Daily Mantra

1. Take accountability
2. Cut any toxic habits or people out of your life
3. Don't rush the process
4. Always be true to yourself

INFJ Ramblings

Hello. I just want to do a quick blog post about my personal experience of being an INFJ. As an INFJ, I always feel alone. Loneliness is something I have struggled with for quite a while. I desperately want to connect with others. But I feel that I cannot because I am too much of a weirdo. And most of the people that I have gravitated towards were so toxic, which made me feel even worse about myself than I already did. I am afraid that I can never attract good people to me. That's why I really don't have any friends. I don't know how to find good people. I don't know how to find people who are in it for the long haul. I can't find people who actually give a shit about how I feel. Is that too much to ask for? I just feel like no one in my life really cares. They are too wrapped up in their own inner lives to care. And I don't want to talk to a thera

Good Boys Review

So, I saw Good Boys over the weekend. Needless to say, it was terrible…terribly hilarious! As many have assumed, it is somewhat a preteen version of Superbad. However, the film does have its own identity apart from that film. Yes, spoilers ahead.

One thing you really have to appreciate the movie for is just how daring it is. Not just in its concept, but also in its execution. It is balls-out (no pun intended) funny. It’s just these very endearing scenes like when the boys discover pornography for the first time, when they first discover sex toys then proceed to use them as weapons against this questionable gentleman to barter for drug money or when they explore a frat house for the first time. In your mind, you may be thinking “Why in the hell are they doing this crazy shit? Where are their parents? They need their asses whooped!” And I am inclined to agree with you on all of those counts. But, just for a second, think back to when you were their age and you were getting into shit you knew you had no business doing. Come on, we have all been there. But behind all of the wacky and inappropriate hijinks, there is something deeper. The whole film is about the boys discovering their identities. Not sexual identities, because that’s just nasty. But in discovering who they are, both with and without each other. Each of the boys have their own arc going on. Max, the leader of the Beanbag Boys (awww), absolutely, honestly must make it to this cool kids’ party…so he can kiss his longtime crush. Lucas is dealing with his parents’ divorce. Thor wants to audition for the school play, but backs out at the last minute, much to his friends’ disappointment might I add, because he is insecure about his masculine identity.

You may find yourself very engrossed in each of the boys’ individual arcs because their stories are so, so relatable. I am positive 95% of the audience have dealt with at least one of the issues above. I know I have. These organic, quirky, down-to-earth, relatable preteen characters and the chemistry and bond they share with one another, is what really sells the film. And the child actors were so good in this. I am not going to single out any one particular actor, because 1) that is slightly unfair considering they are all children and 2) they were all excellent in their own right. There were many scenes involving just the three of them that made me and the audience highly uncomfortable yet they managed to sell those scenes and portray those them so realistically and heartwarmingly, even the squickier scenes. To be honest with you, this film is probably the closest we will ever get to a live-action Ed, Edd and Eddy film. I don’t know if any of you are familiar with this show, but that was a show about three knucklehead suburban preteens just getting into random, outlandish shit every day. Which is basically what this film is, just way, way more adult.

Now, I will not spoil the end of the film, but I will say it is quite bittersweet, which is surprising for a film like this. I will say this much: the boys do eventually go off and do their own thing, but they always find their way back to each other. ‘Cause they are the Beanbag Boys for life. Anyway, if you want to see a raunchy, weird comedy starring adorable preteens who are surprisingly relatable and organic characters with engaging character arcs and wonderful comedic and emotional chemistry, then buy a ticket. If that’s not your thing, then skip it.

70s Style for Body Types Part I

Hey, y'all. Bet you didn't expect to see another post so soon. Well, no worries. I have awakened from my hibernation and am back in business since the school year has begun. Tonight, I will be discussing how to achieve 1970s in the form of blouses. I want to focus on 70s style since that is a decade that I really admire, especially the music and fashion. I think I might have been born in the wrong decade.

So there are three main types of blouses that were very popular in this decade: high-neck blouses, peasant blouses and babydoll blouses. Let's first discuss on high neck blouses.



If you generally have a tall, thin body type, the high neck blouse would be best suited for you. High neck blouses are loose fitting with little to no waist definition, which is why it is perfect for the tall, thin body type. Tall, willowy or tall, athletic figures do not need waist definition since their body types lack curves. The high neck blouses complement the height of your frames.



If you are slender or athletic and petite to average height, I recommend off-shoulder tops. The off-shoulder detail will show off your slim shoulders.



If you are petite to average height with a more voluptuous, or even slightly voluptuous figure, go for peasant blouses. Specifically, cropped peasant blouses. Cropped styles will complement your petite figure. The folding and draping of the peasant styles will highlight your curves.

A Tale of 2 Spidermen

Hey guys. After an unnecessarily long hiatus, I am back. This post will be fairly short since I am sleepy. To be blunt, I think Disney and Sony are being childish about this deal. From the beginning, they should have split the live action and animation rights. Let Disney keep the rights to make anything live action related and let Sony keep the rights to make anything to make cartoons and video games. Look, Into the Spiderverse (it is the best Spiderman film ever made) and the PS4 game both got universal acclaim. And that's not even getting into the success of Spectacular Spiderman (RIP) and the 90s animated series. Obviously, Sony knows what they are doing as far as animation. Keeping the animation rights will allow Sony to do their own "cinematic universe". I see no reason why Disney cannot keep the live action rights solely as everyone loves the MCU flicks and Tom Holland. So there you go. Disney, Sony, stop being children and work something out. It is possible for both of you to have a cinematic universe starring Spidey.

Kibbe Nails

After a pretty long hiatus, I am officially back. Yay! Today I want to talk nail beauty for all of the Kibbe types. So, as we know, there are three basic nail shapes: oval, squoval and square nails. This post is designed to match you with your Kibbe type. 

Romantic, Soft Gamine, Soft Classic, Soft Dramatic: 



These are some of the most Yin types, so very short nails would be most appropriate. 


Theatrical Romantic, Classic, Gamine, Soft Natural, Natural, Flamboyant Gamine:



Since this nail shape is a little bolder than the previous nail shapes, this nail shape would befit anyone who has a little more Yang in their appearances. 


Flamboyant Natural, Dramatic Classic, Dramatic:

Square nails command attention, so it is only natural that this nail shape would be reserved for the most Yang types. 

I am sorry that this a relatively short post. I promise I will upload more content in the future.

Swimsuit Looks

Hello, hello, hello. I have some great news. I got a job as an entry-level event planner. Yay me! On another note, I apologize for not updating the blog at all last week as I was so busy with interviews. But better late than never. Here is my official fourth post

If you are a DRAMATIC or NATURAL, your swimsuit should be very provocative and modern-looking. Think monokinis and string bikini tops and bottoms. Since you have a decidedly athletic frame, fortunately you can show more skin. If you are uncomfortable with string bikini bottoms (they can be as uncomfortable as a thong), boy shorts are another option.




If you are a GAMINE, your swimsuit should hip and trendy. There is not much to say on this front since bandeau tops and swimsuits are already seen as trendy.


If you are a ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL or INGENUE, look for a swimsuit that is very retro-looking. ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL and INGENUE are YIN which means "drawing back". Therefore, your look should echo the looks of times past.


Note: Whatever your style identity is, if you are medium to large-chested, however, please invest in some good underwire bikini tops!

Natural Hair Care #1

I am dedicating this post today to all my beautiful chocolate, caramel, espresso or café au lait sistas out there with Type 4 or 3c hair. If you are not familiar with the Kibbe typing system, please visit this link: https://www.truth-is-beauty.com/blog/what-do-they-your-beauty

Many of us #teamnatural ladies are very confused over what products to use on our hair or what methods to use. Never fear! 2 and a half years of not being able to mess with my hair (#teamlocs) has given me plenty of time to mull over and research this very subject. So here I go...

Creams, butters, greases and heavy oils are best if you want to do a no-fuss, no-frills, bohemian, Mother Nature kind of look. Ladies, if you want to use greases, butters, heavy oils or creams on your hair, use them on dry hair! Creams, butters and greases are significantly heavier than gels, so using these products are damp hair would just weight it down! If you fall within the Type 3c-4a range, it might be best to use children's hair products since they tend to be less heavier than your average adult hair care products. The more coiled your hair is, the heavier the product needs to be and vice versa.

Dramatic: Most yang
Natural: Fairly yang
Gamine: Yang
Classic: Balanced
Romantic: Yin
Ingenue: High yin
Ethereal: Mostly yin



See the difference? One side has more definition whereas another side has more volume. If you have more yin features, go for the shingling method. If you have more yang features go for the raking method or pre-poo treatment method. Yin features would be overwhelmed by the volume and yang features would be flattened by the more defined hair.

Mostly Yin: Romantic; Soft Dramatic; Soft Classic; Theatrical Romantic; Classic: Shingling/praying hands method

Balanced: Soft Natural; Gamine; Soft Gamine; Dramatic Classic: Raking method

Mostly Yang: Natural; Flamboyant Natural; Dramatic; Flamboyant Gamine: Pre-poo treatment method

Now that all of that is out of the way, allow me to take you through all three methods...

1. Pre-poo treatment method: This method is quite simple.  All you have to do is take a deep conditioner or moisturizing oil such as coconut or olive oil, cover your head or sit under a hooded dryer for 15-20 mins, then shampoo your hair.
2. Raking method: You use this method when you want to distribute the product through your hair with your fingers. Please use creams, puddings, greases and butters on completely dry hair to achieve this effect.
3. Shingling/Praying Hands method: Shingling should be done on short hair whereas praying hands should be done on medium to long hair. Shingling is done with the fingertips whereas praying hands is done with the palms of your hands. These methods allow you to smooth, not rake the product through your hair. As mentioned above, please use creams, puddings, greases and butters on completely dry hair.

Everyday Makeup Looks for Your Season

Hello, today I want to focus on how to achieve the right casual makeup look based on your season. If you are not familiar with the color typing system, here is a link provided: https://www.truth-is-beauty.com/color-analysis.html. If you have peachy, golden or yellow undertones, you are most definitely a Spring or Autumn. If you have blue, pink or red undertones, you are most definitely a Summer or Winter. If you have olive undertones, you are most likely a Summer.

NOTE: If you are a woman of color such as myself, rest assured that it is possible to fit into ALL seasons, not just Autumn or Winter. Clear Spring, Soft Summer, Warm and Deep Autumn, and Clear and Deep Winter are all possible categories for women of color.

Here is a visual representation of the color palette you are working with, based on your season.


Spring:



Summer:



Autumn:



Winter



I apologize, but these pictures were the only way to provide a simplified, bare-bones representation :) Moving along...


Springtime look should be...fresh-faced, youthful and natural. Think rosy lips and cheeks.

• Barely there foundation. Pressed powder or tinted moisturizer are good alternatives.
• Pink or coral lip gloss/lipstick
• Peachy or coral blush
• Long lashes
• Round doe eyes

 
Summer look should be...ethereal, delicate and understated. Think glowing skin and delicate lashes.

• Light coverage foundation
• Nude or berry lip gloss/lipstick
• Defined brows
• Voluminous, defined lashes
• Highlighter and blush

Autumn look should be...mature, commanding and direct. Neutral eyeshadows and almond-shaped eyes are the most important component.

• Medium coverage foundation
• Nude or brown lipstick
• Almond-shaped eyes
• Natural lashes
• Neutral eyeshadows
• Contouring

Winter look should be...unnerving, fearless and dramatic. Dramatic eye makeup is a must.

• Medium coverage foundation
• Red or berry lipstick/lip gloss
• Heavy eyeliner
• Dramatic brows
• Dark, rich eyeshadows

Thank you for tuning in. I may or may not make another post later today ;)

Foolproof Kibbe Guide to 80's Style

For my first post, I have decided to focus on 80s style, since we, as a society, are currently going through an 80's obsession, and that includes fashion. Probably, the biggest thing that stood out in 80's fashion were the skirts. The 80's breathed new life into the mini skirt trend while introducing more playful hems than that of the past decades. The three skirts that stood out the most in the 80s were the tulip skirt, the bubble skirt and the ruffle/tulle skirt. Those three skirt styles encapsulated everything that we love about 80's fashion: out-there, daring and excessive. Using the Kibbe system, I will attempt to demonstrate how you can use the Kibbe system in order to incorporate that 80's flair in your wardrobe that best fits you. If you are not at all familiar with Kibbe, allow me to direct you to this link. 

 https://www.truth-is-beauty.com/blog/style-identities-part-i-there-are-seven-basic-essences

Dramatic; Natural: Your best bet would be a tulip skirt. Dramatics and Naturals tend to have slim hips which is corresponds well with the tulip hem because of its sharp angles. Couple that with your fairly yang (read: striking) features, you could totally pull it off. If you fall more on the tall side of the spectrum, a midi length could really enhance your height. However, that by no means means you should not show off your legs with a mini length!

Gamine: The best option would be a ruffle or tulle skirt. Ruffle and tulle give off a quite playful vibe which is perfect for the cheeky, mischievous Gamine. Want to make your skirt even more 80s? Pair your ruffle or tulle skirt with colored tights/leggings!

Romantic: Try out a bubble midi skirt. The bubble skirt hem really enhances the the Romantic since it is, well, romantic. It is fun and youthful while still giving off a sophisticated, ladylike feel, something uncommon in the 80s.

Ingenue; Angelic: The bubble skirt, hands down. A short bubble skirt hem evokes girlishness, very fitting for the girlish Ingenue figure. In addition, the bubble skirt evokes the feel of a ball gown, a more-than-perfect match for the ancient-style Angelic.

 

Thank you for the taking the time to read this post. If you are craving more, I promise I will be uploading a lot more content in the next few days. Contrary to popular belief, these fashion posts, take a lot of work and research! So just be patient and stay tuned :)