A Hint of Gold

So. I've been so curious about this contraption and said I would look into it for myself. If you know me by now, you know that I will research something to the point that the opportunity to purchase or move on it has just about passed. I looked this up for the longest time.

I finally got it together and went looking for it in the stores. The Diva Cup was so hard to find in the store, so I took to Amazon. I found it with my trusty dusty Amazon Prime Membership. My package arrived before my next visit from Aunt Dot, our visits are so fun (insert sarcasm).

Using this product will take some getting used to, I mean, you are interesting an object inside ya vag! At first it was uncomfortable, but before long, I didn't even know it was there. The cup is made of soft silicone material and is easily manipulated and better for your body and environment. Putting it in and taking it out are pretty easy and not painful at all.

What I've noticed (this is about to get a little graphic) since using The Diva Cup the last couple of months has been pretty surprising. I NO LONGER have a small Quentin Tarantino horror scene happening once a month. My menstrual flow or amount has pumped the brakes. I don't have to carry tampons with me everywhere I go, which is a BIG plus.

Nothing special has happened as a result with my sometimes horrific cramps, they're still the same and annoying (they're like a baby elephant putting a foot on my lower back and just testing me)! The Diva Cup has revolutionized periods for me. They used to be such a hassle trying to remember to buy tampons and have them "hiding" in my car, jacket, purse, book bag or tucking them inside my clothes to make sure I had one on me. When it's time to "change" the cup you just dump the contents in the toilet, wash (with soap that is recommended) or rinse it out and re-insert that sucka! Wha-lah!

If you asked me personally, I'd say totally give this a try. The Diva Cup cost me around $23. There are 2 different sizes, so be sure to read to see which one you should grab. One of these cuts down on spending because it's reusable. The first month I jumped back and forth between the cup and tampons because I wasn't how leak-free/proof the cup really was. However, when I gave it the chance, it stood up and held its own.

Have you tried The Diva Cup or anything like it? How'd you like it? How would you rate it?

XO Loves,

Have you ever seen something and JUST WANTED IT! You had no reason to have it, but you just want it. That's how I felt about these socks when I saw them. I just HAD TO HAVE THEM! These socks by Peach Socks are just to damn cute.

Shipping was fast and concise. My socks came in priority mail that had a flat rate for shipping.

Now I bought these totally off of impulse and have to figure out a way to "style" them and work them into my everyday or a night out ensemble. If you have suggestions, let me know - help ya girl out! I have two pair, Pink Bow (pink) and Grid Mix (black and white).

I tried them on and they are pretty breathable and comfortable. You know I'm gonna share the cutesy thangs with ya'll. So with that being said, go check out this online store and show them some love!

XO Loves,

I've wanted one of these for SO LONG! I finally found one that I think I'll be able to commit to. I've been using this for a couple of months now and I love the way my skin feels after using it.

This brush runs off of 4 AA batteries and is water resistant. It comes with several attachments an exfoliater brush, pumice stone and face cleansing head.

I have worked this brush into my daily routine and I really like the way my skin feels. I use the facial attachment on my face, lips and around my neck area. When I use the body attachment I am amazed how well it removes the dead skin. It leaves me feeling so smooth and refreshed.

I would say that I have nothing bad to say about this company, however, my mom ordered the same brush in a different color and it CAME TO THE HOUSE not working. When we reached out to customer service with DETAILED information and all they sent back was a macro response.

"We are sorry to hear that your product is no longer working properly" and "we will be able to determine if your product qualifies for a replacement."

I replied again because I thought that was impersonal and left me feeling less confident about the company, the brush was faulty when it was sent out. Vanity Planet, did send out a new brush to my mom at no charge.

Overall, I liked my personal experieince with the company and the product. However, if 1 out of 2 interactions are similar to my mother and I's, I would be very concerned.

 https://www.vanityplanet.com/collections/facial-cleansing-brushes/products/spin-for-perfect-skin?variant=46764432260

XO Loves,

Everyone should know by now that I LOVE nail polish and keeping my phalanges looking manicured!

Here's a color that just makes me feel AH-MAZING! It just lifts my spirits and makes me feel all warm on the insides.

I hope that if you try this color that you will get the same fuzzies I do!

XO Loves,

Soooo, I'm a bit corny sometimes. I can admit it. I was super excited when I was out of town traveling and saw these Rap Snacks, cuz I haven't seem them in my neck of the woods.

There was my favorite flavor in the form of a rap, "Sour cream with a dab of ranch."

I grabbed these chips so damn fast and was ready to have them for the rest of the trip. The chips were flavored like any other sour cream chips you would grab, nothing special. However, the bag of chips was a jyp. I thought I was gonna have chips FOR DAYS. More than half the bag was air and the other portion were chips.

The novelty of buying the chips was just that....a novelty.

http://rapsnacks.net/

XO Loves,

It's another Ang & Ms. Foxx production! Samantha came up with a great idea to have a field day with the Da Crew a couple weeks back. She called me up and we got to coordinating our next event.

Texts were sent out and we were on our way. Now doing random events can be hit or miss, especially when you're supposed to meet up for physical activity the day after the Mayweather fight parties. You know everyone kicked it too hard the night before, lol. BUT my folks came through!

We showed up at the park ready TO PLAY! The day started with one of my all time faves, piggy. Then we moved to Samantha's fave, volleyball. Lastly, we ended the day with a relay race and throwing the football around.

The kiddies were out there too! A family affair you could say. I hadn't moved my body around and took so many tumbles in sooooo long, but it felt good. I think everyone felt good after getting out there and moving those limbs.

Our teams were very competitive (and a few cheats) but TEAM ANG came out winning - not to toot my own horn. But it was a sweet revenge for everyone picking on me during volleyball.

I have to say, I am SORE as I write this, but it was well worth it. I slept so good.

Look out for our future field days if you missed out...more to come.

XO Loves,

This post is more than over due and I may have to admit that I'm a bit ashamed that it's taken me so long. Please forgive me friends, I've been out here trying to enjoy my life and the summer.

Without further ado, let me get ya'll a recap of one of my favorite summer events that I look forward to! This was the biggest turn out that we have ever had. There had to be like 30 of us. Most of us were in our tents but there were 2 RVs that came and parked on either side of our section.

The campgrounds are the same, so there's no need to touch on that again. Our group did our usual activities of lounging around and our boat ride, which was eventful!

This year my tent-mate was Dion. I get to add him to the list of Michelle (who we missed, "ALL SKATE") and Tanya.

Camping this year was a celebration for a few of us. I started a new job and it was like a weight being lifted. I was in such a fog that I didn't even realize that camping was scheduled between the end of the one job and the beginning of the new one (the weekend and trip were cut a little short).

I've been BEGGING Markita to teach me how to shuck and make oysters. And ya know what?!?! I learned that weekend. I stopped at Di'Cola's Seafood on Western and picked up a dozen and a half oysters for my educational pleasure. Shucking those damn oysters was much harder than I thought they would be, but after I left them alone and circled back I was able to get it done.

As always there were plenty campfires to keep us warm at night, hookah, drinks and food! One of the newcomers brought an idea that made us all think, "why didn't we think of this ourselves?" Every morning he set up a breakfast omelette bar and let's just say, these omelettes were DAMN good!

We went on our boat trip this year, 3 boats this time! There was a moment that someone had a bright idea to hook all the boats together and that didn't last long. Marcus came to the rescue on the boat ride, more than once. While I was getting my crippled Rose on (sitting instead of standing on the ledge of the boat, lol), the boat police pulled up on us and asked that we not sit outside while the boat was moving. Tanya's music player took hours to go out on us, kept telling us "Battery Low" in an accent (that one was for you Kyle hehehe).

   I have to say hats off to Antwone for cooking our mini groups meals every day. He is a PHENOMENAL cook, I even proposed (even though he ain't take me serious). There were days that he got very creative with cooking tatics.

One night we did a luau for the birthday boy, Roy! This was so much fun and got a little crazy, I got too close to the fire with my grass skirt, eek! Markita arranged that we had glow in the dark accessories and leis. Tina made sure we had everything to make s'mores. Someone brought a GIGANTIC speaker that lit up. Everyone really got into the luau.

This was our 4th year doing this and the OG's (Markita, Jason, Shanel and myself) held the tradition down. Hopefully, you'll join us one year or go out on and adventure of your own!

I've added some picture and videos to help you all get a better feel of what it's like to go camping, with us.

  XO Loves,

Anyone that knows me KNOWS that I consider the day I graced the world with my presence as a holiday! This year was no different. I usually celebrate ALL MONTH LONG (cue The Mary Jane Girls or Lionel Richie)!

This year around planning time, I started a new job and the schedule change kinda threw me off. Before I knew it, my birthday was a week away. That wasn't gonna stop this show. I decided to keep it simple (with a touch of flare) and short.

Friday night I invited friends to meet me at one of my favorite bars for drinks. When I walked in I felt like NuNu from ATL, "why we here on old people's night?" That wasn't the crowd I was used to seeing there (haha). I was the first to arrive and before I could get too comfortable, a lady made friends with me and her beau decided to give me stepping classes.

My friends started to show up and we DRAAAAAAAANK! I've come to the harsh realization that I just can't take them shots like I used to. I totally felt it the next day.

The next day I got up and went to a bridal shower for a childhood friend, Ashely, with my mother. The bridal shower theme was soooo cute, Gossip Girl. Of course my mom started to get cut throat with the games *rolls eyes*. I cut out from there to start the REAL birthday festivities.

I had booked a hotel suite and a traveling masseuse to kick off the night. That day I was so pressed for time because I hadn't planned the extra activity into my day and I just couldn't seem to recover. I had my massage done and was much more relaxed than when my loves started to show up. The ladies started to arrive for my jammy jam (in my Martin voice).

I asked everyone to wear adult pjs and robes (of course we have those that march to the beat of their own drums, NaQutia and Taryn). Also, for everyone to bring a bottle of wine. This turned out better than I expected it to.

 We ordered pizza and chicken, Samantha and Qutia surprised me with cake. Happy Birthday was whispered instead of sang to me (due to the 3 over zealous hallway monitors called security). We laughed and talked just about everything under the sun AND stars. I hope to add this type of event to my yearly répertoire.

I had my friends from the different major phases of my life there and I felt loved! Shoutout to Wonder for taking the drive every year to help me celebrate and making Mexican food the next day a tradition. Thank you ladies!

Monday night (my actual birthday) my pledge sister Jennifer took me out for martini's at Intimo Lounge and put me on a nice lil' cigar.

For a weekend that snuck up on me and I just "threw" togetha, I had one of the best times. Thaaaaaanks to everyone that made me feel loved and poured into me!!!!!!!

I'd put up the pictures I have of ya'll but I think you might have my head for it....

PS. I hope Qutia gives me a break cuz I put this post together AND up! LOL

XO Loves,

Ya'll! I made my first wig. I was cleaning out my hair bin, yes I got one of those, and found some hair. I had originally bought this hair for a sew in. However, I've been living my life and getting braids or wearing my natural curls (mainly in a childish a** puff). 

I took some time and watched some YouTube videos (cuz you know I believe I can do anything after watching a few on a subject matter) and went to the beauty supply store to get what I needed. 

I picked up a weaving needle, thread, some pins (to secure the cap and tracks) a cap and a styrofoam head. I got to work loves! It was a bit of work for a first timer, making her own wig. I put on some tv and started my sewing pattern and cutting.

First I measured my head and then matched up the wig cap on the head. To get the same width, you're gonna have to tape the head to ensure that it "expands" to a comfortable fit for you to wear on your head. 

Videos said to start with the closure first to make sure it was fitting properly, so that's what I did. The hair is beautiful and I didn't want to cut the wefts and destroy them, just in case I needed to start over. So what I did was fold them at the ends and began to sew back and forth.

Took me bout a week to fully commit to finishing this project, but when I did, LAWD when I DID! It came out beautiful.

Did some digging to find the hair company and hair I used because I ALWAYS get questions on it. So here it goes: Virgin Mongolian Remy Tight Curly Hair from Lace Xclusive, I used 3 bundles (don't remember the lengths) and a closure.

http://www.lacexclusive.com/index.php

http://www.lacexclusive.com/virgin-mongolian-remy-curly-lace-closure-p-384.html

http://www.lacexclusive.com/virgin-mongolian-remy-tight-curly-hair-p-322.html

Looking at these pictures, I clearly have a favorite side to give face! LOL

 XO Loves,

I love a fresh, soft, nude color like the next girl! This color is JUST THAT!

If you are looking to try something new and subtle, I would highly suggest you take a look at OPI's Bubble Bath. I have gotten SOOOOOOOO many compliments on this color that it may have just became a new staple in my arsenal.

Don't take my word for it, just take a look yourself.

XOXO Loves,

Wanted to try this place out when they first opened, buuuuuuuut the way my schedule is set up I just could never get there.

I was determined to get to Flavor Restaurant this year and I had a moment after a meeting and took the chance. It's a cute little place in Richton Park, IL. The staff was friendly and our waitress was everything.

The food was very rich and was pretty tasty. Honestly, I wanted to try everything on the menu. I showed some restraint and still was overwhelmed. The portions are pretty hefty. Even with the appetite I took with me, I had more than enough for left overs.

While my friend and I were there, we learned that they have a live jazz band that comes and plays after 7p. Flavor also has different events that sound like real fun for both the employees and guests.

I'll be back to try something else on the menu.

XO Loves,

Angela

On the heels of my Memphis in May Memorial Trip, I went to go get all of my hoodrat life at Future's concert!

Let me just say, I appreciate my friends being on top of concerts and whatnot. I have been caught up in the world of work and don't keep my ears to the street like I used to. They came across this tour and immediately started sharing details in our GroupMe!

We got the tickets and had to wait a couple of months, which was enough time to let the excitement build! The day finally came and there were a couple hiccups that could have been avoided if I wasn't in a daze the week or so prior leading up to it.

I should have taken off half of my work day instead of a few hours. My mind didn't click and think, "Hey girl, the concert is on a Friday. And you know damn well Chicago traffic is not forgiving!" This would have allowed me time to move around and meet up with my girlfriends ahead of time and to grab some snacks and water.

All that aside, I beat them to the venue (which is nice and pretty intimate for an outside venue) and found a cute little spot on the lawn, laid my blanket out and got comfortable. As they arrived and found where I was I started to get that snack itch. Went and grabbed a, one, single drink and some nachos (not the fancy kind, just cheese-chips-peppers) and damn near spent $30. NEVER AGAIN! I'll plan ahead and bring my own.

The concert didn't start on time, which was a blessing and I was able to catch all the acts! Kodak Black was supposed to be on the bill but he's spending a little time in jail. He was replaced by Zoey Dollaz (who I've never heard of). Then the line up was of familiar names: A$AP Ferg, Tory Lanez, Migos and Future.

I had the time of my life and sang my little voice away. Everyone was high energy and the crowd gave it right back. The best part was when Future came out on stage with this jacket that we kept calling "Big Bird." On the way out, I couldn't find my car, lol, and gave up looking for a sec since the parking lot traffic was insane. I eventually found my honey and got the heck up outta dodge.

The only real drawback of the night besides the highly overpriced refreshments waaassssss... Hollywood Casino Amphitheater didn't have any real structure to parking or getting out of the venue. When we left it looked like a scene from E2. Ya'll remember that tragedy? Maybe I'm being dramatic but if someone gave a serious push or fell, the entire crowd would have been affected negatively.

Didn't take many pictures but I did grab some from my girls!

I was talking to a friend and it reminded me that I would like to share a little Concert Etiquette with you all!

1. Please do not use the word "nigga!" Censor your muthaf*ckin mouth like you're the radio version. 

2. Be mindful of where you step: blankets, fingers, toes, shoes, personal belongings.

3. The words, "excuse me" alleviate a lot of tension and may save you in the long run.

4. Personal space is, well, just that PERSONAL SPACE!

5. Don't push when we are trying to leave the venue, we all want to go home and don't want to be stuck around strangers.

XO Loves,

Soooo I was invited by a friend to join her on a trip to Memphis for her birthday, "Heeeeey Qutia". All this went down the weekend of Memorial Day.

Pretty much the premise of "Memphis in May" is to have something cool to do every weekend in the month of May for the citizens of Memphis. I used my good girlfriend Google to find out the origin before we left and here's what I found:

"In the early 1970s, the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce developed plans for a festival, which would serve as a promotional umbrella for the numerous events Memphis hosted each May, including the Cotton Carnival, the Danny Thomas Golf Classic, the annual visit by the Metropolitan Opera and others. The festival, originally incorporated as the “Memphis in May International Festival Society”, also coordinated the grand opening festivities of the Cook Convention Center and the city’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976."

http://www.memphisinmay.org/about/history/

Now for the nitty gritty! The last weekend in May has been unofficially reserved for all the black folks to come down and pordy! There are usually unofficial events that you can buy packages and wristbands for, cuz we were definitely not there for the city's agenda hahaha. However, the real reason for this trip should be food and SWEET TEA!

I went with a group of almost 20 people or so. We drove down and stayed in unit that mimicked the Airbnb model. I really wanted to visit Graceland and the King of Rock n Roll's estate, but I wasn't met with much enthusiasm. I also learned while we were there that there is a National Civil Rights Museum. I'll be taking a more adult trip to do some site seeing next time.

https://www.graceland.com/visit/experience/

https://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/

Although we didn't see the King or the museum, we did have a little adventure on our short weekend trip. Someone found us a boat tour to go on and we rode and had a "history lesson" on how Memphis came to be on the Memphis Queen Riverboat Cruise. The tour guide was hilarious, solely because he laughed at his own jokes and kept calling us "class!" As expected we spent time on Beale Street and sampled the restaurants and drinks there. Beware if you are going on a weekend that Tennessee is a dry state and does not sell alcohol on Sundays (bring or buy enough to last you). We went to King Jerry Lawler's Hall of Fame Bar & Grille, Blues City Cafe, Miss Polly's Soul City Cafe, eighty3 food & drink (not on Beale but close by) and Jerry Lee Lewis' Cafe. I really wanted to go to BB King's but the customer service when we came to the door was awful and they told us they didn't have any room.

The weather was nice, hot and HUMID! Be prepared for the humidity, because it ain't no joke. While we were there it was even a tornado that came through. I thought it was just raining really hard, I joked and called it a mini tsunami LOL. In a nutshell, I think the "weekend long event/festivities" are overrated and the fun comes from those that you go with, this isn't the type of trip you chance alone.

Overall, I had a good trip. You know there were bumps, stumbles and disagreements with 15+ people that have known each other since high school. However, I had great laughs, met new friends, created some inside jokes (Beetlejuice) and have memories for life.

XO Loves,

This brush here is the TRUTH! I'm not gonna make this a very long post because I would just be raving about it the entire time.

Other than it being pink (my favorite color), it detangles hair like no other and when I'm washing my hair (in the shower) I don't get that fatigue feeling in my hand or wrist like other detangler brushes. Add a little conditioner to the mix and BAM! 

If you get a chance and wanna try something new, order yourself one!

Price $14

Check her site out: https://www.thedetanglebrush.com/

XOXO Loves,

Been looking for ways to cut down on the carbs and live a healthier lifestyle, blah, blah, BLAH!

No, but seriously! I would like to find ways to eat healthier and still ENJOY what I'm eating. I'm an internet sleuth and went to my main girls: Google, Pinterest and YouTube! I found a few items that I could have on the go and in a rush!

I found that I can still enjoy one of my all time favorites, the McDonald's Big Mac. The catch is, you have to order it (ask for it) with NO BUN. 

It comes in a cute little container and with plastic utensils. I think now that I've ordered it this way a few times, that I really could live without the bun forever (even though the bun does add a little something to the taste). What makes the Big Mac tasty is the "secret sauce" and you're not missing out with the modification.

Here are the nutritional facts that I pulled from MyFitnessPal

Have you tried your Big Mac this way yet? Yea? How did you like it?

XOXO Loves,

This post is a little late, oopsie! I thought this nail color was perfect for the holiday that revolves around love, especially because of its name.

Now don't get me wrong, there are no limits on when a color may hit you and move you to be inspired to wear it. I will wear any color at any time that will pick my spirits up and make me feel good while wearing it.

Romantically Involved by OPI is a classic and timeless color. When I was wearing it I felt like an adult and sophisticated.

Give it a try and step into the sexy, sleek world of reds!

XOXO Loves,

Now ya'll know I love me a GOOD WIG! Got it so bad that when I get compliments, I feel the need to let people know! LOL So I've racked up a few and am always looking for a few more good ones.

This one in particular looks so much like my hair pressed out that I can get away with just about any style with it. I originally wasn't going to do anything to the wig after I washed it but let everyone bask in it's natural kink.

But then I decided to get all dolled up for the holidays and hit it with some wand curls and the end result, well, nothing short of amazing!

The wig itself was probably the softest wig that I have EVER felt and for it to be a "kinky" wig, well chile! Best Lace Wigs out did themselves with this unit.

I really appreciate all the compliments that I've been getting and I don't mind sharing the wealth, so here are the DEETS on this beautiful unit:

Kinky Straight Virgin Indian Hair Glueless Lace Front Wigs [GSW147]

Hair Color

Natural Color (Same as Image on site)

Hair Length

18inches

Cap Size

M-L

Cap Construction

cap09 lace front cap

Lace Color

Light Brown

 Can you tell I loved the wand curls that I put in this unit (LOL)? Is this a wig you'd try? How would you style it if it was yours? Let me know.

XOXO Loves,