A Purple Holiday with Firmoo

       Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. 

Happy Holidays! It's the end of the year and I figured I'd share my final "style" post for the year. Thanks to my good friends over at Firmoo, I'll also be sharing my latest pair of glasses. Of course they're just what I needed to make this post worth the wait. 

2014 Holiday Gift Guide for Lifestyle Bloggers (and others too!)

Yes people... it is indeed that time of the year again. Can you believe how fast 2014 has gone by? There are officially 7 more days left until Christmas and although I recently stopped "celebrating" this holiday, I figured many of you still do so why not share a holiday gift guide for my fellow lifestyle bloggers as well as others in the blog world?

After all there is much to give to those we love and support. You may find the items I share to be quite the necessities of blog life.

On The Dot The Perfect Spot + Giveaway [CLOSED]

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Hey ladies!! I have something you're going to thank me for. Let's just say when mother nature decides to pay you a visit, this awesome and ....need I say more... SUPER SEXY item will help you combat and prevent those "awkward moments" at home or even in random places like your dorm room.

[re]fresh Skin Therapy Fruit Gel Peel: First Impression

Just wanted to quickly share a new product I've been testing for the past 30 days. I've never really been the type to put anything labeled "acid" on my delicate skin but this was something I was more than willing to give a try.

Natural Hair Personalities| Name Your Mane!

Hey, hey, heyyyy! I'm back to share some fun natural hair stuff. I've been a little lack luster with blog post inspiration lately but I've been able to whip up a few things for you all to enjoy in the coming days and weeks. Stick around for coming beauty, hair, and other product reviews and stories.

I wanted to share a game with you lovely naturals today. It's called NAME YOUR MANE. Whether you're rocking a two or super big afro, tell me what you like to call your crown.

FabHER Fridays #9: The Link-Up

Welcome to another round of FabHER Fridays! HAPPY HALLOWEEN! These Fridays on RNG will be dedicated to linking up with other fellow BlogHERs around the World Wide Web and discovering new FAB blogs. Don't forget to tell your blog buddies to join us. We'd love to have them!

Postpartum Baby Blues + Stroller Madness

I got to admit that these last 3 months have been a joy with baby around the house and all. Within the last few weeks though, I've been feeling just a tad bit depressed. Is that normal for breastfeeding moms? 

Natural Hair Density + Porosity: Do You Really Wanna Know?

The natural hair community is filled with tons of information to help us rock our best natural styles. If you didn't know by now, knowing your hair's porosity and density can help you create an even better natural hair care routine that WON'T FAIL!

Now, do note that just because someone may have the same hair type or texture as you, does NOT mean you share the same hair DNA. We can both be a 4C but your hair could be more dense or porous than mines. Thus, why we would have two very different hair regimens. Understand? Knowing these two things could really help you create your perfect hair regimen.

FabHER Fridays #8: The Link-Up

Welcome to another round of FabHER Fridays! These Fridays on RNG will be dedicated to linking up with other fellow BlogHERs around the World Wide Web and discovering new FAB blogs. Don't forget to tell your blog buddies to join us. We'd love to have them!

Makeup Party Recap + Teach 'n Beat Tour 2014-15

So excited to finally share this with you all. Last month, I attended a pretty intimate gathering of ladies who all can appreciate a good "beat". The host is a dear curlfriend of mines who recently moved to my area some time ago. The purpose of the makeup party was to learn more in depth techniques for makeup and to also enjoy getting our faces done by the one and only Cee.

FabHER Fridays #7: The Link Up

Welcome to another round of FabHER Fridays! These Fridays on RNG will be dedicated to linking up with other fellow BlogHERs around the World Wide Web and discovering new FAB blogs. Don't forget to tell your blog buddies to join us. We'd love to have them!

Cradle Cap + New Mom Insomnia (FabHer Fridays Link Up #6)

Hey! So this past week has been so busy for me. I seriously feel like superwoman right now writing this. Little Channing will be 3 months this month and ever since his birth, it's safe to say that my sleeping routine hasn't changed. I still stay up all hours of the night while he sleeps in la la land. It's finally taking a toll on me. I go "bed" around 5AM or 6 AM depending on when I start to get drowsy.

FabHER Fridays #5: The Link-Up

Welcome to another FabHER Fridays! These Fridays on RNG will be dedicated to linking up with other fellow BlogHERs around the World Wide Web and discovering new FAB blogs. Don't forget to tell your blog buddies to join us. We'd love to have them!

HOTMilk Lingerie Nursing Bra: First Impression

There is absolutely nothing sexier than a Hot Mama right? Well, at least I think so. A couple of months ago, I received a piece of sexy maternity lingerie to check out and enjoy. Let's just say, at the time, my boobs actually fit the bra. 

[Guilty Pleasures] J Buffalo Wings of Atlanta

Yes! My guilty pleasures are back! Ya'll know I LOVE food and food surely loves me. I thought I'd share a few delicious places I've been too over the next few weeks. For starters, let's check out my time at J. Buffalo's in Atlanta.

FabHER Fridays #4: The Link-Up

Welcome to another FabHER Fridays! These Fridays on RNG will be dedicated to linking up with other fellow BlogHERs around the World Wide Web and discovering new FAB blogs. Don't forget to tell your blog buddies to join us. We'd love to have them!

[LOVE ON TOP] My Labor and Delivery Story + Baby Channing

It's been approximately 9 weeks and 4 days since I gave birth to my first child EVER! I still can't believe that I'm someone's mom. My family and even I always thought I'd be some super successful whatever before I ever had children. But I guess my life map had other things planned for me. This pat month has been the best ever... aside from deeper and more personal things. Baby Channing is the everything that's getting me through it all and holding me together.

GUEST POST| Meteorologist Rhonda Lee, Fired Over Facebook Post Gets Hired At Weather Nation

Many of you may recall the time where Rhonda Lee's name was plastered all over Google search and Facebook in the natural hair community. When she was fired for defending her natural hair via Facebook, we were all in an uproar over the stupidity of it all for her to ave lost her job by standing up for herself. If you don'r remember the details, you can read the interview shared by guest poster Ashley on my blog here over a year ago.

FabHER Fridays #3:The Link-Up

Welcome to another FabHER Fridays! These Fridays on RNG will be dedicated to linking up with other fellow BlogHERs around the World Wide Web and discovering new FAB blogs. I got to say, I am loving the new blogs I'm running across. Even made a few new bloggy friends! Don't forget to tell your blog buddies to join us. We'd love to have them!

Create Custom Rotating Popular Posts Images Widget In Blogger

Omg, it's been FORRREVER since I last wrote a post regarding blogging tools and design. I should have known I was onto something when I shared the 5 Ways Bloggers Can Make Money. That post was pretty popular and I've had a few bloggers find great resource in it. 

I recently updated my blog design again as many of you may have noticed. I get bored with my own blog look pretty often lol. I've gotten a few compliments on how my popular posts are set up and figured I'd share with the blogsphere how I achieved the customized version of my popular posts widget. 

FabHER Fridays #2: The Link- up

Sup! Welcome to another FabHER Fridays! This is this official first of many more to come. I do hope that we all can come together and get to know each other more.These Fridays on RNG will be dedicated to linking up with other fellow BlogHERs around the World Wide Web and discovering new FAB blogs. I was an hour behind posting today due to this cold that's kicking my butt!! UGH but the show must go on! Enjoy!

FabHER Fridays #1: The Link Up

Sup! Welcome to FabHER Fridays! This is this official first of many more to come. I do hope that we all can come together and get to know each other more. These Fridays on RNG will be dedicated to linking up with other fellow BlogHERs around the World Wide Web and discovering new FAB blogs. I hope you all get the mot out of participating. Be sure to follow the mot important rule of all below. This is what will make FabHER most helpful and valuable for us all.

You may link up once each week starting at 12PM/EST. It doesn't matter if you share a post from last year or last night. Share whatever you feel others may enjoy. This could even open doors to opportunity and a slew of new blogging buddies in the future. Have fun and I hope to see ya linking up next week!

FOLLOW YOUR AWESOME HOSTS

[Neosha] [Mionna] [Katrina]

FAB LINK UP RULES:

1. Submit your link to a post from your blog below. This can be something crafty, inspirational, motivating, funny, or simply just for kicks 
2. Let others know where you link up with other bloggers in the world by linking back to this site. You can use the link up badge below if you like. You can even Tweet About This Link Up using hashtag #FHFridays

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.itsratedngee.com" title="itsRatedNGEE"><img src="http://i1171.photobucket.com/albums/r544/neoshag/FabHer-badge.png" alt="itsRatedNGEE" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

       3. MOST IMPORTANTLY: You MUST be sure to stop by the post linked directly before yours and show some comment love to a fellow blogHER. This is where greater interaction and support comes in from all of us. Let's help and encourage each other within this community. If you participate in these link ups, simply share the love is all I request of you. *smiles*

Will you be coming back next week? We'd love to have you. Be sure to follow me via Bloglovin' if you like what you read here.

[NATURAL HAIR] Styling With Curlkit Goodies

Sup, beautiful people. This product review is looong overdue however, I am so glad to FINALLY get to sharing. The wonderful folk over at CurlKit find me to be somewhat of an expert in natural hair and decided to surprise me with a box to review just for you hair lovers out there. 

I do consider myself to be a serial product junkie, so having this box of goodies is surely feeding into my addiction. *le sigh*

A Maternity Shoot in Washington Park...

Welp, it's a relief to finally be able to get you all caught up with what's been going on in the past couple months of my new life as a mommy. I decided to continue where I left off and share my maternity shoot for my what.... BABY BOY!

[EYE GOT IT] Firmoo Review + Awesome Multi-Giveaway! -CLOSED

       Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. 

I have a serious love for stylish shades and glasses. When I was approached by Firmoo to review their company, I hopped on the bandwagon without hesitation. I'm glad I did. For those of you who enjoy wearing glasses whether it be for your stubborn eyesight or even just for style, you may want to stick around and read more.

......I have something special for 5 lucky winners at the end of this post so check it out when you're done.

Mobile Updates + Baby News

Hey all!!

Okay so many of you probably are disappointed at me not posting lately. I have a VERY good excuse for that. Well...  As most of you may know,  I was pregnant. I recently gave birth to my little guy on July 21st so I've been quite busy. Even had to steer clear of design work and remain on maternity leave. I'm currently writing this post via smartphone,  which sucks.

My laptop is awaiting it's new battery installation so I can get back to business!! No worries.  I'm sure I'll be back in no time. Until then,  below is what you have to look forward to when I return. Check out a peek of what new things I'll be posting to get you all caught up with my new life as a mom,  my hair,  product reviews,  and more!

• My Maternity Shoot in Washington Park
• Firmoo Glasses: Review + Thoughts
• My "New Mommy" Natural Hair Protective Style Story 
• CurlKit Box Review
• Love On Top: Baby Channing is Here! 

I have much more but you have to stick around for the rest. Talk soon!! 

Soniclear Cleansing System by Michael Todd True Organics : First Impression

Hola beauty lovers! For some reason, I'm extra excited to be sharing what product I've been indulgin in for the past two weeks now. The Soniclear Antimicrobial Sonic Cleansing System by Michael Todd True Organics. The good folks over at Michael Todd allowed me to test this awesome piece of technology for beauty's sake. I must say, I've had my experience with several "brush cleansers" and honestly, the Soniclear has to be the best by far. No...seriously. 

Influenster GO VOXBOX | May 2014 Reveal

***Products were sent to me complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. I was not compensated and all reviews are 100% my own.***

Hey, hey, heyyy!!! It's been quite some tim since I reviewed my last Influenster VoxBox but I have some great stuff to share with you this go 'round. Influenster sent me the GO Voxbox a couple of days ago and the box was huge! I was definitely wondering what on Earth could possibly be inside. Well... let's check it out!

Preggonista Style Box Review| Big Bellies Never Looked SO GOOD!

Attention all fashionable mommies-to-be and lady friends! I have something pretty cool to share with you. So, style should never be compromised or put on hold due to several factors in life. That includes pregnancy. I've been enjoying my pregnancy greatly rocking my 6 inch heels, fitted skirts, and all! The wonderful folks over at Preggonista sent me something special to share with you fab preggo mamas.

I don't know about you but I refused to purchase maternity clothes, lol. I'm 29 weeks and haven't had to purchase any tops, bottoms, or anything aside from bras and undies. My lovely lady humps are starting to thicken up. YES!! Luckily, I keep several tunics and such that now simply accentuate my belly curves. Besides, most maternity fashions you find in stores are very boring and mute.

HOW TO: Dark and Lovely Fade Resistant Permanent Color| Before + After

Many ladies love switching up their style, the same way they probably do their wardrobe. I recently colored my younger sisters' hair again for a third time. This time, using Dark and Lovely Fade Resistant Permanent Color in #379 Golden Bronze.

For those of you, natural or relaxed, and want to see how this DIY at home brand works on hair, read on to check out the before and after of this product. Note that my sister is predominately relaxed but her new darker new-growth is 100% virgin natural.

A Baby Story | 28 Weeks + GNC Protein Shake Fail

Okay... so my title may have caught many of you off guard so just in case you didn't know, YES, I am expecting. First-time mom here. It's super exciting if I say so myself. The hubby and I found out officially back in February when we visited the Atlanta Care Center. Oh boy! 

I must admit, finding out I was pregnant was a shocker. I always thought I'd be the LAST of the women in my family to produce lol. Seriously! But I guess someone has other plans for me. Needless to say that I am enjoying the feeling of preparing for motherhood. It's an unexplainable feeling indeed carrying a small human that kicks and does cartwheels all day everyday. I love it!

MILK ON YOUR FACE! Skinue Skincare Review + Freebie

There is nothing more that I love than all things style and beauty right now aside from the wonderful things happening in my life. You all may know by now that I LOVE to care for my skin and I try out a lot of products ...just in case I grow tired of something routine. As a blogger, I come across some amazing people and products. I was recently contacted by the good folks over at Skinue.

I'm sure you may have seen skincare products with ingredients like argan oil and goat milk but what about camel's milk? If only I could go back in time and gain some beauty secrets from the Queen of the Nile, the power of camel's milk just may be apart of those secrets. Though I feel lucky not to have such significant problem skin, I still get the occasional breakout every now and again. 

Ariel Williams + The Girl Talk Chronicles | Podcast Interview

I'm a headliner ya'll!!! LOL. I'm the first stop for an online book tour for the wonderful Ariel of ArielSaysNow. Let me first just share that I am very honored and grateful to have been approached for this. I'm always down to support and rock with one of my best online friends and design clients. 

Nothing better than seeing a woman making a way for herself and being able to witness the growth first hand. I hope you all enjoy this podcast with us. I know I did! Bringing it to you straight, raw, and REAL! 

Get to know the woman behind the truth in her latest ebook release. "The Girl Talk Chronicles" was released February 15, 2014 on Amazon. Find out more below. ENJOY!

My Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Collection Swatches + VIDEO

First off, let me just say that my birthday was pretty nice. I didn't do much but relax. No worries, I'll more than likely be doing something for it later this week. Anywho, I'm already enjoying the Spring outdoors, (meaning watching from indoors for me). Check out my Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear collection along with swatches.

Sally Hansen nail polishes are ALWAYS my go-to favorites in every passing season. 

Black Barbie Christie: 16 Facts You Didn't Know About

Disclaimer: Take note that this post is not sponsored but is intended to be humorous as well as educational. Laugh a little. 

Photo: BarbieBeauties

We all know about the iconic Barbara Millicent Roberts, aka "Barbie", her boo thang Ken, her one and a million occupations, huge closet of custom clothing, and that signature blonde hair. So what about her very first friend of color, Christie the black barbie? What things were you not told?

You'd be surprised...

What's In My Bag | March 2014 +VIDEO

Today is the first day of Spring and I can't say that I'm super excited about it (due to bugs and pollen) but my birthday is next week and I can finally start getting my wardrobe together. Maxi dresses here I come! What better way to bring in the Spring than with a fabulous new bag? I'll be sharing what's in my bag on a daily basis. All the go-to's and such that I can't seem to be without. 

Jessicurl Confidence Collection + Giveaway [CLOSED]

WUDDUP!! I'm back with something super wonderful for you! I hope you're ready. I was able to partner up with the oh so wonderful Jessica McGuinty, owner and CEO of Jessicurl haircare products. I'm so excited about this! I first met with Jessica in person during the 2012 Fro' Fashion Week Event I attended in Atlanta. She is the sweetest ever! Thanks to her, she has allowed me to not only try the full line of her Jessicurl Confidence Collection but she was pretty much like, "Heck yeah! I'll send products for a giveaway too!" lol. So here I am! Thanks Jess!! 

DIY Gel Manicure Spring Series Pt.3| I Mint Chevron Nails

Spring is approaching and I'm looking forward to it for many reasons. For one, I'll be another year older this month, which is a personal gratitude for me without all the bells and whistles. Since I didn't post in this series for the Winter season, I wanted to come back strong for Spring instead. It's obvious that chevron nails have been pretty hot lately. I decided to create this DIY mint chevron manicure for all of my nail art lovers. Check it out...

ELF Cosmetics Haul | End of WInter 2013-14

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a great bringing in of the New Year and making things happen up until now!! I'm back to share some cool stuff with you. This time, none other than a fun haul I was able to do. An awesome ELF cosmetics haul, also known as the EyesLipsFace Haul!

Now it's been quite a few months since I last gave myself a retail therapy/beauty fix in purchases. So you can imagine my excitement when I drove my eyes over to the ELF cosmetics website to indulge in some great deals. Prices reflected below are not what I paid. I used the 50% off deal for the items and also got free and fast shipping! So over $60 in products for $30! STEAL!

2014 A New Year Holiday Gift Guide

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! I'm so excited for what this year will bring, remove, and improve. I hope you are as well. I wanted to do something just a little different from the typical "holiday gift guide" tradition. Why not share a few cool things to get your fabulous loved ones a boost to end their first week of 2014 on the good foot?

Enjoy these products that will make any woman smile and appreciate you even more!