Passionately Driven... A Lifestyle and Wellness Blog

How many times have you applied makeup or put on a cute outfit, with the expectations of receiving a compliment? Were you disappointed at all? What about the selfie that you posted on social media, believing that it was the cutest/prettiest/best one you'd ever taken? Did it get as many "likes/shares/reposts" as you'd anticipated? If not, did this effect you personally or decrease your confidence? Well, it's time to change that! So many times, we depend too much on what other people say about us and whether we are meeting others expectations. It is important to remember to be You, and be ok with who you are. Allow others to see the fullness of who you are naturally, and you will be surprised by the energy you receive from others.  Today, while not expecting anything from anyone, I received a compliment from one of my co-workers, which domino effected into compliments from others, and it surprised me! Where did this come from? And why was I feelin...

Ever had anyone to suggest that you need more beauty rest? Maybe you suggested to someone else that they needed it, or you commented that you hadn't gotten enough beauty sleep... Being a woman who has had plenty of sleep problems myself, I thought it would be a great idea to research just how important sleep is. Yes, common knowledge tells us that sleep decreases dark eye circles and some might have even noticed that increased rest decreases irritability.     Although these reasons are good ones to get your rest, there are others to keep in consideration, when you decide to choose work, play or whatever else, over sleep. Studies show that sleep is also good for concentration, increased learning abilities, decreased depression, increased lifespan, a better sex life and diet assistance. YES! I said Diet assistance! Check out this website for increased knowledge on how sleep aides with our workout process and goals for sexiness! http://www.strengtheory.com/...

First, I want it known that I believe that Everyone/Anyone can benefit from this blog (red, black, white, yellow, brown, whatev's, lol)... It really annoys me each time a person makes the statement "I don't need sunscreen, I'm black" or "Black people need sunscreen?" I don't know whether to be totally annoyed or to be slightly amused. Yes, fellow person of color, and Yes, unknowing person of paleness, Everyone should use sunscreen, if expecting to have prolonged exposure to the sun...   Although I applied sunscreen, before getting into the water, I neglected to re-apply at some point, while enjoying the ocean for approximately 6 hours. As you can see, I have a little peeling on the nose and forehead, and now I sit writing this blog with sensitive shoulders and recently applied aloe vera ;) So for all of my lovelies, I want to give you a few sites to look at, so that you can share with others the importance of protecting your skin and some t...

"It's called 'I felt like wearing socks with my sandals, so I did'" is what I said to her, when she gave me a weird look and asked why I was wearing socks with my wedges. Then, because I wouldn't back down to her questions, more questions followed, in reference to the rest of my ensemble for the day. Not to be wavered, I simply replied "It's my style. If you don't like it, then so what. You do you, and I'll do me." It amazes me how people have so many comments to make about others style, when they don't have a signature or personal style of their own, especially when the "style" that they have is not really "style" but matchymatchy cookie-cutter ensembles. I stick to my belief that "fashion is art", and an expression/extension of oneself. My own personal style is quite eccentric, involving bohemian-fused inspirations and quirky vintage or thrift pieces. I was nervous to try the sock and sandal s...

Have you ever noticed that when you get something new, you start seeing everyone else with the same thing or something similar? Well, it's really no different with pregnancy! Once you're expecting, you notice that "Wow! Everyone's expecting!" At least, that's what happened in my case. All of a sudden, I started noticing all of these expecting mothers, and my fashion eye couldn't help but be stunned! Of course, I'd noticed the bellies peeking out of the bottoms of shirts before, but it seemed to be a more regular occurrence, now that I seemed to have a new pregnancy radar-type sixth sense going on. Why, oh why is the beauty and glow of pregnancy being dimmed by these cruel fashion faux-pas's? Soooo, of course SUPERWONDERAWESOMEWOMAN fashion stylist ChristalNicole has come to the rescue! We all know how strongly I feel about being fashionable on a budget. Because of my own personal bohemian-inspired style, I've hardly had to purchase anything ...

Recently, I had the opportunity to be a part of the Dallas Fashion Week Twitter Party premiere fashion show. The designer showcased on this night was AntoniMichelle, and I have to say that from the first time I saw her designs, I was in love! One of her statements about her designs is that she wants to "bring out the goddess in every woman". Truth be told, her designs do just that! From tall, short, thin and curvy, her designs bring out the beauty in any lady wearing them. I have a little secret to tell about her also... Men's designs are among her bag of tricks! It's not everyday that one can say that she was a part of the making of fashion future, but I believe that I can say just that. It can honestly be said that every piece that AntoniMichelle showcased was divine. She will be showcased in the upcoming Dallas Fashion Week October 20-22, 2011, and I can't wait! When you visit her site, you will also find that she designs awesome belts and handbags. Can you s...

The economy has been hard on lots of people, and I hear people talk about how they do not have the money for shopping... Do you hear the horns? What about the fireworks announcing that SUPERWONDERAWESOME WOMAN (ChristalNicole) has come to the rescue?! With a few simple tricks and a little imagination, you can double or even triple your wardrobe, without spending a penny (unless you just can't help yourself). Above, you will see that I have shown one dress in three different ways. I apologize that you can't see the shoes in two of the pictures, but I paired mid-calf black stiletto boots with the scarf and purple/black stilettos with the big hair... For a totally different feel and fun day out, I wore a colorful belt, earrings and ballet flats. Now, let's look inside your closet and see what we find. Pull out one pair of jeans (or slacks), one solid color skirt, a button-down, a tank top, and any other top that you particularly like. Guess what you've just done. You hav...