What If...?

What if I woke up tomorrow morning and became a successful fashion blogger in the plus sized community? Well, one can only dream.

I have been interested in the world of fashion since high school. The first super model I ever fell in love with was Tyra Banks. She is still one of my favorites! I remember purchasing her book, Tyra's Beauty In and Out. Loved it!

What if I woke up tomorrow morning and I found out that I was finally able to work in the world of fashion? You know, all the beauty and makeup in the world surrounding me! Well, one can only dream! You know, tomorrow is not promised, so we must live day by day. I really want to stop dreaming and accomplish some if not all of my dreams

What if I woke up tomorrow living the life I wanted? Well, I don't think I would care for that life. My life now is filled with its ups and downs, but I wouldn't want to change it. I have my little family with me. Two beautiful daughters who are learning from my every move and every decision. I regulalry tell them that I will support their dreams, whatever they may be when they become young adults. What I've learned about my what if statements is that even though I did not get to immediately follow my dreams, some of my goals have been deferred!

Over the years, I have come to discover my style. I've never been one to follow trends; however, I do look at them and incorporate some of the ideas into my style.

Also, by watching YouTube gurus and following fashion blogs (no size limits), I've come to discover makeup tips, beauty hacks, and every day looks which save me time and money. 

So, what about those what ifs? Let's just say they are dreams deferred and I will someday achieve a dream or two. My first goal is to stick with this blog and renew my energy towards keeping it going.

Until next time,

Johannah W.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte+Poreless Foundation on Dark Skin

I recently purchased the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation and decided to give it a shot. I have what I believe to be oily skin, but my friends think I don't. I choose to agree to disagree with my friends. I feel my skin is combination but I'm not overly oily.

I purchased my this foundation in shade 355/Coconut. I was a little afraid to use it because it looked so orange and too light against my shade of brown skin, but I took a leap of faith and gave it a whirl!

So, I first tried this foundation on my birthday and then again on a work day. My work friends, who enjoy makeup just as much as I do informed me the shade appeared to be an appropriate match. I'm still on the fence; however, other than the shade, I have no complaints on this foundation. My skin was not too dry after application (I wore this all day), and I did not experience any oiliness at all. On my lips I am wearing Bite Beauty dual lipstick in the shade of fig. 

Even though I didn't really think the shade was my tone, only because where I live, they don't offer too many shades for darker skin tones, the price was low enough that I did not feel I wasted my money. I think I spent $7.99 or $8.99 at my local Walgreens. Overall, I'll give it a B+!!

Until next time my friends,

Johannah W.

Review: Reese's Chocolate-Peanut Butter Spread

You know the saying, the best things in life are free?! Well, this is definitely true! As a formality, this review is totally, 100% my opinion on this product I received complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

So, I was super stoked when I was selected for the Reese's Spread VoxBox. I didn't know what it was going to be like, but I'm willing to try anything once. If I love or even like it a lot, I'll try again! 

The color is beautiful! A wonderful mix of chocolate and peanut butter mixed together!

The consistency is a bit gritty, but I attribute that to the peanut butter.

Nutrition Facts: A serving size, like regular peanut butter is 2tbsp(37 g). This sweet treat boasts 190 calories per serving which I believe is about 10 calories less than regular peanut butter (or maybe just the brand of peanut butter I buy)! This sweet spread also has 12g of fat per serving, 140mg of sodium, 21g of carbs, 19g of auger, and 3g of protein.

Uses: This spread can be used with pita chips, vanilla wafers, banana chips, pretzels, fruit, and bacon.

I am not sure about the bacon or banana chips, but I'd sure be happy to try the other recommendations. So far I've tried it plane with a spoon and I've tried it with blueberry waffles (yummy!)!

Let me just say, this Reese's Chocolate-Peanut Butter spread is amazing if you like Reese's Peanut Butter cups, you will absolutely love this spread! I know I did!

Reese's Spreads can be found nationwide at food, mass, drug and convenience stores in 13oz jars that retail for $3.89!

So go grab your own and tell me how you would pair this wonderfully delicious sweet treat!

Later Loves!

Johannah W.

Lipstick Love: Kevyn Aucoin The Matte Lip Color, Everlasting

Kevyn Aucoin the Matte LipColor in Everlasting

(Stock photo from beautylish.com)

The opinions in this review are my own!!! 

This is one of my first Kevyn Aucoin purchases. I've been wanting to buy something from this line for a long time. I've seen many of my favorite YouTube makeup artists talk about this line. I was also gifted his book, Making Faces, by a coworker. I am not a makeup artist, but I am a serious makeup enthusiast. Beautylish.com has been my vehicle for getting my hands on a number of products I would not have normally purchased. I purchased three products from the Kevyn Aucoin line: this lipstick, the curling mascara, and the skin enhancer (concealer). I'm only discussing the lip color.

The Keyvn Aucoin the Matte LipColor is a true matte lipstick which I love. It applies easily and smooth. I have nothing negative to say about this lip color. I love the color everlasting. The only difficulty in selecting a color on beautylish.com is not knowing if the color will work with your complexion. Beautylish attempts to assist in color matching by providing pics of two women of obviously different ethnicities. Sometimes one of the ethnic girls is real dark skinned and sometimes there is one of a lighter skin tone. It really is a true test to order and getting a good match. I believe I found a good match on this try!

I do recommend this lipstick. I would also recommend this color. I think it will look beautiful on all skin tones! The price for this is right at $33. 

Until next time my friends!!

Johannah W.

Sunday OOTD: Just Peachy!

Happy Sunday, fun day! Just like the title of my post, I'm feeling Just Peachy! Most days I am often plagued with chronic pain, which no medication the doctor has prescribed so far has helped to ease! My good days have been so few and far in between, I never knew if I was coming or going. Today, however, is one of my good days! I will bask in this glorious day by giving thanks, praise, glory, and honor to God! So let's get to it!!!

Peach top from Target. Black leggings from ASOS Curve. UGG boots and Maxx New York purse purchased off of Poshmark! Hair and makeup done by me!

Until next time my friends!!

Johannah W.

Poshmark, a new way to Thrift

I don't know if any of you have heard of Poshmark!? It's a web based shopping experience. It's very similar to Vinted, but just a little more sophisticated. They have what are called Posh parties! You can even follow different designer brands. People like me list like new or new items to sell at deeply discounted prices. I've really enjoyed my experience as a shopper and now as a seller. Below, I will be showing you how Poshmark works through the eyes of my own closet. You can log onto poshmark.com or dowoad the app. It is very user friendly! Here we go!

1. Welcome to my closet. This is where you list, and describe in detail the items you wish to see. A picture of the item is required. There are a few other required sections that just be filled out, such as item size, original price, and the price you will set for the item. The app is very easy to use, so just follow the prompts. This is a screenshot of my closet. You can see the number of listings have, the number of times my closet has been shared, and the number of my followers.

2. This is my profile, the about me section. Here you can see the different brands I have chosen to follow. There are many to choose from!

3. Now here is where all of the items I have liked are listed. This is a way to bookmark the seller so that it is easy to find items you have liked and may want to purchase later! 

4. These are the items are purchased. Here you will be able to find out if the seller has shipped your item. You can also get the tracking number when you click the links for each purchase.

5. This is where I can look at my sells and what I have sold to fellow Poshers.

6. And these are my closet statistics.. You can see the listings sold, the total amount in sales, and if you are a top rated seller. This is just for you to keep track of your information too!

Just with anything, there are pros and cons; however, I feel the pros outway the cons. Poshmark does take a commission on each sale. The amount is set based on the price of the item (the more expensive the listing, the higher the commission taken from the sale). I can live with that. Poshmark also has some ground rules and expectations for the seller. If you want to be a top seller, then you must follow the expectations. Some of these include no selling of used makeup, even if only swatches. Also, no selling of undergarments. There is also the no PayPal rule. There are sellers who are not in it to receive that special status, so they sell pretty much anything.

One thing as a buyer, shipping is $4.99. As a seller, the buyer pays the basic shipping of $4.99 for up to 5lbs, but if the weight exceeds that limit, the seller can upgrade the shipping label, but the difference will come out of your total sells once cleared. As a buyer, you are purchase protected, so if a seller does not ship the item within seven days, the order is canceled and you are refunded. 

I think everyone should give this a try, whether as a buyer or seller. I've done both and have been happy with my experience! My final words on this post is to: Keep Calm and Posh On!!! 

Until next time, have a wonderful, blessed rest of the week!!

Johannah W.

Review: Clear Proof Acne Treatment System by Mary Kay

           Clear Proof Acne Treatment System

Today I am posting my thoughts on the Clear Proof Acne Treatment System by Mary Kay. These products were sent to me by Influenster, complimentary for review. My daughter was the subject of this review because of her acne problem. These thoughts and opinions are our own and were not swayed in any way by Influenster or Mary Kay! So let's get into the review, shall we?!

Step 1: Clarifying cleansing gel acne medication with 2% salicylic acid. The product is suitable for sensitive skin, is oil and fragrance free, and is non-comedogenic. The product applied smoothly and provided a slight lather to ensure a cleanse occurred. My daughter had no complaints with this product.

Step 2: Blemish control toner acne medication with 2% salicylic acid. This product is fragrance free, clinically tested for allergy, and is also non-comedogenic. This product reduces the number of blackheads and acne pimples and helps prevent new ones. My daughter applies this with a cotton ball. It goes on easy and she has not complained about the toner bothering her skin. The directions say to apply one to three times a day. She has been using the product for a few weeks now, but only applies once a day.

Step 3: Acne treatment gel acne medication with 5% benzyl peroxide. This product should be used to cover the entire affected area. My daughters worst acne spots are her nose, forehead, and her cheeks. The recommendation is to start with one application per day because of the possibility of excessive drying. The application can gradually be increased to two to three times daily, if needed or as directed by a physician. My daughter only applies this product to her acne prone areas as mentioned above.

Step 4: Oil free moisturizer for acne prone skin. This product is suitable for sensitive and acne prone skin, is non-comedogenic, and is clinically tested for skin irritancy and allergy. The directions say to smooth in a clean face and neck using upward strokes. No further explanation needed!

Before photo:

So far, this product has worked effectively for my daughter, who had to be prescribed with a facial cream and daily acne pill. As part of trying this treatment system, my daughter stopped using the cream and the acne pill so that we could compare the results. As you can see in the before picture, she was using the cream and taking the acne pill in the evening, before bed time.

After Photo:

In the after photo, she was only using the Clear Proof system by Mary Kay for a couple of weeks. I usually require her to use the system before bed time because we are always in a hurry in the morning, but if she forgets, she uses it the next morning. I must say, we are very happy with the results.

****again, these products were received complimentary from Influenster for review.