Beach season has officially started to me! Ready?

Hello!

Sunday, April 1, 2018 is Easter! Yeah!

No matter when it comes, to me, Easter signals the arrival of beach season! Or, lake season! Or, pool season! Be that as it may, friends are headed out to waters this weekend. Here in the Sandhills it is clocking in at the mid-60's, and it is drizzly. It's cooler than it was yesterday, but the temperature is still comfortable. In other words, it is not too cool or wet to hamper an Easter egg hunt! Grab a basket, get an umbrella, put on a jacket and galoshes and go! Some Easter egg hunts are today! Okay!

If you want to age gracefully, take it from me, other than keeping the weight in 'the normal range,' skin care is tantamount! It's not that you have to have perfect skin; as in, no wrinkles at all. It's just that you want well cared for skin, irregardless of age...

I have run across more articles than I can count on the benefits of adding hyaluronic acid to the skincare routine. It makes sense to me, seeing that it is already in the skin. I can't believe that I haven't already tried it. I must! Fortunately, it can be found at different price points. I think I will start from the lowest and work my way on up...

All of this got me to thinking. I figured that if hyaluronic acid is good for the face, it could be good for the body too. Meaning, bring it on in lotion form as well!

I haven't had the opportunity to do but so much research on hyaluronic acid body lotion; however, I did keep coming across HADA LABO products. And yes, they can be found at Amazon Beauty. It is hard to keep up with all of the new beauty products that do come out, but I have noted with interest that more and more products are becoming available from the eastern parts of the world.  That's pretty cool, if you ask me. The question now is, where is the best place to go to to become aware of them? I reckon I will begin with The Culture Trip. It is as good of a place as any. Meanwhile if you should hear of any other good places; please, by all means let me know...

About sunscreens, it's a good idea. Get several recommendations before buying. Get the samples, next...

We almost missed it, but Nordstrom Rack is having a sale on shoes! Easter season is a good time to stock up on handbags and shoes! I doubt if it is ready to be marked down yet, but Cult Gaia Acrylic Ark bag in watermelon is pretty. A fun and unusual bag for summer...

And speaking of shoes, I can NOT believe we are headed back into clunky sneaker territory, again! UGH! No, thank you...

H&M is having a huge sale, but not by choice! Oh me, oh my...

Paper vases? What fun! Way to go...

Here's to looking at you, Raleigh! Nice!

Give; and let give, to the Rita S. Wilson Memorial Scholarship! Thaaaaank you!

As of today, there is 1 more days left until:  Easter, Sunday, April 1, 2018!

Happy Easter!

Shalom!

Amgela
#MadetoMatch2017
#HereComesTheBride2018
#NoSlackPants2018
#EasterFlorals2018
#Stripes2018
#PolkaDots2018
#Jumpsuits2018

NOTE:  I Adorned You [digital magazine] is coming your way, whenever! Until then, view our portfolio at alvandcompany.polyvore! Thaaaaank you!

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!
Angela L Vann, Ms   |   Even Greater Things   |   Far Above Rubies 

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Natural flowers, faux flowers, it's all good!

Hello!

Flowers for special occasions, especially for weddings, can be cost prohibitive. It need not be! Let's see why not...

You can get flowers in season...

Whatever season your wedding or event is in, look for flowers that occur naturally during that time. There will be quite the assortment to select from, I'm telling you. Even you will be surprised! Well, I should hope so! And unless you are going for a monotone look, don't be afraid to mix it up a bit. You can use as many varieties and colors of flowers as your heart so desires. I myself am partial to salmon for spring. It's not pink, but it has that certain flushness about it. New word, here? Well, maybe. I'll look it up later...

You can mix faux; AKA, artificial flowers with natural (in other words, live) flowers!

Why not? Shucks, half the time you can't even tell the 'not so real' ones from 'the real' ones! The quality these days is astounding! That's a good thing. I've kept flowers over from weddings and funerals. There is more to drying them out than meets the eye, if they should look good and last. Faux flowers can be shared, kept and/or used over again. I'm just saying...

ALL can be ordered online; at a competitive price, especially if there is an artist-in-residence willing to "set the scene." That could be a florist, or it could be a family member or friend. Who doesn't want to contribute to the nuptials in some meaningful way? That is a gift in and of itself! Most people have more stuff than they know what to do with these days, anyways. I'm just saying, again...

I love seeing what folks choose to do with their flowers. For that matter, I love seeing what else they choose to use to enhance the arrangements. I also love seeing where the event is to be located, to begin with. The venue will determine the types, colors and uses of the flowers, of course. Setting the scene, setting the scene, setting the scene:  no mean feat, 'eh? Yet, it can and will be done...

No beauty tips this week; unless it is, it's time to break out the wide brim hats, the sunscreen or both! I'll take the hats, thank you...
 
Give; and let give, to the Rita S. Wilson Memorial Scholarship! Thaaaaank you!

As of today, there are 9 more days left until:  Easter, Sunday, April 1, 2018!

Happy Easter!

Shalom!

Angela
#MadetoMatch2017
#HereComesTheBride2018
#NoSlackPants2018
#EasterFlorals2018
#Stripes2018
#PolkaDots2018

NOTE:  I Adorned You [digital magazine] is coming your way, whenever! Until then, view our portfolio at alvandcompany.polyvore! Thaaaaank you!

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!"
Angela L Vann, Ms   |   Even Greater Things   |   Far Above Rubies 

*Like this? Gifts are accepted at Google Wallet! Thaaaaank you!

Privacy Regarded        

 

Condition first, shampoo second.

Hello!

'Me' discovered the little secret years ago!

I walk. Sometimes a lot. I clock in at 18 miles a week, on average.  Sometimes I do as much as 24 miles a week...

[And no I do not look like Wonder Woman! Yet. I could if I'd only stay out of  'the sweets.' And give up PB&J? Hey, no way.]

I have to condition my natural hair; AKA, kinky coils...

[I stopped putting relaxers in my hair 10 years, 3 months and 16 days ago!!!]

All of the sweating from the walking dries my hair out, as you can imagine. It can get brittle and break off, if I'm not mindful. I learned to do three things as a result ---

1)  Wash hair with Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda, whenever I feel the need to. You can bet your bottom dollar it is NOT every day ; I  don't think so! The baking soda softens; detangling the hair, making it that much easier to comb...

2)  Spritz hair with a mixture of:  a)  apple cider vinegar + H2O, and/or 2) a tea bag + H2O as need be. Alternating between washing, spritzing or conditioning works for me! Keep reading...

3)  Condition with  'a good conditioner,' such as the ones found at Novex Hair Care. They are the best, let me tell you!

I have had the privilege of trying the Mystic Black Collection. I combined all three of the conditioners:  the leave in, the hair mask and the conditioner!!! My hair felt incredible! I would highly recommend you doing it too. If you do, you will only have to use a small amount. I call it "the 3-in-1 treatment!" It works well on wet or dry hair. Feel free to tell the folks over at Novex that I told you so. The only thing left for me to try now is the baobab oil. It is sold out...

When I was relaxing my hair, I discovered that putting a heavy mineral oil on hair that needed to be washed, covering it with a plastic cap and leaving it on as long as overnight before shampooing it out left my hair smooth. That translated to less of a need for oils. It would probably work as well with my current hair. I just don't do it...

So, yes. It is true. Swap that shampoo/condition process to condition/shampoo, and you'll be glad that you did...

Denim jackets are great to wear any time of the year! So many weights, so many styles to choose from. I'm in the market for a denim pants suit to mix-and-match with other things; preferably, something dressy. I'm looking...

If I can get it together soon enough, I'll run a FAV Top 10 Spring 2018 list before Easter. If I can get it together. I've done it before. We'll see...

Give; and let give, to the Rita S. Wilson Memorial Scholarship! Thaaaaank you!

As of today, there are 16 more days left until:  Easter, Sunday, April 1, 2018!

Happy Easter!

Shalom!

Angela
#MadetoMatch2017
#HereComesTheBride2018
#NoSlackPants2018
#EasterFlorals2018
#Stripes2018

NOTE:  I Adorned You [digital magazine] is coming your way, whenever! Until then, view our portfolio at alvandcompany.polyvore! Thaaaaank you!

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!"
Angela L Vann, Ms   |   Even Greater Things   |   Far Above Rubies 

*Like this? Gifts are accepted at Google Wallet! Thaaaaank you!

Privacy Regarded

Grits are good for eating, and...

Hello!

Exfoliating, too!

The weather is changing. Who could use a good exfoliation from head to toe? I can! The solution in a word? Grits!

Yes, I do mean grits! Grits; as in, Quaker Old Fashioned Grits!

I like to "go natural" when it comes to skincare, as much as possible. My skin can be sensitive. I am always wondering what I can get from the kitchen that will give me a nice, warm glow. I tried oatmeal, and I tried cornmeal. They were so, so. I didn't think I had anything to lose, so I got a pea-sized amount of grits, added my favorite cleanser [which comes from Dollar Tree], and a dab of water. Not only did it gently buff the skin leaving it feeling clean without being stripped of its natural oils, it left it smooth as a baby's bottom! It was heaven! I do it whenever I feel the need now. On to the next step. That would be moisturizing, which just might consist of slugging. Use your own discretion. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

Walmart is not about to be left out of the fashion scene! Hey, there is a need for clothing at all price points! I say, go for it! 

Bring it on, Victoria Beckham! I have always liked a good power suit, if for no other reason than to mix and match it with other pieces! A good suit is a suit is a suit! 

Give; and let give, to the Rita S. Wilson Memorial Scholarship!  Thaaaaank you!

As of today, there are 23 more days left until:  Easter, Sunday, April 1, 2018!

Happy Today!

Shalom!

Angela
#MadetoMatch2017
#HereComesTheBride2018
#NoSlackPants2018
#EasterFlorals2018

NOTE:  I Adorned You [digital magazine] is coming your way, whenever! Until then, view our portfolio at alvandcompany.polyvore! Thaaaaank you!

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!"
Angela L Vann, Ms   |   Even Greater Things   |    Far Above Rubies   |   O My Dove

*Like this? Gifts are accepted at Google Wallet! Thaaaaank you!

Privacy Regarded