Silk Pillowcase Me, Please!

my bedside essentials: something good to read, rose quartz, my everyday gold hoops, pillow mist, and MYK

One of my greatest tips for healthy hair and skin, other than drinking water and minding your own business, is using a silk pillowcase! I've always used a silk pillowcase or bonnet to protect my hair, and end up getting the pillowcases from either Wal-Mart or Target. Recently I switched over to MYK Silk brand, and let me tell you... the difference is significant! My sleep has improved, my hair has improved, and so has my skin! I added to it to my list bedside essentials a few weeks ago and I've been loving it! I like to test things out for at least two weeks or so before presenting you guys with a review.

Here's some facts and pics of my new found glory below. 

Skincare Anyone? Quick Review on the "Clarifying Masque and Scrub" by Jacq's Organics

Hey girls!!! If you're here you've probably peeped the new skincare video on my InstaFeed. As promised, here's a written review  + plus pictures, so let's talk about it. Last summer I started using an all natural skincare system and I've been seriously glowing ever since! Jacq's Organics is an amazing, 100% organic, non gmo, black-owned skincare brand!  I use their "Heal & Slay Kit," which includes a cleanser, toner and moisturizer, religiously. There's a mini-video on my Instagram showing my daily routine. Watch it here!

I recently introduced their Clarifying Masque and Scrub into my weekly self-care lineup and I gave it a couple of months of use before coming to you with a review. I'm new to creating content about skincare, y'all, so bear with me, okay?

Pretty Stuff: 5 Ways to Boost Your Self-Confidence

Cheers to a new week, ladies! I think a few of us are still adjusting to the new year, which is totally fine! January is always a trial period and the real deal goes down in February anyway, lol. Last week, I made a cute lil' return to blogging and posting regularly. Thank you all so very much for welcoming me back with open arms. All the love, support, understanding, and virtual hugs truly warmed my heart. I've noticed that you guys really like my posts that are more personal. I love that dynamic, so I am here to share! 

I Needed a Break & That's Okay!

Whew, honey! 2019 is in full-swing. Since today makes two weeks officially, I feel like I can genuinely ask how it's going for you guys so far? I'll be honest, it started off a bit rocky for me. To be [partially] transparent, let's just say I lost a few things. Things that were vital, but are totally replaceable. I beat myself up a little bit about it at first, but after praying, journaling and coaching myself through optimism, I'm happy to say that I am simply okay with the way things are. I know that greater is coming and what is meant to be, will be! I am choosing strength and joy through this mini-storm, and that choice alone has helped me change my mindset.

My New Business Cards x Basic Invite

this is a sponsored post

I got a set of chic business cards and I feel so official! Basic Invite allowed me to select and design my very own and I couldn't be more satisfied with the results. They're cute, simple, eye-catching, and most importantly excellent quality! The process was easy and fun, plus I received my cards in the mail quickly with no hassle.

Creative Girl Tips & Tricks Part I: Insta Q + A

START SOMEWHERE

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." - Theodore Roosevelt

Hey ladies! Is everyone doing well and thriving this summer? I sure hope so... I hope your hair is flourishing, skin is poppin', money is stacking up nicely, and your energy is still and at peace. Basically hope y'all are living your best lives! Me? I'll give you a very quick update. I've reached a few of my summer goals (still working on the rest), secured some brand collabs and sponsorships, and I've started plotting for the next Creative Girl Hangout! I'm getting my life, or whatever...

Let's jump into this post. Almost everyday, at least one or two people ask me a question about my Instagram, InstaStories, camera, graphic design, or my creative process overall. Sometimes, I even get the same exact question back to back! I figured it was time for me to create a little resource for it that kind of stuff, especially as I grow, discover new things, and connect more closely with my followers. 

I plan for this to be a mini-series of tips, tricks, and how-to's for the creative girl, starting with this Q + A. Now I'm no expert and I don't think know everything, but what I do know works for me and I'm very excited about sharing it with you all.  So here goes... 

I got a wax! my experience at brazil's waxing center

Hey hey! This post is an ode to Brazils Waxing Center, just in time for #WaxWednesday. I pretty much think the company and its staff are sent from heaven, don't debate me! Monday afternoon, I went in for some "special treatment" and got my girl fully uncovered... yes, I got a Brazilian wax. This wasn't my first wax experience, but it was my first time getting her fully unveiled and my first time going to this center. If you follow me on Instagram, you've already heard the rant on my story praising the aesthetician who just became my new best friend, Janel. She both educated me on the process of waxing, and showed me that it can truly be an enjoyable experience.

Am I a lash girl now? OOTD + Makeup Sass

Hey hey, I'm back at it with another blog post! As always, I hope you all are doing well, living lovely, and enjoying your summer. I know the heatwave is causing many of us to go light and super natural when it comes to makeup right now. I really don't blame ya! It's been nearly 100 degrees here in Florida, so trust me when I say I know the struggle. I never truly rock a full face of makeup anyway, mostly because I don't know how to do it, but I have added a lil' something something new to my "no makeup, makeup" look. LASHES!!!

Learning on the low-key, shining! | A lil' Life Update

Whew, Chile! I haven't had a written blog post since February and I really don't know how I fell off so bad. I mean, I was sort of focusing on events, growing my social media following and creating content for Instagram mainly, but that definitely shouldn't have made me neglect my precious baby: my blog. I know I've been gone far too long, but I'm back and it's on! Did that sort of rhyme? I'm pretty sure it did, but let's get into this blog post!

Frugal and Fabulous: The Finale + A Lil' Inspo Via Cardi B!

Photo courtesy of Complex Magazine

"... Say I don't gotta dance, I make money moves!"

- Cardi B, The Great

Ladies, we made it to the final day in February, WOO-HOO!!! Yesssss, we have reached the finale. Today is the very last day of Frugal and Fabulous February and it will officially be over at midnight. How are you feeling? Better yet, how well did you do? I will admit, I cracked a couple times, and I know for a fact a some of you did too because you told me so. NO SHADE! But, I promise you I held strong for a really long time and shopped hella less than usual. The thing to remember here is that we tried, right? Even better, we know that with proper discipline, our impulse shopping and buying can totally be controlled. Let's reflect!

Wakanda Forever! Five Things I Love About Black Panther

Alright, I gave you guys a full weekend, a holiday, and two regular-degular days to go see Black Panther before I ranted about it on my blog. I've personally seen it twice already: Thursday night, I went to its pre-screening with my friend Amahdiya, and I saw it again on Sunday evening with my family. Time is up for y'all, and I'm ready to talk about it. That film was EVERYTHING and more. It literally exceeded all of my expectations and I've never felt so good after watching a movie. I promise you I am not exaggerating. There is so much about this film to take in and it's a whole win for black people! Black Panther is more than just a Marvel movie featuring a black superhero. 

"Sooo many things we could talk about the movie 'cause there were so many underlying messages: the true strength of black women and the roles we play in the black community, is it better to segregate ourselves as a black culture, how RICH Africa really is, African vs. African-American."

- Chelsie Boyd, Holder of Black Girl Magic & Fellow Blogger-Boo   

Ryan Coogler is a true, creative and genius of a director! I knew this movie was going to be fire the moment I found out Wakanda was in his hands. Anytime he and Michael B.(ae) Jordan work on the same production, black excellence is the only thing that comes of it! Check their receipts. I could go on and on about how amazing the film is, but I've managed to compose a short list of five things I loved the most.

Frugal & Fabulous: Money-Saving Update + Rihanna Is Goals!

Image extracted from Rihanna's Instagram account @badgalriri

Look at Rihanna. Can you say GOALS?!

Hey ladies! We're almost half-way through February, Y'all doing alright? I'll admit, I almost cracked in Sephora last Monday. I gave my mom a gift card to shop there for Christmas. She's been itching to (finally) spend it and insisted that I go with her. She's fully aware of my shopping fast, so I don't know why she wanted to play with my feelings like that, but I agreed to go. As soon as I walked in, I noticed the Fenty Beauty display fully stocked and on fleek with all 40 shades of the ever-popular Pro Filt'r foundation. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I've been struggling to secure my bottle since it released. *refer to the post here* I decided to get matched, but it took everything in me to refrain from making a purchase. I instead got a lil' sample and continued to compose a mental wishlist of all the things my heart desired. I did well! *pats self on the back*

My Creative Girl Hangout: Party Deets + What It's Like Working With Creme Of Nature

Happy Monday loves! It's a fresh week with a fresh set of goals to crush. I hope you all had an amazing weekend because I most certainly did. I had a party!! *throws confetti* Saturday, I hosted my very first Creative Girl Hangout and it was absolutely fantastic. Last month, I announced to you guys that I landed a spot on Creme Of Nature's Styling Squad to promote their brand new line of Coconut Milk styling products. Saturday's event was to celebrate the launch of the goodies and me, of course. I held it exclusively, invite-only, and turned my job into a tropical hangout filled with coconuts, creative girls, curls, and good vibes! If you follow me on Instagram, I'm sure you saw a little glimpse of it, but I will have official pictures and stuff up very soon! In fact, an entire recap video is going to be on my channel. A few people inquired about my party look, and you know I love to share so here's a post all about it. I'm also going to talk a little bit about my partnership with Creme Of Nature and what it's been like working with one of my favorite brands.

Hey February: Financial Responsibility + "...everybody black!"

Happy February!!! It's the second month of the year and I'm so here for it! I've been ready to kiss January GOODBYE for a while now. It seems like it lasted way too long. I had a great month, but still... it was like never-ending. If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that I've decided to challenge myself by going on a shopping fast. I have about 45 of my followers doing it with me and it feels absolutely amazing! Together, we're going to conquer the month of February without spending "extra" money.

I created it as a money-saving exercise because I shop entirely too much! I've composed a list of seven tips, a pledge, and a playlist for inspo and motivation. If you're interested, find all the deets and read more about it here. Feel free to send any questions to me via email at hello@janeebarbre.com.

To access the "Girls Just Wanna Have Fund$" playlist, click the cover photo featuring Logan Browning above.

"... it's such beauty in black people, and it saddens me when we're not allowed to express that pride in being black, and that if you do, then it's considered anti-white. No! You just pro-black, and that's okay. The two don't go together. Because you celebrate black culture does not mean that you don't like white culture or that you're putting it down. It's just taking pride in it, but what's irritating is when somebody says, you know, 'They're racist!', 'That's reverse racism!' or 'They have a Black History Month, but we don't have a White History Month!' Well, all we've ever been taught is white history. So, why are you mad at that? Why does that make you angry? That is to suppress me and to make me not be proud."

-Tina Knowles, "Interlude: Tina Taught Me" x Solange

Photo Extracted from Issa' Rae's Instagram account. @issarae

I absolutely can't let the month begin without acknowledging Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month. I love being black, so this month feels extra special to me. It's an honor to celebrate and recognize black individuals who have made significant shifts in the culture, from Harriet Tubman to Barack Obama. I'll start by saying that Issa Rae said it best with her, quote at last year's Emmy Awards. When asked by a commentator on the red carpet who she'd be rooting for, she replied, "I'm rooting for everybody black. I am." It was a magical moment and a forever mood. Let's take a moment for Issa! I am ALWAYS rooting for "everybody black."

Click here to see the clip.

Cheers to being Fabulously Frugal February, filled with Black Excellence and Joy!
*Ca-Ching*

xo,
Janée

Wash N' Go + Twist-Out using NEW Creme Of Nature Coconut Milk Styling Products

Hey, hey! First off, I want to say that I've been working really hard on video content for YouTube as well as digital content for on my social media platforms, but I totally haven't abandoned my blog. Writing will ALWAYS be my first love and most true form of communication, but I really want to expand my brand and platform more this year. I've put it off for far too long. Second, in my last post I told you guys about my partnership with Creme Of Nature and their new line of products: the Coconut Milk Styling Line which is set to hit shelves later this month. I've finally used 'em. Twice, actually. I styled my hair in a wash n' go and a twist-out using a few products from the line and my results were superb! I have some hair pics and a video to share with you guys of both styles. Let me know what you think! 

New Year, New Products ft. Creme Of Nature

Hey loves! Happy New Year. I am so excited about 2018 and ready to crush this year! I'm kicking off the new year with brand new hair products and a super cool role with one of my favorite hair care brands, Creme Of Nature. This year, I am on Creme Of Nature's Styling Squad. YES! Little old me ^_^. They sent me seven products from their new styling line that will be released later this month. Each product is made with certified natural coconut oil for locking in moisture and creating superior styles.  They smell absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to try them out on my hair.  I uploaded a video unboxing these babies on my YouTube channel! See the video below, or click its link from the sidebar on the right.

Style Inpso + Christmas Cheer All Year Long

I absolutely adore plaid button-ups and flannels. They're always in style, can be worn a million different ways, and are hella comfortable! I snagged this super cute one from Old Navy earlier this season, and I've worn it at least once a week ever since I purchased it. In fact, I wore it to a party the night I got it! It pairs well with any wash of denim and I got a size up, for length so I could wear it as a dress with a pair of thigh-high boots! Throw on a pair of booty shorts, and you've got yourself a LEWK!

Who's That Girl?: Q & A With Chelsie Jones

"If I could make a career out of doing makeup that would definitely mean the world to me."

- Chelsie Jones

22-year-old Beauty Enthusiast Chelsie Jones caught my eye on Instagram with her flawless makeup and perfect selfies a while ago. I was more than happy to add another gorgeous face to my 

TL from the moment we followed each other. She seems to have mastered the GLOW we all long for when dusting highlighter on our cheeks and I am so here for the shine of it all. Chelsie recently launched her own YouTube channel *cheers* so I figured this was the perfect time to feature her here on the blog. When she's not doing school work or hanging with friends, she spends her free time doing makeup. She says her obsession with makeup started as a little girl and she enjoys seeing how makeup can enhance your look. It amazes her! She is originally from Ridgeland, Mississippi, but currently resides in Oxford, Mississippi. Check out this super bomb interview with glow girl, Chelsie Jones.

Bold Stripes, Pearl Earrings, and a Whole Lotta Thankfulness

Two of this season's hottest trends are bold stripes and pearls, and I am totally here for it! I love a good stripe. It's my favorite pattern. Vertical or horizontal, there's a perfect set of stripes for everyone. Pearls are just timeless. They indicate stature and grace. There is truly something to be said about a woman in pearls, and not just in her ears. Pearls are everywhere now: tops, skirts, jeans, jackets, shoes, etc. I did a slight combination of these trends for this look. Get the deets!

Pretty Stuff: 4 Things To Do When You're Feeling A Little Down

We've officially entered the last part of the year, aka "crunch time." It is now November, the holidays are quickly approaching, and a whole new year is on its way. Seems wild, right? I really can't believe 2017 zoomed by the way it did. It has really been one heck of a year! Things can seem a little overwhelming at this time for many, I know I can personally testify. In fact, last Thursday I posted a photo on Instagram and the caption simply read, "Overwhelmed, but it's okay." So many of my followers commented or sent me a DM saying that they could relate along with some encouraging words. That's what inspired me to write this blog post. We all have a lot going on, it's a part of life. But with the many things that seem like obstacles, there's still so much to have joy in. Let me help you get through the end of the year without feeling defeated. These are just a few things I do to remind myself that everything is okay when it seems like my world is falling apart.