Mmm...Mmm...Monday!

Rodney White

I have been a lover of Rodney White's art for a few years now.  I was surprised that I was so drawn to his works because they remind me of old Americana signs.  His artwork has a vintage appeal but the messages have a modern spin on them.  The artwork I currently own are in my guest room and hopefully I will get pictures posted on the blog this week.  There are still a couple of pieces that I have my eye on and when finances permit they will be mine, until then I will just look at them online.  If you are in need of some design inspiration look no further than your own piece of art from the Rodney White collection.

Until next time!

Doo Bop Beauty

I recently discovered the beauty site DooBop and I was excited to learn that they have a wide range of multi-ethnic products all on one site.  These curated pieces feature items from some popular lines and some from lesser known companies.  The fact that I could do one stop shopping is enough to make me happy but the real icing on the cake is their online consultations, videos and product recommendations!  Do you obsess over eyebrows like I do? If so, I'm going to give Damone Robert's line of eyebrow makeup a try.  You already know that eyebrows frame the face.  The Ethnicia nail polish also caught my eye, I have to keep my tootsies sandal ready.  So if you're on the hunt to find some beauty products that cater to  multi-ethnic women try shopping at www.doobop.com and tell them Really Darn Lovely sent you!

Until next time!

Dream Design

As I was browsing through pictures on HGTV.com, I came across this outdoor space by Jamie Durie and fell head over heels for his design.  The pops of yellow leap out against the landscape and I have never seen a pergola built like this one it seems more intimate than open.  Well excuse me while I continue to swoon....

 Until next time!

Betsey Johnson

As I was perusing my regular shopping sites this morning, I almost let a big sale from one of my favorite designer's slip past me.  Betsey Johnson is having a huge clearance sale on her site.  You can find a wide array of items to choose from and I just had to post some of the items that caught my eye. 

 

I'm not sure how long the sale will last so shop fast!  You all know there are no returns on sales items so shop smart!

 

Until next time!

Loving the skin I'm in

Spring is here and although the weather is not cooperating with me,  I'm still prepping my skin for the warmer months ahead.  Here is a list of some of my favorite products to get my skin ready for the flesh baring season.  The Jo Malone Sweet Almond & Macaroon candle fills a room with a warm aroma and I light them for my long baths.  During these baths I like to slough my skin with the Stress free eucalyptus tea scrub by Bath and Body Works.   These scrubs are so inexpensive and gentle but are some of the best on the market hands down!  For my hair I really like the Knot Today leave in detangler by Kinky-Curly,  the light formula keeps my curls springy and any knots at bay.  The Pawpaw ointment is perfect if your lips are chapped or prone to dryness.  I bought the Carmex healing ointment on a whim at Walgreen's because it was on sale for a ridiculous low price and I am a bargain shopping and now a devoted fan.  This ointment coats your hands and removes the ash without the greasy feeling some lotions can have and I find that I don't have to reapply that often like I do with lotion.  The final product in my skin recovery arsenal is the Nars Body Glow oil.  You can fake a year round glow using this oil and the smell will send you packing to somebodies island.  So if you enjoy walking around like a bronze Goddess without laying out in the sun like I do, this oil is for you!  There you have it, I revealed some of my secrets and I hope you try them and love them like I do!  Just remember don't tell anyone how your skin got that glow its our secret!

Until next time!

Mmm...Mmm...Monday!

De-Mes'tiks

 



Virginia bred designer Reuben Reuel's African inspired line of clothing called De-Mes'tiks, has the most wonderful and vibrant pieces of clothing I have seen in such a long time.  I have fallen in love with all his designs at his etsy shop!  His clothing has such feminine lines combined with really bold prints.  I love a womanly silhouette!  You know whenever a woman wears a piece of clothing revealing a trim waist its called being "snatched"!  Think of Jackee Harry back in her "227" days to get a better idea of what it means to be "snatched"!  The tops and skirts with the peplum waist are the absolute bee's knees and leave you snatched in the best way possible.  I was shocked to learn that the prints that I thought were African made are actually made in Holland but are primarily used in African clothing.  That just goes to show you that you learn something new everyday.  So, if you want to see more of Reuben Reuel's pieces for his De-Mes'tiks line visit his Etsy shop at etsy.com.

Until next time Loves!

"Big things poppin and little things stoppin"

I had my first goodnight sleep in a long time and let me tell you, I woke up on a mission.  I had so much energy today that I got several projects done and some started.  All I need is my music and I'm off!  You can tell by the title of this post that T.I. has been in my ear today.  First on the agenda is my guest bathroom and it has now been decorated for Spring.  Second on the list is the guest bedroom that I cleaned and decorated, I just need to find a small dresser so guest can put their clothing away.   Last is my office...well  my office IS a mess right now but I did go in there and start shredding paperwork and going through my books.  I love my books and I am having such a hard time purging my overstuffed bookcase, but before I get off topic that's for another post.   Let me share the guest bathroom design before I slow down.  The whole bathroom was designed for around $40 and I did reuse some items from the winter design.  You just cant beat finding beautiful things on a budget!  I hope you like it!

Until next time!

Slowly making progress

Well, we are making progress on the front entry and the flower bed but there is still a lot of work to be done.  Not all the flowers I wanted for my flower bed have arrived in the nurseries yet, so we planted a small number of flowers we liked so far.  We almost threw some lantana's away, I thought they were dead but we saw some flowers starting to grow so we are going to wait before we put anything back there.  I do like the color of the cushion on the bench and garden stool they pop against the house.  What I am happiest about is the hibiscus at the front door with my welcome sign in it.  Initially the welcome sign was in my flower bed but for some strange reason it would never stay straight.  I would straighten it and the next thing I knew it was doing the "Detroit lean"!   The sign stays straight now and I also placed a solar light inside the pot for ambiance at night.  Hopefully we will have luck this weekend on flowers!  Like what we did so far?  Or if you have any suggestions or comments, I would love to hear from you!

 

Until next time!

Mmm...Mmm...Monday!

My Fulani earrings are so freaking hot!  When I ordered these I mistakenly thought they would be heavy like the door knockers I rocked back in the day, silly me these are as light as a feather.  These earrings are worn and made by the west African Fulani tribe.  The size of earrings the women wear symbolize their wealth and status, so the bigger the better!   The earrings I purchased from Muso Masiri's etsy shop are beautiful and light.  They can be worn with a variety of outfits, if you are loving these go grab you a pair here:   www.etsy.com.

 

Until next time!

 

Update on entry

Sorry loves, I know I haven't been on the blog much this week, I have been doing some major spring cleaning inside and outside the house.  So the flowers and the decorative objects have been purchased and the mulch has been put down.  Next is planting flowers, cleaning the windows and power washing my entry.  The list is still growing and making me tired as I type this but wish me luck!  Here's a peek at some of the flowers I purchased.

 



I am trying to make it to a local nursery who is going out of business to see if they have anything else I might want to add to the arrangement.  I don't want to overdo it and not having a green thumb can be costly, so major restraint is being practiced.  Until next time!

Frontin'

I'm so ready for this winter to be over....everything is dull and drab and the front of my home is the absolute worse!  Don't get me wrong, I love the brown and tan brick but I really need to bring in some color.   I like to think I have a lively personality but my home reads stuffy, so I need to bring the funk!  I can get the decorations working but the flowers are another issue altogether.  Where are the good landscapers?  Because your girl does not have a green thumb.  My attempt at bringing some color is the hibiscus plant I just purchased at placed by the door.   I 'm still mulling over ways to bring some ummpf to the front door and flower beds, but I will keep you all posted with my progress.  If you have any suggestions on how I can make the flower beds pop, I would love to hear from you!

Until next time!

Mmm...Mmm...Monday!

My framed African combs are one of the gifts from my love,  that I will always cherish.  He said the combs represent us and at the time I didn't think much about the statement, but after time I understood what he meant.  I walk past these combs everyday as I hurry out my house and I started thinking "why do I love these combs?"  After pulling out some of my books on African traditions here's what I learned...In many African countries and Diaspora's the carvings of a comb can show the economic status, religious beliefs and lineage of the wearer.   The combs and hairstyles are rich in history for a particular tribe.  Back in the day the combing of hair in African American culture was a period of bonding were cultural traditions were passed on through hairstyling.  I can remember many Saturdays getting my hair braided by my aunt or cousin.  Or when I had to grease my Dad scalp with the big comb!  The fun and jokes told during these times are absolutely priceless!

When I started wearing my hair curly a few years ago, I noticed my loves, hands were always in my head, stroking my strands and messaging my scalp.  When I wore my hair straight I went to the salon every two weeks and he rarely touched my hair, but not for a lack of trying.  I just didn't want him to mess up my style.  Now I welcome an opportunity to get my hair washed by him, those hands are the BIZ-NESS!  He likes to be in my hair and I now I'm wearing a style that I am not too picky about him touching.  So the next time my hubby wants to show his love for me by giving a great shampoo and scalp message, who am I to complain?

Until next time!

Cole Haan

Who else is loving the Gardener Izzie Clutch by Cole Haan?  This funky little clutch would be the perfect accessory when paired with some jeans, a t-shirt and some cute heels.  I like to carry clutches with a bold print to break up a monochromatic outfit.  I'm still hesitant to purchase this just yet, I may need to see some movement on the price.  Can you say sale?  If you love it and don't want to wait for it to go on sale you can purchase it here: http://www.colehaan.com





 

Have a great weekend and if you are on Spring Break be safe!  Until next time!

 

Pier 1 Imports

Just back in from what was suppose to be a quick trip to Pier 1 but it turned into a hour long drool fest.  I can literally stay in that store for hours on end!  While I'm browsing the store I think of the many ways I can use an item to justify the purchase.  Those mini glass cups would be great filled with a cerviche or melon soup this summer.  Those tall copper candle holders can work on my patio, living room or bedroom.  Imagine the purple cracked glasses in a glamorous table scape.  A nice bright wreath would pop against my dark wood door.  I was fine in the store just browsing, content to window shop and then it happened......my eyes got watery, my fingers started to twitch, my breathing became labored and right before I thought I would lose control my hubby rushed in and carried me out!  I must confess...... I have a serious case of Too Many Damn Pillows and I almost relapsed by making a purchase.   LOL!

 Make sure to subscribe to my blog, Facebook and instagram lets stay thicker than thieves!  Until next time!