MLK Day with Poverty in Action

On Martin Luther King Junior Day, I ventured down to the state capital to attend a Poverty in Action lobbying event. My boss and I were both supposed to be in attendance. However, she became sick last minute and I had to go it alone. I was nervous as I am not use to attending events by myself. The experience was amazing though! I met a wonderful people, advocated for my legislative concerns, and listened to some compelling speakers. It is amazing to me how little I know about how our political system works and this had definitely solidified my thirst to learn more.

The event was from 9 am to 3:30 pm at a church within walking distance to Washington State's Capital in Olympia, WA. The event was full with people standing and fitting anywhere they could find room. We heard moving stories about living in poverty in WA, the hardship of a non-citizen, Poverty-in Actions legislative priorities, and even heard from a young boy around 9 which for him this was his 6th lobbying event!

We broke off into Districts and with all those people present guess how many were in the District 27 group....two. This is when I met Kristi and as we began to plan what we were going to say to our law makers. I will tell you about the amazing woman named Kristi at a later date. Her story is amazing! The next day I even attended a Senate bill hearing where she spoke for the bill on a panel. The Department of Correction made a presentation of their budget and challenges that they face, as well as, proposed solutions. I got to hear it all! I didn't even know I could do that!

We met with Jake Fey "Mista Fey" according to the name tent on his desk. He listened to our positions on TANF (temporary assistance for needy families ) and on removing certain limitations for people serving time to enter a parenting program.

We also met with Ann Dasch Legislative Assistant to Laurie Jinkins as she was busy. Ann was wonderful and seem to really be listening to what our positions were. I do hope to meet Laurie as she is a Tacoma, WA and Wonder Woman fan.

Laurie's Window Sill 

All in all, I have caught a bug. I am going to learn more about how our political system works, my rights and how to use my voice to impart change and I am going to pass it on! I was able to network with lobbying groups like Civil Action and really let my voice be heard. I encourage all my readers to educate themselves about events like these and let their voice be heard also. Poverty in Action is a great place to get involved if you reside in WA and I am sure there are groups like this in every state. Get Active and thanks for listening!

Stay Fluid,

LQD


*Poverty in Action is "Washington state’s largest anti-poverty organization, committed to building grassroots power to end causes of poverty and create opportunities for everyone to prosper." www.povertyaction.org

Kristi, Jake Fey, and ME

The Event

Shameless Selfie of me at the Event!

Lipstick: Cailyn Extreme Matte Tint  #16

The Capital: Olympia, WA

Can't slip

Greetings,

Last week I slid by with two posts but I can't keep slippin! I am going to make it a point to post three times a week. I have to stick to my guns *pew pew* Ne who... I am going to take a break from resolutions posting today and talk about a monthly subscription box I truly think is worth it!
We are Onyx curates a monthly subscription box that is geared toward women of color. It cost $25 a month but the value always comes to way over that, December's box had over $82 dollars worth of product. Every month you receive hair and beauty products that celebrate melanin! I would like to point out that celebration of melanin is not degradation of those without.

I have had other subscriptions and found myself only able to use maybe one of the products that come in the box and it just wasn't worth my money. Even if I entered my profile and answered the questionnaires, I would end up with too light colors, styling mousses etc month after month that just seemed like a waste of my coin. I can't always use all the items in the Onyx boxes but more often than not I end up getting more than my moneys worth out of the products that I can use.

This months box had six items but it varies every month between 4 to 6 items.

December's box included:

Iman Cosmetics- Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick- $10 I received Iman Red

Makeup For Ever- Aqua XL Eye Pencil- $9 in Black

Manna Kadar Beauty- Glo Illuminator- $29

Leyla Milani Hait- Miracle Brush- $23

'Tini Beauty- Nail Lacquer- $10.50

And my Bonus gift was Hair Infinity Vitamins sample (value unknown)

I am not going to lie this was not my favorite box that I have received. However there were some stars and the artwork on the box made up for it! I am super excited to try the lipstick, I've never owned or tried any Iman cosmetics and I have a very special love affair with lipstick. I am ashamed to say I have a lipstick addiction and still despite my effort to pare down probably own over 100 lip products....I digress

The eyeliner has me itching to break it out as well. Makeup For Ever is another brand I have not tried or owned before. Who doesn't love a good black eyeliner especially of it doesn't smudge.

Next hit for me is the Manna Kadar illuminator looks intriguing and I haven't heard of this brand before. I  LOVE to glow and I even wear illuminator on my no makeup or light makeup days...This one has pretty pink iridescence that when swatched on my hand didn't leave an ashy cast. This box allows me to try so many brands that I may have never thought to stop and buy or even heard of for that matter. So far my total of product value vs what I paid for the box is $48 vs $25.

The brush, I am using for my son as I have locs and do not brush my hair.  So technically, you can add that to my value vs what I paid calculation:. $71 vs $25.

The hair vitamins only came with a seven day supply so I doubt that is time enough to determine their effectiveness but at least I was introduced to yet another brand. I don't know the value so we are still at $71 value for $25.

Last but not least, is the nail polish. I looked at it and it was a definite giveaway. Mainly because of the color. However, I have found that even when a product doesn't work for me that comes in the box I immediately know someone that I can gift the product to, in this case, I know my boss' daughter Marion would love the hot pink glittery concoction. I wholeheartedly recommend this box and the customer service is excellent! My next box has shipped and it's taken everything in me not to check the spoiler sites to see what it holds. Yet, when I am really honest with myself, I like to be surprised. Once again I am not being paid, compensated or coerced in anyway by We Are Onyx to write this post. They don't even have a referral link (that I know about anyway).

Check um out at www.weareonyx.com

Let me know if you want reviews on the products after I try them. Thanks for listening!!!!
Stay Fluid,

LQD

Fitness Friday and a few other days a week...

Happy Friday!


To continue with my theme of writing about my New Years Goals this month. I am moving onto fitness. My goals are not in any particular order btw! In 2017, I was scale obsessed. Once I purchased my own scale, I started weighing myself daily. Super unhealthy! I would beat myself up over as little as three pounds. I noticed that I might be forming ADDITIONAL body image issues and an eating disorder and scaled (pun intended) back to weighing myself once a week. This year I will not focus on the scale! My goal is to be healthy, fit, toned and slay in a two piece bikini...which I haven't worn comfortably without a tank top in years! I'm considering adding a body fat percentage goal but I don't want to spark that obsessive behavior I have....
Around Oct 2016 I started my weight loss journey and started going to the gym and seeking out a healthier diet. I began lifting which I truly enjoyed! It was stress relieving, my body toned nicely and I loved seeing my body get increasingly stronger. I am no longer a fan of cardio but if I kept short intervals between sets and exercises, it counts as cardio, which meant I didn't have to do a ton more cardio on the stair stepper (my cardio machine of choice). I really want to try a HITT class as well.
My trouble area is my stomach, my arms and legs will tone up nicely; my back will look strong and seductively sleek but my gut well if you prefer a keg over a six pack...I'm your girl LMAO!
During this weigh loss journey I found the ketogenic diet and fell in love! I lost 30lbs quickly and kept it off for all of 2017.
Enter 12/18/17, were my gallbladder was taken away from me... I officially can no longer live the keto lifestyle and I am searching for a new diet with a heavy heart. Oh and I would like to mention that I mean diet like a way that I eat, not like a juice diet but something that I maintain all the time. As I search for a comfortable replacement that is still low carb because well I don't crave carbs like I use to (and I know for my body carbs= 'bootydo' belly sticks out further than your booty do). I am just eating healthy like I know to do. I'm def open for suggestions!
This brings me to my goal. My goal for 2018 is to go to the gym 3 to 4 times a week. I start next week because I wanted to give my body a little extra time to recover from the surgery and adjust to starting back at my restaurant job again. I thank God that He has given me a mind set to not stress about my weight but focus on the positive aspects of fitness. Yes, I want a flat stomach and triple yes on wanting a bigger booty but healthy and toned is my goal and I believe that I can accomplish this by working out 3 to 4 times a week. Thanks for listening!

Stay Fluid,

LQD

*For some reason it won't let me upload a picture I'll do so soon :)*

Happy New Year!

Salutations,

This month I am writing my blogs around my resolutions. One of my many resolutions I have is to blog at least 3 times a week! I hope that with this effort my blog will grow and I can reach more people who are interested in my content. It has been hard for me to consistently blog because previously, I let things get in the way of my passions. 2018 will be different! Look forward to hearing from me at least 3 times a week. I am aiming for a Monday. Wednesday, Friday posting schedule but the ultimate goal is just to have at least three of these blogs up.

Coming into this year I actually wrote down my goals. Granted, I didn't do so until the 1st but they were written down none the less. The first goal I want to talk about surrounds sleep. I had some un-amazing relationships in 2017 with people who took advantage of my kindness. I let these individuals take over my room for various reasons. I don't want to get into too much detail but let's just say I developed a habit of sleeping on the couch. I would estimate that I slept on my couch, falling asleep to the T.V about 340 days out of last year. Needless to say, I formed a habit. When I went to return to sleeping in my room I was met by my dear friend anxiety. I thought it would be impossible for me to fall asleep without the T.V on in the background or the familiarity of the couch. However, I stuck to my guns and have been sleeping in my room, in my tiny twin bed the last few nights. I didn't always have a twin btw, I let one of my ex's take my pillow top mattress becaus...well she lived in it. My son still finds me at night and sleeps with me. I do have to say there is a lot more room for us on the bed than the couch. This equates to better sleep because I have not gotten kicked or slapped by him in his sleep since the couch to bed transition. Winning!!!!

I need to talk to my doctor about my sleep patterns. I have been waking up every two and a half to three hours and after five hours I feel as though I could get up and go about my day. I have been making myself lay the eff back down but I don't exceed seven hours and haven't slept straight through the night. I've never claimed to be normal but this doesn't seem right. Also, I want to start reading before bed. I have been off my reading game and I've always had a passion for reading. I'm assuming that this will help eliminate my before bedtime anxiety as well.

I started with sleep as the first resolution to talk about because getting a good nights sleep is important to all areas of health. It is a basic fundamental thing that I have been taking for granted. It helps you stay young, beautiful, and slim. It's important for brain function and it helps me stay stable. Bipolar people like myself benefit from set schedules and a full nights sleep. When I was drinking I used to be a night owl and now I am perfectly fine with going to bed at 10 pm and definitely way more of a morning person. I am trying to get my ideal schedule down but I seem to be brighter, happier and more productive in the mornings.

I hope your New Year has gotten off to a marvelous start! I would love feedback and questions from you!  And as always,

Stay Fluid,

LQD

So went full Glam to watch the fireworks at the Space Needle. I have on

Kiss lashes: they started with an R and are winged lashes

ELF eyeshadows

Hard Candy loose glitter

*This was my first cut crease and I think it came out great!*

ELF foundation in Coco (black cap and pump)

Wet n Wild eye liner

Ruby Kisses brow powder and gel

Shea Mouisture Bronzer

Tarte Shape Tape Concealor 

Elf highlight powder baked gems

*if you want more details on the look let me know!*

I haven't did pipe cleaner curls and forever. I forgot how cute they are when in the set and when you take them down! *If you want details on that let me know!*

Scarf: H&M

Jacket: Hot Topic Gotham Selina Kyle Jacket

Never Fear

Hey,

I didn't leave you that quick! I plan on blogging at least 3 to 4 times a week. Last week, however, kept up with my theme of God's plan not my plan. I went back to work and was feeling amazing making money everyday! Cash in hand same day is one of the best things about being a server but it's also one of the hardest when you are a compulsive gambler. I staved off the urge to drink and gamble and finished all my shifts with my head held high. Then came Sunday (12/17) before last... I was serving and about three hours into my shift, I got the most excruciating stomach pain since I had my son. I asked to leave early and caught the bus home in a magnitude of pain. It finally got so bad I called an ambulance and rode in tears of pain all the way to hospital. Long story compressed, I had to have my gallbladder removed and guess whose out on leave again? ...yup...
At this point, I took it upon myself to leave it in God's hands. I just got back to work and I started to stress about the money I was suppose to be making while I was laid up in this hospital and then it came to me...God's Plan NOT mine. I left it in His all-capable hands. I feel now that God is sending me a message about where I am suppose to be career wise.
I am listening but have been having a hard time setting myself to a formal prayer session. I to Him throughout the day but I have a great urge to have a more formal prayer session daily. I also have been moved to read...I don't know why it is so hard for me now, I used to be an avid reader. Now it is hard for me to turn off the T.V. or set down my phone. This is another area I need to work on...

Merry Christmas everyone btw!!!! My son is just now waking up at 11:30vam Christmas Day...different kinda of kid if you ask me. I used to wake my parents up at like 5 or 6 am on Christmas to open gifts and they would not be having it; but I tried...I just grateful for God coming through for HIS son because Kie's got plenty under that tree despite my efforts at self-sabatoge!
I want to urge anyone reading this...to let go and let God. There is a difference in being persistent and forcing your will over God's. Listen to God. He is sending a message...How many times does She have to send it for you to receive it...


Stay Fluid,

LQD

My first day back to work at the restaurant! I was feeling great to be working again!

This is the office where God has been pushing me to work for the last three years and I keep running from it. Not anymore. I am listening! I work as an Executive Assistant right now with a path of become the C.O.O or Chief Operating Officer. I was working both jobs when my gallbladder decided to act up lol... Side note: I thrifted this dress and was finally able to fit in to it!!! Was so happy and it looked so good (if I do say so myself) and the lip is NARS pencil in Cruella which is a really pretty matte red but the color is off  in this picture...my phone camera is not the best...

My son and I at the office gift exchange lunch four days after my surgery...I moved roughly as fast as AOL dial-up...

Mysterious Ways

Hey,

Today marked my return to work. I had been on a short term disability for a month and a half. I work in the restaurant business and believe me that's the equivalent to being away for a year or and a half.  There weer new faces and the veteran employees were acting as if I returned from the dead.  I was pleasantly surprised that it was exactly like riding a bike and I exclaimed that more than twice at work. But let me back it up...

I woke up this morning stressed about whether I would remember my clock in code for work and I didn't want to go back to the job...at all...but my pocket demanded it. The number kept repeating in my head and I just didn't trust it. I woke up got my son off to school and started to clean and prepare for work later that evening and my loc client that I had scheduled at 11. I had plans to go to a local technical college to meet with a entry counselor to enroll for an aesthetic program but my ride canceled. I don't drive. God has been working in my life so greatly...the theme being His plan not mine.
 I've talked about my stress over my son's Christmas (due entirely to money issues I created) and as I continue to give it to God, He continues to provide. I charge $45 for a re-twist but I hadn't seen this client in months and his hair was to put it nicely close to becoming one giant loc. I have been twisting his hair at least a couple years now and he usually waits a good twos/ two and a half months to come back but this was a tad ridiculous! It had been at least 5 months since his last re-twist. I am not judging he is a hard working man who definitely puts his family first and I really enjoy our conversations. He found it in his heart to give me extra! Not to mention my online reselling has been sending notifications to Ship, Ship, Ship! God is so good!!!
After my ride cancel I made plans to go into the office that I am hoping to be in full-time to continue to work on quest for funding (I didn't plan on going in today), I was blessed when I was there as well. We did  not-so-secret-santas...I love it in the office it's such a family environment. I can feel all the love and support that flows through this faith based organization. The kind of environment that I have been seeking and thrive in. I am the only one who doesn't know who has me because everyone blabbed who they had before I got there. I absolutely love working there and that made me dread going to my restaurant job even more. I was going through one of the many government funding options and realized I could have it completed within two weeks. I was elated. I would finally be on the career path I wanted sooner than I thought. I ultimately want to run my own business and with my current position as Executive Assistant, I have a first hand view of everything it takes and not to mention the beautiful (inside and out) owner wants me to take on the role of COO (Chief Operating Officer) very soon so she can return to what she loves doing most (which is being out of the office) We are very complimentary where she lacks I have strength and vice versa.

At this point I was still nervous about work. I dreaded that I would hate being back and that I would make so many mistakes. Wrong! The night was amazing! I didn't make that much money compared to a busy night but my customers where wonderful and I remembered that I am good at my job. One table in-particular was amazing. They where full of compliments about my beauty, service and spirit. I mustered up thank yous because I am working on accepting compliments better. They even went as far as to say that I must know Jesus because I have the glow of one who knows God. I had been praying because I struggle with my religious affiliation. I believe in God but not traditionally and I struggle with Jesus. I've been praying that if Jesus is real in the aspect that my Christian upbringing taught me than to let my heart know it. The jury is still out on this.

All in all, my day turned out to be a loose version of what I originally planned and held almost none of the preconceived negative notions that I wasted time fretting about.  I used to get off work and head straight over to the bar or a grocery store for alcohol. i blamed stress from the job at the time instead of my ragging alcohol. I had no desire to drink, I am beyond tired so I am going to wrap this up (I apologize that this blog is all over the place as well) but I will add that I have plans for tomorrow but I only want God's plans for tomorrow to happen. This won't stop this controlling anxiety-ridden person, who has lists for their lists ,from planning but it does remind me to seek God's will and not my own. Thanks for listening! Blessings!


Stay Fluid,

LQD

Before work...Glow On!!!

Peace Be

Still,

On the car ride to the office this morning I was blessed with a message. My son is God's child. He is here for me to love, hold and care for but ultimately he is God's child. I found myself worrying about his Christmas. My selfish and irreparable actions as of late left me wondering if my son would be punished. However, my car companion pointed out that God knew what I was going to do before I did it, he knows my imperfections. I can make my plans but God plans reach further and are more expansive than I could ever comprehend. I can never pretend to understand the mind of God. This by no means lets me off the hook but opens my mind up to focus on recovery and growth. I took solace in the fact that my son's Christmas can still be if I stopped beating myself up and give it to God. Immediately (well almost), I found peace. The worries of  'sins of the mother' stopped ringing in my head. Though, I did have to re-center and remind myself that God will provide and to let him have it completely.

I struggle with the fact that some divine retribution is headed my way for my actions. So I continue to pray that I will find serenity in the storm if it is headed my way.

Stay Fluid,

LQD

New Direction

Dear Readers,

In an effort to help me stay consistent with blogging, follow my counseling directives, stay humble and help others, I've decided to change this forum to a journal format. This by no means is easy and will surely be unflattering but I believe all in all it will be therapeutic and more beneficial than detrimental. So, let's begin...

Today, I am 11 days sober. I decided after a near 12 year alcoholic binge that it was time to stop. I stopped drinking 12/1/2017 with the support of a dear friend. Alcohol among other things was really messing up my life. After nine days of sobriety and near perfect joy, I decided to let my other addiction get the best of me...Gambling...mind you I have an awesome 8 year old son and well it's this close to Christmas...I felt the need to not just attend A.A meetings about seven days into my sobriety,,,the itch to gamble was growing with each short-term disability check. Yet, I ignored it with some twisted hope that alcohol was the root of my problem and that I could gamble responsibility if I were not drinking. Well, that myth has been debunked. It is oh so true that once you cross that invisible line to compulsive gambling there is no turning back. After, I lost all my money I even considered taking an old man up on his offer for paid sex. Luckily, for me I was too sober to do so.

I blamed it on loneliness but I'm not sure that's it. I have a knack for self sabotage which since my goal is to journal nightly I will get into later. My counselor is determined to find out what it is that I am burying that gives me the capacity for these atrocities but I digress. I am lonely. I mean, I've been in two very sorted relationships this year in which I felt used. I tend to find people who need me because of my insecurities and then get fed up with them, well, needing me. I've had my share of trysts since then but I've since put relationships on hold and am very scared of dating now...I mean where do you go on a date sober? I am so outgoing, interesting and sexy in my mind when I am under the influence but sober? I am reminded of my high school days where I was literally called 'Jesus" I was so good..I had hair of lambs wool they jested because I rocked natural hair before it was in and there were tutorials on how to make it look nice. I just liked the way my hair grew out of my head. I find myself timid, shy and awkward sober. I really battle with confidence and have since I can remember.
I know I am all over the place right now. I have to say after losing my ass at the casino, I am solid in the fact that I can not gamble...sober or not. I would normally have resigned myself to my couch for a week and beat myself up until I could finally peek at myself in a mirror but I remembered a share from an A.A meeting (a bit too late), he said if it is my idea it was probably a bad one. That fact combined that I spent all day Sunday wallowing in my stupidity and sleeping to the point that when my son left for school today he commented that I would probably be in the same spot because I didn't feel good and I would probably sleep all day, got me to move.  I did exactly what I didn't want to do today. I got dressed, put a little makeup on, went to counseling and went into the office where I am helping out currently and guess what? I was blessed. I can't get that money back but I can move forward. Hopefully, this will stick with me and since I am sober, I can remember and actually fast forward the tape next time I've got the bright idea that the casino will solve my problems. I really appreciate you listening.

Stay Fluid,

LQD

Me ignoring all the signs that I shouldn't go to the casino...

I'm so happy before I lost my $$$

Jem-stone

I got Kiss, I got Jem...but its just me. I like to be different...conventional is so overrated. My sister and I adventured out to Portland, Oregon for #Briqhouse Burlesque performance at a venue called Crush. It was a definite treat! We painted the town black after and between midnight and 3 a.m. I had already hit my 10,000 steps for the day. I was in sooo much pain! I had leg day the morning before I went out. I just started lifting again so I had a point to prove to myself...which apparently I found out after a night of entertainment and dancing, was less 'I am a beast' and more 'sh*t I'm getting old'... The event Burlesque show was beautiful. None of the womens' bodies were what media portrays as perfection but the way they moved celebrated a deep self love. I was inspired. While performing may not necessarily be something that I want to add to my long list of life experiences, I do want to have that level of confidence. Yes, I want to achieve a self love and confidence that is so immense I would be happy to perform practically naked on the stage of life. Give a whole new meaning to #LocStar :)  Thank you for your inspiration ladies!

Jem would have stayed in theaters full term if I'd a stared in it...js

lips: NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo

Kara #5 lashes (my new faves and there only $1) #ShopMissA

 Yes my secret is suppose to be out lmao

My fly sister and me! 

#30 is definitely a different ball game. I have come in to myself so much more. I am striving for improvement always but I am so much more satiated with 'me'! What I need to work on continuously is my confidence and not caring what other people might say or think. 18 years of habit is hard to break and I have only been consistently working on changing my thinking for a few years. Ne*who, please remember if you go out dancing after leg day please have a seat ...1000 of them....then look over because I'm sitting right next to you...

Downtown Portland: This guy had major swag though lmao just posted up on the tree 

My Sister and Me!!!

STAY FLUID,

LQD

Liquid Lips 4 Liquid Black

Ok, granted everyone and their granny has reviewed the liquid matte lippies out there...but it is my turn! There are so many brands out there that have liquid lipsticks it is absolutely ridiculous. However, it is my goal to try all that I can get my hands on. For those of you that know me...lipsticks are my life! I am obsessed with anything lip color! And as I confessed in a previous blog... I have somewhere upwards of 100 lipsticks, glosses, liquid lipsticks, lip crayons etc. I'm not bragging...it's sad really but there's worse addictions...right?

Ever since the Matte lipstick craze started, I have been a total convert. I have BIG lips. It was easy to convert from my old days of hair sticking to my gloss, transferring on to my coffee mugs, reapplying every two hours to practically worry-free color with true staying power and impact. Then, I was introduced to liquid lipsticks in and my world stopped! I was reborn! Kiss-proof, Eat-proof, Life-proof ! Great looking color that lasts through the day. Sold!

Now, I'd be lying if I said I didn't run into this concept before. A little over four years ago, my  boyfriend loved the look of my lips with lipstick but hated that it rubbed off on him when we were smooching. I rotated between lipstains (my fave still to this day is Revlon Just Bitten lipstain: Gothic, Midnight Mauve, Crave and Twilight) and the Maybeline 24 hour Color Stay in Downtown Brown. The latter was a two step system that literally stayed all day but the range of colors and finishes weren't excellent for my skin tone.

Now, we have so many options for matte stay all day lippies that it is hard for even me to keep track! The only downside for me is that they tend to be drying but its worth the trade. I have yet to come across a hydrating liquid lipstick but then again, I do need a roof over my head... I have one higher end liquid lipstick my Cailyn #16. I get asked about what I am wearing all the time! It is super comfortable with no transfer and I wear it with a Cyber liner from MAC which I apply first. I got it in my #weareonyx subscription box that #Jackieaina hipped me to last summer. I have never regretted purchasing it and reach for it often.

Cailyn #16 

I've been poppin' bottles lately...ok maybe just tubes of +ℂoℓouℝPop Ultra Mattes liquid lipsticks. I am super impressed by their formula and coverage. They are comfortable, long lasting, transfer-proof and the colors OHHH! I need them all! I have LAX, KAPOW, Dr. M, Mr. Jellies and Creeper. But I need more! Must have more!!!!! I have about 6 more I am trying to get my hands on right now!

Colourpop Ultra Matte in LAX

Colourpop Ultra Matte in Kapow

Just when I thought bargin liquid lippies didnt get any better I tried @nyxcosmetics soft lip cremes. WHY? WHY? #WHY? WHY? Did they do this to me! It felt like I had nothing on my lips! And the color? Amazing! They didn't last as long on my lips as it is not completely transfer proof but also didn't dry my lips out. I love that trade! Reapplying twice in a 8 hour work day to maintain amazing lips....Sold. My only critique is the shade range lacks daring colors, but still my fave at of the liquid lipsticks I have.

NYX Soft Lip Cremes in Transylvania and Copenhagen

The L.A girl Flat Matte gloss has excellent color! I bought Black Currant and was in love from first stoke with the color. My only down side to this is that it never seemed to dry all the way. I would blot my lips together and still feel a tackiness. I want to try putting powder on my lips first before I throw this one completely under the bus because the color was incredible!

LA Girl Flat Matte Lipstick in Black Current 

Okay I think that is enough reviews for this post!  I am still anxious to try Anastasia and Stila Liquid lipsticks and have a few more in my collection that I didn't include so there will be more liquid action coming your way soon!

Stay Fluid,

LQD

BRAZILIAN AMBITIONS

Well folks! I am back and before you stone me for my absence, I would like to tell you that...see what had happened was... Okay, so I don't have a good excuse... I just need to get better. I need to believe in myself and hope someone somewhere is reading this blog and enjoying it as much as I enjoy writing it! But most of all I need to stay consistent with my entries.

Lately, I have been dreaming of tropical weather and sun. In rainy, dreary Tacoma spirits can get low quick. So even though its been fall I have been reaching for my brighter eyeshadow palettes. I'm not necessarily wearing the electric greens or bright oranges but just looking at the fun colors reminds me of warmth, fun and sun. Specifically, I have been rotating in my BH Cosmetics Take me to Brazil Palette. It is so versatile and fun to come up with different looks. I bought this palette awhile back after I watched Tymetheinfamous rave of its quality and great price (Barbie on a budget). The shadows are pigmented and don't have much fall out. The only thing I don't care for is the shadows can come out of the palette sometimes. I would suggest investing in a glue gun because if your make-up collection is anything like mine, that  single shadow just became a cast member on LOST.

BH Cosmetics 30 Color Eyeshadow Palette

Take me to Brazil

The packaging is so festive! Brightens my day!

As you can see I am one man down :(

I have done two different looks with the BH Cosmetics palette lately. One very fall inspired make up look that used a shimmery copper shade from the palette (bottom row of round shadows, first on the left) and plum shades from an elf palette.

 The second look was me feeling funky and wanting to switch up my normal red lip work routine! I used purple and blue shadows to do a smokey eye. The best part was win I put the iridescent white shadow/highlighter (rectangle shaped one bottom left) on the inner corner of my eye the shadows turned into a iridescent green. If you follow me at all you know I am a statement lip kind of girl! Yet, I was really feeling this look and wore a nude lip!

It's good to be back! 

Stay Fluid,

LQD 

Missing you too!

Bad Angela! I have been away too long!!!! I have a ton of stuff going on with the building my businesses! My online store is going well. Check me out on Ebay: stores.ebay.com/LIQUIDBLACK-STYLES . I am on a few other platforms like Bonanza, Etsy and Amazon! Additionally, I gained a new Loc client! I am stoked about that! I have just been plugging away trying to build the empire that I was always meant to have. The only thing that has been consistent and non-chaotic has been my hair.

I love these Loc knots. I will do them pretty much every time I re-twist my hair now. They have stayed for going on two weeks now and they still look gorgeous but alas, *sigh* I must wash my hair so they will be gone this weekend. I found the tutorial online via Chescalocs and You tube :Chescalocs Loc Knots . It will change your life! This method works on all hair types. My co-worker tried it on her hair and she has loose natural hair and it worked great. I love the 2-n-1 style (not to mention when the curls are setting it gets all the hair off my back and some of neck which can be HIGHLY irritating in the summer months) and I love the awesome staying power of these curls. I didn't use any product besides what I was using to twist the top. At night I pile my hair on top of my head and knock out. (No...I don't usually tie my hair up with a scarf or anyhting...I know Bad Angela!)

 The style when its setting

 2nd day Curls

 Curly Bun

1 week Curls in!!!

To switch gears I would like to thank FREE THINK HER for featuring my post on their Dope site! You can find my reflection here. Its the same one that is on my blog but you really should check the site out.

Guys!!!!!!  I would REALLY appreciate, comments, questions, suggestions so I know what you guys are thinking and what you want me to talk about! I want to make sure that I am doing content that you are interested in. This Blog has a lot of topics: Life, Lifestyle, Beauty, Fashion, Business, Locs, Addiction but I can only cater to you as a reader if you tell me what you like! Thank you for sticking in there with me! You're Awesome!


Stay Fluid,

LQD

Revelation

It has occurred to me that there is no inherent change at 30. While this may not be a news flash to my beloved readers, it was a rude awakening to me. Here I am, ten days into my 30th year and I feel no difference...Well maybe more fatigue and a keener sense of disappointment. I was promised a better sense of self; that once I crossed thirty I would know the woman I am and be more confident in my skin and have more fun in life. 

Since, I have turned 30 I have not once done my make up or styled my hair. I have not coordinated pieces to reflect to the world the "woman I am" through my wardrobe...and I most definitely have not had more fun! I stand in a sheepish awe, somehow I thought I turn 30 and thunder and lighting would crash down, then the clouds would part and my life would be different. My finances would be fixed, my confidence and esteem would peak, I would be the most put together that I'd ever been in my life! Instead I am just unusually tired, not motivated to spend time beautifying myself and in the throws of anticipation as I wait while my Higher Power guides my path and my businesses grow.

What I realize though is there are some major differences between my 20s and what stage has been set for my 30s. I have put drinking behind me. My days of partying and using alcohol to satiate my taste for fun (and for many other reasons...to be honest) are squarely set in my 20s. Also, I am done with excuses, I am accountable for my actions. I will no longer blame what has been done to me or my conditions etc. I am learning to love, forgive and show compassion to myself. I truly believe that I can achieve my dreams and accomplish my goals! Finally, my circle of friends that we're a strong part of my last decade have had no presence in my 30s.

My revelation is that turning 30 wasn't the instant fix I'd hoped for. But, it set the stage for me to transform into the woman I truly am. My priorities have changed and my vision has opened. I am in forward motion.
The only other thing I can say is I do need to build a circle. Making friends is hard but it does make you feel young again. Does she like me? Do I like her? Is she cool? am I cool? Do I wanna be cool? I'm weird and I have trust issues...I have the unrealistic expectation at this age of wanting to be fast friends and sometimes that doesn't sit well with people. With all my childhood relationships severed its hard to go it alone. Yet,  it's better that I stand alone than build my foundation on others (when I did this I took a hard fall). I miss having girlfriends but someday I will again...

Stay Fluid,

LQD

Update!!!! Bantu Knot Results and Style Idea!

As promised here is the Bantu Results! They came out more like a wave than a curl but I still love the results! Next time I will do smaller sections for the knots and do them on freshly washed hair.

Ruby Kisses Matte Lipstick in Extreme Coral!

I also came up with this style below. My curls fell because I did not wrap my hair at night (I hardly ever do...bad Angela) so this gave me a cute style to wear the next day while putting some wave back in my hair! I simply parted the section at the crown, wet each section and made five knots. I did pin them in place this time.

Eyes: Elf cosmetics Beauty Book

But that highlight though! 

Leave Comments if you want to know what it is!

The only way I know what you are interested in is if you like, comment, subscribe please! 

Stay Fluid,

LQD

Don't Call it a Come Back...

Hello My Beloved readers,

I'm posting on this gloriously sunny Spring Day to talk about my locs. I am trying a bantu knot style. I have been incorporating more 90's style elements into my look and this touches this category, natural style and afro-centric style elements. But don't call it a come back...90s style elements (whether beauty or fashion) never left in my opinion! I like the result but they turned out more like little buns than knots. I used six locs per knot and didn't need anything to secure them. It was super simple and paired with a naked eye, dark lip and huge hoops, it took me back to the 90s. I will modify them next time though so they will look more like knots!
I love styles like these because they are two in one.When I take the 'knots' down my hair will be have a nice wave. For a lazy girl like me this is wonderful! I will spend time on my make up but I am not big into complicated or time consuming hair styles. I weigh the time it takes to complete with how long the style last. This style gets meets the grade and will now be in my rotation. I will post the wave results soon!

Stay Fluid,

LQD

Lipstick: Mac Haute Couture

Princess Leah lol!