3.15.2009

Recession Beauty Tips 101 - Buppie Style

*Sigh.* All of this "doom and gloom" news about the economy is forcing me to scale back on things that are contributing to my overall well-being. But since I'm STILL in Obama celebration mode here in DC, I'm still spending on social events and enjoying time with friends (I cut back on eating out big time, but I still spend on certain events and cocktails, you know how it is). So, I thought about where I could cut back and it was easy - first, beauty supplies.

I'll admit it, I'm completely fooled by fancy packaging and promises to deliver amazing results if you spend a little extra in a fancy store while being conned by sales people (think Sephora, MAC, etc).

So what did I do? I made the decision to reevaluate some of my beauty purchases, spa treatments, and occasional hair salon visits (4 times/year) if I'm trying to make an impact in my personal savings. Despite this linked article I found on the Wall St. Journal a couple weeks ago, I do believe that Black Women can save money and STILL look fly.

So what did I do? For the last month, I've decided that if a new purchase must be made, I'm going to think twice. I went on a super beauty shopping spree (recession style) in an effort to find some money-conscious alternatives to my usual favs. Let's reflect on some of list of OLD VS NEW (Ressession Style):

Makeup

  1. MAC Eyeliner - $14.50 vs. Maybeline ($4)
  2. MAC Viva Glam lipstick $14 - Covergirl ($6) - but I'm more of a gloss person only anyway so I haven't had to buy any yet.
  3. MAC lip gelee - $14 vs. Covergirl Queen Collection ($5.50)
  4. MAC foundation - (okay can't give this up - but send me a message if you have an alternative for medium-dark complexions - this is the BEST I've found) - $29
  5. MAC Iridescent loose powder (for bronzing effect) - $21 vs. Jane Shimmering Bronzer ($6)
  6. Shampoo - I've found it doesn't really matter what kind of shampoo you use, but how you moisturize and condition your hair afterwards. So call me cheap, but I've switched from Nioxin and Nexxus shampoos ($9-$17) to Suave Biobasics Shampoo ($3.29) and 100% coconut oil.
  7. Deep Conditioner - Miss Jessie's Rapid Recovery Treatment ($48) and Nexxus Scalp Therapy ($20) vs. Queen Helene Cholesterol Hair Cream ($3) - add some coconut/tea tree oil and leave on for 30 minutes and it's just as good, lol.
So so far they've been mostly small changes, but everything counts, right? I think it's more about changing my way of thinking. Packaging isn't everything. Brands aren't everything. I'm looking a little deeper. Shout out if you have any other beauty savings tips (best lotions, skin treatments, facial cleansers, etc.). I'd love to hear them. Smooches. <--I hate when people say that or "Toodles", lol.

Spa Treatments
Massage - Favorite DC Spa $100 for 50 minutes vs. a Massage School - 60 minute massage for $40.
Pedicure - @ home pedi is only about $10 max
Manicure - @ home mani is only about $5 max
Wax - instead of waxing I'm not "nairing" and it works quicker and with less pain. I do it only 2 times/week and it takes about 5 minutes. Not the best smell, but it works. I also have at home wax for my brows, etc. It cost me about $10 and will last for several treatments.

Health and Fitness
In my quest to get the toned Michelle Obama physique, I'm all about health and fitness, so here are a few ways I'm cutting back.

  • Gym - $65/month vs. My feet ($0), + there's a gym in my condo bldg. (easy)
  • Organic Foods are OUT. Pretty packaged veggies are OUT. Instead I cut up my own veggies and slice my own fruits. Saves tons. I'm also, trading Whole Foods for Safeway or Trader Joes (although I also love peapod).
  • Lastly I only shop with a purpose. I make a menu of what I'll eat for about 4 days at a time and only buy food for those days. Before trying this method, I'd spend easily over $100/week and throw away half of it. Ugh, the life of a single buppie...

Other Tips:

  • Organize your cabinets/closets - you have more than you realize. Utilize what you ALREADY have before shopping for new purchases. If you like the "new" feeling, have a "beauty trade day" with friends.

2.23.2009

Single Ladies - Church Version

I don't know if this is real or not, it can't be! But this is KILLING me. If this is your church, please let me know. Praise his name.

2.22.2009

C. Breezy - Really? REALLY!

OK, I must admit that when I first heard this story I was giving Chris Brown the benefit of the doubt. I mean, what business was it of mine? I assumed there was yelling, screaming, possibly a shove here or there, ya know...an argument (not a boxing match). There was WAY too much speculation and rumors flying through the airwaves for me to make an educated judgment on what occurred that night until I saw this damn photo! Nothing, and I mean NOTHING can legitimize how much he beat this woman that night. I mean WTF?! And now I hear that she's not pressing charges and wants him back. WHAT, eWHAT?! Ladies, we need to do better. Jeeezus.

2.12.2009

Bizaaaaaaaaack! Anybody There? LOL

Ok ok, we've been slippin'. I know! My bad. Ok, here are my excuses.

1. I've been celebrating/partying my ASS off. Barack Obama is STILL President. WHAT?!
2. My job has gone completely INSANE and I've been working ridiculous hours (oh and they blocked this site at work, can you believe that?!) I have GOT to win the damn lottery because I can't take this! SO over it.
3. I just haven't been all that inspired! I know, with SO much going on in the world, I can't think of a THING to blog about. So go ahead and leave some comments about some different topics you'd like to discuss, because I'm completely blank.
4. Still going through that quarterlife crisis and I'm in desperate need of a vacation. (I need some vacation ideas ASAP).

Ok, those aren't the "best" excuses, but how about I just vow to do a little better? Are we cool? ;-)

1.05.2009

Media Scrutiny of Obama Kids - It's Starting...

I'm feel so horribly that Malia and Sasha have to grow up in the spotlight in a world that is not yet color-blind. I remember the exact moment when I realized that racism still exists and how I felt as a young black girl in a classroom where I was treated differently than the other children. I was 8 years old and it's a very life-changing experience. So, not only am I worried about them being scrutinized as the President's kids, I'm worried about them being scrutinized as black children and having to carry that burden at such a young age. I almost feel as though they are part of my family and I want to protect them from the hateful words I've seen so far. Not in the articles themselves, but in the comments sections. TMZ, Politico, the Drudge Report, etc are just a few of the news outlets that have reported on the girls' first day of school. Do you think that their father's position requires them to be under such scruitiny? I mean I understand it, but I just do not agree with it. *Sigh*

Check out TMZ's article (and the comments):

[TMZ] - Obama Girls -- The Lil' Ladies Who Lunch

My favorite reader comment: "Be nice to Malia and Sasha. Your kids may work for them one day." (MESSAGE!)

1.04.2009

Different Perspectives on the state of the Economy (Bush vs. President Elect Obama)

Sorry this isn't a fun post, but this economic recovery is on the brain a lot lately. Check out the different viewpoints of our soon-to-be FORMER President George W. Bush and our President-Elect Barack Obama.

He's not an economist but...long story short, the man is in denial.


Looks like our optimist is turning into a realist. Check out his statements on our "economic recovery" (I'm not getting the warm and fuzzies, *sigh*):

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