Open your mouth...and earn a little respect!

So, I've been without heat since March sometime. Luckily, the cold has not been completely unbearable and the space heaters worked wonders. Now, they're in the process of installing a whole new unit and just in time with Summer only a month and a half away.

During the process of removing the unit, it cost me a whole in the wall and a broken Sangria Pitcher that was given to me as a gift on my bridal shower. It was displayed upon the shelves of my bar. I only noticed this a couple of days later when I knocked a piece of glass with my foot one morning and followed the trail of broken glass that led to the shattered mess. I'm 38 weeks pregnant. And I'm tired.

I immediately told my husband after my fury subsided. He said he would mention it. Do you think he did? Men! SMH!

At this point, while my new HVAC unit is being replaced, I made it a point to bring it to the installers attention. He called the hole in my wall a "scratch" until I stuck my finger in it, and when my fingertip disappeared into the HOLE it was very clear to him then and there "no sir, this is not a scratch" and like this guy's morning couldn't get worst, I showed him my broken Sangria Pitcher. He claimed he had no idea it was there. I could understand, it's all glass and easy to miss when you don't have an observing eye. He pursued to tell me that they would have to remove my entire bar, which is one with the ground and ABSOLUTELY CANNOT be "moved". That is exactly what I told him, I said: "Absolutely not! I understand your space is limited in this area, I just ask that you're a little more diligent with your work and if their is anything that needs to be moved, bring it to my attention first and foremost.

I thought we had settled this until one of his assistants walked through my door and wiped his dirty, muddy boots on my new carpet I put at the door's entrance. "You're kidding right?" The men exchanged a few words in Spanish and thanks to my French speaking background, gathered that they needed to be careful with today's job at MY house.

In conclusion, here are a few things you need to know when talking to people. In the end, it's not just what you're saying...but how you're saying it:
*Don't be too desperate and clingy and entitled;
*Don't play dumb. Just be straight forward. Show them you know whats up;
*Don't be too nice, but...
*Don't be rude.

 

 

My "scratch" and shattered Sangria Pitcher

 

 

Damn right you're going to lay that cardboard down trailing to my HVAC room!

Acne Scars Got You Down?

Well, I for one should smack you on you on your hand and tell you that you shouldn’t pick on your pimples in the first place! Now look at what you did!

But, relax… You’re not a sexless geek, with pasty white skin, five foot nothing, acne scar face girl…you’re beautiful and I will help you minimize the appearance of acne scarring:

CUCUMBER is great for helping to keep the skin smooth. Have you noticed how many different beauty products contain cucumber in them: Freeman Facial Peel-Off Mask Cucumber $3 or Nourish Organic Cucumber Face Wash $11; are just naming a few. When choosing a face wash, look for cucumber as a key ingredient because it will help your skin get better.

ALOE VERA has been used as a natural remedy to cure redness and burning. The juice of the Aloe Vera also helps heal acne scars and fight breakouts. Try using Aloe Vera juice on a daily basis and you will see great results.

OLIVE OIL is not just for healthy cooking or conditioning your hair to add smoothness and shine. Olive oil works magic on acne scars, and I know you might think that you get acne due to oil in the first place, but truly, like Aloe Vera, it rids the redness. You can leave it on overnight and wash it off gently with a wash cloth the next morning with warm water.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR is not just for detoxifying. If you use it daily as a toner after you wash your face and leave it on for 30mins, you’ll see results. Just make sure you wash it off with cold water afterwards.

EGG WHITES are a home remedy mask you can make. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes and wash it off. It’s great for those crows’ feet around the eyes too!

Most important thing to remember here ladies is that acne scars do not disappear overnight. Trying these natural remedies will not damage those scars even more. So if the acne is gone and all you’re left with are the constant reminders of where the acne existed, try a few of these tips, stick to them and I promise you’ll see results.

"You're all belly!" they say...

The roller coaster ride of pregnancy is conniving, endearing, fearful, pleasant, frustrating...in the first trimester you're trying so hard to embrace the joys and wonders that are about to happen to your body. Crossing your fingers that you don't get morning sickness...I'm sorry for those of you who did experience that throughout.

Second trimester comes along, you're in the clear, everything seems to be operating as scheduled...but, why don't you LOOK pregnant yet? You certainly feel it with your swollen breasts and pants getting a little snug. You've already begun wearing bigger shirts to avoid the "muffin top".

And suddenly...POP! Here's the belly! At first, it's cute, is it not?

I must say, I've seen women who are REALLY ALL BELLY!  I encountered a young lady the other day at the H&M dressing room who at 37 weeks (like me) was sporting her "pre-pregnancy" jeans...and wrapped her tiny little waist with a belt! A BELT! Aaaah....belts...I haven't seen my belts in 9 months!

At my son's swimming classes, there's mommies pouncing around the pool with their belly's and thin long legs and I just sit there feeling fat and swollen wondering "how is that even possible?!". Maybe it is my insecurities of having slightly heavier thighs, and being 5'1"...there's some days where my thighs and ass don't look so huge and others that they look ginormous! To me.

Tip: do not look back! Don't go through "pre-pregnancy" photos unless you're strong enough to tell yourself that you're goal is to look like THAT again!

Well, despite all this nonsense I'm writing about, I'm speaking from a reality prospective. However, beauty is how you feel about yourself from the inside, and how you feel about your life in whole. I'm content and fulfilled. I have a beautiful and healthy son, a strong and compassionate husband, a roof over my head, my health and my baby's health, food to eat, a car to drive...the sun shines on cloudy days and I actually AM confident about my appearance. Gaining a mere 30+ pounds this time in my second pregnancy, eating more carefully and wisely is not all that hard.

And yes, I dress to impress because despite my feelings about myself, the body only I see in the mirror, it is always nice when someone tells you "look at you! you're all belly!" Yes. I am, because everything else is hidden! haha!  Your most attractive attribute is your smile, and you become approachable to people. And as I often wonder "wow, people in America are very friendly" I conclude that I'm actually smiling even when I don't think I am :)

Have a great day ladies!

Spring Dress Must-Haves!

Aaaaah spring! A time to break out from dark colors, boots and layers and layers of clothing! Here for you are this spring’s trendiest dresses! Even if you can’t completely get away with them with the 50 degree weather, why not begin building your Spring Dress inventory:

Skater Dress

So flattering and effortless to wear.  Suitable for everyday wear, work wear, night out wear…it’s all about the right accessories and you can make this ensemble look as fabulous or as low key as you choose!

 

 

LadyLike Dress

Inspired by feminine vintage styles, it’s conservative and delicate. This is what I would call “church clothes” but for the more modern woman, wear this to work or around the weekend.

 

 

 

Bodycon Dress

The “I love it” or “I hate it” dress! I personally love it, and I can’t wait to loose the baby weight to slip this baby on! This dress is an ideal cocktail dress, and please minimize the accessories. After all, your curves are what make this bodycon dress!

 

 

Relaxed Dress

Cool, unique and relaxed. These dresses offer a very flattering drape. This is great weekend wear!

Maxi Dress

I’m just so thrilled the Maxi Dress is STILL this season’s trend setting dress! Looks great on short people just as well as taller women. Goes great with flats or high heels.

 

On a last note, this season, it’s all about the graphic prints! Fitted waists and flared skirts that are flattering on almost every body shape. Add a jacket for cooler days, or wear on its own when it’s warmer. Whatever you do, DO wear these dresses without a special occasion!

Happy Shopping Ladies!

eos Medicated Lip Balm

Have you heard the hype of the new lip balm? eos Medicated lip balm (I got the tangerine) goes on smooth and stays on smooth but most importantly it keeps your lips smooth! I love my lip balms! Collect them all! Got this one at CVS.

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Happy Spring Cleaning Everyone!

When Spring Beauty comes into bloom, you really know spring has finally and officially arrived. So, I hope that the cloudy weather and rain doesn’t discourage you too much! After all, April showers bring May flowers!

 

Here’s the important question: are you ready for spring? And I don’t mean taking the opportunity to wear those plastic yellow gloves and grabbing the bottle of bleach to get started on your house cleaning…I mean are you Spring Beauty ready?

 

Now that warmer weather will be approaching us, it’s important to think about our skin regimen.  In the winter, our skin tends to be more on the dry side, so we need to keep it hydrated and moisturized a lot more. In the upcoming months, oily or acne-prone skin will worsen.

 

Are you leaving your locks grow out for the summer? I agree! It’s so sexy to have long beach wavy hair! However, the sun, heat, pool or salt water will over dry your hair, so trimming it now, will save you of any future damage.

 

Thinking of lightening it up a little? Here’s a hair idea that I don’t necessarily agree with for summer. Although light streaks are gorgeous, they tend to lighten so much by the end of the summer season; you’re really damaging your hair more than you think. And all that maintenance? Do you really want to spend some of the best days in the hands of a hair stylist?

 

Lastly my favorite part of all is decluttering my closet! It’s like my own little shopping spree! First I uncover purchases I probably have made and completely forgot about while I’m rotating my winter wardrobe to my summer wardrobe. And secondly, it will leave me room for more things!

 

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I picked me up a Hot Bun!

While out at one of my WalMart ventures, I picked me up a Hot Bun!

I really wasn't looking for one by all means, but I thought hey, for $9.99 why not try! Well let me tell you ladies, the Hot Bun is a thousand times easier to use than the "sock bun"!

Litteraly, Roll, Snap and Wrap! THAT easy! The package comes in two sizes: small and large. Athough it's a light-colored tube looking velcro thing, and my hair is fairly dark, it covered really well.

I'm so loving this! What a life saver... I can go as high or as low as I want. Now I can do so much more hair styles. Oh, and that sock of my husband's I cut up (sorry baby)...bye, bye!!

Hot Buns, $9.99 - WalMart

How to add a little "Spring To Your Step"

We all have these days: the good days where you glance in the mirror and tell yourself "hey, I look good!" and why not add a little "spring to your step" every day you walk out your door!

Wether you're heading out to run some errands or going to work, I assure you that these products will give you the self-confidence you deserve EVERYDAY!

Pantene BB Crème for hair, $6.50 will help combat dryness and flyways;

 

Strengthen (and lengthen) with Sally Hanson's Miracle Nail Polish, available in 24 shades, $7

 

Benefit Fake Up is a concealer/moisturizer in one, retailed at $24 moisturizes while the inner color conceals.
 

These products are also so versatile and serve as multi-purpose comsmetic without the high maintenance.

Do you have any more beauty products like these you might want to add? Let me know!

 

I found my first gray hair...YIKES!

Found some grey strands in your hair? Before you hit panic mode, let’s go over some facts about grey hairs:

 

The most common grey hair myth is that if you pluck it, three more will grow in its place. That’s FALSE. You cannot add to the number of hair follicles on your hair and therefore you cannot cause surrounding hairs to also turn grey.

 

Another fact you need to know about gray hairs is that it isn’t really gray. It’s actually hairs that have lost all the pigment that causes it to appear gray. Gray hair does not mean you’re aging faster; genetics play a huge role in going gray early.

 

Gray hair can be high maintenance. It takes much time and effort to care for. Gray hair is a bit coarse and can be very dull. But, the bright side is that you can do the same conditioning treatments and styling to regain the luster and softness as you would, had you not had any grays.

 

Why are you graying? Especially at such a young age? You could be lacking vitamin B in your diet. Taking a good quality B-complex vitamin could be helpful.

 

There are plenty of ways you can hide the gray! You can try an allover permanent color to conceal grays. Try semi-permanent hair color if you’re not ready to commit to permanent hair color. Get highlights or use hair “makeup” to conceal gray hairs if you don’t want to commit to any color at all!
Finding your first gray hair can be stressful but don’t worry! It happens to everyone and there are many ways you can conceal it. Many people start seeing gray hair in their 20s and 30s, so if you start seeing some grays sprouting, you’re not alone! Share your first gray hair experience with me here!

 

How To Get Smokey!

 

The smokey eye is one of my favorite eyemakeup looks!

It's a little tricky to achieve at first, but with some practice, it's well worth the look and by choosing the right colors, can be very versatile.

Below, I've posted a picture tutorial to help walk you through this look:

 

1. Begin with a good primer; I used NYX;

2. You'll need three brushes: your shadow brush, a smudge brush and a blending brush;

3. Begin with your shadow brush and dust some black shadow over your entire lid;

4. With your smudge brush and the black shadow, use the black shadow to contour your entire eye;

5. With your blending brush, use a copper or brown shadow and begin applying it to your lid starting in your inner eye crease, blending the black shadow in an upwards and outward motin.

6. Use a concealer to clean up any fall-out; and your favorite liners to line your water-line and your upper lid, to bring the shadow together.

 

More tutorials like these can be found on my youtube page: Magnichicdt

and on facebook: www.facebook.com/magnchicdt

 

xoxo

 

I call this Purple For Vegas!

A greek band VEGAS from Greece was in Philly last night! And for my last "brouhaha" before baby number 2 enters our lives, I went all out with my makeup look:

See more looks and visit my facebook page: www.facebok.com/magnichicdt

Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24Hr Eyeshadow, Painted Purple
 

This is one of my favorite videos!

Here I'm giving my eyes a faux eye lift. It's really simple to do, the trick is in the video! Watch and enjoy!

Live it simple!

Have you ever started to have a conversation with someone begining with "how was your day" and in discussing the details, the other party begins to tell you the few things that have gone wrong throughout the course of their day...and proceed to list all else that has gone wrong yesterday...and the mountain of things that still need to get done in the next few WEEKS and it doesn't appear this way to the other person, but you feel like you're own head is a spinning top! I've encountered this several times.

This morning I ask my son "Are you excited to meet Iron Man tomorrow?" his respons was "yes but, is it time to go swimming yet?". This is a very important lesson to me. His purity and innocense is allowing him to live one day at a time. I hope that he will always be this way.

Living a complex and stressful life, or making it complex and stressful is really not worth it. After a hard day, put it to rest. The sun will come out again tomorrow, and here's what I've learned:

1. Don't try to please others. You will never be able to please everyone, and trying to will drive you crazy. Use your energy for buidling your character and being the best person you can be. Not everyone will like you, but YOU like YOU and that's what matters.

2. Don't try to be perfect. Cut yourself some slack, and understand that you make mistakes. Do things to the best of your ability and to the best of your knowledge. The important people will appreciate it.

3. Leave work at work. Come Friday, Saturday and Sunday it's Kumon who? Ya, I'm an Office Manager at Kumon Math & Reading Learning Center. I have a lot of parents to please and a staff I need to keep in tact. But come being home with my husband and my son, that is my main focus. All else will get dealt with Monday morning.

4. Appreciate what you have. Look around you. Go ahead. Right now, take a moment and appreciate all that you have. Count your blessings not your worries.

5. When you mess it up, clean it up! Unclutter that closet, donate the clothes you haven't worn in the last year, from children's toys to your old CD's and DVD's... The world around us has evolved, isn't time we do too?

6. Be early. When you're early, the anxiety of missing something important, almost completely goes away. I always set my alarm clock early, enough to enjoy quiet me time with a cup of coffee, and often a couple of minutes to spare.

7. Laugh! This is my favorite! There's always something to laugh about. Never reach the point where you can't find humor at all. No one will think you're a clown. Save your serious side for serious times. But, share a funny story with someone and you'll see how the conversation will get going and you'll all be holding your stomach's!

8. Learn to say NO! Saying no doesnt make you a bad person, it makes you a person who sets their priorities, and knows when too much is too much.

Prom 2013

 

Despite the weather here in Philly, Julianne was all smiles today after I did her makeup for Prom!

 

 



 

Magnichic: If the shoe don't fit...Oh, who are we kidding! We...

Magnichic: If the shoe don't fit...Oh, who are we kidding! We...: Does the title of this picture sound familiar? No matter how hard we try, sometimes our most favourite and stylish shoes can be a pain t...

If the shoe don't fit...Oh, who are we kidding! We're buying it anyway!

Does the title of this picture sound familiar? No matter how hard we try, sometimes our most favourite and stylish shoes can be a pain to wear. Before I can begin telling you how to make-do with what you already have and help you make your shoes more comfortable, let me say this SELF CONTROL LADIES! If the shoe don't fit...WALK AWAY! Pff!! ha! Right!

Making sure your shoes are comfy the first time around is important. Your feet need to be secured and won't slide around too much or be too restricted.

It's OK to wear them in before their big debut! Wearing your shoes beforehand will also help you pinpoint any potential problems and let you figure out the best ways to fix them before you're caught out in public.

 

 

Stuff it! Another way to break in or stretch out the leather or suede is to stuff them with rolled up socks. Leave them overnight, try them on and keep doing this until the desired fit is achieved.

If your feet are sliding around in your shoes, the constant rubbing can cause blisters and break the skin. Fix this problem with full cushion insoles. They fit the entire length of your shoe and can prevent your feet from sliding forward.

Cushion inserts are my favorite! Dr. Scholl’s for Her Ball Of Foot Gel inserts fit comfortably in every woman’s shoe. Perfect for high heels where a lot of pressure will be placed. Inserts that are designed for the back of your heel can also prevent your feet from sliding out of your shoes.

Then we have the other alternative where we think that flat shoes might seem like a life saver and a more comfortable option. When you’re buying your shoes, check to see that they have padded soles. Supporting your arch will eliminate the aching.

Finally, it never hurts to carry a few band aids or gel plasters in your handbag for emergency situations. They’ll ease the pain of blisters or raw skin. They will even help your feet grip to your shoes.

Just get a pedicure!

Early this morning, after dropping my son at day care, I decided I would treat myself to a mani and pedi; like I always do; every two weeks. Especially now seeing that I am 35 weeks pregnant and can't see my toes let alone reach them!

 

The salon was peaceful. The Asian pedicurist, "Sam" got me a fresh, cool bottle of water, and began the bubble bath to soak my feet. Aaaaaah! Rachel Ray came on the screen above the rainbow wall nail lacquer. What a better way to start my morning!

 

Soon after, a loud, vexatious woman stomped over to the polishes, and chooses ALL the pinks of ALL shades and of ALL brands. Indecisive much? She was seated and treated in the same manner I was insisting over and over that the pedicurist uses her own nail files. And I get it. It's your own prerogative to bring in your own nail tools for the sake of sanitization! So, it begins...

 

"I'll file my big toes...you need to file the second toe just a little shorter than the first toe. Make sure you're getting all the corners...wait! Something is poking me over here..." Sheesh woman! Wow! Shut the f*ck up! Just sit your a$$ there and get a pedicure!

 

So much for my peaceful morning for a little papmering... I just don't get it. How is a person so needy, high maintenance and loathsome? Her "best friend for ever" and "the Godmother of her children" meets with her moments after and I wonder...how does one put up with a person like this?

 

I rolled my eyes so many times, I saw the back of my head! In any case, I love my nails! I even got my hands dipped in waxed for extra softness :)



                                                    

                                                                       

UnderWhere? by Essie

 

 

On Fire!

Wow! It was a hot one today here in Philly! So, the sunshine inspired my makeup today!

Hope you all enjoyed the day! xoxo

 

April Contest

Magnichic is not only about beautytips and DIY's. Every month I post a contest where I ask all you beauty fans to partcipate in! Seeing that we're still the beginning of April, want to try this month's contest? You could win FREE gifts for participating!!

 

Well...

 

Here I am at my Prom. Where are your prom photos? Post them here on Magnichic, earn as many LIKES by the other beauty fans and WIN a MAC Lipstick! Contest starts today, ends April 30th. Don't wait any longer ladies!

 

Wow! Disposable cameras :/

 

Post your Prom Photo on www.facebook.com/magnichicdt or email me at magnichicxoxo@gmail.com

and WIN:

Snob by MAC

 

Magnichic: A little about myself...

Magnichic: A little about myself...: I am a MakeUp Artist and originally from Canada, residing here in the United States for 7 years. As a proud mother to a beautiful 5 year ...

DIY Thicker, fuller lashes?

Here's something that I found to be very interesting:

Wash an old mascara or nail polish container and fill with: 1/4 of the container with Castor Oil, 1/2 Vitamin E Oil, 1/4 Aloe Vera Gel. Mix it all together as well as you can with your mascara wand, and apply a light layer to lashes (or brows) every night before bed. Castor oil thickens your lashes while aloe vera gel lengthens. Vitamin E accelerates length. Give it a month for results.

 Stay tuned in ladies for weekly results as I try this DIY out!

 

Here I am, one week later...I so far do not see a difference. I've read that it does take at least one month before you begin to see results, so maybe the results will begin coming in withing the next couple of weeks. I guess we'll find out!

Stay tuned!

 

A little about myself...

I am a MakeUp Artist and originally from Canada, residing here in the United States for 7 years. As a proud mother to a beautiful 5 year old and another baby boy on the way, it was finally time to take my artistic talent to a whole other level!

Enjoy my blog ladies! Tune in daily for beauty tips and DIY's! This blog is about the REAL woman. We're only enhanced by the products we use on our face, hair and skin. But we are ALWAYS beautiful!