How do YOU age gracefully? Here are some TIPS!

Hello everyone! How was your Memorial Day weekend? Mine was good. I spent it with the hubby, children and a few friends. Sunday we (Hubby & I) drove our children to my grandmothers home in Tennessee because we are headed to Las Vegas BAY-BAY!!!! 6 days and 5 nights! We leave in the morning, so tonight I wanted to start my beautification process (I am laughing because it's not that deep!) and thought about beauty tips! I wanted to share some of mine, some of the ones I read in various magazines (ex: Essence) and would love for you to share a few of yours!

I have on my mask with my
collagen eye zone mask

My goal is to age gracefully. I have never really considered plastic surgery (I am still young), but I think monthly facials will help (I want to start getting them regularly, and with the surge of sites like Groupon, Living Social, etc., you can get facials for as low at $15 now!) In between professional assistance there are always things you can do at home. So let's get started!


Collagen Eye Mask (bought off of ebay)



Shea Moisture African Black Soap Mask
Goes on smooth and cool, but starts to tingle (sting) if you have it on too long!
(It was in a facial kit at Target)

1). Splash your face 20 times with lukewarm water mixed with the later from your cleansing bar, followed by 10 splashes of cool, clean running water. This helps soften the skin and flush out the pores. Beatrice Simmions, Atlanta

2) Change your pillowcases weekly so the oil from your hair doesn't transfer to your face and cause breakouts. Edrica Scott, Georiga

3) Make your own skin smoothing and softening bath soak with a mix of sea salt, dry milk and baking soda. Divineangelic Rogers

4) Lip gloss is like an oil and attracts the sun, so don't forget to put sunscreen on your lips first because they can burn easily. Plus sun damage is one of the culprits behind lip discoloration.

5) Avoid rubbing your eyes. The more you rub them, the greater the chance that the skin around them will get darker. Rubbing inflames the area and causes more pigmentation to be deposited into the thin skin.

6) If you wear a scarf at night, add an extra layer of protection by putting a moisturizing cream around your edges, especially at the nape of your neck.

7) To create your most natural nude lip, before you apply a clear lip gloss - put on a bit of concealer that matches your skin tone.

8). To use less foundation for a more natural look - dip your sponge in water, squeeze out, then dip it in your base. The sponge will soak up the water and be too full to absorb excess foundation.

9) Instead of lipstick, mix eye shadow or blush with lip gloss. Ester L. Green
I haven't tried this one, but I plan on it. Just to see what color I can come up with!

10) Tia Mowry's tips (from BET's The Game)
"I rub ice on my face in the morning before I put on makeup and evening before I go to bed."

11) "Olive oil works wonders for me. I use it to moisturize my entire body and I use it on my baby too."

12) Brandy's tips (the singer)
"My mom taught me at a very young age to rub upward when applying moisturizer to prevent miracles."

13) "Cucumbers are perfect for puffiness around the eyes."

14) Egg whites as a mask, really keeps the skin tight.

15) Preparation H under the eyes takes the early-morning bags. Wendy Raquel Robinson

16) I use my personal creation, Bernetta's Body Butter Blend. I make it with a Shea Butter base and add Coconut Oil, Olive Oil and Grapeseed oil. My body stays super soft. I use it from head to toe. Everyone that tries it loves how it moisturizes their skin. Get yours at > Bernetta Body Butter <

17)DRINK MORE WATER! It hydrates your skin from the inside out! It gives it a natural glow that no product every could.

18) EXERCISE > You already know it's good for your body, health and aids in you aging gracefully in every way! 30 minutes at least 3 times a week. I personally enjoy Zumba and add in some FREE workout apps on my phone!

19) Eat HEALTHY! A video blogger I follow gave all her followers a challenge; eat healthy 6 days and week and do whatever on the 7th! It's harder in the beginning, but once you make it a way of life - you will feel the difference. What's better, you will see the difference shown on your skin, weight loss and more energy. You can do all of the above, but nothing can out do eating right and exercise!

What are your tips?

15 Random Things About Me.....

I saw this post on my fellow Mocha Moms Arianne's blog (Love, Peace & Tiny Feet) and decided to copy! I thought her post was pretty cool and I admit I didn't know any of those things about her before reading that post. So here are 15 random things about me! Enjoy...

1). My two favorite shows growing up were The Cosby Show and A Different World. I actually wanted to go (and did go) to college because of these two shows. I couldn't wait to hang out and be in "The Pit". I think I even looked up Hillman College to see if it was real.

2). When I was young my mother wanted to teach me how to cook but I told her I was going to have a cook because I am going to be famous! So, I didn't learn and I am not famous, yet. Can I cook? You can answer that question. I am much better now though. I am self-taught!

3). I am from Evanston, IL and small suburb outside of the Windy City. I love where I am from and always wish I could go back more than I do. My memories growing up all the people that contributed to my life back then are priceless.

4). I love HOUSE music! Growing up in Chicago, that is what we were used too. You don't hear too much of that in the Dirty South, but if you put on "It's time for the Per-cu-later!" You will see a different side of me quick!

5). I secretly always wanted a sister. I have two brothers who are 7 & 5 years younger than me (1 is deceased), but I always wanted a sister. All my best girl friends have them and it's just a bond I always longed for.

6) My favorite fast food restaurant is WHITE CASTLE (in Chicago!) & Chic-fil-a (in Georgia). Every time I go home I have stop and get me 2 double cheeseburgers and fries! But I can tell I am either getting older or my body is used to eating healthy because the last time I had white castle, my tummy was mad at me!

7) My guilty pleasure, one thing I will NEVER GIVE UP > French Fries! Now that I eat healthy, I oven fry them in olive oil on 440 or even make sweet potato fries. But I will never give them up!

8). I want to write a book about all my secrets!! LOL But then my secrets will be out! So...maybe I shouldn't write the book!

9) I really really really want to be on Dancing with the Stars! I hope I can one day.

10). I still don't know my real purpose in life yet. I have been searching, praying, hoping for it to be revealed to me since I was 23. And I still don't fully have it. I have pieces of it > motivating and informing people < but still don't know how or when it's going to fully manifest.

11). I believe in God and Jesus! I also am very intrigued in the afterlife, ex: Angels. I believe Heaven exist and hope to be there one day.

12). I created a Vision Board and things have really come to pass. I am praying I can meet Oprah in person one day too. She is a MAJOR inspiration in my life. I am glad she is one person that knows her purpose/passion and followed her dreams.

13). My favorite two movies are The Color Purple (I have seen it over 30 times) but never read the book! #Gottareadthebook. I even saw the Color Purple on Broadway when I was 8 months pregnant! #Lifechanging. My other favorite movie is Love Jones! I know the feeling of that kind of LOVE!

14.) I love SCRABBLE! My first lady (Pastors Wife) got me hooked years back and now I think I am a beast in the game. But she still beats me when we play! Although I am not fond of my scrabble phone app.

15). I want to be SO FASHIONABLY FLY ALL THE TIME BUT I DO NOT LIKE SPENDING ALOT OF MONEY ON CLOTHES!!!!!!!! I JUST DON'T. I gotta figure something out!

16 Bonus) Lastly, I love my children and being a mommy but IT IS REALLY THE HARDEST JOB IN THE WORLD! #whoknew OH! AND SO IT BEING A WIFE!

Hope you enjoyed learning a little bit about me!

The Disney's Let It Shine Screening was too much fun!!!

This past Friday we (the hubby and I) were able to take our children to the Disney Premiere of their new made for television movie, Let It Shine. I have been to quite a few movie screenings (with and without the kiddies) but this one was so much fun! Disney really rolled out the red carpet, literally. The screening was held at the World of Coca Cola Studio in Zoo Atlanta. It was also sponsored by Sprint who had a table and gave out a lot of great give-a-ways!

One thing that I enjoyed was how Disney kept the children happy before the movie started. The movie started at 7:30pm and we arrived about 1 hour before. Radio Disney was ready for the children when they arrived. They had snacks (popcorn & drinks) for everyone. They had a team of young adults (Radio Disney) that allowed the children to come on stage to sing, dance, play games, and WIN things! My children won a Let It Shine DVD & movie soundtrack. They even had Let It Shine swag bags filled with a signed poster and t-shirt! I think the highlight of the event for my children was actually seeing the stars of the movie in person! My children are young (6 & 4) so they are not used to seeing a celebrity in person so it was very funny to me when they recognized the stars of the movie and got all excited. The stars of the movie actually sat in the midst of all of us (the viewers) and watched the screening too. Not only were they there but a few other local ATL celebs; Toya (Lil Wayne’s ex-wife & bestselling author) who was so pretty and nice in person; Jasmine Guy, best known for her role on a Different World (and the reason I went to college). I was able to say hello to her too. I told her I was a fan. She was pleasant. Terry Vaughn was there as well. I used to be compared to her all the time when she was on Steve Harvey's Show (late 90's). Her most recent role was on Tyler Perry's House of Payne as a nurse. Loved her character! I didn't get a chance to speak to her though. I wanted to (we even sat on the same row), but I was nervous. I even saw T.I.'s (the Atlanta based rapper) children!! There were also a lot of local bloggers and actors from the movie there too.



Now for the movie >Let It Shine is a 2012 musical television film set to premiere on Disney Channel June 15th. It features an ensemble cast of Tyler James Williams, Coco Jones, Trevor Jackson, and Brandon Mychal Smith. I really liked it. If you like great dancing and singing, then you will like it too. It's a movie about a young boy who has great writing skills but is a very shy! He enters a contest and wins but somehow his best friend gets the credit. Instead of stepping up and telling the truth, he lets fear take over and chooses to be in the background. Unfortunately, he starts to regret his decision big time. I love the fact that it was a good quality family movie with no foul language or in appropriate behavior. There is a love connection in the movie and the most they do is hug! #lovethat. I have included a trailer of the movie below, along with my children dancing at the screening!


After the movie, all the children were able to ask the cast questions about the making of the movie. My daughter actually got to speak to Trevor Jackson on the way out. She was all smiles too.

My kids dancing with Radio Disney!



Terry Vaughn and family

Jasmine Guy & Talking with Tammy

Me and Toya (Best Selling Author)



Cuddly Monkey Tote Review & Giveaway

Who loves a good go-to-bag? A mom, that's who. I have had the pleasure of carrying around The Chic Bag designed by Cuddly Monkey for the past few weeks and it is now my official "go-to-bag."

The beach is your catwalk.

Practical and rugged, yet stylish and streamlined, The Chica is our modern twist on the classic beach tote. A "secret" zippered compartment provides convenient access to your keys or sunglasses, while our "x-ray" lining acts as a visual checklist for your beach day necessities.

I like this bag because it's BIG. As a mother of two young children, I carry about alot of things when I am with them. I carry toys, snacks, games, books and all my stuff too. As a mom, you just always want to be prepared when you are out with your kids. And even if you know you may not need everything that you have in your BAG, you want to be prepared just in case. I enjoyed this bag because it allowed me to fit everything inside comfortably and look cute too. The CHIC Bag is a bright red sturdy bag. It even has a cute black and white beach design on the inside. The handles are strong which can fit easily over your shoulder. My favorite part of the bag is it's hidden pocket right on the front of the bag. It's a medium size pocket with a zipper that is big enough for my cell phone, keys, sun glasses, lip stick, etc. BIG enough for all the most important small things that would usually get lost at the bottom. I use this pocket for all my most important things.

It's also cute enough that - for the last few weeks, I've wore it with every outfit! I am not saying it matched because you know we like to coordinate!! But it had all my things in it and was very comfortable to carry. Pefect for a mommy on the go. You don't have to be a mommy of many to carry this bag though. You could use this for anything and actually pick from a variety of style and colors that work for you.

Would you like to WIN a Cuddly Monkey Tote? Come on, go for it!
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Visit http://www.cuddlymonkey.com/ to view the variety of handbags!
Who is CuddlyMonkey? Cuddly Monkey tote bags are the definition of functional fun. On the outside, the durable 100% cotton canvas makes the bag useful for any outing. On the inside, the vividly designed cotton linings prove that Cuddly Monkey isn't your basic tote bag. It's the tote for every lifestyle, from the inside out.

My Mothers Day Weekend!! How was yours? #TIRED

Vision Board Party

Hi everyone! How was you Mother's Day Weekend? Mine was pretty ... ok... it went by too fast though. Friday evening my grandmother came to town to spend the weekend with us, but I couldn't spend much time with her because I volunteered my services to my church, Vision For Souls (for the entire weekend!). Friday night, after work I had to get ready to help host a Vision Board Party. It went really well. We had a good amount of guest who came ready to put their goals and dreams on display! Afterward, many women shared the dreams with the crowd. Click here to read about my own vision board. After the V.B. Party, I had to rehearse for the mini-play me and 4 other women were performing Sunday Morning. So I didn't get home Friday until after midnight .... granny was sleep.

Saturday Morning, off to church again. We had our annual Brunch and I helped out. I was there from 10am to 2pm! By the time I got home, my mother & grandmother had my kids and were out thirfting! I am mad I missed that! I think (naw, I know!) I get bargain shopping from my granny! She came home hours later and bragged about a brand new suit she got for $7!! Sounds like me! I will say, I was able to get a good nap (hubby was out showing houses!) and a Zumba workout in while I was alone. That was needed.

Me in character

My granny (Gold), My mom (Yellow)

Sunday Morning, Church! We performed a play called "No More Drama!" It was about 5 sorority sisters who just came from their other sorors funeral. They all start telling their secrets and realizes that even though they are sisters - they really don't know each other! It was fun to do. After church, we (my family - hubby & kids) had to wait on my mother and grandmother (she goes to a different church) before we could go eat. Now ...... I told my husband that I didn't want a gift this year because we needed to get my mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother something. All I wanted was to pick a nice place to eat, but that didn't happen. My grandmother does not like to eat at places with menus! Yep! She likes BUFFETS! SMH! So, she wanted to go to Golden Corral. There I was looking all cute....at the buffet! Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with Golden Corral, but I just wanted to be served on Mothers Day. But I gave in and stood in the buffet line! SMH!

Later that evening, the hubby and I were able to go see the Avengers! It was good. #thatisall. I feel asleep in the movie for about 25-30 minutes! I was tired.

So, what about you?
Happy Mothers Day!


Dress H&M $10 on Clearance Rack



Me and my son!





My Favorite FASHION-FIND Store! What's yours?



Ross, $17

What is your favorite store? For me favorite represents great finds for a great price. And I have two, but this post is primarily about one > ROSS! I love going to ROSS. They always have what I need when I need it. If I am looking for a dress (I love a cute dress) for any event or a certain color, whatever I need... my first stop is always Ross. Now, I might stop at a few other places (remember I have another favorite!) but I find so many cute items at Ross for the prices I am so willing to pay. The dresses always look so much more expensive than what I paid for them AND everyones mouth always drops when I say Ross! I usually get the same response, "Ross! No! Ross! I gotta go there!" Or I get, "Ross! I love it too girl!" I really should send this post to Ross, because I would happily be the spoke person for that store. I have so many up north friends who do not have a Ross! They are just itching to get down south to go on a shopping experience with me! And for the record, I DO NOT LIKE TO SPEND ALOT OF MONEY on clothes. I just don't. I love to get a GREAT FIND for a LOW PRICE. I understand what my low is might not be your low, but that's the beauty of fashion. Also, it's not about labels for me, but about taste because you can find a FAB FIND at the Goodwill!! So here are some of my FAB FINDS at Ross. The last one is from my other favorite store for a quick, cute, cheap (but good quality find) > TARGET! I also say cheap, because I only shop off the clearance rack when it comes to Target. "Why pay full price, if you wait a few weeks, everything always goes on sale!" My motto! Living Stylish, BernettaStyle

What about you? What is your place?



Ross, $24 but its Calvin Klein



Ross, $14



Ross, $19 (White Party)

Target $7, yep $7!

Celebrity Diaper Drive with Celebrity mom Tameka Raymond! You're Invited!

 I was invited to a great charitable event and I would like to extend the invitation to you! I had a blast with this organization in March, I even did Karaoke for the first time. I know this one is going to be blast as well. If you like giving back and enjoying a good party at the same time, this is the perfect opportunity to help families in need.

Atlanta Diaper Relief and Celebrity mom Tameka Raymond and the Lost Ones Foundation Host a Diaper Drive Summer Jam at Kangazoom

Sunday, June 3rd Kia Morgan Smith, CEO of Atlanta Diaper Relief has partnered with Tameka Raymond's Lost One's Foundation for a Diaper Drive Summer Jam. 

The two charitable organizations have partnered to bring awareness to the diaper need in Metro Atlanta. Thousands of babies sit in soiled diapers because their parents can't afford to buy more. Atlanta Diaper Relief gives diapers out for FREE to needy families. It's a prolific problem and now the organizations have partnered to collect more diapers and bring awareness to this great cause.

This Summer Diaper Drive will be hosted by two Atlanta top bloggers, Baby Shopaholic and LipGloss & Binky. Join the crowd on Sunday June 3rd from 1 to 4 p.m at Kangazoom, a beautiful indoor play facility that features four party rooms, inflatable jumps, arcade games, a clothing boutique, a snack/gift corner, parents lounge, computer corner, and more assorted fun for children ages two to twelve.
 
For entry parents must bring a box of diapers to donate to Atlanta Diaper Relief so kids can play!
Meet and greet Tameka Raymond, Founder of Lost Ones Foundation and owner of Kangazoom and Kia Morgan Smith, Founder of Atlanta Diaper Relief.
 
This will be a fun-filled event with food, a kiddie DJ, lots of fun and a chance to learn more about how to help babies in need. Also hosted by BabyShopaholic.com and LipGlossandBinky.com.
Please RSVP at http://kangazoomdiaperdrive.eventbrite.com  and we look forward to seeing you at the Summer Jam!

My time at the Summer & Spring Trend Presentation at Neiman Marcus

Last night I was invited to a Spring & Summer Trend Fashion Presentation at Neiman Marcus. It was hosted by top Atlanta Mommy & Fashion blogger Trina, Baby Shopaholic. What is a Fashion Trend Presentation? Well, I didn't know until last night! LOL!! It was so nice. They turned a section of the store into a little soiree, along with hor-devours, wine & goodie bags! We had a front row seat for a mini-fashion show. Neiman Marcus Style Advisor, Dave Ferguson explained in great detail what is hot for spring and summer with fashionable examples! Let me give you one tip and one secret.

Tip: Blue jeans have taken a back seat right now to eye popping color jeans! Pink is the color of spring. Big earrings are in. Mis-matching colors, strips etc., is what's working now! Remember when you wanted to match your shirt with your shoes, well don't.

Secret: Green (all shades) is the coming color for the fall. And this years fall shoe trend is going for comfort! So, we will be on the look out for that.



I enjoyed the show because he showed us outfits that we could wear out with the girls, to work, or with our main squeeze. I liked his term, "Throw and Go!" but be cute and stylish while doing it. When you hear Neiman Marcus you might think BIG PRICE tag, and I did to > that is why I have never shopped there! But after last nights event, I plan to pay NM a visit more often. Mainly because perception is reality. I perceived it to be more than I can afford or was WILLING to spend, but they have different price points and SALES!!! They have beautiful things and I will no longer deny myself, unless I can't afford it! hahaha!

I felt like I was at a fashion week fashion show, because there were so many ALT fashion bloggers there taking pictures and chit chatting. Everyone showcased their own style too. I will tell you one thing, fashion wise... I used to be on it > I need to get back on it. I think being a mommy of two and just LIFE had slowed me down. Not saying I don't dress cute, because I think I dress cute!! BUT I want to be STYLISH! It's a difference! And as long as I continue to go to more events like these, I can't help but pick up tips. And of course, share them with you! Thanks for reading!

Sassy Chicks are coming to Atlanta! #GIRLSNIGHT

Ladies, ladies, ladies of the A-T-L!! Who doesn't like a good Girls Night Out? Who doesn't like a swag bag filled with goodies and an atmosphere of fashion that will leave you wanting more! Well, if that sounds like YOU and your girls, then I will see you on Thursday, May 17th. And guess what, I have a hook up that will get you in for FREE! (Limited FREE tickets, so hurry up and register!)

Sassy City Chicks are bringing their Girls Night to Atlanta.
Along with shopping, spa services, and cocktails, our ultimate girls’ night out will also feature
one of Atlanta’s hottest DJ’s spinning a custom dance mix throughout the evening, VIP swag in
cute reusable tote bags, as well as Pixi Beauty products and other sponsored giveaways.

If the excitement of the first Fashion Bash begins to wear on our Atlanta guests, shoppers can
also head over to the Spa Lounge to receive complimentary spa services and relax- with a
cocktail! Event sponsor Sinless Cocktails will host an open bar, where guests can sample their
famously delicious, low-cal drinks.

Visit my friend's blog for FREE TICKETS > http://www.mushymamma.com/2012/05/first-ever-sassy-city-chicks-event-in-the-atl/ 

Will I see you there?

Atlanta Baby Expo Ticket Giveway

If you are a new mommy or a mommy-to-be then the Atlanta Baby Expo is the place to be on May 12 at the Fox Theatre. The Atlanta Baby Expo is the premier event for expecting and new parents in the Southeast. They have the ultimate in parenting and baby products and professionals. It is an elite experience, intimate in setting and not overwhelming. It's a party for YOU, the grandparents and your supporting cast of family and friends!

I didn't know about this event when I was pregnant, but I wish I did. I would have been there with the hubby racking up on all the goodies I could buy. I am a giver and I would love to GIVE-A-WAY a ticket to this event! You only have two days to enter, so enter ASAP and spread the word.

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