Time to get a bit personal. Last year was just a rollercoaster of emotions. So, many bad & negative things happened that I vowed 2018 would be different. I cut out the toxic people, people who stopped talking to me and people who were just using me. I wanted to make friends so I tolerated a lot of bullshit that I normally wouldn't and in the end I just became unhappy and lost who I was.

I forgot what made me happy & who made me happy.

As I sit in my new found coffee spot & I write this out...I realized that I forgot my goals & who I wanted to be. What were my goals? Did I still want to be a content creator? Did I love what I was doing anymore? Along the way I lost myself and I really needed to sit down and write out a list of things to change so that I could be happy in the year to come. Which of course is this year!

My number one goal to accomplish this year was becoming happier & healthier. No more negative thoughts. I am perfect the way I am. I will not change for anyone.

Some of you guys asked me on Instagram what my New Year resolutions were and even though the month of January is almost over I still wanted to share them with you all.

1. Becoming a much happier person ( physically & emotionally ).

2. Don't try to be friends with people who will just use you.

3. Eat well & travel often ( It's cliche but yah girl wants to travel ).

4. Take 30 minutes to myself and write ( not many of you guys know but I love to write....short stories etc...maybe one day I will write a novel ).

5. Cook more ( waiting for my Mum to pass on the recipes already!! ).

6. Drink less Coffee ( my body will hate me for this. PS: I am currently drinking coffee as I write this ).

7. Find hidden hems around my city ( this is pretty self explanatory lol).

8. Drink More Water ( Fail! Epic offing fail already ).

9. Reach out to old friends ( not all just some.. )

10. Enjoy the year! ( I will try to stay off my phone as much as possible...key word .... TRY )

My list is longer so I just did the top 10! As you can see the gym isn't on there but that's a battle I will tackle this year. My mission is a nice summer body. I have Caribbean weddings to attend!

Shop My Style Below:

Turtleneck: Forever 21

Scarf: H&M

Coat: Amiclubwear

Denim: Forever 21

Boots: Forever 21

Watch: Ruby Lane

Beanie: H&M

Sunnies: Eye Buy Direct

Oh my goodness! It’s a fresh week and even though I was sick... I still wanted to keep my promise and continue writing out new posts for you all. I have gotten such an amazing response to Beauty Tuesdays that even though initially I was only going to test it out for a few months....I have decided to keep testing & sharing my reviews with you all.

For this weeks ‘ Beauty Tuesdays ‘ I will be talking about a brand named “ Apoterra “.

A little about the brand: Apoterra means  “derived from th me earth“. They are devoted to helping solve adult skincare issues like dry skin, adult acne and premature aging.

As I always disclose whenever I do a beauty post whether or not it is a collaboration. Even though this is a collaboration all thoughts and opinions are my own.

So, should we just jump right into the pro’s & con’s?

I received the ‘Rose’ Nourishing Serum + ‘Night’ Regenerative Balm.

Let’s start with the ‘Night’ Regenerative Balm.

Pros: It’s an easy travel size. So, you can take it with you without any problems. Which is always a plus right?

Cons: I don’t like the smell. It is an extremely strong smell that I cannot get past. The bf actually begged me to rewash my face because it was very overpowering. That was something that i had to take into consideration.

I am not sure if I mentioned this or not but I have an over sensitive nose. In some of my really really old blog posts I mentioned that I go into a sneezing frenzy or my nose burns when it comes to overly strong smells. Anything from perfume, facial products or even some foods. So, as much as I wanted to love this product and include it in my nightly routine....I am sad to say that I couldn’t.

The Regenerative Balm does come in a sample size...which I am unsure of the price  but the biggest size is about 1oz and it is $45.

Next would be the ‘Rose’ Nourishing Serum.

I don’t really use oils often because I have naturally oily skin but after I use my toner my face does end up a little dry. Hence the oil but just like the Nourishing balm....the smell overpowered my poor sense of smell.

I am not in any way bad mouthing “Apoterra” or anything so I don’t want any of you to think that way. I pride myself on being 100% honest even though I was the one who picked the items to test out. I personally think that they aren’t for me but just because they aren’t for me doesn’t mean any of you guys wont love their products.

I think that you guys should check out their website and see everything that they offer for yourselves!

Overall I would give it a 3/10!

Good Morning babes!

I am currently writing this post at 10am so I thought saying it was good. Re-reading it might not have been a good idea. Lol.

I kinda kept my promise about posting more on the blog as well as on Instagram BUT as you guys saw...I kinda forgot to post Fashion as opposed to Beauty only.

So, I am fixing that! I do have a few posts lined up for you guys! So, yes...I am back on my blogging grind for sure. No more excuses!

I wrote about 2 trends already & I wanted to talk about the 3rd trend that has been sweaping the gram & even the streets. That would be the ‘ Teddy Coat ‘. Alongside the ‘ Padded Jacket ‘ & the ‘ Checkered Blazer ‘ this was another trend that I didn’t mind getting on board with. Honestly I walked into Forever 21 because they were having a small sale on Faux Fur Coats, Outerwear, Hats & certain Bags. I initially went into the store for a Faux Fur Coat because I really wanted one. I am not going to lie. I was torn between 2 from H&M but couldn’t fathom purchasing it for their asking price. So, what do I do? Go the more affordable route.

Turns out going the more affordable route doesn’t necessarily mean that the quality is better. I learned that by the number of Faux Fur Coats I tried on in the store. NOTHING WORKED FOR ME! I had given up and needed a second option. That was when I found this hidden gem! I tried it on without giving it much thought and I immediately fell in love with it. I knew right then & there that it was coming home with me.

Winner winner. As you all know I couldn’t wait to wear it. As you guys ALSO know...I am a sucker for good quality clothing for a good price. Luckily I was able to get this sweater that I was eyeing from H&M on sale! The look & feel of this sweater is amazing. I am not going to lie & for $10 it was well worth it.

The OTK Boots are from ASOS & I got them for a whopping $20! I love the lace up details in the back & if they came in black I would definitely get them!

Overall my outfit was under $100 which included my Bag & Sunnies!

SHOP MY LOOK BELOW:

Coat: Forever 21

Sweater: H&M

Denim: H&M

Boots: ASOS

Bag: Forever 21 ( years ago )

Sunnies: H&M

Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Water Bottle: Kabi

I was hoping that this post would have been written before my birthday but seeing as though that didn't happen. So, I decided that it's better late than never....am I right? This is 25 things that I learned being the good ol 25.

1. Always try & look your best.

2. Set Realistic goals for yourself.

3. Don't sit around expecting things to happen for you. Get up & make shit happen!

4. Saying " No " isn't a bad thing!

5. Learn to let the little things go.

6. Leave the drama + the pettiness alone.

7. Learn to walk away from toxic people.

8. Travel & eat amazing food.

9. Listen to music, sing + dance to your hearts content.

10. Crying doesn't make you weak.

11. Cherish your loved ones.

12. Time Management is key.

13. Make lists + finish them.

14. Surround yourself with positive uplifting people.

15. Not everyone is your friend.

16. Eat good food with good company.

17. Laughter cures a lot.

18. Not everyone has your best interest at heart.

19. Go for walks. Clear your head.

20. Venture to new places in your city.

21. Your happiness is important!

22. Take lots of pictures and create memories.

23. Meet new people ( I hate that no new friends bullshit ).

24. Go on cheesy dates!

25. Love yourself.

I am hoping to learn and experience more now that I am 26. This year is going to be a happier year for me and I will be creating amazing memories for sure. I have so many ideas that i cannot wait to share everything....with you all!

Thank you all for the birthday wishes!

Whoop! It’s Tuesday which means another beauty post/review. I get super excited whenever I review a new product for you lovelies. Last Tuesday I talked about a brand called “ Amala “ which if you guys missed you can read here.

There was another post I wrote where I dished about the scalp issues I have been having. I mentioned that the last time I got my hair done professionally my scap got messed up. It resulted in scabs and random breakouts on my scalp. Think of them like flare ups. The breakout would go away randomly but them comes back whenever I am stressed or depressed. It’s something I definitely have an issue with.

With that being said I have been recently been using “ Kavella “. I have been using this brand for about a month now minus the shampoo.

* This is a collaboration with Kavella but all thoughts and opinions are my own! *

A little bit about the brand:

Kavella is a vegan professional hair product. They create plant baswd formulas for healthy hair without any chemical shortcuts.

Since I have natural hair....and a scalp on the fritz I opted to choose from their “ Recovery “ line. My hair needs all the help it can get right now.

The products from the “ Recovery” Collection includes a “ Leave in Conditioner “ , “ Recovery Oil “, and a “ Recovery Mask “.

Ready for the pro’s & con’s?

Let’s start with the Recovery Mask.

After I wash my hair...I use the mask and I leave the mask on for about 10 minutes. I am extra careful not to get any on my scalp to avoid any irritation.

Pro’s: My curls feel so much softer and manageable after use. It smells like heaven and the mask is pretty thick and since I have short hair...a little goes a long way.

I personally think that the price is reasonable as well.

Con’s: Can’t think of any at the moment.

Next up is the Recovery Lotion & the Recovery Oil.

These products are life! I make sure not to get any on my actual scalp. I mix the lotion with the oil. I use a generous amount then I blowdry my hair. My hair feels light and bouncy + my oil makes my hair shine which makes it also look healthy!

I am personally still a long way from healthy hair & a healthy scalp but Kavella is one brand that I will keep using.

Overall 10/10 highly recommend!

Ah, I always dread this day & June 9th. To people these might seem like ordinary days but for me...those days are filled with discomfort. Not many of you guys know but I grew up without a Father figure in my life. I do believe that my life would be different if my Dad was around but my Mum had to make do being both parental figures.

It was hard. Imagine already having 2 kids with another on the way & then your soulmate, the love of your life, the Father of your children....passes away. What do you do? How do you cope?

My Mum.... didn’t cope well. She cursed, she cried, she pointed fingers and of course she fell into depression. She lost the man she wanted to be with forever & now she had to raise 3 children..3 girls on her own. She was scared....scared because she didn’t know what to tell her older daughter who continuously asked where ‘ Dada ‘ was. Scared because she knew she needed help but didn’t want to be a burden...

I ask again...how do you get over the loss of your soulmate? The love of your life...the Father of your children?

The answer...you don’t. The pain will always be there & even though time has passed you will still remember the little things. Like how he looked at you in the morning, how he spoiled his 2 daughters he knew about  ( I was born a few months after he passed ). The way he moved so freely when he played Soccer. Saying ‘ I Love You ‘.

And as I sit and write this....I think about how I was raised & even though I didn’t have my Father around...I think my Mum did alright. I did have my rebellious phase...as well as my 2 older sisters and now have 2 younger siblings to butt heads with as well.

What does this mean? It means I am scared. What if I found my soulmate & lost him? I am filled with so many what ifs that I have created a cloud of doubt in my mind. What if? What if? WHAT IF?! What if I don’t take that leap and miss out on all the wonders of love & happiness? What if?

What if my Dad was around to warn me about boys & have random Father/Daughter talks.

I would have loved to gotten to know you. Played sports with you & go on Father/Daughter dates with you but I settle with Mummy/Daughter dates.

Despite a crazy up bringing and a very & I do mean VERY overprotective Mother.....I think I came out okay. I am still growing as a woman and I am proud to be your daughter.

Thank you for giving me life and thank you for watching over me. Your a pretty cool gaurdian angel.

Love your baby girl.

PS: I just KNOW you would have spoiled me rotten and be proud that I am following my dreams.

Ah! I am really starting to love writing these ' Beauty Tuesday' posts for you guys. I am so grateful that you guys are loving them as much as I am.

For the few of you that doubt that I actually try any of these products...I do. I test out each and every beauty product on myself in order to give a proper review. I will be honest since I started ' Beauty Tuesdays ' there are some products that I stopped using after discovering something better & of course organic.

One of the products that I actually stopped using was the brand called " Youth ". Please don't confuse it with " Youth to the People ". I still use the BB Cream from the " Youth " line because it is perfect for Winter. My skin reacts way better to beauty products with little to no chemicals in them whatsoever. I just couldn't continue using 2 of the products that made my face start to burn after awhile. I will probably go back & change the end results for that one.

This year I have really buckled down when it comes to taking care of my skin and of course my health. I say this as I am drinking an Iced Caramel Latte lol. Baby steps right?

If you guys follow me on Instagram & watch my instastories ( when I do post )...I did an get unready with me video showing you what products I was currently using. Like a night time routine in a sense. Not going to lie I was surprised by how many of you that actually watched them. I think I will do them more often.

I did tag @ph7skincare on the video but I still wanted to write a proper review about this particular brand. Before I jump into the Pro's and the Con's...I just want to say that this is a collaboration but all thoughts and opinions are 100% MY OWN.

You guys know that I am a sucker for Natural Products free of any toxins. I don't want my skin to become dependent on anything because I don't have bad skin but as you know everyone had their occasional breakouts. Plus I wear makeup ( not everyday ) basically only when I am shooting.

I received 3 products from Ph7 Skincare to try

1. Foaming Cleanser

2. Toner

3.Moisturizer  

I will review each product individually so each Pro + Con won't be as long. Sorry that this post is kinda long.

Starting off with the Foaming Cleanser.

Pro's:

It's lightweight which means no water needed which is perfect. My face actually feels clean after using it. It also leave any residue which is another plus. It smells amazing!

Con's:

I wish the bottle was bigger.  It does get a little messy when getting the product out.

Next would be the Toner.

Pro's:

I have never used a Toner before so I wasn't sure what to expect. For the month I have been using this product..my skin did even out a bit but not dramatically. So, I have to keep using it.

Con's:

THE SIZE! HOLY HELL THIS SH*T IS SMALL!

Last would be the Moisturizer.

Pro's:

A little goes a long way for sure. I have oily skin so I don't have to use this much. I do use a little when I am going to sleep so my face doesn't dry out.

Con's:

Keep in a good place. Before you use it..please shake it. It separates so it looks like water on the top. Just a heads up.

Overall I would rate this a 8/10. I would definitely keep using this product for sure especially the Toner!

Hello Lovelies!

It's the second day of the New Year ad this is already my second post! I guess I am starting the year off right!! With that being said...I want to thank you all for the love that you have shown me with this new blog make over. I wanted something new for the New Year and this was something that needed to be done.

I am still continuing with ' Beauty Tuesdays ' on the blog because you guys really seem to love it when I review products on here! So, thank you for allowing me to share this with you all.

A New Year means new products and this time I am back to talking about taking proper care of your hair. As many of you know/see I currently have Faux Locs in my hair because I for the life of me cannot have short hair during the winter months again! I actually did my hair shorter but because it was my first time ever doing Faux Locs on my own some did come out....so it just made sense to redo the whole thing. Which I did.

After taking my hair out...I did give it a serious wash and condition to prep it for another protective style. This was around the time I was able to get my hands on a Shampoo + Conditioner set from "Soapbox ".

Remember in my last 2 beauty posts I talked about how my scalp got messed up by a hair stylist at a hair salon. It was also the last time I ever got a relaxer because I was just afraid of the outcome. So, now I have been cursed with a dry scalp and if I am not careful...I have random moments where my scalp is so bad it's scabby, tender and even bleeds. That's why I am extremely careful with what products I use. I am in the process of letting my hair grow back and if I want healthy hair...I need to use products that are amazing.

I need moisture so of course I was drawn to the ' Argan Oil ' Shampoo + Conditioner. I was keen to try it because the description said it tames frizzy hair. I am natural so I need my curls to be soft and tamed. It's packed with Vitamin E and my hair needs ALL the  Vitamins it can get right now.

Time for the Pro's and the Con's. Of course as you know since this is a collaboration with the brand all thoughts and opinions are MY own. I like to keep it 100% with you guys! I will not lie.

Pros:

I do research when it comes to brands I am working with. I find out their back story, why they got started etc...and I use that when I consider working with them. I immediately wanted to work with Soapbox was because they donate a bar of soap to someone in need with every purchase! That alone made me love them even more.

Another Pro would be the the smell. I love Shampoo's + Conditioners that don't have an overly strong smell or if they smell too fruity. It's light and it doesn't weigh my hair down. I hate when Shampoos weigh your hair down. You want light and fluffy not heavy and greasy.

One more Pro would be the price! This set is extremely affordable. Whether you are shopping for just the Shampoo or just the Conditioner at just $7 a bottle?! Omg affordable! Also they are located close to me so i can just go to the store and restock if need be!

Right now I don't have any Con's about this set!

Overall

10/10

This is one brand I will definitely be using for awhile!

PS: You can also buy Soapbox products at your local Target!

PPS: You can use my code Newhair_Lelondonchic for 10% off your entire order online!

One trend that has been taking over all over Social Media and even the streets besides the " Checkered Print " would be the " Padded Jacket ".

I can definitely say that this is one trend alongside the " Checkered Print " that I am getting behind. Although, I didn't want to order this jacket online without trying it on first. I have learned that just because it looks good one someone doesn't mean that it necessarily looks good on you. Definitely learned this the hard way & paid the price. I have gotten items I thought would look good on me but I ended up never wearing them and just wasting money.

This is why I never order ' trending ' items online. I will get dressed, take my ass to the store and try everything on. I wear something that is easy to take off and put right back on. It's a hassle but it's worth it. If it doesn't look right then I won't be purchasing anything.

Then came the padded trend. I really wanted one so I headed to my favorite H&M and actually was able to find the last padded jacket that were on sale. They actually went on sale before Black Friday and I was able to snag the last one on the following day. The one that I had my eyes on were so popular that it was basically nonexistent when I went into the store.

The only color that they had left was Red. Not going to lie I did have my eye on the other colors in the same style. Black, Camel ( which I ended up somehow getting my hands on ) and the Olive. Even though the Red was the only one I ended up loving it and it came home with me for $15! The coat is still available online but for full retail price of $60!

Still itching to get my hands on a Faux Fur Coat! Will that be next on my ' Trends List '? Stay tuned to find out!

shop my style below: