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    

Untucked shirts are in!!!

Hello!

And have been for a few years now. It's comfortable. It's casually elegant. It's 'cool,' even. A trend that looks as good as it feels? Yes! Like it...

Reese Witherspoon likes yellow, haven't you noticed? The magnolia ruffle shift dress, and magnolia pencil skirt are delightful. They are perfect for "summer celebrating!" Get 'em (and a few other pieces in the line) at Saks Fifth Avenue...

I find it fascinating that Amazon; of all companies, is moving out into "the brick and mortar world" with the Amazon Go stores. How many more will they build? Were will they go? Besides, if the rumors are to be believed, Amazon will be expanding some of it's company operations into the Northern Virginia area. Forgive me for not producing the source of said tidbit; but, I can't seem to put my hands on it right now. Raleigh was in the running. Oh, well...

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

As of today, there are 37 more days left until:  Easter, Sunday, April 1, 2018!

Happy Today!

Happy Weekend!

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  

Indestructible pantyhose, for real?

Hello!

Let's be clear. I don't like pantyhose. [Unless; of course, it is 10 degrees outside!] They rarely fit the way that you want them to. If you can get them in a color that looks as if you are not wearing any at all, it's a wonder. They are getting higher and higher!!! I wear them, if I must. Let's face it. I don't really have to, anymore. A shave, exfoliation + body butter has me covered. To tell you the truth, the most fun that I have had wearing pantyhose was in the mid-80's when they came "in living color!" I loved it! Hue was on my radar! But instead of wearing brilliant shades of pantyhose or tights anymore, I look for colorful scarves, shoes or bags instead. Every so often; however, pantyhose feel right. For instance, when you are going to a certain type of church service, or a formal occasion. I'm cautiously optimistic about the World's First Pair of Indestructible Sheerly Genius Pantyhose! Who wouldn't be? Bring it on!

We are approximately one third of the way through the Fall 2018 Ready-To-Wear fashion shows. I'm still waiting to get excited. I've counted right at 158 New York shows. I haven't watched all of them. I'm still working my way through. London, Paris and Milan shows are next...

For the first time since it began operations, L.L. Bean has changed its return policy, and someone doesn't like it. Stick to your guns, L.L. Bean. Your previous policy was generous to begin with. I ain't mad at 'ya!

I'll never tire of 'a hair slide,' with or without the ribbon! hair accessories are chic!  

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

As of today, there are 44 more days left until:  Easter, Sunday, April 1, 2018!

Happy Today!

Happy Weekend!

Shalom!

Angela
#MadetoMatch
#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         

As of today, there are 99 more days left until: "the wedding!"

Hello!

"The wedding" of Prince Harry & Meghan, that is! [I will be saying that about my wedding too one of these days! Just you wait and see! But until then...] 

And today is the 9th! How about that!

My birthday is May 12th. I am thrilled that the wedding is in May. It is a fine time to have a wedding. It is not too hot or cold, in a lot of locales. And being outdoors is just so nice and relaxing. What I'm  wondering is who from America; other than Meghan's parents, will attend. And that is the million dollar question!

It is true! Couture fashion shows are a wonderful time to pick up ideas for weddings! The designers seem to have "the 911" on what's coming. It is also a wonderful time to get inspired for upcoming holiday wear. Who wants to wait until it turns cold again to begin looking for either? Only the one who wants to look like someone else! And that would not be me...

A ring is a ring is a ring!!! If it; whatever it happens to be makes you happy, wear it!!! Scheez!!!

Get this! Kate Spade has just launched bridal sneakers! Don't you just love it? Kate Spade + Keds was bound to be adorable! Kate Spade makes some of the best stud earrings around, at a price point that can not be beat! And Keds? Well, Keds are just All-American! A match made in 'Bridal Heaven,' for the bride, her bridesmaids and guests who want to celebrate after the nuptials in cuteness. I'm all for it...       

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

As of today, there are 51 more days left until:  Easter, Sunday, April 1, 2018!

Happy Today ; Happy Weekend!

Shalom!

Angela
#MadetoMatch
#HereComesTheBride2018
#NoSlackPants2018

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