NAILGASM // Wah Nails by Sharmadean Reid

Photographed by Rachel Chandler Guinness for intothegloss.com

Sharmadean Reid is the gorgeous 27 year old owner of Wah Nails - my latest obsession! Since discovering this London entrepreneur sometime ago, I've been especially fond of their instagram account which is chalk full of nail art inspiration. Though I've tried miserably to recreate some of these looks, I'm thinking that purchasing her newly released book with step by step instructions can help. While I continue to practice, I'll continue oogling over the instagram account and you can too by following along at @wahnails.

what are your thoughts on nail art?

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Memorial Day 2012

It's Tuesday?

I hope you enjoyed your Memorial Day Weekend and your extra day off work to honor the men and women who have sacrificed all that they have for us.

While it seemed like all my friends were hoping on planes over the weekend, I luckily only had to travel 20 minutes by car. Kim prepared hot dogs, sliders and an array of other little bites that I stuffed my face with at the beach. The waves were rough, but we still had an amazing time with lots of laughs!

Our family usually throws a bbq for the Holiday, but it seemed that everyone was working except me. Last minute, Kim told me that she'd taken the day off - I was so excited! Otherwise I would have spent the day sick in bed as I have for the past few weeks. It felt nice to get some fresh air and talk to other people...besides myself. Thank again for inviting me Kim...and sorry I was too exhausted to come back over for the cake :(

While I wasn't bold enough to sport cute bikini's like the girls, I wore a leopard one piece (not pictured), with my Forever 21 Kimono as a cover-up (I love when I can find double purposes for pieces). I cinched the waist with a thin Forever 21 belt and covered myself from the sun with a fun beach hat that I picked up at Macys earlier that morning. It was originally $40, and I got it on sale for $26!!! I also scored two bathing suits for Lil Sis, on sale for only $12.99 each! Lots of great summer sales going on!

How did you spend your Memorial Day Weekend?

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outfit post // MATERIAL GIRL

Headband: Brash // Earrings: Brash // Denim Balero: Gold Planet // Jumpsuit: Material Girl // Shoes: American Eagle

Todays outfit post comes courtesy of Lil Sis who has her 6th grade class party today - the only day in the entire school year where the kids don't wear uniform. To say this was a difficult process would be an understatement. When we went shopping, she tried to pick up her normal wardrobe - a Hello Kitty shirt and jeans. I wasn't having that,lol. I took her to the juniors section for the first time to find some more fashionable options - her clothes normally come from the kids 14 section - not today. After walking around for what seemed like forever, store to store, I spotted this romper in the Material Girl section in Macys. [ sidebar: Material Girl is the fashion line created by Madonna & her daughter Lola ] I picked out this piece and a few others that she was extremely resistant to. She looked so cute but kept saying "it was too different" no matter how cute I told her she looked. I was going to put it back after I found this denim jacket and another dress - but I figured she should wear the jacket with the romper, it was so perfect. She kept saying that no one was going to dress like this - I told her that was the point. I was just about ready to make a bed in the middle of Macys because she was wearing me out! I ended up buying the outfit as a backup and told her we could exchange it if we found something else the next day, because I wasn't going to leave empty handed.

I picked her up from school the next day prepared to return the outfit, only to have her tell me that she thought about it, and now she wants to wear it, ((slaps forehead)). We ended up picking up a black pair or flats as well as some fun earrings and a headband. Once I had her try everything on together, she warmed up to it a little more.

She was a little nervous walking into school today, but I told her she's beautiful and that she should be confident. She said if anyone has anything negative to say about her outfit, she's going to tell them to stop drinking "Haterade", lol. I explained to her that there's nothing wrong with standing out as long as it's not for a bad reason. I know she's going to come home and tell me about all the compliments she got.

In the end, this lesson was less about clothes and more about teaching her about stepping outside of her comfort zone and being confident while doing so...but I will be making over her entire closet this summer :)

I think she looks a little more mature than how she typically dresses, but she's still age appropriate for having just turned 12 yeard old.

What do you think about Lil Sis' outfit?

 Does Big Sister know best?

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My Martha Stewart Journal

Have you seen the Martha Stewart Home Office collection at Staples? I can't be the only one who gets excited by stationary. Because not everything that happens in life needs to be documented on the Internet, I've decided to start a personal diary again...something I began to do when I was 9 years old. I have a box of diaries from 4th grade through college - and they move with me everywhere I go. You never know if you may need to write a biography on your life...or turn your story into an HBO series, lol !

On to the journal //

• It has a nice texture
• 8in x 10in
• 212 lined pages
• 4 year Holiday calender (2012 - 2016)
• The back features entertaining and decorating tips from the editors of Martha Stewart Living (such as, how to set a table and properly fold napkins - thanks Martha)
• The back cover has storage pockets

I'm excited at the thought of putting pen to paper once again - sadly, this has become such a foreign feeling.

Do you still keep a personal diary?

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inspiration // Calm, Cool & Collected

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

Rompers/Jumpsuits/Playsuits (whatever you like to call them), are one of the best garments to have in your summer wardrobe. It's one of the easiest ways to make a statement without having to put in a lot of work! I'm loving the Bird Print Tie Playsuit from Topshop, which allows you to show a little mid-drift if you're brave enough. Whether you're at an outdoor concert or enjoying a day at the park, you can count on this ensemble to keep you cool, while shading yourself from the sun with a fedora and classic aviators. Ginger & Liz's "Better Off Without You" is a great punch of red to add to your lacquer collection this summer. This line is highly pigmented, however it is vegan friendly and toxin free!

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inspiration // Summer Soiree

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

With tons of outdoor parties coming up as the weather gets warmer, the objective is to be stylish while staying cool and comfortable. Long dresses made with light fabric (such as chiffon), are perfect for being glamorous without showing lots of skin. Wearing a wedge is always a great way to gain some heights while comfortably mixing and mingling with friends. Don't laugh, but I'm known for always spilling food or drinks on myself, so I tend to wear something heavily printed whenever attending bbq's and such :)

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double duty beauty // Tinted Cream Blushes & Such

I'm all about getting the most bang for my buck, so I love when cosmetics have more than one purpose. At this moment, I'm all about my tinted cream stick, which I use as a blush, lip tint and sometimes even as an eyeshadow or highlighter. On those days when you're not looking to do a full face, you can dab some on to give yourself a little color. When I'm running errands in the South Florida heat, I rub some on my cheeks and lips before putting on my sunnies to hide my tired eyes. That ladies, is my secret 1 minute makeup look :)

1.  Mark Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint // 2. Charlotte Ronson 2 X A Charm Double-Ended Brush & Bronzer Cream Stick // 3. Benefit Cosmetics Posietint // 4. Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick // 5. Tarte Cosmetics Maracuja Blush & Glow // 6. Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm (note: this is the one I'm currently using)// 7. Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Blush // 8. Josie Maran Argan Color Stick

Have you tried any similar products?

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outfit post // BLOOM

Necklace: Forever 21 // Dress: No Name // Belt: Forever 21 // Shoes: Dollhouse  // Lacquer: Mellow Yellow by Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear

Darn it! My little tan that I got since moving to Florida is quickly fading, as I've barely left my house for the past two weeks. A trip to the pool is in order, but I haven't been feeling well enough to go as yet. With both the husband and sister home today, I actually got dressed and am going to see other humans besides the ones on tv. By the way, I've become addicted to the Investigation Discovery Channel...and now I think every stranger is a murderer. Someone in my apartment complex asked me for a jumper cable the other day and I swore he was going to kill me, so I quickly told him no and rushed into my car...and then made note of what kind of car he drove, physical features, outfit and his license plate number of course...ya know...just in case I needed to be a witness to something.

...so I got this dress from Kim's mom when we went to see The Weeknd perform a few weeks ago. It was too short for her, but not for me since I'm the height of a fourth grader. Yay! I always get lots of compliments when I wear this little number, as it's become my uniform. It's so easy and light with a great floral pattern. It has an elastic waist (my favorite thing in the world), that I covered with this cute thin fuchsia belt. No makeup today! My skin is on a much needed break and has been thanking me for it. EOS Lip Balm on my lips, and that's it!

I hope you all have been having a great week and please stay safe over the weekend!

Take Care,
Jin

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product review // HABIBI Vanilla & Rose Water Body Balm

I've wasted no time diving head first into this months Curlbox goodies! First up was the Habibi Vanilla & Rose Body Balm. I'm currently in the process of incorporating more natural product into my skincare routine, so this was right on time. With uncomplicated ingredients such as organic raw shea butter, organic raw honey and certified organic argan oil, I knew I was in for a treat.

THE GOOD //

Scent | My husband has become obsessed with sniffing me now, lol. With organic essential lavender as one of the scents, there is no need for any additional fragrance. After showing him this new product, he's requesting that I now wear this everyday, lol. Though the scent is noticeable, it's not over-bearing.

Ingredients | Organic Raw Shea Butter, Certified Organic Argan Oil, Organic Black Currant Seed Oil, Organic Camellia Seed Oil, Rosewater, Organic Essential Lavender, Organic Essential Chamomile, Organic Essential Neroli, Rose Absolute, Organic Essential Sandalwood, Green Tea, Organic Raw Honey, Vitamin E - no fuss and straight forward - I love it!

Safety | Containing mostly organic products, there are no parabens or unsafe filler ingredients to bring us harm

Moisture | My skin is left extremely supple after applying this body balm! Incredible!

THE BAD //

Texture | (disclaimer: this is not necessarily a bad thing, just a slight issue for me personally)  Because of the raw shea butter, this product is extremely thick and a little hard to spread. This to be expected because of the rich ingredients, but this is an amazing product nonetheless.

Overall, I'm quite impressed with Habibi's Vanilla & Rose Body Balm and will more than likely purchase it myself once this container is done. Between the ingredients, fragrance and how moist it makes my skin feel, I'm looking forward to making it a permanent fixture in arsenal of beauty products.

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CURLBOX // may 2012

I wanted to make a video on this sooooo bad...but between my low energy from being sick these past few days, and the rats nest on top of my head - I had to reconsider. I pray to Mary, Jesus and Joseph that you can sense the enthusiam through your computer screen. I am beside myself right now! I feel like...like I just won Powerball...I feel the way I did when I walked across the stage at my college graduation...I feel like...ok enough! I don't know how on Earth you put this box together for us for only $20 Ms. Myleik Teele, but God Bless You! I mean...there's like thousands of products in this box - yes I said thousands...meaning like 8 items!

In case you may not be aware, Curlbox is a monthly subscribtion service for all the curly haired lovers out there. For a monthly fee of $20, five to seven products are delievered to you each month. I'd been trying to get on the list to receive a box since it's inception, but since they sell as fast as Jay-Z tickets, I had to wait...and wait...and wait some more. After meeting Curlbox's Founder last month, I just knew I had to make this happen. With May being her birhtday month, we were told she was going all out - and that she did! Although, she wouldn't give us any hints what was coming, we knew it was going to be lengendary! Have a gander at my box people of the world...

You would have thought it was Christmas morning the way I was acting when I opened this box! This is a product junkie's dream ((scratches arm))! Not to mention there was gold glitter everywhere when I opened the box - Happy Birthday Myliek - but I was too excited about the products to realize it was everywhere! I'm still finding glitter in the most random places...

I'm most excited to try this product, Elasta QP's Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer! Myleik swears by this product, so I'm eager to see what all the fuss is about. The two other full sized items are the Daily Moisturizing Lotion by Design Essentials and A Leave-In Moisturizer by a new brand called KYNX (I can't wait to try this). There are a slew of samples in the box, in addition to these 3 full sized items!

I don't know how Curlbox is going to top this box, but I know it will only get better from here! I'm also looking forward to not digging through the beauty supply anymore trying to figure out what I should buy while trying to get informtion from an associate that doesn't know a thing about natural hair. This service has made me life a bit easier.

Reviews on each product coming soon!

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MY STAPLE MASCARAS // Maybelline's The Falsies Volume Express & Great Lash

When it comes to mascara, I have two Maybelline items in constant rotation - Great Lash Mascara and The Falsies Volume Express! At any time, you can find one or the other in my makeup bag. I find these to be the best drugstore brands that work for me, and I have no desire to venture outside the drugstore for mascara. However, because I'm a product junkie, I'm currently exploring higher end brands to try just for the sake of trying something new.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MASCARA?

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product review // EOS SMOOTH SPHERE LIP BALM

By now you've probably seen these little sphere's around the net and in the hands of people you know. I discovered this product last year after spotting it on a co-workers desk. The unique shape and bright color of the packaging alone caught my eye and made me want to purchase one. The EOS (Evolution of Smooth) Lip Balm has become a favorite of mine after randomly picking it up while in the checkout line at Walmart.

THE GOOD //

• The Size & Shape | If you're like me and constantly loose things in your purse, you'll love this! Because of it's size and round shape, it's can easily be round amongst the sea of crap in your bag.
• Tons of Product | There is a lot of product in this seemingly small package. You get a lot for the money!
• Price | Around $2 depending on where you purchase
• Safety | This product is 100% natural and 95% organic - both paraben and petroleum free!
• Ingredients | With natural ingredients such as shea butter and jojoba oil, this product is awesome at keeping my lips smooth and soft

THE BAD //

• Lasting Effect | I wouldn't say bad...but it could be better...I wish it would last a little longer. I don't apply it too often, but I have used other products that I haven't had to apply as much.

If you're looking for a more natural and fun alternative to Chap-Stick, this product is certainly worth a try!

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On Mothers Day

[ photo credit// Late Afternoon ]

I'd been dreading Mothers Day for the past few weeks. When I was in the hospital speaking with the bereavement nurse, she very honestly told me that there are going to be certain milestones and dates that would bother me - my original due date, Mothers Day, Jolie's birthday, etc. This has proven to be true. My husband had been asking me if I wanted to celebrate, but I kept telling him I didn't know how I would feel that day. I would either be extremely positive or extremely depressed. Funny thing is, I told my husband a few months ago, "I have to pregnant again by Mothers Day" - how does a mother with no baby supposed to deal on that day? The impossible.

This time last year, I was imagining what Mothers Day would be like in 2012. I imagined having my baby in my arms - very different than what this year actually was.

During church service, all mothers were asked to stand up to receive roses. I sat down, until my mom looked at me and said "...you're a mother, stand up". I stood up and took my rose, a few of my church members who know of my situation smiled at me. Throughout the day, I received the sweetest messages from some of my family and friends. They wished me a Happy Mothers Day, said sweet things about Jolie and encouraged me so much. I was pleasantly surprised. My Aunt Marcy in particular had some really nice things to say. I felt like my heart was going to explode. So much love! I'm truly Blessed.

On this Mothers Day, I felt for all those Mothers with empty arms, the individuals who may have lost their mothers, and the women struggling with infertility who want to become mothers so badly. It's such a great occasion but can be extremely painful for some. If you fall in any other those categories - please stay encouraged.

To all the mothers out there, I didn't post yesterday, so I'm late in wishing you A Happy Mothers Day and Happy Mommy-To Be Day to my awesome blogger friend Ro!!!

It turned out not to be a depressing day for me at all. I did tear up thinking about Jolie, but things in my life are taking a turn for the better. I randomly got some great and unexpected news that has taken me out of my funk and continues to show me that putting all my Faith in God is the best thing to do. Let Go and Let God...and if all else fails, eat some ice-cream! I mean...go for a walk :)

Take Care,
Jin

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I'm On A Boat

I've been trying my hardest not to surcumb to purchasing a pair of boat shoes, but this particular pair from J.Crew is making me reconsider. Between the texture and array of colors, this may be the perfect alternative to my daily wedges.

Do you have a pair?

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Pretty Things To Sleep In

Please tell me I'm not the only woman who looks like a homeless person when I go bed. To be honest, I usually go to bed in my husbands clothes - his tshirts, his boxers, my old sweatpants and any random piece of comfy clothing that I can find. I'm not alone right?

I'd like to make it a point to go shopping for cute sleepwear...and I'm sure the Husband will appreciate this. I've always thought these things were a waste of time, but my mind is starting to change. I may not be able to afford any fancy silk things, or shop at La Perla at this stage in the game, but even stores like Target have a few items that can suffice. The following items are not from Target, but they did catch my eye :

1. Elle Macpherson Intimates Maria stretch silk-satin playsuit

2. Eberjey Cat's Meow cotton-blend playsuit

3. Stella McCartney Sam Partying scalloped stretch silk-satin playsuit

4. Juicy Couture Striped cotton-blend jersey nightdress

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[ images via net a porter ]

Lil Sis Turned 12 Years Old Yesterday

We celebrated by taking her to one of her favorite restaurants, where she dined on baby back ribs and fries! I had the filet Mignon, though I was curious about the avocado and goat cheese burger. Someone else had it and said it was good...maybe next time then. My dad had an Edible Arrangement delivered to her at school, which was bigger than her little body,lol. I can't believe shes 12 years old now ((tears)). She's my first baby. They grow up so fast!

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Gossip Girl Edition: Birchbox May 2012

This is a little different from my usual Birchbox posts, as I recently dropped my DSLR and broke the only lens that have. Note to self: do not pick up a camera immediately after handling Argan Oil. In any event, this months box was dedicated to "Gossip Girls" - which is clearly, the favorite show of their staff. They recently hosted a youtube contest where the winner would be flown out to ether LA or New York for the season finale viewing party. You can watch my entry [ here ] that I put together with the help of Lil Sis.

1. Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream

2. Ojon damage reverse™ Restorative Conditioner

3. FusionBeauty LipFusion Balm Lip Conditioning Stick SPF 15

4. Arquiste Flor y Canto

5. Birchbox Notecards

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Hair Update?

Eartha in her most natural state - barely any product and no styling

Girl....I don't know what's going on with my hair, but she's doing her own thing and doesn't care how I feel about it. In her defense, I haven't been feeling so great, so she's been neglected for the past few days. Though experiencing my usual battle of extreme shrinkage, I'm starting to see a change in both length and thickness. I'm faithfully moisturing and making sure to never fall asleep without a bonnet (a bad habit I used to have). I haven't been doing any twist outs, braid outs anything! I allow Eartha to go wild, free and do her own thing which is new for me. For most of my natural hair journey, I'd been so focused on curl pattern and such. Not so much at this point.

I typically do my yearly hair color touch up around this time each year, but I'll be skipping that in 2012. It's not ombre or dip dyed...but for some reason I don't feel so bad about my black roots growing in. I'm just going to let my hair be.

My Curlbox should be on it's way to me (I can't wait), so hopefully trying new products will make Eartha happy with me again. She always likes something new :)

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LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls

While killing some time between a doctors appointment and afternoon church service, I wondered into my local Kohls to look around. I found myself into the LC Lauren Conrad section and had to use every piece of restrain in my soul not to buy everything. Her collection had the most beautiful prints, fabrics and textures. Excellent quality! I loved EVERYTHING! I couldn't help but to try on this particular dress - the most perfect dress I've ever worn, lol.One of maybe two long dresses that have ever looked nice on me. The price tag was a little too steep for me at that moment, so I left it...only to have my husband tell me later that I should buy it, after he saw this picture on my instagram. I don't know if I can bring myself to go back into Kohls for a while though, as they're many othe items on my wishlist as well. I don't want to be tempted to spend my little pennies, lol.

I've been a Lauren Conrad fan since her days on Laguna Beach and The Hills - and her beauty blog The Beauty Department is a daily read of mine. Such an inspiring girl! Go Lauren!

By the way - please excuse the situation on top of my head. I've been extremely lazy with my hair as of late.

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Missoni Havra Ruffled Crochet-Knit Swimsuit

I'm guessing it's the possible trip to The Keys for Mothers Day that has me browsing the web looking at swimwear. I'm not quite sure if we're even going yet, but I do need a new swimsuit if we do, and this one is perfect. It has ruffles! Tons of color! And is so unique! So if you'd like to drop $715 on it and mail it to my house, that would be grately appreciated! I'll be your bestfriend, give you hugs everyday and bake for you. Think about it and let me know ;)

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Fear & Worry

[ Lil Sis & I during a furniture shopping trip over the weekend ]

Do you ever sit in church and it feels like your Pastor is speaking directly to you? As though he decided to touch on a certain topic that you're struggling with at that very moment?

This week he discussed fear and worry - two things that have been haunting me and negatively affecting my life. Not wanting to try something because of your experiences in the past. Saying you're not going to enter anymore relationships because your past experiences were horrible ....giving up on loosing weight because you've failed in the past...not trying to start that business because you've failed in the past...not wanting to try to get pregnant again because of previous miscarriages, or worrying about things that didn't even happen as yet. Just being negative.

I'd like to think I'm a positive person and I do my best to encourage others. However, I must admit that there are certain aspects in my life where I am negative and fearful. I think is why I took to Myleik so much- she's so damn fearless...I aspire to be like that so bad.

fear

   /fɪər/ 

noun

1.

a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid

wor·ry

v. wor·ried (wûrd, wr-), wor·ry·ing, wor·ries (wûrz, wr-)

v.intr.

1. To feel uneasy or concerned about something; be troubled

...what I basically drew from Sundays sermon, was that fear is not of God. If I believe in God, what am I to be fearful of? Though I may not know the outcome of the things I want to try, I have to walk by Faith and trust in the Lord that all will be well. How do you know how something will turn out if you haven't even tried? Yes, you may attempt something that others have failed at...but who says you won't be the exception?

Fear and worry are negative emotions that can take a physical toll on ones body - I can attest to this from personal experiences.

There is no point in fearing something, or worrying about something that hasn't even happened as yet. It's like telling God he's already failed you or trying to predict your own future. The funny thing is, in the end, it all works out - you worried for nothing. Wasted energy.

I am not perfect and am in the process of learning this lesson and pushing through my fear. For example, I never enter contests because I always figure, "I'm not gonna win". But I did my best to drown out that negativity and pushed through my fears to submit my entry. I don't know if I'm going to win, but I tried and am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone. It doesn't even matter if I win, I'm proud of myself for trying.

What ever you're worrying about...let it go.

Whatever you're fearful of...do it!

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.(Psalm 27:1-3)

Take Care,
Jin

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