Nude Nancy

*Wig Details: Outre - Amara (color: 2) Brows: *MAC eyebrow pencil (stud) *LA Girl pro concealer (dark cocoa)
Face: *Tarte smoothing primer (clean slate) *Too Faced Born This Way Foundation (sable) *LA Girl pro concealer (dark cocoa) *Laura Mercier setting powder (medium deep) *Laura Mercier setting powder (translucent) *MAC powder blush (sketch) *MAC powder blush (fever) *Mario Badescu facial spray (cucumber and green tea) *BECCA shimmering skin perfector (prosecco pop) Finishes: *NYX intense butter gloss (rocky road + cinnamon roll) *Absolut New York duo stroke eyeliner *Eylure vegas nay lashes (bronze beauty)
Bonnet: Onome by Isoken Enofe Jewelry: Caribbean Local Fashion Music: Best Non-Copyrighted Music 2018 *Camera: iPhone Xs Max *Editor: Final Cut Pro X

Nubian, af!

*Wig Details: Bobbi Boss Moonstone (color: F4/2730)

List of products used (in order):

*brows: mac eyebrow pencil (stud) + la girl pro concealer (dark cocoa)

*nyx eyeshadow base (white)

*palette: nubian by juvia’s place

*sephora foundation (deep 65 n)

*fenty beauty pro filter foundation (480)

*la girl pro concealer (dark coca)

*fenty beauty matchsticks (espresso)

*laura mercier setting powder (medium deep)

*mac powder blush (sketch)

*mac powder blush (fever)

*mario badescu facial spray (cucumber and green tea)

*wet n wild meglago highlighter (crown of my canopy)

*coloured raine liquid lipstick (tootsie)

*nyx jumbo pencil (milk)

*absolut new york duo stroke eyeliner

*lasgoos lashes via amazon (a06)

Songs (all by Pediko): I’m On It • New Gear • Ghost 

* Camera used: iPhone 8+

* Editor used: Final Cut Pro

Orange Crush..

*Wig Details: Bobbi Boss - Mina (color: fs4/30)

List of products used (in order):
*tarte timeless smoothing primer
*brows: mac eyebrow pencil (stud) + la girl pro concealer (dark cocoa)
*palette: magic by juvia’s place
*palette: zulu by juvia’s place
*sephora foundation (65 deep dark)
*la girl pro concealer (dark cocoa)
*laura mercier setting powder (deep)
*mac powder blush (sketch)
*mac powder blush (fever)
*mario badescu facial spray (cucumber and green tea)
*anastasia beverly hills (aurora glowkit)
*mac cosmetics lip liner (currant)
*nyx lip lingerie (05)
*nyx liquid crystal liner (crystal silk)

off camera:
*absolute new york duostroke eyeliner (black)
*lashes: lasgoos via amazon (a06)

Song [Sexy Dance by Adam O]: SoundCloud • FaceBook • Instagram

* camera used: iPhone 8+
* editor used: iMovie

Cherry Blossoms in the Winter

I ended 2017 saying I wanted to do more. I needed my outlet back, and after a bunch of unfortunate events, I decided that there was no better time than now to start. As you can see from my last 2 blog posts I've been making YouTube videos! I definitely want to put it out there: I AM NOT A MAKEUP ARTIST! Honestly, I don't even want to be one. I just like makeup and I enjoy doing it, so I decided to start filming it. Three weeks ago I had no idea how to edit a video, and now I've kind of gotten the hang of it. To say I'm proud of myself would be such an understatement. I'm just trying to enjoy this clear space in my head. I've included this weeks video below, as well as the video details after the cut.

Thanks for sticking it out with me this long.
xo,

Glen

GRWM • Subtle Glam

*Wig Details: SIS Invisible Top Part Lace Wig IV- Lace H Ari (Color: 1B)

List of products used (in order):

*becca ever matte poreless primer

*brows: mac eyebrow pencil (stud) + la girl pro concealer (dark cocoa)

*palette: the saharan by juvia’s place 

*nyx jumbo pencil deported (milk)

*nyx eye shadow base (white)

*la girl pro concealer - orange corrector

*fenty beauty pro filt’r foundation (480) 

*la girl pro concealer (dark cocoa)

*laura mercier setting powder (translucent)

*fenty beauty matchstix (espresso)

*becca multi-tasking perfecting powder (deep bronze)

*mac powder blush (sketch)

*urbandecay de-slick setting spray

*eylure x vegas nay fiercely fabulous lashes

*mac in extreme dimension mascara

*fenty beauty duo highlighter (ginger binge/moscow mule)

*mayebelline masterprecise eyeliner (black)

*kat von d liquid lipstick (damned + crucifix)

Songs (all by Felix London): SoundCloud • FaceBook • Instagram

* camera used: iPhone 8+
* editor used: iMovie

GRWM • New Year, New Beat!!

*Wig Details: Vixen It Tress VH-3 (Color: OT350)

List of products used (in order):
*becca ever matte poreless primer
*brows: mac eyebrow pencil (stud) + la girl pro concealer (dark cocoa)
*palette: the magic by juvia’s place
*nyx eyeshadow base (white) — to cut crease
*mayebelline masterprecise eyeliner (black)
*la girl pro concealer - orange corrector
*covergirl queen collection natural hue (q755 - true ebony)
*la girl pro concealer (dark cocoa)
*coty airspun loose face powder
*fenty beauty matchstix (espresso)
*becca multi-tasking perfecting powder (deep bronze)
*mac powder blush (film noir)
*urbandecay de-slick setting spray
*eylure x vegas nay fiercely fabulous lashes
*voluminous false fiber lash mascara
*fenty beauty duo highlighter (ginger binge/moscow mule)
*coloured raine liquid lipstick (tootsie)

*outfit info: everything is from PINK! :)

Songs [all by Adam O]: SoundCloud • FaceBook • Instagram

* camera used: iPhone 8+
* editor used: iMovie

What to Buy: Bargain Beat

Hey loves! This blog post was requested by my beautiful friend Kisha, and I was more than happy to oblige. For you dolls that would like to experiment with makeup without completely breaking the bank, here are a few inexpensive items that can line your cosmetic bag and still give you a quality beat! 

For the most part, e.l.f cosmetics offers everything you can think of, and almost all their products are priced below $10. I stand by their brushes 100%. They also offer a range of foundation, blush ,and contour palettes. Personally, their darkest shade is not dark enough for me to wear, but it would work for some of you brown ladies.

There are often stigmas around "drugstore brands" when it comes to makeup, but most of the items are just as good (if not better) than high-end brands. K-Mart, Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens and even your local hair stores can offer some great products. For my deep brown ladies, I recommend Covergirl Queen, IMAN, and Black Opal. They offer deep brown shades with undertones that actually compliment our skin, instead of leaving us pasty.

For my super oily skin, I use milk of magnesia as a primer. I apply it all over my face, under my foundation, to help soak up my oil throughout the day. As crazy as it sounds, IT WORKS! For luxurious lips, I love Colourpop's line of Ultra-Matte liquid lipsticks (they are only $6 a piece!). My favorites are LAX, Guess and Limbo. For concealer, L.A. Girl Pro Concealer can be found in hair stores, as well as drugstores and online. Their orange concealer is perfect for brown girls to color correct and their other shades are great for highlighting and contouring.

I've tried to provide links to all these products, but if you still have questions please feel free to contact me! I  know how overwhelming make-up can be in the beginning, but a little trial and error and lots of practice will have you fab in no time!

xo,

Glenesse

Cinco de Jerm!

This weekend we hit an unforgettable milestone in my sweet baby's life: he turned 5! This was my first time throwing him an actual party. In the end, all the hurdles, setbacks and delays were all worth it. Jeremy had a blast! So many lessons learned in these past few weeks, but at the end of the day, I wouldn't change a thing. This process all started with my wonderful friend Regina, who made me these amazing custom Batman invitations. Unfortunately, I couldn't upload a picture of them (they had personal info on them, sorry!). Please take my word for it, they were gorgeous! Early on in this process, I had decided that I wanted to make most of the things for the party, instead of just purchasing the generic party sets. First thing on the list, create a backdrop for the main table at the party. After an extensive google search (my idea of research, ha!) this was the end result:


I used 3 20"x 30" foam boards, a ruler, a pencil, an exact-o knife and construction paper. Drew the lines, taped the ruler to the board and traced along the ruler with the exact-o knife to keep the lines sharp. Then I cut the windows from the construction paper and taped them to the board. In hindsight, using spray adhesive would have been a better option. I also made a personalized frame:


To make the frame, I used the same 20" x 30" foam board as before. I left 2" from the edge and cut the middle out. Then I bought wooden letters from target for about 79¢ a piece and little containers of paint. I used a combination of paint and oil markers to decorate the letters, then attached them using a hot glue gun. The large Batman symbol is a novelty pin that was purchased from Spencer's. The embossed Batman stickers were from Hobby Lobby. My sister and I were also very hands on with the take home favors:


Each favor basket included a homemade Batman shaped rice crispy treat and lollipop, Batman chocolates, sugared marshmallows on a stick, gumballs, a Batman rubber bracelet, boomerang and paddle ball game. The treats were made and prepared by my sister and me; my sister purchased the molds and cutters from Amazon. The toys were purchased online. The 3 layered custom tags were made by Regina. Jeremy, Shawn and I came up with the sayings on the back. Regina also used her Silhouette Cameo to make the photo props:


The cake, cupcakes and cake pops were ordered from a local bakery here in town and for entertainment, there was a Justice League bounce house:


In all, it was worth it. We had a wonderful time! Here's to being 5...
xo,

Glen

Is it really THAT hard?!

YES! Purchasing your first home can be the most rewarding experience ever, but it can also be a very stressful one. No need to worry, I'm going to keep you together with my own personal experiences and a timeline that should keep you on track.

1 Year Out:

Know what you want. Personally, I am glued to HGTV and Pinterest, so I have a general idea of what I like. Start researching builders (or whats currently on the market) and establish your budget. Know whats out there and what your wallet and household can afford. This is also a good time to start saving. Create an account and actively start putting away that ernest money and/or closing cost moneys. The earlier you start, the happier you'll be in the long run. This is also the best time to pull your credit report. This is a majority of what lenders look at to decide if you are a responsible enough person to invest in. Don't panic, having discrepancies are okay, because we are all human, just be ready to explain those (in writing) to your lender.

August 16, 2013 - The day my foundation was poured

August 27, 2013 - The day the frames went up!

6 Months Out:

If you are thinking of new construction, its time to sit down with a builder. Pick a lender; get pre-approved. If you are purchasing a pre-owned home, you may want to consult a realtor. Let me be the first to say, pre-approval are great but they mean nothing. Once the lenders start digging, this process may feel overbearing. This is also the time to start getting your accounts in order. Every overdraft has to be explained in writing, so if you can help it, don't overdraft.If new construction is your thing, you've probably already paid ernest money and construction has started for you. Depending on house size, construction can be anywhere from 4-6 months.

The home I now love and enjoy!

2 Months from Closing Day:

Keep your accounts in the positive for at least 2 months. Normally, lenders only ask for your bank statement from the last 60 days. Try to keep frivolous spending to a minimum during this period. The lender will comb through your documents to ensure that you can, in fact, afford your new home. & if they deem that you aren't fiscally responsible, its okay. I was denied 2x before given the approval to close. It can be disheartening, but stay the course. Your blessing will come in time.


I hope this helps anyone about to take this journey. Strap on your boots, and good luck. Don't take no for answer, show them that the house you want is in fact yours and do what it takes to get it.

xo,

Glenesse

An Apple a Day..

Updates are in order! First things, I've finished my first class since being back in school. Granted, it was Fine Art Appreciation, I got an A! It's a relief to know that I passed. Hopefully I can maintain a 4.0 GPA. In terms of work, time is winding down until I have to leave for Recruiter school. I took a Physical Training Test (timed push ups, sit ups & 2 mile run) and passed, so now I can reenlist and continue my career.

Now, about what this post is really about! My neighborhood is brown. Literally. All the houses are made of bricks in shades of browns and all the doors and garages vary from tan to brown. In true absoluteDoll fashion, it was my duty to change it! Here's what it looked like before:


Pretty much, it looked like every other house in the neighborhood. I made it my mission to have lush grash and better curb appeal. I planted flowers, fertilized the grass with Weed & Feed and watered it everyday. & after hours on Pinterest I decided to paint the front door. Picking a color is always the hardest, but I had an idea of the color I wanted so I settled on "Apple a Day" by Olympic. Its a self priming exterior paint. Originally, the siding, trim and door were all the same color. We taped off the hardware and painted directly over the existing paint.


Here's how that turned out:



Even though the door looked great, the house in general needed more. I had already decided to paint the garage door as well, and yesterday I took the plunge. I absolutely love the outcome! When I hit the corner I already know which house is mine and I'm elated. Here's the finished product:


Would you get a load of that grass! Who said you couldnt have green grass in Texas?! Although my water bill is $40 more, its well worth it. There are homes in my neighbood with in ground irrigation systems whose lawns are not nearly as nice! I'm so proud of it and so happy to share it with you guys! Hope you guys like!

xo,

Glenesse

How to Style: Denim Top

Are you one of those people who associate denim with super casual?! If you are, allow me the opportunity to attempt to change your mind. For the past few years I've grown to LOVE denim tops. I feel they can dressed way up or way down, and depending on the occasion and accessories (unless your going to a formal event) they can always be squeezed  into a wardrobe somewhere.

• My most recent outfit post is appropriate if you just want some glam in your life. The color of this skater skirt, teamed with animal print sandals will almost make your forget your wearing denim! Gold accessories also helped to step this look up a notch.
• Here in Texas, we do Texas Casual often for after hours work events. I had to improvise, seeing as I don't own a pair of cowboys boots (but I will soon enough). I love the look of a light denim top played over a darker wash jean. Minimal accessories made this (for me) more work appropriate, seeing as I work with an older demographic.
• I love playing neutrals off of denim x denim. It accentuates, but doesn't take away from the denim. This outfit was perfect for a hot summer barbecue.

• For running errands this is one of my go-to looks. The chunky wedge is comfortable, allowing me to stand in lines or go threw stores with ease. Coral is one of my favorite colors to wear, and its one of those colors that looks good on EVERYONE! This look is easy for anyone to recreate.
• Pairing denim with a pop of color is ALWAYS the right answer. Throwing a denim top over a maxi dress or skirt can never be wrong. In this instance, I wanted to hide my bra straps. Try it. You'll love it.
• Personally, I don't condone wearing a denim top and bottom of the same wash. For symmetry, I like light tops with dark bottoms. These Michael Kors wide leg jeans are in my top 5 favorite pairs of pants.

So, I hope this was helpful in giving you some ideas of what can be done with the super versatile denim top! If you have suggestions or have already done a post like this, please leave me a link in the comments below. I'd love to see how you guys style your denim tops..
xo,

Glenesse

How I did it: Flash cards

I'm a firm believer that it is never to early or too late to learn something new, so I decided to make flash cards for my son. I know, he's only 5 weeks old, but how long should I really wait before stimulating his mind?! I bought all the supplies for under $5.00! I'm sure I could have went out and just bought pre-made flashcards (which I still may do) but this is a fun way to get started:

Colors with the names in English and Spanish


Shapes


Upper and Lowercase letters


Numbers

How I did it: preventing stretch marks

About a week or 2 ago, I posted some pictures on Facebook (and made a blog entry here) marking my 36 month (9 month mark) of pregnancy. I got a lot of questions regarding not having ANY marks on my tummy this late in my pregnancy. I've always been told that there's nothing you can do it about it (especially if you already had them in other places prior; which I did). Well, I refused to believe that. I found out I was pregnant at 4 to 5 weeks. The moment I did, I got on the phone with my sister and had her send me 100% sticks and raw chunks of cocoa butter.

If you allow your skin to dry out while it's stretching that's what causes the marks. Years ago I watched another sister of mine go threw pregnancy. Her tummy would itch a lot but before she'd scratch it, she'd lather her hands and tummy in cocoa butter, so essentially her scratching had become a moisturizing technique. After her pregnancy, she had no marks. That was one of the major reasons that I adopted this technique. I keep one of the sticks shown above in my purse, another in my home & I carry little chunks with me to work. I also follow application with my regular body lotion (Keri, Original).

I know that there are hundreds of products out there and they all may vary in result in one way or another; the only suggestion that I have is this: IF YOU DON'T RECOGNIZE THE INGREDIENTS, DO NOT USE IT. How can a product claim to be 100% cocoa butter if you have 17 other chemicals mixed with it?! Keep in mind, you don't have to do it the way I did, but this is what worked for me. I hope everyone else has great results!

ps: I only gained 20 pounds during the course of my pregnancy. Normal weight gain should not exceed 35lbs. Not gaining 80lbs could also help in snapping back to your pre-pregnancy body postpartum.