I wouldn’t consider myself superstitious, but I grew up in a household that was superstitious because I had a grandma from a rural area. She grew up, let’s see…in the 1920s in Jamaica in an area called Rock River. When you live in a rural area in Jamaica, you rely on folk tales and stories a lot. And of course she would have been growing up in a poor area that didn’t have a lot for entertainment or even news and education. So you know it was a different world for her. When she came to live with us, she had so many superstitions that she would regularly “warn” us about. So let me share a few.
There’s the one about not opening an umbrella indoors, because I think that one means that you either will get bad luck, or you’ll never get married. I don’t know if that’s true.
The next one is don’t throw water outside at night because you’re going to upset the ghosts that are out there. I don’t know. Do they feel it if you’re not living 🤔? I’m not trying to make fun of her. I just didn’t understand most of it.
What else?
She also used to say don’t turn your clothes outside in if you’ve already put them on inside out.
Someone can explain that to me if you’re from Jamaica or the Caribbean, maybe even West Africa. I think that’s where a lot of these superstitions originated from, so I would love to hear if you had any similar superstitions growing up or if you’ve ever heard of a lot of them.
Alas, this was a good opportunity to think of my childhood and remember some of the things grandma would say. She’s no longer with us, but when I think of Jamaican superstitions, I think of her fondly.
Oh my, there are so many things that I would tell my teenage self. I wouldn’t want to tell teenage Corey anything too specific (lest my actions create an alternate timeline. I know, I watch too many movies about time travel! 😉). With that in mind, I’ll approach this scenario as if I’m a familiar stranger that strikes up a minimally creepy conversation. Let the therapy session begin!
Let’s share the highlights:
“Do you know that you’re beautiful inside and out? I know that you’re surrounded by people that you think are more outgoing or prettier or more… whatever. Just know that you are enough.”
“Trust in your gut, it will be your guide throughout life. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Life is about a series of decisions, and we all make the best decisions that we can with the information that we have. Life as an adult isn’t easy, and it’s far from perfect, but you can be proud of yourself for who you are now and who you will be.”
I would leave it here for now, but this was a great chance to think about my past and where it has brought me today. I’m choosing to be grateful for my life, the ups and downs, all of it. If I were allowed to tell the past Corey anything, I’d let her know that with all the internal turmoil and needless comparison to others, just as you are (Spoiler Alert) you’ve already met your future husband ☺️.
Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?
When I thought of this topic, I thought that maybe I should find an extraordinary instance where there was some grand gesture. But then I stopped to think, and the truth is that I feel loved every day. In fact, one of my most frequent prayers is “Lord, thank you for the love in my life”.
Prepare for corny because here it comes: my husband makes me feel loved every single day. I’m not trying to show off or anything, but when I think of love, I think of him. He’s a kind and loving person who chose me as his wife. 😃 I hope that I show him love as much as he shows it to me, however the truth is that I have work to do in that regard (more on that therapy topic later). My love language is acts of service. So anything that someone does for me makes me feel special, loved and appreciated. It can be as simple as filling the car with gas.
Enough with the sentimental stuff!
Anyway, the point is that I’m blessed, and I’m working on finding ways to show my loved ones how much they mean to me.
Dear reader (using my Bridgerton voice 😁), I hope that you can find one positive instance where you’ve felt loved. If you can’t, there’s always today or tomorrow! If we try to make others feel loved, it is my fervent belief that it will come back to us.
As a woman of color with acne prone soon, I’ve had a love hate relationship with cosmetics and especially powder foundations over the years. Growing up, I was in a small town and the makeup options were limited (especially for darker skinned people) and I had a hard time finding a liquid or powder foundation to match my complexion, cover my spots and make my skin look good. So I kind of turned away from powder foundations for a long time and thought “Well, it’s probably something that works for persons with perfect skin or those with lighter colored skin (because they have less pigmentation that they need to cover up).”
My first complexion products were cream to powder. I was hooked on Milani for many years (good times 😁). I also love Black Opal products for skin.
I enjoy makeup and generally wear it at least five times a week for work, but I’ve always been on a budget. The challenge was to find something that enhanced my features while giving me adequate coverage where I wanted it.
Loose powders found their way into my complexion routine when I started using liquid foundations. I used them to set my foundation in place, control oil and to freshen up my makeup.
As a beauty and cosmetics lover, I’ve followed the space and noticed that powders and powder foundations have been upping their game over the years. They have been getting better and I am here for it! I love that they have extended their lines to include full coverage, but still a skin like finish. It’s not easy but it works. I find that how you apply helps a lot.
With that said, let’s talk about why powder foundation might be worth a try.
The Pros and Cons of Powder Foundation: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to choosing the right foundation for your makeup routine, powder foundation is often a popular option. Its light texture and ease of application make it a favorite among many, but like any product, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of Powder Foundation
Matte Finish Powder foundation typically offers a matte finish, which is great for people with oily or combination skin. It helps control shine throughout the day, leaving your skin looking smooth and oil-free. I have found that powder foundations wear better throughout the day versus liquid foundations. For reference, I have oily skin.
Lightweight Feel One of the most notable benefits of powder foundation is how lightweight it feels on the skin. Unlike liquid foundations that can feel heavy or thick, powder foundation provides buildable coverage without feeling cakey or suffocating.
Quick and Easy Application Powder foundations are incredibly easy to apply. With a fluffy brush or sponge, you can quickly dust the product over your face, blending effortlessly for a natural finish. This makes it an excellent option for busy mornings or makeup beginners.
Buildable Coverage Powder foundations offer customizable coverage. Whether you want a light, natural look or something more full coverage, you can easily build up the product to suit your needs without worrying about it becoming too heavy.skin.Tip: If you start light and work your way up to the desired amount of coverage, you can avoid the overly matte, cakey look.
Long-Lasting Powder foundations often stay put throughout the day without needing frequent touch-ups. Their oil-absorbing properties help maintain a fresh appearance, especially in warmer weather.
Good for Sensitive Skin Powder foundation tends to be less irritating for those with sensitive skin compared to liquid foundations, which may contain fragrances or other harsh chemicals. Many powder foundations are also non-comedogenic, making them suitable for acne-prone skin.
Cons of Powder Foundation
Can Highlight Dry Patches While powder foundation works wonders for oily skin, it may not be the best choice for dry skin. Powder can cling to dry patches or flaky areas, making them more noticeable. It’s essential to prepare your skin with a good moisturizer before applying powder foundation.
Limited Shade Range Some powder foundations may not offer as wide of a shade range as liquid foundations. This can make it difficult for people with deeper skin tones or unique undertones to find their perfect match.
May Settle into Fine Lines Powder foundation can sometimes settle into fine lines or wrinkles, especially if you have mature skin. While it can provide a smooth appearance initially, it may accentuate lines as the day goes on.
Can Look Powdery if Overdone If you apply too much powder foundation, it can end up looking cakey or “powdery.” It’s essential to use a light hand and blend thoroughly to avoid this effect.
Not as Hydrating as Other Foundations Unlike liquid or cream foundations that often contain moisturizing ingredients, powder foundations generally lack the hydrating properties necessary for dry skin. They can leave your complexion looking dull or dehydrated if not properly prepped.
Messy Application Although powder foundations are easy to apply, they can also be a little messy. If you’re not careful, you might spill some product or create fallout, which can be annoying to clean up.
Conclusion: Is Powder Foundation Right for You?
Powder foundation can be a great option for those with oily or combination skin, offering a lightweight, matte finish that lasts throughout the day. However, those with dry or mature skin may find it less than ideal, as it can cling to dry patches or emphasize fine lines. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right formulation and shade for your skin type and needs.
If you’re looking for something quick, buildable, and long-lasting, powder foundation might just be the perfect match. But if you prefer a more hydrating or dewy look, you may want to consider other foundation types.
Do you love powder foundation or prefer a different formula? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
So it’s award season and for me, my favorite part is seeing everyone all glammed up and picking my favorite looks. So here are my top picks:
Number one is going to be Zendaya because she looked great! She understands the assignment. The hair, the angles, the makeup, the accessories, her hair color, what colors make her look best you know and this gown is a keeper.
Another favorite is Viola Davis. She knows how to do her thing. She knows her body. She knows the colors that suit her. She knows what hairstyle goes with the outfits and she looks lovely.
Another pick is Sheryl Lee Ralph, she looks great and again she knows her body. I believe her stylist is her daughter and they do well together. She looks great and she found a dress that is very flattering and appropriate for the occasion and looks good overall.
Mindy Kaling looks great in that gold gown. It’s her skin tone and the gold working together. The gold is not too brassy looking and the material is still refined enough to go with an all gold gown because you know it could have gone wrong but it certainly didn’t for her. Great choice.
I love that Dakota Fanning wore red. It’s a bold choice, but it works. It brings out her complexion and she’s not fading against the color. And yes, red on a red carpet can be a faux paux but she did well. I think she chose well and I think the material and the angles on the dress really worked and made it look fun while looking glam at the same time.
Kate Hudson looked fabulous in a navy strapless gown with a great necklace that went perfectly with the gown.
I haven’t forgotten the men. Adam Brody looked dapper in his green tuxedo. The jewel toned suit worked well.
What do you think? Take a look at the looks on People Magazine’s album and let me know if you agree.
The new year is here, bringing with it the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button. Whether you’re looking to recharge, refocus, or realign, these three simple tips can help you start the year on the right foot.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a few tips to get you started:
1. Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind
A clutter-free environment can lead to a clearer mindset. Take an hour (or a weekend) to sort through your belongings. Donate what you no longer need, organize what you keep, and create a space that feels calm and inspiring. Even small changes, like tidying up your desk, can have a big impact on your mental clarity. I’ve found the Kondo Method to be quite helpful.
2. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Instead of overwhelming yourself with massive resolutions, focus on a few small, actionable goals. Want to get healthier? Start with a daily walk or drinking more water. Looking to learn something new? Dedicate 15 minutes a day to reading or practicing a skill. Small wins build momentum and keep you motivated.
3. Create a Daily Ritual
Incorporating a meaningful daily ritual can ground your day and help you stay centered. Whether it’s a few minutes of journaling, a morning stretch, or a gratitude practice before bed, these simple habits can help you reconnect with yourself and set a positive tone for the day.
The beauty of these tips is their simplicity. You don’t need a complete life overhaul to feel refreshed—you just need small, intentional steps that align with your values.
So, what will your reset look like this year? Start small, stay consistent, and watch how these little changes can lead to a brighter, more intentional year ahead.
So, my sisters and I love to shop together. Are we rich? Nope! Do we just browse sometimes? Definitely. Whatever the purpose of the trip, from a new tweezer, groceries for dinner that night, new furniture or the feature event – Christmas decor – we make it into a whole production of epic proportions.
I’m talking about a minimum of four hours per trip, multiple stops to multiple stores until we get what we need. Do we always know what we’re looking for? That’s beside the point, we’ll know it when we see it. It’s our ritual to spend time together and get out of our heads for a few hours.
Take last Saturday for instance. I got a massage at about 11:00 am in our chat saying that my sister’s Christmas tree has done its last lap. Truth be told, it’s been hanging on by a thread for the last few years, but when my sister took it out of storage, there was no denying it. So the rally cry was sounded: “Who’s coming to help me find a Christmas tree?”
This question launched a six hour excursion all over town, browsing for the right tree (colour, size, etc) for the right price. We ended the day with the tree in hand and partially decorated at my sister’s house.
My sister’s new tree, stage one
So, that’s as far as we got. I’ll keep you updated on our progress and Christmas escapades for the rest of the season. Needless to say that there will be more trips in our future! 😉 I wouldn’t change it for the world. 🎄🥰💁🏾♀️
What is something others do that sparks your admiration?
I try to be kind, but I don’t always succeed. I’m kind when I’m in a good mood, or if it’s a social obligation. But what about those persons who are always kind to others and themselves, despite their mood or circumstances?
Two examples that easily come to mind are my mother and my husband. Kind is their default mode. I wish it were mine.
I would like to work on this. I won’t make a new year’s resolution, because I have a hard time sticking to those. However I will try harder to be kind despite my circumstances and of course, to be kind to myself.
Share a kind word or gesture with someone today. I will be doing the same 😀 💝✨
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