You don't look THAT big...

So what exactly does that mean? Over the summer after a phone call from my BFF I realized that it was time for me to do something about my weight. I mean I wasn't extremely Discovery Health Channel special huge but I am not your size 8 not a care in the world size either. I like to refer to myself as a member of team chunk and I am no longer satisfied with my membership. So I set out to loose 100 lbs... yeeeaaahhhhhhhh. I started working out regularly in August, took a break for some of September, then kicked it into high gear till November. Unfortunately I got injured and had to cease all workouts and things of that nature. But I was still motivated...I, Joanne had lost 22 pounds (at the time). I was so elated and over joyed. Now at a 26lbs weight loss, I cant help but feel that I have so much further to go... 74 pounds to be exact. When ever I tell people that I am loosing 100 lbs I always get the "You don't need to loose that much weight, you're not THAT big"... Question: What exactly is THAT big??? Sometimes I wonder what I look like to others. Yea, your saying "It doesn't matter what people think"...ummmm you try being tubby. Although I am not losing that weight for other (it took me a while to figure that out), I still do wonder. But I digress, I want to loose weight to be healthy, happy, live a longer life, and YES fit into that designer label dress. Now, that I have been working out and seeing the change in my body and when I lose the quickest and the slowest... I might drop it down to 80 lbs total... but we will cross that pudding covered bridge when we get there.

Where the heck have you been.....

Well long story short... everywhere. My life has been crazy these last few months and between health issues and trying to graduate I really have put my blog on the back burner. But to answer some question: Yes, I am alive lol and Yes, I am still on my WLJ (26 lbs down) Yay me!!

Product Review: Incoco Dry Nail Applique

So easy you can do it on a plane....seriously

*DISCLAIMER*

Dear FTA: Welcome to my blog! Just so you know I purchased this product with my own money from the Walgreen’s on Gallivan Blvd in Dorchester MA. K Thanx lol

Dear people reading my blog: I am not affiliated with this company (although I would love to be) and this is my true and honest opinion about this product. So rest assured no one is trying to pull the wool or in this case nail polish over your eyes.

Hey Everyone! So I’m sitting on a plane on my flight back to Ohio, sipping on my Fresca and the man beside me is ordering a spicy tomato juice (O_o). But I digress; I am reviewing a product that I stumbled upon in my local Walgreen’s back home in Boston. I was in the beauty/nail isle when a spotted Incoco dry nail appliqué. It was 4.99 and I thought what the heck its worth a try. I have “oily nails beds” and nail polish and this promised up to 14 days of coverage. I purchased it in the color Flaunt, which is like a deep pink/fuchsia. When you open the package there are 16 nail strips, a nail file/buffer thingy, a cuticle pusher backer (lol) I'm sure that’s not what its called) a nail polish remover cloth and I think what is a sample of there French manicure kit. I opened the pack a few days ago to try one out and I must say that I was very impressed. There was no peeling or chipping. So of course I am excited because I had finally found a nail color that stayed on my nails loner than 24 hours. I am on though e plain and decided to finish the rest of my nail while on this 2-hour flight. That’s right I just did my nails on the plain in less than 15 minutes and they were instantly dry. Ok so here is the deal: BUY THIS!!. Lol. It’s that simple. They are inexpensive last longer than bottle polish and you can even do your nails while in flight. They do smell like nail polish but the sent isn’t overpowering where you couldn't do it around other or in cramped quarters (such as a Delta airplane) The only thing is I don’t think that you are supposed to open them and not use them because one of my nails isn’t sticking well but once we land and I get to my place I am going to put a clear coat of polish on just to seal them. Over all I give this product 5 out 5. It is very well priced; easy to find at your local Walgreen’s (or online) and everything you need is in a convenient package. You could ask for more. Try them out and let me know what you think!

Product Review: Nexxus Humectress Hydrating Treatment Deep Conditioner

It is summertime and the overwhelming heat has taken its toll on my hair. For the last two months I had been looking for a treatment/conditioner that would revive my hair after the beatings it took from the sun all weak. For awhile I had been wanting to try the Nexxus Humectress Hydrating Treatment Deep Conditioner that I saw at my local CVS but was scared to for some reason. I am a Nexxus stan and use their shampoo and conditioner religiously (I even recommened it to other when they ask what I use). I really didnt think that this would work on my hair but I bought it anyway and was going to return it if it didnt work. After washing my hair with the Therape Shampoo, I put in the deep treatment in and could feel a difference instantly (seriously, I was shocked) and let it sit for 30 mins. After rinsing it out and conditioning, I put my hair in a bun to let it air dry. The results were amazing. I was as if new life was birthed into my hair lol. I cant wait to use this on my roller set next week. The product ran me about $15 but all in all I give it a 5 out of 5..... Nexxus never lets me down!!!!

Fruit Cleanse

So as many of you may know, I am a certified member of team chunk (lol). Seeing as though I want to live a long, healthy, and productive life I have decided that I need to get my act together and shed some of these kilos. Last summer I was really dedicated annd lost 30 pounds in 3 months (more than I can ever remember loosing at any point in my life). But i fell off due to a series of unfortunate events. In my efforts to get back on the wagon, I have decided to do a friuit cleanse to kickstart my weightloss and clean out my system. Wish me luck! I'll let you all know how this goes.

Service Contract

Just so that everyone is clear here s my service contract. Please read it carefully:

1. (Name)_______________________________ has contracted Joanne Pierre-Louis, Freelance Makeup Artist (hereafter referred to as The Artist) to perform professional makeup services on the following date(s):_______________________.

2. I understand that The Artist will not be held responsible in the event of any allergic reactions and/or breakouts as a result of her services. I understand that it is my responsibility to inform Joanne Pierre-Louis beforehand of any known allergies to cosmetic products. I also understand that The Artist will make every effort to warn or advise me in the event of such known allergies, but that I am ultimately responsible for the decision to proceed with her services.

3. I am enclosing $_________ to serve as my deposit for the above date for The Artist' services. I understand that this deposit is non-refundable should the event or services be canceled. I understand that I must provide The Artist with at least four (4) days notice in order to cancel services. Should services be canceled less than four (4) days before services are to be rendered, I understand that The Artist will be entitled to 50% of the agreed upon fee minus the deposit, plus any transportation costs above $50. In the event The Artist cannot fulfill her obligation to perform services due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, I understand that my deposit will be refunded.

4. I understand that all services are to be paid in full on or before the date of service and prior to the actual service being performed or completed.

For my records, please complete the following if available:

Location of service:______________________________________Time:_________

Address:_______________________________City________________Zip__________

Phone number of location:___________________ Your Phone_________________

Signed:_____________________________________

Date:_______________________________________

Are we really THAT shallow?

So this post won't be about the latest makeup trend, or anything along the realm of what I usually talk about. But since the tag line of my blog is "Redefining everyday beauty" I felt like this would fall under that category. Now on with the story...

Well before I go on with the story I just want to state a disclaimer: I am NOT the angry plus-size black girl who has a vendetta against anyone who has an opinion on people's weight,looks or things of that nature. I am confident in myself and what I do, I do it well, but sometimes I just feel the need to say how I feel.

With that said...

So the other night my friends and I are at this bar for 10 cent wing night (lol what can I say we are broke college students) at a local bar. We are sitting at our table chatting it up with some locals and a few students who were also there that night. So one of the guys that we were talking to come back over to our table and gives everyone a high five (personally I think he was a little inebriated.. lol) so as he goes to high five one of my friends he goes "ok Erykah Badu" (my friend has a really cute natural fro) she makes a face and he says "Ok, Jill Scott then" and she smiles.... Then one of the other guys chimes in stating "Wait, you you rather be called chubby Jill Scott rather than Erykah" (in a tone of disgust) as he proceeds to list her discography. Hold up... stop the tape....... Did he just say what I think he said???? My immediate reaction was a stank face (and for those of you who know me, you know what that face is). I didn't say anything but I just let his comments process through my brain. To me it was like the fact that Jill Scott (named one of People Magazine's most beautiful people) didn't fit into what his standard of beauty was some how made her less of a person. I know everyone has there opinion/preference and I am not discounting that (because I do as well) but that comment was uncalled for. Like really??? just because she isn't a size 4, walking down the street naked in her music video she's not a beautiful woman?? Maybe I'm looking too deep into what was said or maybe some of the people in my age cohort are still superficial. All I know is that whatever the reason is, it struck a cord with me. I am in no way discrediting any of these women, I think that they are both beautiful people with AMAZING talent.

Now to bring this into regular people perspective the question I want to pose is: Does it really matter what is on inside? I mean, can a female/male be badd from head to toe but be as dumb as a bag of bricks? After all the glitz, glam, and M.A.C fades away and shorty was a 10 50 years ago but now a 3 what's a person to do? But hey aren't we the "on to the next one" generation anyway? Who cares about substance....

* All the aforementioned words are solely my opinion. If you don't agree that I perfectly fine, but you WILL respect my thoughts.

Thank you for reading!!