever I do", or "I believe in myself and I will make other's believe in me too".

3. Be personable. No matter how well you may be capable of doing a job, no one wants to hire a sauerkraut who may give issues for the company later. Smile and show genuine emotion.

4. Know the company or brand. I have never been on an interview where they have not asked me, "SOoooo, why do you want to work for this company?" Surprise them by actually giving them background about the company. Take note if they help out in the community or if they sponsor any nonprofit organizations.

5. Practice. Think of some of the common questions asked on an interview and think of how you will answer them. Remember to stay positive and upbeat even if the question may be begging for negativity. For example they may ask, "What is your weakness?".

6. Remember to maintain eye contact. Not being able to look them in the eyes while speaking may tell the interviewer that you are uncertain. Looking them in the eyes as you speak tells them you mean what you say and you are speaking with confidence.

7. Know that after the interview is over you will be ok. You will get up from the table and leave with the same two legs you walked in on. Even if you don't snatch this job up, it was practice for the next opportunity and you tried your best!

So these are a few of the things that helped me. What do you do before or during an interview?

~Elle

Welcome to My World

I often sit and wonder where my position in this world is. What is my purpose? Am I changing? If so, is it for the better? Or maybe for the worst? Why did yesterday I love this shade of lipstick, but today it's just a tad too pink? Why was reality T.V. my way of ending my night a week ago... yet today it's a sign of pure ignorance where everyones name is "Bitch". I no longer care what "Keisha" is doing to the next and how her man's pockets are supporting her lifestyle that I have nothing to do with.

Today I may want to talk about how my hair floats in the wind and what products gave me that curly head you loved in my youtube video. Tomorrow I may want to chat about why the HELL this lady in front of me is in the express line with a shopping cart full of merchandise when all I want is a bottle of wine! 

Whatever the topic and whatever the mood... this is my world. Documenting my growth and my tears. I just hope you guys have the eyes and ears to take it in. Join me?

~Elle