I was catching up on one of my fav blogs, TheCubicleChick.com, when I spotted this post.   How did I not know that May is Mental Health Month?

Anyhoo, moving right along.  I automatically thought I must share this with my readers {that’s you}.

For those who don’t know, I was diagnosed with depression almost 15 years ago, but have lived with it undiagnosed since 1993 in my opinion.  I began sharing about it slowly on my website many years ago, and really started opening up in the past couple years about my diagnosis, my decision not to take medication, and my therapy {which I’m currently not in due to finances *boo hoo*}.

For myself the stigma typically associated with mental health has not been an issue of late. Obviously it kept me private for many years, but once I started talking about it I felt free and knew I’d never go back to not sharing my story.  Talk about a good therapist huh? LOL!   I constantly receive emails and messages from those who suffer in silence and have been helped by my story and transparency. Thank you to all who have reached out, your messages humble me.

If you or anyone you know is in need of help, ask for it.  No one has to be as strong as you think you have to be on your own, even me. I don’t do this on my own and no one expects you to either.

Here are some great resources to start with:

Therapist Directory (find a therapist in your area)

Please call: In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255

1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

For Hearing and Speech Impaired with TTY Equipment:

1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide, PLEASE CALL 911

SuicidePreventionLifeline.org |http://SuicideHotlines.com | SuicideHotlines.com/national.html

Warning signs: Suicide Warning Signs

You can learn more about mental health and Mental Health Month by visiting MentalHealthAmerica.net.

It’s not an easy road, but we can do this … you can do this.  :)

Until next time Glam Fam I wish you
Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness,

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Google+ | Pinterest | Instagram “glamazini”

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Disclosure: For more information about the Glamazini.com disclosure policy, click here.

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by Brenda Lyttle 

Just as it is the case with your halloween costumes that seem incomplete without the right accessories, undermining the importance of a good accessory to team up with your dress is one of the biggest fashion mistakes you can make.
Accessories sizzle up any outfit like nothing else. A chunky bracelet, a cuff, a stylish handbag…they can all make a plain dress look trendy in no time. In fact, you can also use these accessories to help you update your wardrobe from previous season until you get something new. Here are some of the accessory trends of Spring 2012 that are popular:

1. Gold Cuffs – Whether your outfit is floral or bright, and whatever the length of the sleeves, these versatile gold cuffs are just perfect. They are bold and eye-catching.
2. Dazzling Sandals – Flashy and dazzling sandals are going to rule the season. Don’t forget to get your feet in a fabulous condition as you are going to wear gem-studded strappy sandals. Make sure that your outfit is, however, not studded too much or you will end up looking like a decked up Christmas tree.
3. Bright Scarves – These are not something from winter. The bright and trendy scarves that you see this spring are from the previous spring. Wear them over your tees, tank tops or any other top that seems right to you. They are available in vibrant colors and look good.
4. Pilot Shades – Get some warm sun on your face with these pilot shades. The oversized shades of last spring have been replaced with these pilot shades that show more of your face. This is an accessory that will suit everyone irrespective of the shape of face.
5. Shoulder Bags – Shoulder bags are back with a bang. After the satchels and hobos of last spring, it is time to take a break and get these well-loved shoulder bags.
6. Oversized Floral Rings – Floral dresses and floral rings? These oversize floral rings make a statement about your style and personality. Pick up some bright colors that draw attention to your outfit.
7. Bright Tights – Black tights are no longer needed. What you need to keep up with the colorful spirit of spring is bright tights. Get bold colors that scream for attention. Colors like purples, yellow and teal are the ruling jazzy colors of tights of Spring 2012.
8. Manly Watches – Along with the bright colors and floral prints, manly watches are popular too. Like the cuff, gold watches are preferred. Don’t miss this hot trend that will make you stand apart.
9. Thin Belts- Fat is out and slim is in! No, this is not about how you look, but about your belt. Store those thick belts and add colorful thin belts to cinch your tops, jackets and sweaters. Keep it high above your waist and look cool.
10. Bold Boots – With colors everywhere, why should these booties stay far behind? Black is out and colors are in. Choose colors for rain or sun and show them off.

Spring 2012 is all about bright and bold colors. Toss away black and usher in colors into your wardrobe – whether it is accessories or outfits.

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As you can imagine, I’ve gotten questions about how to camouflage the side of my hair that is shaved when I don’t feel like stepping out with such an edgy look. That’s what this quick video is all about. I did this last week when I had to run into an office setting and felt like rocking a more subdued look. I have other ideas as well and will share them with you as I can in the upcoming weeks.

Enjoy!

Do you have any ideas on how you’d camouflage a shaved side of your hair? Do tell!

Until next time Glam Fam I wish you
Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness,

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Google+ | Pinterest | Instagram “glamazini”

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Disclosure: For more information about the Glamazini.com disclosure policy, click here.

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I did yet another guest post on a fellow blog, this time about natural hair events.  I’ve love if you guys went over, checked it out and showed me some comment love .

Read the entire post on TheManeSource.com here.

Until next time Glam Fam I wish you
Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness,

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Google+ | Pinterest | Instagram “glamazini”

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Disclosure: For more information about the Glamazini.com disclosure policy, click here.

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Feel like sharing some random shots from last week …

like to see um? Here they go!

This was me last weekend on my birthday after getting the side of my hair shaved.  In this shot I was dressing after getting a prenatal massage {my first ever, it was ok, I didn’t love it} and taking pictures in the bathroom as usual. I still had to put my belt on {in my hand}. I was 31 weeks, 3 days pregnant.

Next up my new favorite thing:

They have these spots at Babies R Us and the grocery store and I make sure to use them {so does hubby LOL}.  My mom says we preggos need to be walking a lot and these spaces make no sense. My mom is a hater.

Next up, the free birthday dessert from Moto Sushi where I went for din din with my friends on my birthday {before seeing Avengers}.

I had one bite of that stuff and it was rich but good. Oh and don’t worry, I ate 5 rolls {yes FIVE} at Moto, but they were all cooked.  It was all you can eat and I won. #preggomoment #nomnomnom

Last shot is for anyone that missed my update on the Party In My Pants pads.

If you’re curious click right here and read to your heart’s content {update at the very end}.

Oh and 1 last thing, I joined Instagram so follow me there {name = glamazini} for random shots like these and whatever else I feel like tossing up.

Until next time Glam Fam I wish you
Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness,

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Google+ | Pinterest | Instagram “glamazini”

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Disclosure: For more information about the Glamazini.com disclosure policy, click here.
photo credit:  glamazini

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Hola Glam Fam *waves*
For the past week or so I’ve been testing out the AMBI® Skincare Regimen including their Even & Clear Foaming Cleanser, Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer, and AMBI®’s #1 rated Fade Cream.  I tend to stick to my usual products, but I used AMBI in my teens so I was curious to see what their current line up could do.

Tada!

My overall thought on the line is I like it a lot! I used all three products every morning and evening and my skin did not go berserk {the usual reaction to me switching products}. I also noticed a noticeable increase in the softness of my skin so the moisturizer has me in l.o.v.e.

Here’s what each actual product looks like:

Now let’s talk about each one by one …

… first up the Even & Clear Foaming Cleanser

I haven’t used a foaming cleanser in years so it took me a day to figure it out #truestory.  The product says it “helps clear and prevent breakouts” and I can definitely say it did the latter.  I wasn’t sure it was gonna be able to hang because I was wearing makeup every day, but I was pleasantly proven dead wrong.  Not only did this cleanser hang, it removed my makeup like a boss, and I did not get one blemish {which is not always the case with me and makeup and other cleansers}.  I was also concerned about my skin’s reaction to the salicylic acid, but once again, no problem whatsoever.  In the end I was impressed and will continue using this cleanser, especially on nights when I need to bust up a day’s worth of makeup and be assured my skin won’t break out because of it.  #win

Next let’s get into the Fade Cream.

I used this product a lot when I was in high school and thought I knew exactly what to expect.  The product says it “fades dark spots for even, natural skin tone” and that’s exactly what I remember it doing back then. I did use it last week on one specific spot on my forehead, but I’m not sure I had enough time to really see a difference {especially since the packaging says to allow 3 months}.  I was pleasantly surprised by the smell.  This is not your old school AMBI!   I recall it used to be stronger and very unique, and now it has this light and pleasant scent that is a vast improvement!  I’m definitely going to use this on dark marks in the future.

Lastly let’s get into this awesome sauce they call  Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer!

I have to say this is my favorite product in the whole regimen.  Once again I expected not to like it because it’s kinda a thick moisturizer and I tend toward lighter ones, but once again I was proven wrong. Two squirts of this stuff and my face and neck feel like butta {yes butta}.  I also love that it goes on and absorbs quickly, no coated face feeling so I can work my makeup magic soon after.  Lastly, it has an SPF of 30 which is like twice the amount of what I’m currently using so that is awesome sauce if I’ve ever seen it!  The product says it “visibly evens skin tone and texture” and I must say I have to agree on the texture thing, I couldn’t stop touching my face LOL!  Love this stuff, great find.

So would I recommend it?  Yep, totally.

Have you tried any of the AMBI® Skincare products?

The experts in skin of color, brings you a skin care regimen to help you achieve flawless skin. Use AMBI®’s Even and Clear Foaming Cleanser to help clear breakouts and reduce dark marks. Follow with Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer, so skin will look even and smooth. And AMBI®’s #1rated Fade Cream, diminishes dark spots and discoloration, for a beautiful and natural skin tone.

Until next time Glam Fam I wish you
Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness,

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Google+ | Pinterest

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Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AMBI® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AMBI®. For more information about the Glamazini.com disclosure policy, click here.
photo credit:  glamazini

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Why I’m still calling these “weekly” updates is beyond me. With baby coming it’s not gonna get much better either huh? Oh well …

Weekly Updates YouTube Playlist

{REFESHING BUN VIDEO}

{TEE SHIRT INFO}
http://www.femininefunk.com

{GESEEN NATURAL BEAUTY}
http://www.geseennaturalbeauty.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/mommyg05

{DESTINY DESSERT BAR & CAFE SHOWCASE & TASTING}

{HAIR SHAVING POST & VIDEO}

Have a great weekend everyone!

Until next time Glam Fam I wish you

Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness,

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Google+ | Pinterest

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Disclosure: For more information about the Glamazini.com disclosure policy, click here.
photo credit:  glamazini

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So Saturday this happened:

It was a birthday present to myself.

I figured if I’m gonna cut all of it off I should keep playing a bit before I do. First the press … now this. Check out the video for the live footage:

And now some pixxies for your viewing pleasure.

This is what I looked like before the cut:

Me before cut

I arrived with my hair in big twists so it would be easy to part the side for cutting then fix up a quick twistout for the rest of the day.

Here I am after the cut.

Me after cut

I love it but am not sure why the dovetail dealy has a little extra cut out in the back. I think it’s a barber mistake myself but no need to cry over spilled milk now. Also, do ya’ll see that mole behind my ear right at my hairline? That sucka was not there before! What the hizzy?!  LOL, this aging thing ain’t no joke. I just pray I don’t cut all my hair off and look like a speckled tiger under there. #helpJesus.

Moving right along, here’s the front you guys saw above.

Me after cut

If anyone’s curious I was rocking those Ardell lashes I told ya’ll about.  Finally here I am leaving the salon {info below} ready for the rest of the day rocking a side twistout.

After cut + side twistout

And another shot of the back on my way to face my birthday.

After cut + side twistout

Here’s a bonus picture to show how much growth I’ve gotten since I pressed at the end of January. The texture difference is pretty noticeable I think; I’m guessing a good inch to inch and a half in 3 months.

Me before cut

I’m totally pleased with this cut and don’t regret a thang {yes thang}. Another item is checked off my bucket list *grin*.  It’s been about a week and it’s already grown out some so hubby is gonna attempt to shave it back down before I wash the rest later tonight. I have a wedding to attend tomorrow so I’m going for a funny geisha look LOL!

Oh and if you’re curious here’s the barber and salon info:

Barber:
Chip … professional stylist
cgunn @facebook.com {not sure what this is but it’s directly off his card}
7082434650
cgunn0890 {at} yahoo {dot} com

Salon:
NAPPS!
6267 Delmar in the U-City Loop, Saint Louis, MO 63130
1 (314) 727-0312

Until next time Glam Fam I wish you

Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness,

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Google+ | Pinterest

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Disclosure: For more information about the Glamazini.com disclosure policy, click here.
photo credit:  glamazini

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Even though I’m currently 32 weeks 1 day while posting this, I still can’t believe it. This is my 15th post in my preggo series from my 30th week.

Enjoy!

bluum box | My previous bluum box video |
Products in box:

• Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Cream
• StriVectin-EV Get Even Brightening Serum 
• Naturally It’s Clean Floors
• Tender Defender Bio-Active Aloe Base Gel
• Ecos Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent 

My shaved hair video

Kidscloset.biz Consignment Sale Information

Cottonbabies.com cloth diapering class

Until next time Glam Fam I wish you

Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness,

@Glamazini | facebook.com/IamGlamazini | youtube.com/Glamazini | Google+

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Disclosure: For more information about the Glamazini.com disclosure policy, click here.

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My friend and fellow blogger is celebrating mothers all month long with a series of guest posts. I had the privilege to contribute my thoughts on becoming a mother and why it took me so long to do so.

Read the entire post on HousefulofNicholes.com here.

Until next time Glam Fam I wish you
Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness,

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Google+ | Pinterest

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Disclosure: For more information about the Glamazini.com disclosure policy, click here.

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