I’m digging the orange and coral invasion at all the clothing stores!  I went to Marshall’s and found this outfit in less than 10 minutes. I find that bright colors lift my mood. I think I look healthier when I wear vibrant colors.

What do you think about mixing orange with pink? Too loud? Or just right?

                                                                          Dress from Marshalls $20

Purse from Styles for Less $25

Shoes by Madden Girl from Marshalls $ 29.99

Earrings Forever 21 $3.99

Hey everyone! I have some exciting news! I was going to dance around it, but I will just cut to the chase.  People Magazine  recently had a “Beauty at Every Age” search. My mom told me about it and I didn’t think anything of it. I gave her my photo so she could submit me, just two days before the deadline- and People Magazine actually choose me!!! The only drawback is that everyone knows my age now, lol. I won the People’s search for  ’Real Beauty at Every Age’ – for the 31 year olds!! Yay! Oh, and  yep…. I’m 31!

I shot a video about my experience with this.  However, I bought a new program that takes FOREVER to edit videos ( I just found out that I need to buy an extra program to make videos export, sheesh). I’ve tried to edit and upload for the past few days, but the magazine will be off the racks tomorrow- so I will just write about it!

Here is the story behind it:

People Magazine contacted me two weeks after my mom submitted my photo. They needed a lot of information from me.  I was alloted 24 hours to complete the paperwork, take and send new pictures, get documents notarized and faxed.  I am working doubles right now so I had an hour window period to finish this. I felt like a hot mess when I took the photo (pictured on the right)!

The next day they informed me that they could not use me in the article because I am a “public figure”. I was really bummed and replied to the email with gratitude and told them that I am not famous by any means. I thought it was the end of it.  A week later, I got a phone call from my Step-dad told me I was on page 96!

I am honored that I was chosen! There were over 15,ooo entries total. Women from 20-60 were eligible for the search.

Many of you asked how I got it in. Check People magazine’s website in April next year and see if they are searching for real beauties at every age and upload your picture. I believe my picture stood out because I was wearing a vibrant red top and my photo was taken at a studio. I thought it may have been a disadvantage to be one of the few 31 year olds to upload a professonal photo- but I see now that the clarity of the photo helped me out.

If you submit for anything that requires you to stand out on print, I suggest:

1. Bright or vibrant solid color shirt

2. Express positive emotion in your eyes

3. Use natural light or studio light. Not too light, not too bright.

4. SMILE!!!

I can’t close out this post until I voice my opinion about Beyoncé as the world’s most beautiful woman. GREAT CHOICE. She deserves it. Ms. Fierce is always on the top of her game, is a new mom, and is in a happy marriage. It’s wonderful to see her receive the honor. She is truly gorgeous and deserves it!

Always remember that true beauty starts within. External beauty is pointless if you are not a joy to be around!

Well if you missed this issue, you can get it electronically on your iPad or E-reader =) Cheers!!

It’s the most wonderful time of the yeaaarrrrrr! Kidding. Kind of. Starbucks Happy Hour is almost here!  From May 6 through the 15th, all Frappuccinos are half price between 3 PM and 5 PM. Just in time to relieve the mid day crash!  Set your alarms! I did =)

This is the second installment of Project Palette. This project is my attempt to create as many looks possible with one palette. I decided to splurge and by Urban Decay’s 15 Year Anniversary Palette a few months ago. I figured I should step outside of the box and document the versatility one palette can bring.

Here is the BEST part of Project Palette. I teamed up with celebrity makeup artist Elaina

Badro.I will use her brushes for Project Palette from this point on. Elaina was kind enough to

Elaina Badro

offer Domestic Diva Lifestyle fans a DISCOUNT CODE ALL OF HER MAKEUP BRUSHES. Yipee! You know how I feel about discounts and coupons! The discount code is revealed at the end of the makeup tutorial.

Elaina Badro has worked with DMX, Randy Jackson’s artist, Mika Newton, Diesel Couture Line, ShoeDazzle, Mann & T-Pain’s music video. Please take a moment to support a strong and entrepreneurial woman!

I’m going grocery shopping tonight! I thought I should share my Fresh and Easy Coupon for today.

Save $10 off of $50! Enjoy!

I am loving the Spring weather. I’m happy to bring out my dresses, both old and new! I am pretty happy with the deal I scored with this entire outfit. Do you think this was a good deal?

Dress- Love Culture $25

Belt- Love Culture- $8

Shoes- Footsies- $10

Have you noticed the BB Cream craze? If you haven’t yet, you will notice it after reading this. So let’s get this out of the way first, what is BB Cream anyway? It stands for Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm (I have heard both references). I first heard about it from Rachel Talbott’s Check in the Mirror blog. She posted a picture of BB Cream as one of her favorite things and I looked it up and found out so many great things about it. Thanks Rachel!  After that, I started to notice the product  spring up in high end makeup lines and over-the-counter skin care brands.

I explain more in my video, but here is the low down. BB cream is more than a tinted moisturizer, but not as heavy as a heavy foundation. I call in the bridge between skin care and makeup. It is perfect to wear by itself on your day off, workout or at the beach. An application of BB cream smooths, perfects, even skin tone, moisturizes and protects with SPF. It is an excellent primer for foundation and or powder. In other words, it can be worn daily without damaging your skin. Your skin will actually feel renewed!

BB cream is very light and absorbs fast. It actually found in the skin care section, which is already a good sign in my book! I use Garnier BB Cream, which can be a bit shiny, so it is a good idea to put on a light application of powder over the it. BB cream is an incredible foundation primer. I used to use Smashbox Foundation Primer, but after using BB cream, I find that it is better to reap the benefits of its skin care while adding depth to my makeup application. I am truly a fan!!! Watch out for an upcoming webisode  for my top BB cream tips!

Here is the icing on the cake. I bought Garnier BB Cream for $9. It as $12.50 but I had a coupon and it as on sale at CVS. Be sure to join the CVS Beauty club to get money back on your purchases.

Click here to see multiple brand BB Cream reviews from Refinery29.com. 

Let me know if you are going to jump on the BB cream train or your thoughts!

I really love Mimi’s! I especially love their breakfast and petite portions.

Check out this coupon for a Free Lunch or Dinner at Mimi’s Cafe. Hurry! It’s only good until April 21, 2012!

It pays to be a social butterfly. My friend posted a friend code on my Facebook timeline. I usually have to scour the internet for deals. This is great! Get 15% to 20% off of ULTA when you enter friend code 1521. You will receive a coupon that is valid in store and online valid now until the 21st! Enjoy and don’t forget to share the love! Yay for Ulta’s friends and family coupon!

I started doing my own nails about a year ago. I had acrylic nails for many years and thought it was a good idea to take off the acrylic and let me real nails breathe. A drastic change in my income prompted the decision as well. I finally feel comfortable to share my in home, do-it-yourself manicure tips. It took a while for me to do a decent job. I spilled nail strengthener all over the place during my first attempt to do my manicure. It was a joke! But now I am efficient and proud of myself!

Check out the video and let me know what you think of my DIY manicure technique.

Keep in mind that the initial investment will seem expensive, but just remember to close the lids tightly, keep your other tools organized, clean, and sharp… and it could last for an extremely long time. I slowly accumulated my nail file, clipper, cuticle remover gel, and all the hardware over time. You don’t have to do all the steps if you don’t have all of the materials. If you are new at the DIY manicure,  simply shape your nails and prep before polishing.   Feel good about saving money are your ability to do this yourself!

Here is a quick cheat sheet:

1. Soak nails in luke warm soapy water

2. Remove nail polish

3. Clip nails if needed. File nails to desired shape.

4. Push cuticles back

5. Apply cuticle softener/ removal gel.  Let sit for 2 minutes and remove with a Q-tip.

6. Clean under nails

7. Buff tops of nails and double check shape.

8. Wash hands

9. Apply base coat and let dry

10. Apply two coats of nail polish

11.  Apply top coat

12. Moisturize hands after nails are dry

Voila! You are freshly manicured nails. If you want to take your savings a step further, put the money that you would normally put aside for the tip in to your piggy bank (yes, I said piggy bank)!