Insta-Week & Weekend

Well another weekend has come to an end....where does the time go?? Sigh, well I can say this weekend was pretty chill. I planned to just relax and for the most part I did. Now let me explain, relaxing to me is hanging with my fiance', maybe catching a movie or going to dinner and maybe some thrifing. {Side note: I will be showing my thrifty finds in one of my upcoming posts; I can't wait!} Anywho, I pretty much spent my weekend doing those activities (except the movie). We also rented 3 movies from the Red Box and chilled out at his place Saturday evening. I seriously feel like the weekend escaped me but, I am always thankful for the time we spend together.

My fiance' is usually my photographer but lately, we've been focusing our 'alone time' mainly lounging/chilling so I've been doing my best to click a few pics of my outfits from the week with my phone. I upload them on Instagram and Facebook (sometimes) so for now, I hope those pics will do. I still want to show my thrifted looks so I always make sure I am connected with you all in one way or another. Thank goodness for the MANY social media networks out there ;-) As I've said in my recent posts, my life has been really all over the place lately so I am doing my best to keep up with all that I have going on. Thanks SO much for the continued support and thanks to my new followers. Every time I log on I realize I have a few new followers...I truly thank you for taking this journey with me!

So until next time, enjoy the pics and don't forget to follow me HERE & HERE! Be blessed and be a blessing to someone...TTYS!!!

PS My Instagram name is msnicjames ;-)

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Insta-Outfits

Insta-Weekend

*my weekend: new hair (it sweated out thanks to the humidity, LOL), dinner and drinks with my love, and a thrifitng trip*

*DMV thrifters, take advantage of this; i did and got 9 items for $950...yes, $9.50!!!!

CLICK PIC FOR LINK*

Naturally FabEllis: My 1st Guest Blogger

I hope you all have had a wonderful day!! I am super excited to announce that this post features Natural Hair/Beauty Blogger, Ashley. She and I met a few months ago and quickly became blogger buddies. We clicked instantly and I am so happy and honored that she agreed to be my first Guest Blogger on Nic's Picks. My goal is to feature a different guest blogger/topic each month this summer. If YOU are interested, let me know and we can make it happen :-)

I felt this post was a great idea because when I was natural for 2 1/2 years, I only knew braids and kinky twists as styles to go to. However, so many women are either natural or thinking about becoming natural that I wanted to give them other styles to think about, while reminding them the importance of hair care. So who would I turn to?? ;-) Ashley, of course! She has the best tips and the best advice for all you natural hair beauties out there. I know a lot of my followers are natural and I want to continue to connect with you ALL. With that said, enjoy this post and be sure to check out Ashley's blog, FabEllis and her Facebook page, HERE. 

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My decision to go natural was a scary decision at the time, but I knew that it was a must in order for me to have healthy hair.  A year later, I can truly say I made an awesome decision.  My first year being natural was a huge learning curve, but through trial and error and wonderful resources like YouTube, I was able to find a regimen that works for me.  Ever since my journey has begun, it has been a goal of mine to share any tips I have learned for healthy hair. 

With that being said, here are my top three tips for healthy, natural hair:

1. Moisturize

If there is one thing I have learned, it is definitely that natural hair needs moisture.  Natural hair can easily become dry, especially in the summer time, so it is important to keep it moisturized.  Many get caught up in the various regimens that are out there, but the key to keeping hair moisturized is to begin by using a sulfate-free shampoo.  Sulfates strip hair of moisture that natural hair needs.  One of my favorite shampoos is Shea Moisture’s Moisture Retention shampoo. 

After shampooing, I condition my hair, rinse and then use a deep conditioner for 20-30 minutes.  After rinsing the deep conditioner, I put a leave in conditioner on my hair and style with a cream based product like Beautiful Textures’ Moisture Butter.  By using a heavy cream on my hair, my hair is able to stay moisturized for up to a week without reapplying.  I apply light oils like tea tree or olive oil to my scalp if needed.

2. Avoid Heat 

I think this is one of the hardest things for naturals to do.  We are so accustomed to using heat on our hair, but trust me… If you lay off the heat, your hair WILL grow.  It’s important for you to remember this.  Heat alters your hair.  Every time you add heat to your hair, no matter how much heat protectant you use, you have the potential to damage your hair.  Now the next question typically is, “Well, if I can’t use heat on my hair, what am I supposed to?”  This leads me to my last tip.

3. Protective Styles 

Protective styles are awesome when it comes to natural hair.  Plus, they allow you to achieve, twists and curls without adding heat.  From two strand twists to bantu knots to braids, I love protective styles.  Some of my favorite styles are two strand twists and braids.  Please just keep in mind that if you do use extensions with a protective style that the style should not be too tight and after you take them out, give your hair at least two weeks to recover.  I have learned the hard way that going from extension style to extension style can be very damaging to hair.

With these three tips, you are sure to be on the road to healthy hair!  To stay updated with my natural hair journey and the products that I love, follow me here:

Blog:  www.fabellis.com

Twitter:  @missfabellis

Instagram:  missfabellis

My Weekend in Pictures

Happy Tuesday!!! I hope you all had a relaxing and chill Memorial Day weekend. I honestly can't say I did a lot, LOL. My mission was to CHILL and I did just that! I spent most of the weekend with my family and my fiance' and we lounged around, watched DVD's, played some games, and at good food ;-)

 I hope you enjoy the few pics that I was able to snap. Take care and don't forget to keep up with me HERE and HERE ;-)

PS I'm going to link this to Work it Wednesday ...I am actually working from home for a few days so that counts, right??? ;-)

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*An old Ella Fitzgerald record, my newest (65 cent) eBay purchases, and my next 'summer' hair style*

*outfits of the weekend, and my new (Halston) Bakers sandals*

(I also wore this skirt as a top last summer...see HERE)

Top: Ellen Tracy 

Skirt: Goodwill (Thrifted)

Sandals: Bakers

Gone too soon...(the weekend)

Happy Sunday everyone! Is it me or did this weekend fly by?? I feel like it was just Friday afternoon. Anywho, I am glad that I had time to relax and really not do much. Well ok, I did do things BUT nothing work related and no 'events' I had to attend. 

Friday, the fiance' and I headed to the movies to see Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man and we really enjoyed the movie. The entire cast did an excellent job! If you have not seen it, I would definitely recommend it. I also took the family to my favorite thrifting spot (2nd Avenue) and my parents had a ball. My dad went back today for their 1/2 off sale and got even more items (3 blazers, 2 pair of jeans, and 2 shirts).  My little sister bought (with her money) a book, a cute belt, skirt, pair of brand new Children's Place shorts, and the prettiest white dress I've ever seen!  My mom is more of an online shopper, her patience when it comes to sifting through items is limited. However, she found some GREAT vintage shoes and a LV bag. She has found her niche when it comes to thrifting; accessories and shoes. Speaking of shoes and accessories, I found 3 pair of shoes (2 vintage), a Lane Bryant skirt, pair of sunglasses (seen in pics below), and a top. As I said before, all pics coming soon :-) 

Side-note: If you follow me on Instagram/Facebook, you'll notice that I have a new hairstyle, which by the way I absolutely LOVE! A little hesitant at first, I was unsure how the style would look on me. But, I took the plunge and tried it out anyway. I am glad I stepped out and tried something differnent because I really do like it :-) 

Saturday, Darrius and I were on babysitting duty while my parents went to see Act Like a Lady. The three of us (me, lill sis and D) played a heated game of UNO, and shared lots of good laughs and goofy moments. I also enjoyed church this morning with the fiance' and our friends Matt and Jess (and their adorable daughter). We went to Bridgeway Community Church (see, HERE) and as usual, the pastor was on point. He finished up his series on Love today and spoke on the Fruit of Love. Very powerful and right on time, as most of his messages are. Aftrerwards, we all went to the Tomato Palace for brunch, and then Darrius and I enjoyed Rita's on the way home. 

The last thing that I MUST tell you all is that this morning, I got an email notification that plus-size model Anansa Sims is now following me on Twitter! I followed her last night and this morning, bam! She followed back!  Yes, I was excited beyond belief but who wouldn't be??? She is really someone I look up to when it comes to being a plus size/curvy woman. She is lovely, and such a lady and watching her show (with her mother Beverly Johnson) on OWN has made me like her even more. I am so honored to have her follow lil 'ol me :-)

So, enjoy the pics and I hope you all have a great Monday tomorrow. Be blessed...and be a blessing to someone ;-)

{ carreid my love, cortnie Ray bag today }

Insta-Recap

Hey there! Did we make it through another Monday?? I hope we all did and hope you're ready to continue this week :-) Just wanted to share my weekend recap, via-instagram pics, as usual. Some are from later last week (Thurs/Fri) but I still wanted to share.  Don't forget to find me on Instagram, @msnicjames. 

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The first pics are a 2 of my outfits form last week. I am just so smitten by my pink (thrifted pants) seen many times on my blog. I just LOVE styling them. I pulled out my fave bakers sandals the other day and paired it with some ethnic jewelry and fell in love with the look. Even at work, I felt super comfy and cute. 

This outfit is a remake (lol) of a previous one (see HERE). This day I wanted a polished looked, but wanted to wear flats because my feet just couldn't take the heels. How'd I do?? ;-)

As far as my weekend, I spent it with family as usual. We went to the Bowie Baysox game with lil sis. She went for her school, as well as for a "royalty appearance" as they call it. Now I am NOT a huge baseball fan due to my awful allergies and phobia of getting hit by a ball, but I must admit I had a ball! We ate ballpark food, laughed, and just had good fun!

*these are some sketches lil sis created for her big cousin Terrence and Lady Gaga; which one would YOU like to wear?? LOL...*

* mom got a new hairstyle this weekend and I am LOVING my moms new haircut; the back is flawless!!*

*my cousin Nicole is the most fabulous and newest member of the Delta Sigma Theta Soroity, Inc. and this was her homemade, congratulatory cake; it included her line name, the Dream Girl *

*...& what better way to end the weekend than with my honey...*

Off to a Great Start!

Happy weekend everyone! I hope yours is off to a great start. My mom and I are headed to breakfast and then to Bed, Bath & Beyond to finish up the wedding registry. But before I go, I just wanted to quickly share somethings with you.

Yesterday, something really made me smile! I've been following blogger and thrifting guru, in my opinion, Mr. Goodwill Hunting for sometime now and a few days ago, I emailed him a few pics of my recent outfit. It was the first one I've worn that was completely thrifted head to toe. When I turned on the computer Friday morning and when to my Facebook page, I saw my pic on my news feed. Mr. Goodwill hunting posted my outfit (see HERE)! Now to some of you it may not be a huge deal but to me, it def is! When you admire someones work and they take the time to communicate with you, and even showcase your outfits, talents, or whatever, its a good thing. It made me feel good and I definitely appreciate it! So huge thanks to him and as an avid thrifter, I hope to continue to make you proud! ;-)

{this is the shot used I sent...click photo for the link}



Now onto more exciting news...my blog anniversary is coming up!! I am super duper excited about this. Long ago, I created a blog that was more geared towards the poetry and my creative writing, but I didn't stick with it. When I started this blog, I was a bit skeptical because although a lot of people were inquiring about where I shopped or got certain items from, I didn't know if I wanted to put myself out there to be 'judged' so to speak. Well, I quickly got over that fear and just went for it. Boy am I glad I did! Since I've been blogging, I've met amazing people, challenged myself in ways you can't imagine, and blogging has actually brought me and my fiance' closer. He takes about 90% of my photos and is just the biggest supporter, ever. He dreams just as big as I do and I love him for that. And of course, my followers....THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I feel like all of you are friends in my head (like Wendy Williams, LOL). Your support has been amazing and I love you all for that!

With that being said, I am hosting a HUGE giveaway to celebrate my 1 year of blogging. I am still in the process of putting together this awesome gift bag but trust me, you WILL want to enter to win!! I am also hosting a blog celebration. Not 100% sure if I am going to do something with just me and my family, or plan something a tad bigger. Either way, I will be celebrating ;-) I truly believe that everything should be celebrated...I throw parties and get togethers for any and every reason. Life is too short, why not? So stay tuned to the blog and my Facebook page for more giveaway details!

I leave you with a few Instagram photos of some of my 'happenings' this week. Take care & be blessed! XXOO!!

~Nic

*I got my hair cut, and I LOVE it!...so much fuller and healthier!*

 *snippet of what I wore one day this week; sweater is from Lord & Taylor*

 *my fav ring & bracelet...this pic is older but I try to wear them at least once a week*

My Daily Fixes

Hello everyone! Hope you all have been doing well :-)

I want to share with you all some of what I like to call, "My Daily Fixes". These are just a few products I use to keep me looking and feeling great! (And just as a disclaimer, I am not getting paid to promote these products). I have seen a few bloggers post their favorite products, and I have been getting questioned at work what I use on my face or hair. Someone asked me the other day if I wore make up and what kind. She was shocked when told her I wore nothing. I've just never had the desire or time to really sit down and figure out what make up works for me. So I just do the basics. Wash, moisturize and sun screen. However, I am getting older and I do want to start wearing a bit of make up more when I go out. But no rush; in due time.

I honestly never really felt that people paid attention to my hair either but, it seems that once I took my braids out, people were intrigued that I did indeed have hair under there. LOL. I have cut it shorter from the last time, and I LOVE it.

All that to say, I hope you all enjoy this post. Have a great day/evening.

Blessings.

~Nic

*Some of my hair items*

Mizani Supreme Oil : Used in the morning before I style my hair

Aquage: Used every other day before styling

*My current look*

 *My natural look*

*Me with shorter hair*

Clean & Clear Products: Used day & night

 Palmer's Coca Butter- Used on my legs where I have scars, and for

my face whenever I have dry patches 

Cucumber Melon Suave Lotion- Used daily (smells divine)

Vaseline w/ Cocoa Butter - I use this in the morning, and after I shower, in conjunction with the Suave lotion

Peppermint Mentha Lip Shine (Bath & Body Works): I swear by this lip gloss, lol...it smells and feels so good!

My trusty eyebrow brush: Used daily, and carried with me in my cosmetic bag

The Weekend

Hello friends! Hope you all have had a great weekend. Mine has been pretty laid back. I took my mother to see, "Jumping the Broom" Friday night and then out to eat. The movie was EXCELLENT! I laughed, cried, laughed again, and learned a lot. It's a must see.

I also worked, got my hair done, and spent time with my family today. I was very excited to get my hair done because I have been natural (without a perm) for about 7-9 months. I really am pleased with the outcome, and I feel like anytime I change my hair its a new beginning. Corny? Maybe, lol, but hey...that's what I think.

Again, hope the weekend has been a good one and I'll talk to you all soon. Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers out there :-)

~Nic

Top: Gifted

Shoes: Fergie (Marshalls)

Ring: Thrifted

Necklace: Thrifted