Amazing Argan

  

Fashionistas,

Argan oil has been increasingly popular over the years, mainly because of its many uses as an all-around body product. The argan oil is extracted from the nut of the argan tree. This tree is endemic only to southwestern Morocco, which is the reason why argan oil is so hard to come by and expensive to boot. The Berder women of the Agadir region of Morocco are the ones who harvest the argan oil. They extract the oil from the nut by hand, first by using stones to crack the nut, then grinding the kernels into a brown paste, and kneading the paste to extract the oil. The extraction procedure usually takes a Berber woman 3 days and 16 pounds of argan nuts to make just one liter of argan oil. The painstakingly long process, backbreaking work and isolated location of Morocco are just a couple of reasons why the argan oil has earned its moniker of “liquid gold”, because getting one will literally cost you the earth.    

The argan oil is rich in vitamins and minerals, and has loads of Vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants, which are good for the skin, hair, and nails. And since it is organic, it does not contain any harsh chemicals or parabens usually found in drugstore beauty products.  

Argan oil is used mainly as moisturizer for the skin. The oil is so lightweight and non-greasy it can also be used as moisturizer for the face. It also makes cuticles softer and promotes nail growth. It has been used to alleviate skin problems such as mild acne, eczema, psoriasis, and stretch marks made during pregnancy. On its own, it can be used as a leave-on conditioner for the hair as it is known to tame frizz, produce shine and smoothness in lacklustre tresses, and also prevent dry scalp and split ends.

With so many uses of argan oil, you can actually save in the long run despite of its high cost because you will be ditching a lot of products and only use this one instead.

Stay natural!!!

XOXO,

Nikki ♥

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The Five Must-Have Shoes



 

Fashionistas,

They say that one can never have too many shoes. I totally agree with this saying, but unfortunately, not all of us have money to burn like Imelda Marcos and buy all the shoes we want. I’ve had my share of experience of walking away from a pair of shoes that I wanted to own so badly. I have bills to pay and a family to feed and much as I would like to indulge myself ever so often with a pair of shoes, it is a luxury that I simply cannot afford to do. For practical reasons, I only get to buy shoes that I actually need, and not just want. So to satisfy my longing, I did a little research and went window shopping online for the five shoes every girl needs to survive and get by in this world. These shoes are classics and will not go out of style. And if you’re a shopaholic and can’t seem to stop buying every darn shoe you see on sight, this will serve as a guide to free yourself from the temptation of overindulging.  

The classic black pumps is the go-to shoe of every career girl because it projects a professional, elegant, and understated look. Another serious investment is a really good pair of either knee-length or mid-calf leather boots. Inclement weather notwithstanding, these boots are versatile and can be worn even if it is no longer snowing. For casual and intimate affairs, pair off a sexy dress with a pair of strappy sandals. This killer combo is perfect when you are out on a date with someone special. A pair of ballet flats (in a nice print or a solid color) should also be a staple in your wardrobe and should be used for running errands. You can also do with a pair of sneakers or tennis shoes for going out somewhere where you’ll be doing a lot of walking or some other physical activity that you wouldn’t normally do if wearing any other shoes.

So there you have it in a jiffy! I’m pretty sure a lot of women out there won’t be content with owning just 5 pairs of shoes. I know I can’t live with just 5, but it sure can be fun to at least try!

XOXO,

Nikki ♥

http://www.nikkibabie.com

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Sexiness ~ Flaunt that Goddess in YOU

 Fashionistas,

Sexiness, as I have relentlessly campaigned, is solely not physical. And if ever we are to translate sensuality to measures, dear, I must say it is always subjective! You are desirable if you are yourself. Exude that inner confidence! Wear your true colors! Flaunt that goddess in you!

Sadly, not everyone can adapt to this mentality easily. There are personal restraints and hindrances that we need to overcome still. That is why we are here to help. Girls help fellow girls in need, yes, fashionistas love their kin.

Now, for the curvacious-figured woman who wants to push the limit of style and attraction, following some simple tips may help you wow others with your fashion flair. Know what works best for you and incorporate the latest styles into your existing wardrobe for a fresh look and feel.

While curvy women had only a few chic, elegant choices in attire not so long ago, today is a great time to shop for plus size fashions! Retailers who specialize in this market aren't interested in relegating your fuller figure to the background, but want to help you stand out in the fashion crowd. Size matters and by that I meant the fuller, the sexier!

 

While fashion magazines sometimes seem to contradict themselves, as well as changing trends from season to season, once you identify your personal style, you'll feel much more comfortable and confident in what you wear. You'll also be able to avoid trends that you know aren't flattering to your body and embrace styles that make you look your best. Your best plus size fashion tips may differ from the curvy woman next to you, but by dressing in clothes that fit and flatter you perfectly, you can be a true blue fashionista!

Love yourself more!  

XOXO,

Nikki ♥

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Ooh La Lolita

Ohayou Fashionistas!

That would be “good morning” to you in Nihonggo. If you are wondering why the sudden shift to the eastern language, it is because you will be reading on today’s blog one street fashion that had swept the streets of Harajuku.

Japan is well known for a fashion sense beyond compare. Oh, we love them alright. I lived in Japan for a year. The Japanese people are the epitome of innovation, experimentation, and all out confidence! They wear whatever they want to wear and with that kind of virtue, their culture had given birth to a whole new breed in fashion that is forged all around the globe.

One of these trends would be the Lolita Fashion. To put it simply, Lolita Fashion is all about elegance and spunk. This subculture was born from the inspiration of the Victorian Era and the Rococo period. That’s right: petticoats, stockings, headdresses-- the grandeur of m’lady and milord’s everyday life.

The trend started in 1970 and had ever since loved and fancied by both young and old. It was so popular that specialty fashion boutiques all around the world such as Milk and Pretty, Pink House, Baby the Stars Shine Bright, and Metamorphose temps de fille, were never enough to sustain the general public. Outside Japan, the Lolita fashion can be seen at concerts and anime conventions throughout North America, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, France, Belgium, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the rest of the planet. The style is not mass marketed outside of Japan, though small stores have emerged, including "One Day in Paradise" in central Melbourne, Australia. Talk about a worldwide invasion!  

Not only that, bands from all over the world had created a musical genre intended for the citizens of this movement. It is a whole new revolution! The Lolita Fashion also gave way to androgyny as cross-dressing and flamboyant costumes, hairstyle, and makeup are not limited to the female enthusiasts. Truth be told that the prettiest lollitas were men!

The Lolita fashion had indeed made it big and had branched into different genus. So which kind of Lolita would you like to be?

Classic Lolita

This kind of Lolita is more mature and focuses on Rococo, Regency, and the Victorian styles. It is the median between the dark gothic Lolita and the sugary sweet Lolita. This is considered more cosmopolitan with its small and intricate patterns and muted colors on the fabric. It uses basic Lolita silhouette and sometimes defies into A-Lines and Empire waists. Intricate designs on jewelleries can be observed but the overall feel of the look maintains its simplicity as it is considered less whimsical and more functional.

Punk Lolita

As the name suggests, this type of Lolita fashion integrates punk concepts into the whole ensemble. Tattered fabric, safety pins, screen-printed fabrics, plaid, androgynous hairstyles, and the likes! Common footwear includes boots and oxfords with platforms. A splash of color here and there and you get this type of Lolita fashion which is known for its do-it-yourself nature.

Princess Lolita

The look is inspirited by the European aristocratic style. The Princess Lolita is accented by a tiara and a Rococo bustle back skirt.

Ōji Lolita

Oji’s literal translation is “prince” and as the name suggests, this type of Lolita takes its roots from the Victorian male fashion, particularly the young men. This genre includes blouses, shirts, knickerbockers, knee-high socks, and newsboy caps. Hooray for the fact that this is not limited to just men. This is one fashion that is so flexible that it knows no gender.

There are a lot of other forms of Lolita genre that has yet to be named and honestly it doesn’t end just yet. As long as there are individuals fond of visual experimentation, this particular style will continue to evolve. Nevermind the eccentricity of the whole look! After all, we dress according to our whims, and their fancy is much more curious than ours. Why not take that leap as well?     

 XOXO,

Nikki ♥

Peeper Keepers

Oh Fashionistas!

If you've ever dealt with dry scaly eyelids, you know just how uncomfortable they can be. What a troublesome lot! Occasionally the condition can also be unsightly, particularly if the thickened skin is difficult to conceal. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to deal with this issue. But as they all say, prevention is better than cure! Bust the problem at its earlier stage!

What are the symptoms?

It's not just the obvious dryness and scales that define this annoying condition. You may find yourself dealing with a number of other aggravating symptoms too, including itchiness, discoloration of the skin, swelling, and soreness. It's not a guarantee that you'll deal with all of these problems if your eyelids are dry, but depending on the cause you may find that your eye feels quite irritated.

There are a few different conditions that can cause dry eyelids. The most common is known as eyelid dermatitis or eczema. This is quite similar in appearance to atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis on other parts of the body. Eyelid dermatitis manifests itself as an allergic reaction to something that has direct contact with the eyelids. The reaction may be caused by any number of products, including cosmetics, hair dye (the ingredient p-Phenylenediamine is usually to blame), shampoo, cleansers, food that you eat, and eyelash curlers particularly the nickel metal body and grip.

Though some of these culprits may seem a bit surprising at first, they're actually not so unusual.

It's not uncommon, for example, for an individual to eat something, neglect to wash his or her hands and touch the eyelids at some point. Shampoos and other cleansers that touch the face can easily irritate the eye area, as can cosmetics. Most of the substances that cause irritation to the eyelids are transferred by the hands, and since the skin in this area is so thin, it's important to exercise caution and avoid touching the eyes with unwashed hands.

Managing your dry scaly eyelids is important because your eyelids are delicate and damage to them can lead to problems with your eyes. It is a good thing that this condition and discomfort is easy to treat. Washing your hands frequently and not touching the eyes or face is a good start. Removing makeup every night before going to sleep is another. Giving solution to this condition however requires caution since any harsh products could cause irritation or damage to your eyes. But it also important to get a diagnosis from your physician before treating yourself - for example, using eye cream in blepharitis would not be helpful.

When dry skin occurs anywhere else on the body, the first line of defense is usually moisture - and lots of it. Applying a hydrating lotion can make a big difference in the skin's condition, supplying it with the vital moisture it needs to renew and recuperate. However, the skin around the eyes is different. It's thin and delicate, and therefore it requires specialized treatments and care. This is why companies manufacture creams and gels formulated especially for the eye area. However, moisturizers may not be helpful for eyelid conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. In order to effectively treat your eyelids, you need an official diagnosis so you can treat the underlying condition that is causing the scaly lids. Following your doctor's advice may be the best thing you can do to care for your eyelids. After all fashionistas, there might be some things that are left to be cured further. We care for you this way :)

Don’t leave your peeper-keepers drying out like prunes! Certainly you would not want to have that effect on your eyes that would make you seem older. This may be a small area of your face that we are discussing but these matters! As I have repeatedly emphasized, being beautiful does not depend on how you look alone. It considers the health behind the beauty.

Say beautiful, fashionistas!                

XOXO,

Nikki ♥                                                                 

Caramoan Islands

 

It is not easy being stuck in an exotic island. It could also not get any more complicated than being fastened helpless in a place surrounded by water and mystery. Your friends speak highly of the place: that Caramoan Island is a virgin paradise…untouched…unharmed…yet, you wonder, “will you be able to say the same?”

All there is to know is that you are in the Philippines. Yet, the country is not supposed to be this way! It should be filled with the hustle and bustle of the city! There should be business! There should be traffic! But Technology is nowhere to be seen! Instead you are situated in the center of Eden: calm and in perfect balance with your yin and yang. You are witnessing nature at its finest.

You feel all your inhibitions slowly slipping. You tried to take in your lungs the salty scent of the nearby sea. Why, you have never seen a sea so cerulean like the eyes of a god staring right into your soul. Pinching yourself, you now doubt, are you still alive?

You peered at the depths of the ocean…you see the beginning of life in the form of fishes. Yes. Fishes varying in color—teasing your senses, playing with your fancy. You see corals: a textured rainbow in the deep blue. Your trance cannot end. You still need to taste whatever ambrosia this place has to offer.

Caramoan is just one part among the 7,107 islands that make up the Philippines. Its white sand is just one among the millions surrounding the country. You feel you have seen everything presented to you by the heavens above. You forget the life you left behind. You are at peace.

You do not know how long you will be staying here. You do not know, as well, if you shall be salvaged. The only thing you know is that if this is a nightmare, it is one you wish to stay in eternally. Caramoan. Felicity. Ecstasy. Nirvana.

Will you still strive to leave and abandon this dream?

XOXO,

Nikki

Almond Chicken Squares

 

~ Fashionistas ~ 

Eat 2 Live, Not Live 2 Eat

Almond Chicken

 

Fashionistas,  another one of my delicious treats...

    2  large eggs

 

   2 tabelspoons melted butter ~ NOT margine!

 

1/2 cup ground almonds

 

1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

 

1/2 teaspoon onions powder (organic)

 

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (organic)

 

1 pound boneless, skinless free range -antibiotic free

chicken breasts cut into 1 1/2 - 2 inch pieces.

 

Pinch & Sprinkle  with  Salt of Life

*extras to add in batter:  2 garlic cloves thinly sliced

* thinkly sliced chives

   Heat oven 375 F

    Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment

   Whisk together eggs and butter in bowl

   

  Combine next 4 ingredients and 1/4 tsp each Salt Of Life (himalyn rock salt) and

    pepper in shallow  bowl  * add 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves and chives into batter mixture.

   Coat chicken in egg misture and then roll in almond ground,

   Place on prepared pan

   Bake chicken turning once until cooked and golden, about 20 minutes

   Prep Time: 25 minutes

   Total Time: 55 minutes serves 4

DDDdddddddelicious Fashionistas !

 XOXO

Nikki