How I Spent My Birthday

Last Thursday was my birthday. Although I am not going to divulge my age :) I admit coming up on the date I was a little depressed over becoming a year older. But I started to think about how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family, friends, bf...and the list goes on and I soon snapped out of it. I started my special day off with a trip to the spa for a facial, massage, and pedicure thanks to the bf. I even got to hit the steam room in between treatments. Then it was off to have lunch with my girlfriend an then to the salon. Later that night we went out for a lovely Ethiopian dinner at our fav spot. I got one of the scents I've been longing for Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle,roses, some needed cash (after my LV splurges earlier in the month) and a decadent cake with white chocolate frosting...speaking of which I may just go downstairs to get a piece. All in all the day was relaxing and made me realize how much I love and appreciate my loved ones.


I was going to do a special bday makeup look but while getting my facial the esthetician told me it would be best to not wear makeup that evening so my skin could breath. So I decided to follow her suggestion. She also told me to reserve the apricot scrubs for my knees and elbows because clinical test have shown it causes tiny microscopic scars on the face!

my yummy white chocolate layer cake...by far one of the best cakes I've tasted!

My Top Ten Products to Use in 2010

I know the year has just begun, but there are a few products that after trying them have worked their way to the top of my list. I intend on continuing to use them throughout the year. So I am calling this list my top ten to use in 2010. They range from facial products to hair products and are all reasonably priced.

1. Professional Silkworks by Nature's Therapy - according to the makers, SilkWorks was developed to meet the special needs of dry, damaged chemically abused hair. Concentrated silk amino acids, organic extracts and vitamin E impart a smooth and silky feel, high gloss shine without weighing down the hair. SilkWorks will not buildup on the hair or scalp, and is ideal for all hair types, and will immediately transform hopeless unhealthy hair to a healthier state.

Rating: 5/5
Price: around $10 at Walmart
2. Lanza Healing Strength CP Anti-Aging Complex - this product is designed to boost the strength and shine of the hair....and it does so while smelling amazingly.

Rating: 5/5
Price: around $20, purchased online
3. Cibu International's Miso Knotty Leave-In Detangler - I never had a HG product before but now I do! This detangler uses soy extracts and hydrolized silk to tame all types of hair.

Rating: 5/5
Price: $14 from CibuInternational.com
4. Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera - This gentle toner is a natural wonder. Rose petal water is blended with witch hazel, aloe vera, and vitamen E to produce a pore tightening, moisturizing, and heavenly scented toner. Just smelling it puts me in a great mood.

Rating: 5/5
Price: $6.25 (12fl oz.) from vitacost.com
5. Purple Lab's Huge Lips Skinny Hips Lip Plumper in Red Sole - Having full lips, I never felt a need for a lip plumper. After trying a few that left an undesirable tingling feeling on my lips I was hesitant to try another. But after experiencing the pleasant plumping sensation caused by lemon peel extract in this gloss and the pleasant taste, natural color, and moisturizing effect I am sold.

Rating: 5/5
Price: $22 from hsn.com
6. Korres Jasmine Lip Butter - Simply put...it's a buttery balm that melts onto the lips and cheeks for a pretty touch of color.

Rating: 5/5
Price: $20 from Sephora
7. Essence of Beauty Extra Gentle Brush Cleanser - This is the perfect answer for my personal makeup brushes for in between deep brush cleanings. It seems to work fairly well and comes in a convenient to use spray bottle.

Rating: 5/5
Price: $6 (4.2fl oz.) from CVS
8. Purity Made Simple Facial Cleanser - A deep cleaning cleanser, toner, and make up remover in one. Say no more.

Rating: 5/5
Price: $20 (8fl oz.) from Sephora
9. Nivea Creme - I've fallen in love with the smell of Nivea. This deep moisturizer is good for make up removal as well and is very budget friendly.

Rating: 5/5
Price: $8.29 (13.5 oz.) from Walgreens
10. Korres Guava Body Butter - Just the best darn body cream ever!

Rating: 5/5
Price: $29 (7.95 oz.) from Sephora


Care to share one of your top ten?