Friday, May 29, 2009

I need a new CAMERA!!!!!

As I am getting my blog together I have been mapping out ideas for topics. One of my topics that I would like to do on a regular basis is, instead of FOTD (Face of the Day), I want to do EOTD (Eyes of the Day). Showing of different eyeshadow looks. Sssooo...I need a better camera.

Now since I am in the market for a new camera, I have been doing a lot of research to make sure I purchase the best camera that gives me the most for my money. So I thought why not share my research with all of you, who may be interested in doing the same thing. So here are a few digital camera shopping tips I have taken heed to and would like to share with all of you,

1. Megapixels
More does not always mean better. The more megapixels the camera boasts the less likely the picture will appear blurry when blown up. **MESSAGE: This is good to know when taking pictures of products (e.g., eyeshadow, swatches, etc.) and even your own makeup.** So, if you don’t plan on blowing pictures up past the norm 4x6 print, then you don’t have to have a camera with a trillion megapixels.

2. White Balance
This is important when taking pictures in various types of light (e.g., inside v. outside). **MESSAGE: This is good to know when taking pictures of products (e.g., eyeshadow, swatches, etc.) and even your own makeup.**

3. Optical Zoom v. Digital Zoom
Optical zoom magnifies, with no image quality tradeoffs while digital zoom enlarges pixels already present, causing a rapid decline in image quality. If you are interested in taking pictures from far distances look for cameras with a higher optical zoom.

4. Image Stabilization
This is a great feature to look for in a camera to prevent blurred images. It can reduce vibrations that come from camera shake or slow shutter speed. It is even helpful when taking pictures in low light.

5. Rechargeable Batteries and Charger
Some cameras have the ability to use AA batteries of any kind—disposable or rechargeable. Finding a camera that allows you to use both can be most beneficial. Rechargeable batteries are great and if you need to let them recharge you can throw in some disposable batteries in the mean time. This feature is more so about preference.

6. Memory
Make sure you understand your cameras capabilities and what it may require. Not all cameras come with extended memory. To many times I have known for people to purchase cameras and not realize that they have to purchase extended memory. They get to a momentous event like a wedding, graduation, or even vacation, and they start snapping pictures only to see that their camera begins displaying a message, “Memory Full.” Not all cameras require the same thing. They could require a CompactFlash, a Memory Stick, an xD-Picture Card, or a Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard. Read the camera’s Specs!!!

7. Other great features to consider....

Facial recognitions features, such as smile mode and blink detection, red eye deduction, special photo effects like black-and-white or sepia, software, etc.
If you have comments or suggestions please share. The more feedback the better.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

*Continuation* of Hair Product Haul -- OVERLOAD

There were a few more products that I have added to my regimen (to test their worthiness of being in my perminent rotation) that I forgot to mention. I will also provide reviews on these products once I have done my regimen consistently for atleast a month. So here are the other products...

This is what happens when you mix a payday with a Sunday sale at Target! YAMNIT!!!!!

Organix fortifying Lavender Soymilk Shampoo & Conditioner

I have used the Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner and I was not that impressed. It was just ok for me. Now this one I like it so far but we will see. My concern with the conditioner though is that it seems a little watered down. I like richer products but I know with my hair I have to be careful. My hair can hold on to product. For example I can't use Motions conditioners because it will not wash out. But that is a conversation for another day another post.


Next we have Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum.

Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum

So far so good. I am really loving this little miracle in a bottle. It smells great and it is not greasy or sticky. I used it twice so far and there was no build up. You are suppose to apply this liquid gold after you wash your hair. We will see by the end of the month what the breakage report will look like but so far there has been some serious transformations with my hair shedding and breakage...all for the best! Keep your fingers crossed!

Lastly I have started using, Extra-Strength Formula Hair Serum for coarse/extremely frizzy hair.

Extra-Strength Formula Hair Serum for Coarse/Extremely Frizzy Hair

Let me excuse myself before I say this, but this shit is GREAT! After the first use I noticed a big difference. Since I have been battling bad breakage compounded with DC humidity my fly-aways have been OC! This product has really helped.
It is not greazy or sticky but it is very thick and rich. It gave my hair some extra shine and tamed what it could, which was way better than the grease and water trick I was trying to use.

I love this stuff...

NIVEA A Kiss of Moisture Hydrating Lip Care SPF4

I am going to be quite honest. I am pretty darn lazy. During the work week my morning regimen is 30 minutes...wake up, brush teeth, take shower, get dressed, LEAVE. Now I have enough makeup and beauty products to open my own small store. It is really sad. I use none of it. I mean I don't always put on facial moisturizer and/or lip moisturizer. I know I know...but hey that will make my regimen 31 minutes and I have a record to maintain...30 minutes or less. But regardless of my laziness I still love to try things, especially when they first come out.

NIVEA A Kiss of Moisture -Hydrating Lip Care SPF 4 combines intensive moisturization and effective protection to leave your lips smooth, supple and healthy looking. Advanced formula with moisturizing Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil and UV filter (SPF 4).

  • A light-weight formula that absorbs quickly into the lips
  • Enriched with Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter to provide long-lasting moisturization
  • Helps protect your lips from the damaging effects of the sun

I was in RiteAid picking up a few things and grabbed a tube of this miracle in a tube.

Now let me pause for a second...I have had the worst experiences with lip moisturizers. I have tried the entire everything, expensive to inexpensive, and I always have the same results. I experience feathering, caking, dryness, etc.


...back to my rant...OMG, I love this stuff ssssooo much. It is great!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Weightloss Journey..Turning over a new leaf

Since I graduated from undergrad...won't say when...my weight has been a constant issue. It has fluxuated. Now I have never been that thin chic. I have always been kinda thick but toned because I was extremely athletic. Well I graduated...started working...went back to school...graduated...and went back to school again. Now I am 220 lbs. and I have had enough. Many say I don't look it because I still rather muscular. But I look at myself everyday and I feel the ailments coming from the weight gain. So I decided to finally do something about it.

I have renewed my membership to Bally Total Fitness and I have decided to try My Weight Doctor. I had my first appointment was last week. I had to get some blood work done, weigh in, etc. My second appointment is Friday and I will get my customized meal plan and my overall weighloss regimen. I am so excited! Wish me luck and I will keep you all posted.

Hair Product Haul -- OVERLOAD!!!!

So I have decided to go back to being natural. No more relaxers or color treatments. Back to what the good Lord blessed me with...crazy uncontrollable curly thick hair!

So I have been reviewing many blogs and you tube videos and decided, hey I wanna try! Soooo here we go....

Parachute Coconut Hair Oil
I have been doing some research and thought I would give this product a try. It says that it should be used everything before you shampoo.

Instructions for use: Gently apply from the root to the tip of your hair. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and shampoo. Use every time before you shampoo, and get healthy, lively and beautiful hair for life.







Ramtirth Brahmi Oil
Now I used to use this oil when I was in high school. It was great. It really did make my hair grow. Why did I stop using it? I don't even remember. Now that we have been reunited I do remember the love hate relationship that I had with the product. I love the smell...I don't love the smell...I love the smell...well you get what I am saying.

Well I have decided to give the product a second chance. I will post my review in a couple of weeks.










Dabur Vatika Smooth & Silky
I came across this shampoo while paroozing through the aisles at my local Indian Grocier. It was fairly inexpensive ($3.99), so I said why not. It looks extremely concentrated and rich. I will let you guys know how it goes.






Morrocan Oil

I have heard so many great things about this product I could not help myself. It smells so good and the consistancy is less sticky then that of Chi Silk Fusion which I am also an avid fan of.











Sssooooo....I have put the Ramtirth Brahmi Oil in my hair. Sectioning it and applying it to the scalp and working to the tips. Before I go to bed I will put in the Coconut Oil, paying more attention to my ends, and I will wash my hair when I get home from work.