There is something very festive about a deep wine colored
anything. Pair a knit coat like the one
pictured below with nice, basic prints or hints of nude, and complete with an
unexpected accessory (the flappy fedora in this case) & Tada!
The Style Watch –Demure Pic Of The Week (Runway Edition)
Carolina Herrera - Spring 2015
This look features a beautiful floral print ( which I love) , in the form of bold
blossoms.
I purchased a skirt in a similar print but I out grew it
before I could finally wear it. It look me forever to find something that could
go with the skirt without turning it into a dressy look.
A simple black or even red heeled sandal and a t-shirt would've
worked just fine.
This look is elegant, put together, not
overwhelming.
Carolina Herrera - Spring 2015
DIY Natural Hair - Coconut Oil Review Part 1
Beauties,
On Monday I mentioned that I was going to the store to pick up a jar of coconut oil. I stayed true to my word and found a brand that is pretty inexpensive , but most importantly one that was unrefined and organic. I paid a little less than $7 for a 12 oz. container ( this should last me several months).
When we think of refined we think of something that’s processed, bleached , and deodorized, which results in the loss of important nutrients. Since I’m seeking out the purist of products for my skin and hair I decided to go with the Coconut Oil 100% Organic Extra Virgin.
I should mention : I am not a cosmetologist, but like most people I research and have gained a wealth of knowledge by doing so. For a more in-depth list of benefits of coconut oil visit OrganicFacts.com .
What are some of the benefits of using Coconut oil on your hair?
Coconut oil penetrates the hair providing moisture from the inside out. While most oils just sit on your hair giving off a healthy appearance, coconut oil does not. I noticed this when i used it for the first time on Monday. Coconut oil is a hair conditioning, anti-dandruff, hair toning, damage repairing hair care must have.
How did you use the oil ?
I used the oil to help untangle my hair ( with a wide tooth comb, finger de-tangling was out of the question last night) . I parted my hair into about 6 sections and started to work the oil into my hair as thoroughly as possible. When I was completely finished, I added a bit more of oil to my crown area (which tends to be the driest area on my head.) as well as my ends. I then massaged my scalp and put on a conditioning cap for a few minutes.
How much oil did you use?
I used roughly a teaspoon per section.
What did I like and or dislike about the oil?
I've only used it once and I don’t have anything bad to say about it. I purchased it in solid form but as you start to work it through your hands it starts to melt right away. It wasn’t heavy at all so my hair was de-tangled I was able to work my fingers through my hair very easily. Great slip! I also liked that the oil was very easy to wash out. When I was finished with my washing process I wrapped my hair in a t-shirt, and without following up with any products my curls were already nicely defined. Like I mentioned before, I’ve only used it once, but I can that my hair loves coconut oil!
How often will you be treating your hair with Coconut oil?
I plan to use the oil for finger de-tangling or comb de-tangling once a week before washing my hair.
I will soon have a video showing you how I de-tangle my hair before co-washing!
Call to action:
Do you use coconut oil?
How do you use it, and how has it benefited you?
I love hearing from you all via email, comments, tweets and through the Facebook page!
Take care,
-Karen
DIY Natural Skin & Hair - 20 Ways To Use Coconut Oil (featured on thehowtocrew.com)
Sometime this week, I will be buying coconut oil for my
hair.
Slowly but surely I’ve been gathering information about
different hair care routines for naturals. The one ingredient I know I will be
buying is coconut oil.
If you already use coconut oil either on your hair or skin,
feel free to leave a review below! Once I have a set hair routine that works
for me, I will be happy to share my finding with you all. For now, I leave you
with a link to a post featured on thehowtocrew.com! 20 benefits of coconut oil
you must know about!
Take Care,
-Karen
The Polished Look - Demure Pick of The Week
Hey Ladies! Welcome to Our Demure Pick of The Week!
Every week I search demure fashion blogs, online magazines
and modest style pins on Pinterest to find the one look I am loving for the
week. The looks are simple, achievable and beautifully demure.
This week’s Demure Pick of The Week features a Navy Blue lightweight
skirt (for extra flow) and a beautiful scarf perfect for any season. This look
is featured on the blog One Little Momma
I’m starting to think I’m loving scarves a little too much. Almost
every outfit I find and love features a
scarf.
Tell me what you think about this look.
Have you found anything on Pinterest you recently loved?
Paste the link to your pick below or share it with me on
twitter @mykarenmaria.
As always I would love to hear from you ~
-Take Care
K
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| Image |
The Polished Look - Demure Pick Of The Week
There is something so sweet about this look. Maybe its the models demeanor or the soft pastels. My favorite part about this whole look is the scarf.
Tip:
Tie a very light scarf around your neck, wrist, head or even on the handle of your bag for a subtle jewelry-less accessory to an outfit. This look is complete without the help of any fancy earrings or statement necklaces. Doesn't it work?!
I think i found my new favorite accessory.
Don't forget to have fun with colors, prints and fabrics~
Where do you like to shop for scarves?
What's your fav jewelry-less accessory
Love our Demure Pick Of The Week?? Tell me below! I would love to hear from you!
-Karen
The Style Watch - Pinterest Shoe Lovin'' feat Oscar De La Renta
For the longest time I've heard about this amazing American designer but, never did i know that he was also a native of the Dominican Republic( the beautiful island where my family is from). Vogue wrote this lovely article, Remembering Oscar de la Renta about his life as a legendary designer.
Here are a few pairs of ODR shoes i loved while ''Shoe Lovin Shopping'' on Pinterest. Shoe Lovin Shopping, is equivalent to window shopping. I simply search for my favorite things on my favorite sites and share them with all of you.
Now i challenge you to go ''Shoe Lovin Shopping''!!
Pick your favorite pair, or comment with a link to your favorite Oscar De La Renta Shoes below.
I would love to hear from you!!
Take care,
-KM
All styles found on Pinterest when searched under Oscar De La Renta Shoes.
My Acne Journey - NON DAIRY Desert & review of Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss
Happy Friday everyone,
As you know I have been on this journey to a dairy free diet
( read first post here)
So I stopped by my local health food store ( Nutrition Smart in Tampa, Fl ) on my way home
from work In hopes of spotting some great alternatives.
I immediately gravitated toward the frozen desert section
(of course), and there I found this delicious bar by (click to visit their site) --> Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss....
Beside this flavor were two boxes full of other frozen treats , but what caught my attention was that this one was the only one left in the organic dark chocolate.
And guys, it was beyond my expectations. Initially I thought, organic, non- dairy, agave , BLAND. I’m glad I didn't listen to that little voice.
This is probably the most delicious ‘’ice cream’’ I've ever had. It was silky, creamy, rich and most importantly satisfying. Usually whenever I have something sweet, it’s hard for me to stop. I’m not just satisfied with one slice of cake , I need a whole piece ( I have a serious sweet tooth ladies). I was surprised with how pleased I was with that one bar. I really took my time eating it and before I knew it was all gone. What i liked the most was that It wasn't overly sweet, but it had just the right hint of agave goodness.
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
Organic coconut milk ( Organic Coconut)
Water
Organic Guar Gum
Organic Agave Syrup
Organic Fair Trade Cocoa (processed with alkali)
Organic Vanilla Extract
I cannot wait to stop by the store to pick up some more, I hoped they’re stocked up ;)
Whats not to love??!!
Call To Action
Share some of your dairy alternatives with me via twitter @mykarenmaria
Or in the comment section below.
As always I would love to hear from you ~
Until next time ~
-Karen
My Acne Journey - Bye Bye Dairy, Hello Clear Skin
Since I was in the tenth grade I have a had a love hate
relationship with acne, I loved when it was gone and hated it when it was
present.
The list of products I've tried to control it goes on and
on. One day I’ll share my review of some of those products , but right now I have
something else to share with you.
For the past couple of weeks I have been watching what I eat
( limiting sugar intake, soft drinks, junk food, no coffee, and not much dairy).
Every morning, I make my green drinks with my nutria bullet and have that for
breakfast along with typically fruit or scrambled eggs and onions. I noticed
a huge improvement within a week or so. Prior to improving my diet and drinking
my healthy drinks, I had been getting acne cysts here and there. I have reason to
believe that my skin definitely reacts to what I eat. Stick with me here.
Last Thursday, my boss brought bagels to the office along
with an assortment of delicious creme cheese spreads. My favorite is the double
whipped plain spread, yum. I had a bagel .. or two, and found a new pumpkin spread
I hadn't tried before, also double whipped. It was sweet, creamy and fluffy. I
helped myself with plenty and thought nothing of it at all. The very next day,
as I was cleansing my face in the morning, I felt a bump underneath the skin. I
was surprised because I hadn't had a bump like that in weeks. Later that morning,
I had a leftover bagel at the office with plenty of that pumpkin spread( so
good). Saturday morning, I noticed two or three more of those bumps. Immediately,
I started to think back to all of the things I had eaten a few days earlier. And
the only thing that would've caused this to happen was the creme cheese(DUN DUNN
DUNNNNNN) . After doing research I found
that there really is a link between cystic acne and dairy. Many women who
eliminated dairy from their diet reported clear skin within weeks. This might
not be true for everyone, but I think eliminating dairy is definitely worth the
try. As for me, I won’t be having dairy. This is going to be pretty tough( I love
cheese), but so worth it. I’ll be taking you guys on this journey with me. Check
in with you all soon <3’s.
Until next time.
Take care,
-Karen
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| Elimination time |
( I want to hear from
you)
-Do you struggle with acne from time to time? If so, have
you noticed a link between acne and the foods you eat?
-What foods if any have you decided to stay away from?
-What is your clear skin secret?
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The Polished Look - Favorite Pin of the Week (40's inspiration)
My fascination with the 40's and 50's continues.
I stumbled upon this lovely pin this morning and i just had to share with you all.
There will always be a desire for something new, fresh and innovative, as well as a yearning and respect for timeless elegance and beauty. -Helena Christensen
She is doing so little with this look while making a bold statement.
The forest green & Burgundy compliment each other well, and to bring this look together
a classic trench coat. Perfect for Fall.
~Timeless, Organic & Uncomplicated.
What do you like most about this look?
&
What are you looking forward to this Fall season?
-From the heart
km
From the heart - Keep on going!
I just want to encourage
you all to keep going. If you have a dream you want to achieve write it down,
create realistic steps for achieving those goals and work ( WORK = EFFORT X
ABILITY ).
Don’t be afraid to
fail. The truth is, you might fail, but then again you might not. The list of
successful people who've failed throughout the years might surprise you but failures
create success stories.
So put yourself out
there, learn from your mistakes and put in the work.
1. Write
the vision and make it plain
2. Create
actionable steps toward achieving those goals
3. DO NOT be afraid to fail
4. If
and when you do fail, learn from those mistakes
5. Keep
on going
I would love to know your tips for achieving your personal goals.
How did you overcome a failure?
or
What is your dream goal?
A simple hello would
be fine also J
Have a lovely day~
-Karen
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DIY Natural Hair : A Bit of Styling Inspiration
Happy Wednesday everyone,
For the longest time i have been wanting my hair braided in some way or another.
I like to have my hair up and away from my face as much as possible (especially during the summer), but I’m starting to get bored with the same styles. I’m looking for styles suitable for my thick curly head and that can be easily incorporated into my repetitive high bun, side part bun, & twisted mid bun ( not sure if that’s the name for it).
Here’s what I would love for you to do!
Share your favorite braided styles with me. You can share a link in the comment section, or tweet me @mykarenmaria with your pics.
I need all of the help I can get, friends.
From the heart,
-Karen M
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| Hair inspiration feat Zoe Saldana (click) 1-3 (via) |
Please share your styles and comments below! I would love to hear from you ~
-Karen Maria
From The Heart - 5 Phrases That'll Brighten Someones Day
Have you ever had a bad day change instantly after receiving the most thoughtful letter, text, call , or voice mail ? Seems like no matter how horrible your day is going there are a few phrases that are sure to bring out your smile. No matter where you might find yourself at this time I know we could all use one or a few of the following sweet phrases. I personally don’t think anyone could ever say ‘’I love you’’ or ‘’I appreciate you’’ enough.
1. ‘’I love you’’ – I love it when my lovey sends me this message out of the blue. Want to see me blush? Have my husband to send me an I Love You message and watch me glow!
2 2. ‘’I appreciate you’’ – Oprah said it best during a student led interview at Stanford Graduate School of Business – we all want to be validated to some extent.
3.‘’Don’t give up, You can do it’’ - Philippians 4:13
4. ‘’You’re great at what you do’’- Doesn't it feel good to know that someone other that you thinks you're talented at whatever it is that you do? Talk about reassurance!
5.‘’You look beautiful today’’– It doesn't matter who this compliment is coming from, this one is sure to put a lovely smile on your face. It’s even more sweet when its coming from someone you've never met.
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