Month: June 2023

Beauty/

Exquisite Elixirs: Find Your Signature Scent Amongst the Best Smelling Perfumes for Women

A couple of weeks ago, my bestie and I had a girls’ shopping date at Sephora!  She was shopping for makeup and I was searching for the best smelling perfumes for women.  I am ashamed to admit that my current fragrance collection is a bit dated so I was hoping to find a few elegant perfumes to add to my collection.  I explored the aisles, sampled various scents, and discovered several feminine scents!  In this blog post, I’ll share my top five fragrance finds from Sephora, each one offering a unique and captivating aroma that left a lasting impression.

best smelling perfumes for women

Kayali Utopia Vanilla Coco:

The moment I caught a whiff of Kayali Utopia Vanilla Coco, I was transported to a tropical paradise. This enchanting blend of creamy vanilla and luscious coconut exudes warmth and indulgence. With each spritz, it conjures up visions of sun-kissed beaches and exotic getaways. It’s the perfect fragrance for those seeking a sweet and seductive scent that lingers throughout the day.

Replica Coffee Break:

While I may not be a coffee lover, Replica Coffee Break is a dream come true. This fragrance captures the essence of a cozy café, with notes of freshly brewed coffee, creamy milk, and a hint of warm cinnamon. It’s an invigorating and comforting scent that energizes the senses and adds a touch of sophistication to any occasion.

Replica Bubble Bath:

If you’re yearning for a moment of relaxation and tranquility, look no further than Replica Bubble Bath. This fragrance evokes the blissful experience of sinking into a luxurious tub filled with frothy bubbles. Its clean and airy composition, blending notes of soapy accord and white musk, creates a refreshing and comforting aura that wraps you in a cocoon of serenity.

Can’t Stop Loving You by Kilian:

Can’t Stop Loving You by Kilian is a fragrance that ignites passion and romance. With its intoxicating blend of Bulgarian rose, vanilla, and musk, it captures the essence of love in a bottle. This exquisite perfume exudes sensuality and elegance, making it the perfect choice for special occasions or those moments when you want to feel truly unforgettable.

Valentino Donna Born in Roma Coral Fantasy:

Valentino Donna Born in Roma Coral Fantasy is a fragrance that embodies femininity and sophistication. Its vibrant blend of fruity mandarin, refreshing ginger, and delicate magnolia creates a captivating scent that is both playful and alluring. This perfume exudes confidence and grace, making it an ideal choice for the modern, independent woman.

My trip to Sephora in search of the best-smelling perfumes for women was a sensory adventure like no other. The five fragrances I discovered – Kayali Utopia Vanilla Coco, Replica Coffee Break, Replica Bubble Bath, Can’t Stop Loving You by Kilian, and Valentino Donna Born in Roma Coral Fantasy – all left an indelible mark on my olfactory memories. Each perfume carries a distinct personality, taking us on a scented journey that evokes emotions, captures moments, and enhances our individuality. So, are you interested in smelling any of the fragrances shared above?

Wellness/

Living with Depression: Diary of a Depressed Black Woman

I have always been transparent about my experiences with mental illness and living with depression. It has not always been an easy journey, but I have found that sharing my story with others has been a powerful tool in my healing process. However, after finding myself in a dark and hopeless place, I stopped sharing so much. I was afraid of being judged and felt alone in my struggles.

But I know that I am not alone, and neither are you. That’s why I truly believe we can find purpose in our pain by sharing our experiences with others. And I also feel led by God to share my experiences in hopes of helping those who may be suffering in silence.

Today, I am sitting down to share episode two of Diary of a Depressed Black Woman(See Diary of a Depressed Black Woman: Episode 1 and a bonus episode here). This is a deeply personal journey that I am excited to share with you. My hope is that by opening up about my own struggles, I can create a safe space for others to do the same. So, grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let’s dive in. (If you would prefer to watch as a video, there is a video summary below.)

Living With Depression: An Update and How I Am Managing

Back in May 2022, I experienced a series of events that led to a severe depressive episode. My days were filled with endless sleep, tears, and laying in bed. It was a difficult time, and my will to live was slipping away.

I was seeing a psychiatrist and a therapist, but despite my efforts, things just weren’t improving. It felt like my mental impairments – ADHD, major depression, and anxiety – were all conspiring against me. It was overwhelming and felt like an impossible challenge.

Many people that do not deal with mental illness tend to believe that taking medication and seeing a psychiatrist and a therapist would be the magic solution that would fix everything. However, it quickly became clear that managing my multiple mental impairments – ADHD, major depression, and anxiety – would require more than just medication and talk therapy.

I remember feeling so frustrated and defeated when the medications I tried didn’t seem to be helping. In fact,  usually, the medications were accompanied by side effects that made me feel worse.  Each medication also requires time to build up in your system before you can start to experience its benefits.  

I was experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions – I might have a little hope one day, and despair the next. The process of finding the right medication can be a long and exhausting one, and I had to be patient and persistent to find the right combination that worked for me.

But even with the right medication, it wasn’t an instant fix. I still had to push through and try to function in my roles as a wife, mother, employee, and small business owner while battling my mental health. It was a difficult and overwhelming challenge, and there were times when I felt like giving up.

Once, in the depths of my depression, I found myself sitting down to plan my own death. I knew exactly how I would do it, but I couldn’t bring myself to decide when. As crazy as it sounds, the weight of my struggles had become too much to bear.

But even in that dark moment, something inside me kept me from taking that final step. I realized that I didn’t actually want to die – I just wanted the pain to stop. I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving my children and loved ones behind.

I also knew that I couldn’t let my mental impairments win. I had to keep pushing forward, taking things one day at a time. I had to find ways to cope and manage my symptoms so that I could still be there for my family and run my business. It wasn’t easy, but I refused to let my poor mental health define me.

It’s important to remember that managing mental health or living with depression isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It takes time, effort, and a lot of trial and error to find what works for you. But with patience, persistence, and the support of loved ones, it is possible to manage and overcome even the toughest mental health challenges.

Slowly, over many months, things started to change. I learned that living with depression and managing my mental health wasn’t just about taking medication and going to therapy. I had to make some lifestyle changes too.

I became more intentional about my devotional time with God, and started paying closer attention to my diet and what I was putting into my body. I also began incorporating physical activity into my daily routine. These were all things I could control, and they made a huge difference in my mental health.

It wasn’t easy, but with time, I started to see improvements. While there’s no magic cure for depression, I now know that I can learn to manage it better so that I can enjoy a better quality of life.

My journey hasn’t been easy, but I want to use my experiences to help others. I want to promote mental health and wellness awareness and show other women like me that they’re not alone. It’s important to create a community where we can share our struggles, find hope, and inspire one another.

So, if you’re out there struggling with your mental health, know that you’re not alone. There’s hope, and with a little bit of help and some lifestyle changes, things can and will get better.

Do you struggle with mental illness? Do you feel alone and misunderstood but you are afraid to open up? I am not a mental health professional but feel free to DM me on social media if you need someone to simply listen. I can be found on Instagram at @shes_pretty_posh. Direct Link to my account here.

There is also professional help available:

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline

This is a free and confidential resource for individuals suffering from mental illness or with substance abuse. You can view their website and find more information here. The number for the helpline is 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Whatever you do, remember, you are not alone and you are loved. Hang in there sis…. it gets better!

Beauty/

Transform Your Skin with Sunday Riley’s Vitamin C Serum: A Review

I decided to dedicate 2023 to becoming the best version of “Ton” from the inside and out.  A crucial part of this journey is taking better care of my skin. That’s why I’ve spent the past year trying out different vitamin C serums, and I’m excited to share my thoughts in the Sunday Riley Vitamin C Serum Review with you. Trust me, if you’re also on a quest to achieve your best skin yet or even if you just want to fade dark spots, you won’t want to miss this review.

A Closer Look at the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Serum

First off, let’s talk about the packaging. It comes in a sleek, orange glass bottle with a pump that dispenses the perfect amount of product. And let’s be real, the packaging of a product is almost as important as the product itself. I mean, who doesn’t want their skincare to look Instagram-worthy on their vanity?  I also need packaging that makes it easy to dispense the product.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what’s actually inside the bottle. The Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Serum contains 15% THD ascorbate, which is a highly stable form of vitamin C that is known for its brightening and antioxidant properties. It also contains phytosterols complex, which helps to improve the texture of the skin, as well as glycolic acid and saccharide isomerate, which help to exfoliate and hydrate the skin.

sunday riley vitamin c brightening serum review

Reduce the Appearance of Dark Spots with this Vitamin C Brightening Serum 

But enough with the science, let’s talk about how this serum actually performs. I’ve been using this serum every morning for the past year, I can confidently say that it has made a noticeable difference in the overall appearance of my skin and my skin texture. It has helped to fade and reduce the appearance of dark marks and has given my skin a brighter and more even-toned appearance.   I can say this has left me with an overall brighter complexion.

One of the things that I love about this serum is how quickly it absorbs into the skin. I hate when serums leave a sticky or greasy residue on the skin, and this one definitely doesn’t do that. It absorbs well, reinforcing the skin’s moisture barrier, and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and smooth.  If what I know is true, one way to help fight the signs of aging and avoid lines and wrinkles is by keeping your skin hydrated.

Another thing that I appreciate about this serum is that it plays well with other products in my routine. I’ve had issues with vitamin C serums pilling, reacting negatively with other products, or flaking, but I’ve never had that issue with the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Serum.

The Cost of Sunday Riley Vitamin C Serum and Where You Can Buy It

Now, let’s talk about the price point. At $85 for a 1 oz. bottle, it’s definitely on the pricier side of things. However, in my opinion, it’s worth the investment.   Skincare just like many other forms of self-care is an investment.  This serum is also very accessible.  If you prefer online shopping, the serum is available at Amazon (I even have it listed in my Amazon Storefront under “Skincare Essentials“).  If you need it quickly, swing by your local Sephora or Ulta.

Overall, I can’t recommend this serum enough and I have this Sunday Riley Vitamin C Serum Review has been helpful. It’s helped to improve the texture and appearance of my skin and has become a staple in my morning routine. Plus, the sleek packaging looks great on my vanity. So if you’re in the market for a new vitamin C serum, give this one a try. Your skin (and your vanity) will thank you.

Beauty/

The 4 Best Curl-Defining Products for Short Natural Hair Reviewed

As I grow out my twa, one of my favorite hairstyles has been a wash-n-go. In my opinion, the key to a great wash-n-go is defined curls. When I first attempted a wash-n-go, I was left with a frizzy, bird’s nest. I just didn’t think the style would work for me and my type 4 hair. It took me finding the best products for my hair to see the results I wanted. Here is everything I learned and discovered on my journey to find the best curl-defining products for type 4 natural hair.

defined curls on twa wearing green jumpsuit and houndstooth cardigan

Best Curl Defining Products for a Better Wash-n-go on Type 4 Hair

aunt jackie curl la la


Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La: Curl Defining Cream

If I want my hair to curl, I have to make sure it is moisturized. This is a lesson I learned very early in the process. After doing a little research, I learned about the LOC and LCO methods. While it sounds like I may be referring to a dreadlock hairstyle, I am actually referencing a method of moisturizing your hair. The LOC is short for liquid, oil and cream (Liquid, cream, oil). In hopes of keeping my hair moisturized through the styling process, I started using the LCO method. Of the two, I found this method worked better for my hair. With this process, I used Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La as the “cream” that I use to moisturize my hair. When styling my wash-n-go, I get the most definition when I use Curl La La (and the LCO method) before applying any other stylers.

Infusion 23 Liquid Leave in Conditioner


There are so many leave-in conditioners on the market. Some are creamy and some are liquid. It has been my experience that one of the more seasoned leave-in conditioners on the market works very well for my hair. When styling a wash-n-go, I love using Infusion 23 as my leave-in. It has been my experience that my hair likes this liquid leave in. I always make sure to apply this leave in to soaking wet hair and I start with my ends to make sure the ends are properly treated and not left dry.

Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator


I will never forget the first time I tried Curly Magic. I had curls for DAYS. When styling my hair, the curl stimulator serves as a gel. When I think gel, I think hard, crunchy, and super hold. That is not the case with Curly Magic. Curly Magic gives my curls the perfect amount of “stimulation” to curl with the right amount of hold without leaving the hair crunchy, hard, or dry. This product is definitely a staple in achieving a defined, perfectly curled wash-n-go.

Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam

I finally did it. I found the perfect combination of products for a perfectly defined wash-n-go. After several months of using Curly Magic with other products for styling my wash-n-go, I decided to try adding the Doux Mousse Def styling foam to the mix and oh my goodness, the results were amazing! I love the mousse so much that I currently buy a bottle or two every week in hopes of building a never-ending stash! The curls when combining these products? **chef’s kiss**

Bonus curl defining tip:


One of the biggest tips that has helped me achieve perfectly defined curls is applying product to soaking wet hair. It has been my experience that when my hair is not properly moisturized, it is super frizzy. The first step to properly moisturizing my hair is starting with soaking wet hair!

Do you have any tips for getting perfectly defined curls? If so, go ahead and tell me about it in the comments below!

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