Date Night Jar

Couples are always going out on dates, and sometimes they can't decide where to go. There are so many options, places to go, and things to see. Especially, in the south! Here in Atlanta, Georgia the options are endless. I will teach you howł to make a quick and easy Date Night Jar! It's very fun to do and it requires a few materials.

Materials: 

Jar 

Label

Cardstock/Paper

Pen/Marker 

Popsicle Sticks

Ribbons

Here are 3 easy steps: 

1) On wooden popsicle sticks and or small pieces of paper. You will write down places you and your significant other like to go.

2) Next, you can order from a local print shop or have them custom made. Perhaps, you can get creative and make your very own!

3) Place all of your date night ideas in the jar. Get creative, and wrap ribbons around the jar, and attach the label. 

I hope you enjoyed this short tutorial, and have lots of fun making your date night jar! This will come in handy when you can't think of anywhere to go on those hot date nights!

I would love to hear your feedback about your date night jar!
 

Have Sweet Day, 

Clarissa

Written By: Clarissa 

Photography Source

 

Orange Moon Beauty

I am so excited, to present Orange Moon Beauty  to you. The owner Sherita, and I met about was about 4-5 years ago  (when I first started my natural hair journey) I attended a local natural hair event; here in Atlanta. I have followed her wonderful journey,  and the products are absolutely amazing! Not, only does she create handmade fresh all natural products but she is a talented Make-up Artist.  She participated in my networking event last year (bringing her awesome products for the guests to sample). She's beautiful inside and out, and I'm honored that I had the opportunity to interview her.

Furthermore, she's a newlywed, and I recently had a pleasure to meet her husband. What a beautiful couple! Also, when she makes her products, you can see all the love she pours into them. On any given day you can check out her social media pages; and just see her making whipping some up! I have personally myself tried her products, and they are wonderful (I felt pampered)! 

Interview

Clarissa: Greetings, please provide us with TIPS of how to take care of your skin. 

Sherita: To care for your skin it is important to do 3 simple steps. 

Cleanse: We suggest our Liquid Black Soap

Exfoliate: You should exfoliate at least once weekly! This removes dead skin and helps with pesky ingrown hairs.

Moisturize: You must retain moisture, this can be done with body products as well as by drinking plenty of water. Our Body Butter Cream, the Oils Blend are great for maintaining and restoring moisture to the skin.

Clarissa: What are the benefits of your products, and the benefits of the ingredients? 

Sherita: Our products contain natural oils and fragrances. Our favorite oils are Olive Oil, Vitamin E and Coconut Oil. Vitamin E is used for hyper pigmentation that often becomes a problem as women reach their 30's. Coconut Oil is such a nurturing and softening oil.

Clarissa: What is your favorite product?

Sherita: I love our Liquid Black Soap! It is such and cleansing and healing soap that can be used as a shampoo as well! We have the most amazing a invigorating scents! This product does not leave your skin extra dry and tight! It is perfect for eczema, psoriasis, acne and any skin irritations. Easily use this head to toe! In locs and dreads;  our scents last up to 1 week!

Clarissa: what inspired you to make these products?

Orange Moon Beauty products are inspired by the want and need for natural based products that are handmade with good intentions. I have always been a very blended person, blending my natural self with glam, or my style has never been just one thing or categorized because as individuals many of us and not just one thing. We are many things that make us great! There are plenty of women who desire beauty products that are luxurious, naturally. We will be offering our products in designer fragrances. I am inspired by naturally fabulous ladies and gentlemen.

Clarissa: Where did the inspiration for the name come from? 

Sherita: Orange Moon Beauty comes from the song  Orange Moon by Erykah Badu because I reflect the light from the sun. 

Sherita: As I grow and connect to myself and others this song elevates me to the next level in find my/our true self. My husband and I share and amazing connection he has helped me become brighter than I have ever been! As a musician his stage name is "Sunshine Brown" and he is indeed my never ending Sunshine.

Clarissa: When did you create this line? 

Sherita: Orange Moon Beauty has been around for just about a year now.

Clarissa: What are your future projects you have coming up? 

Sherita: In the 2015 we will be adding more handmade and natural based products to our line, including soy candles, all natural deodorant, bath soaks, incense blocks, sage bundles and more themed spa series! Long term we wish to open a small boutiques where you can read, relax have tea and pick up those things that create a very specific lifestyle.

Clarissa: How can someone place a order? Lastly, let us know how we can stay in contact with you. 

Orange Moon Beauty 

Instagram
Website

Further Information: 

Justin & Sherita Thomas Email: Goddessgrind@gmail.com or you can email us thru our site.

Interview by: Clarissa

Have a Sweet Day!

 

Clarissa 

Short & Sweet: Elopement Bridal Inspiration for Curvy Brides

              

By:Lei-Loni Greenhow

Creator/Fashion Blogger of Clothe Your Curves

“Going to the chapel and we’re…going to married!”

Images via modcloth.com

Having a huge wedding bash is not always the ideal setting for some brides. Small and intimate occasion with a few friends and family or even just the two of you can be just as romantic. 

Elopements are on the rise for a number of reasons, but at the end of the day; you still want to feel and look like a bride!

Image Kiyonna.com

Wedding dress shopping can be one of the more stressful parts of wedding planning. However, if you are a curvier, full figured bride, a day of fun dress shopping can be even more of a challenge. Wedding dresses tend to be cut small, so often times when the max size of some boutiques is an 18; it’s really a 16! And we all know how critical those extra 2 inches at any size can be. 

Image via Monifc.com

Image via ASOS.com

The most important thing to remember when shopping is choosing the right fit.  That actually applies to any shopping trip!

Image via Davidsbridal.com

Don’t be afraid to shop online. In doing so, you bring the designers to you. I highly suggest using the size chart and purchasing the size that is closest. Alterations can always be made to get the best fit.

shopping trip, but your wedding day is without a doubt is when you want to look beyond amazing!

What I love about elopement dresses is that they do not have to fit the mold of an ordinary wedding dress. They can match your destination, be short and sweet, vintage of mode. The best part is unlike a traditional wedding dress; you can wear it again depending on the style!

Image via Monifc.com

Intimate weddings allow you to be more relaxed, surrounded by those you know and love, so you can focus on what’s important…Getting married of course!

Here are a few more of my favorites available in sizes up to 24.

Which styles are your favorite? Eloping? What are your wedding plans?

Check out more from Lei-Loni on:

Clothe Your Curves Blog

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

Why I Adore These 4 Love Songs

Emotions -

Those affective states which can be experienced and have arousing and motivational properties.

Love, emotions, feelings, affection, kissing, hugging slow dancing, cuddling, all tie into romance. Love is a strong emotion! There are so many elements, that connect us to love. Such as, music and today I will tell you about 4 of my favorite love songs. Because, music is so powerful, and can bring over 1000 memories! One certain song can make you remember perhaps a first kiss, or when you first met the love of your life. 

love -

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

The songs I will talk about today, have so much attached (attached meaning "feelings")  to them. The memories, the love, it's so many love songs that I enjoy. But today I chose to discuss these four and why I love them so much. Just a songs lyrics alone can make you feel so warm.  A song can set a mood for a hot date night, or a relaxing evening in from of the fireplace. Maybe even a slow dance with just the two of you! 

feelings -

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

 

"Amazing" - by Luther Vandross

This song was utilized as our " First Dance" at our wedding. I remember the moment my husband and I were standing on the dance floor (arms wrapped around each other).  I looked at him shocked when the music started playing. He gently leaned over and whispered in my ear, and said that he changed the song. I was completely ok with that. The song is actually beautiful, and I was happy that he made that choice! We recently, renewed our wedding vows in New York! We used this song for our vow renewal video. 

Every time I hear that song it takes me back to when I married my husband! 

"You" - by Jesse Powell 

Such a wonderful song, I love the lyrics! Perfect for a wedding, everything about the song screams wedding! But, even before I was engaged or married I always loved this song. This has been a love song all time favorite of mines! I used this song as well in my wedding during the processional. Also, myself, and my siblings personally know the guy that sang this song. 

"We Both Deserve Each Other's Love"- by Jeffrey Osborne

Once again the lyrics, are so beautiful. It's a old time favorite, of my husband and I. My husband is the one who told me about this song. When he played it to me I instantly fell in love with it! It's a song that I could just relax, and listen while enjoying special time with my husband. 

"A Couple of Forevers" - Chrisette Michelle 

Oh, how I love this song, and the video. The entire time she is expressing love between a couple. A everlasting love, and how much it means. When I first heard this particular song I loved it instantly! I felt like it described the love I have for my husband. It's so beautiful, that's why I adore this so very much!

 Have a Sweet Day, 

Clarissa

Photography:  by Jordan Rose

That picture was captured at my husband and I fifth anniversary party!

Definition Source: www.definition.net

Written by: Clarissa

   

A Valentine's Day Sexy Gift Idea - Boudoir Shoot

I love Valentine's Day, it's one of my favorite times of the year! Lots of love, romance, fun, great date night plans. Also, flirty fun surprises, and sexy little gifts! Why, not show your most sensual side and plan to have a Boudoir Shoot! These pictures will bring out your inner sexy. Make it a sweet, flirty, and hot little project! What a perfect gift idea for your significant other ( your sweet Valentine)! 


Boudoir photography is a genre of photography that involves female subjects in sexually suggestive or sensual poses. It is distinct from erotic photography in its emphasis on the aesthetic qualities of the subject and the craftsmanship of the photographic process over the sexually stimulating nature of the image.

Just think about how fun it will be to plan your overall look. Your hair, nails, sexy lingerie, fish net and lace stockings, thigh highs, long pearl necklaces, and other accessories, thongs, sexy little props, boots, stilettos, and more! 

Here's 3 Quick Steps of how to prepare for a Boudoir Shoot: 

1) Book a photographer that has experience in shooting Boudoir shoots. Schedule a consultation, and talk about your ideas, look, the number of outfit changes, location, ect...bring pictures for inspirational purposes. Have fun talking about your photo shoot!

2) Go Shopping - think about what colors work best against your skin tone, and also what exactly you want to wear! Lingerie of course! But get creative perhaps maybe you want to be covered by a satin sheet only, maybe long pearl draping across you w/ sexy lingerie on. Go shop for sexy shoes! Have at least 3 different looks. Most of all buy something that makes you feel beautiful! 

3) Book a professional hair stylist, and make-up artist. You want to look your best in the photos. Get pampered (book a mani/pedicure Appt). Make it a full day of beauty, exfoilate your skin, or do a relaxing bath soak. Walk into the Boudoir shoot feeling confident, pretty, and ready to show your sensual sexy side! 

Lastly, I highly recommend the photographer organizes a photo book with your favorite images. Also, if you are giving the photo book away as a gift, or have one of the photos placed on canvas, trust that your photographer will deliver the best product ( it's worth the extra cost)! 

Have an amazing shoot! 

Have a Sweet Day,

Clarissa 

Photography Credit: DVus Photography
Bath & Body Products Source: http://www.sweetnaturebodyscrubs.com/
Definition Source: www.ehow.com

Written by: Clarissa

Celebrating my Blogging Journey

This blog post concludes the 15-Day Blogging Challenge, by Natalie Sission. I feel awesome I was invited by a associate of mines, jewelry designer "Stand Out Style" I am certainly glad that I participated in blogging 15-days straight! Today, marks my 15th blog post in a row! Hooray! This has been a warm, and rewarding blogging journey. Also, a perfect way to jump off 2015! 

My favorite blog post out of the 15 -Day challenge was, "Creating My Ideal Business Model"! Because I was able to reflect on 2014. To have a snap shot view of some of my accomplishments. Also, to move forward and look into goals for 2015. This gave me a chance to talk about the events, and elements I implement into my business. It was exciting to write, because I really was proud of what took place within my business last year. I learned a lot, and had new experiences, challenges, growth, and more! Writing a business model truly sets a great tone for your business.  

I want to thank Natalie Sission for putting together such a awesome blog challenge! 

Have a Sweet Day,

Clarissa

Photo Source: www.buzzfeed.com 

www.brides.com

Written By: Clarissa