Surviving Quarantine, Day ??

Happy Monday ! I hope you're all doing well during this time. I'm currently sipping tea and loving the smell of citrus from my oil diffuser.  I wanted to stop by on the blog to give you an update on how I'm pushing through quarantine with hopes of giving you some inspiration if you're not taking all of this well.

I've lost track of the days and I currently don't know what day we're on. I live in South Carolina where as of today, most of the restrictions have been lifted with some restrictions. I've only been inside  Wal-Mart, Target, Wal-Greens and the liquor store (don't judge me). I miss going to brunch, hanging out with my friends, going to the store without a mask  and just the normal things we did before this. I miss going to work and seeing my kids in person. It was such a normal routine for me and I'll honest it took sometime to get used to.  But next week we head back to work to pack up the kids items and our classrooms for the next two weeks. We're using a staggered schedule and we're only working a particular amount of hours. It's going to be bittersweet because I don't anyone could've planned the school year to end like this.

To stay sane, I've cried ( several times), created content, spoke on a panel about content creation, planning the wedding, searching for homes , creating cocktails, stepping up my skills in the kitchen, working out ,etc. Speaking of working out, I'l be honest I'm trying to get used to this body. I've put on a few pounds from all the eating I've been doing. Currently all of my quarantine snacks are gone and I've contemplating should I purchase more. I've been getting in workouts when I feel motivated to do so.  I started beating myself up because I feel like I could've been further ahead in my weight loss.  I had to remind myself that it's okay and I can start again. Yesterday I posted a picture of myself and I picked it apart piece by piece. I hesitated to post it because I felt like I didn't look my best.  As you can see I posted anyway because I could look back on it as motivation.


So I know you're wondering so what are you going to do to make this change? Well one thing is stop beating up on myself about it. Try my best to wake up everyday with a purpose. I heard my dad say that everyday when his feet hit the ground, he has a purpose for the day.  Honestly I think lost that during this quarantine. I had a purpose to go to work and do my job. I had purpose to hit the gym afterwork to relieve stress from the day.  I think I just need to find my purpose in losing weight again. Don't get me wrong I love me, I'm happy, but I want to be healthier physically and mentally. I also think the hardest part in starting over is the fear of starting over and thinking that you will never have the end result that you want.  It sometime scares me to go into the unknown. I know what happens when I just give up, it's comforting. But we'll never know what the end result will be if we give up right.

I know this wasn't one of my normal blog post but this a form a diary for me. I love looking  back on my old post to see how far I've come. If you're feeling anxious, lonely, etc know that you're not alone in this. I challenge you to try to things to take your mind off of all of this.

• Start a new hobby or brush up on the old one
• Rest if you need it and that's okay
• Re-decorate
• Go for a car ride
• Work out
• Take an online class
• Call your family and friends 

Do what you need to do until you're you again. Find your passion and purpose again!

Until Next Time,

Quarantine Skincare Routine

During quarantine I've been looking to perfect my skincare routine.  I was inspired to do some research and try some new products out. I purchased the Hydration Set from Sephora and with my purchase I was able to get two other sets for free. I picked out the Sol De Jenairo set for my birthday and I used my insider points to try  The Tatcha  Cleansing system.

I try not to purchase a lot of  skin care items because they're going to end up being hoarded in my cabinet. I always wondered why people have so many skincare products but I was reminded that they all have different results. Also you can never have too many skincare products. The past two weeks I I've been using a system that I created with the products I received from Sephora.

Cleansing and Moisturizing

I use the  Skinfix Foaming Oil Cleanser  to cleanse my skin  and it leaves my skin feeling refreshed. This would be my first time trying out this brand. There are times I have to be very careful when I using products because I have sensitive skin.  After cleansing my skin I use the First Aid Beauty to moisturize. I've grown to love this brand over the years because it is safe for my skin type. I do this just about every day  if I'm not exfoliating my skin.

Exfoliate

I never knew the importance of exfoliating until a couple years ago. I mean it really makes big difference for your skin. I would exfoliate twice a week using the Tatcha Water Cleanse. This is another product I've heard nothing but great reviews about so I was so excited to try it out.  When I first used it, my skin was like woah. It was like breath of fresh air for my skin and I did see a change within my skin.

Watermelon Glow Sleeping  Mask

This would be my first time trying a overnight mask and this was the self-care that I needed during quarantine. I've heard many great things about this product and how it works overnight. You'll wake up softer skin and your skin will glow from within. After my first use I noticed that my skin did feel  softer and there was a glow. One thing that I had to remember, was to  pat the product on but no rub it in.

Sol De Janerio Brazilian  Bum Bum Cream

Honey when I tell you this cream is everything. When I first opened this, it sent me to Brazil and back. I wanted to put this all over my body, I mean I did though. This is actually intended for your Bum Bum region to tighten and soften things up. I'll just say I'm going to be purchasing full size because I ran out for the smaller size.

I wanted to wait at least two weeks before I did rant and rave about these products. I wanted to make sure that I didn't break and that these products are working well with my skin.  What are your got to products during this time of quarantine? Have you tried any of these products yet?

Until Next time,

April Wedding Updates

Hey ya'll we're 206  days away from the big day. COVID-19   has brought so many things to a halt especially weddings. I've seen so many weddings being pushed back or even cancelled in the past few weeks. I'm praying that Timothy and I won't have to make any big changes to our big day in November.  But I am considering a plan b just in case things change.

Here are a few updates:

• We plan on taking one more set of photos for our invitations. These photos will be a more formal. The pain of the of us having so many photos because I want to use them as decorations for the wedding reception. Putting them in frames as centerpieces.

• Save The Dates have been sent out and I created them myself. They were pretty easy to create on Canva.  Also our wedding website is live for our guest.
• Now that my bridesmaids have their dress choices , I finalized their hair for the big day as well.
• We found two Dj's that we want to use but we're still deciding which one will be our pick.
• After going back and forth I think I have the reception decor finalized. Also we finally found out ceremony and reception decorators.
• I got back in touch with the venue for the reception and we'll be making a deposit next month. We were able to get a longer time slot as well.

I know the list is short but there were so many other things that were supposed to happen this month but due to this horrific virus things have been put on hold. I am a little nervous about what's to come in the next few months but I 'm going to keep the faith. Click here for previous wedding updates!

Until Next Time,

You're Berry Sweet Lemonade Cocktail

Being under quarantine had brought out different sides of myself. I've sharpened my skills as a chef and a barista.  I finally launched a food and beverage page on Instagram LattestilChampange. I'm still working on it because I had plans to visit local coffee shops and try new drinks but COVID-19. So my friend inspired me to start creating cocktails at home.

After searching Pinterest for new recipes besides using my go to Malibu Rum. I found out how to make simple syrup  and a new cocktail.

Simple Syrup Ingridents

• 1 Cup of sugar
• 1 Cup of water
• Fruit of choice ( I used Strawberries and Blueberries)

Directions:

1. Combine sugar and water in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.

2. If you want the flavored syrup to add desired fruit or herbs for flavor. Turn off heat and let it steep for 15 mins. Strain and let your syrup chill.

3. I let my syrup sit in the fridge for a day in a mason jar.

Drink Responsibly and Enjoy!
Until Next Time,

4 Ways To Style A Black Jumpsuit

I'm such a big fan of shopping my wardrobe and re-styling my items in my closet.  When it comes to shopping I want to make sure that I am able to get re-style my pieces with other items in my closet.  My mom would always tell me when I'm shopping to try and purchase an outfit. That tip has saved me so much money. Also if I notice that I am lacking basics then I will purchase them as well.  This Black Jumpsuit   has become a staple in my wardrobe. It like the layer of cake and styling the jumpsuit it the frosting and sprinkles.

Before I made this purchase I thought about the many I could style this jumpsuit with pieces in my closet. I came up four ways and believe I know there's more than four ways to style this jumpsuit.  I didn't get a chance to snap a pic of all the looks but be  sure to check out the FULL VIDEO on IGTV.