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Showing posts from 2017

Our Holiday Picks---Beauty.

We have been to some pretty amazing events this year and sampled some great products and here is what we found: Beauty: Whish Mud Mask: This is Mud Mask is great going on it gives a tingly sensation but when give it a month and you will see amazing results. Murad Vitamin C and Acne Spot Treatment: This facial wash is great and it does give that brighten glowing appearing when used every day. The acne spot treatment is great as well because it is super concentrated and it gives that all glowing appearance L'Occitane: The Almond Oil Shower Gel, with the winter months coming up it sure does live up to standard and is super rich and you don't need a moisturizer after your shower. The Cottage Greenhouse: The Cucumber Shea Butter moisturizer hand lotion, if you are constantly in water this is a great hand lotion for you, a little dab will do you, but it is wonderful. Nails: The next best thing to having your nail bed damaged is having press on nails. They have made

Our Fall Picks...

We know we were being melodramatic and not fun or lighthearted as we normally are... Here are a few things that we know are fab for the fall and holiday season... Subscription Boxes: Vine Oh! I have ordered from this place around five times... at first their intro price was 12.95 but they had me hooked for real... Here is what you get: 2 bottles of wine with an option of one or two extra, they are so good that I have had several people tell me their guests wanted to know where I got that wine! The wines are premium and they are seasonal as well. But, it comes with a Oh Now box, geared for women, but it is amazing! You get earrings, bath and beauty products, and a sweet treat. What I love about the box is it's value and seasonality!!! The holidays are coming up and for the reds they will have a Merlot and the whites they will have a Riesling and I can't wait to see what they are going to have for Oh Now box looking forward to that!! Fab Fit Fun

The Beauty Spot: Fall Picks

This is the beauty spot where we spot out the best in beauty and bring it you ! First up Skin Care: Murad.com We bought Murad or the famous Dr. Murad skin care after hearing him give a speech on the importance of topical Vitamin C and his highly concentrated Acne Spot treatment. I tried the topical face wash with Vitamin C for a week I noticed a great change in the color and texture of my skin, it was so bright it was amazing! Then, I tried the topical Acne Spot treatment and wore no foundation just the face wash, Acne Spot and mascara. People asked me if I had worked done, my face looked amazing! And it really looked so amazing that I took a selfie and put it on Instagram. Tresitque: This is an all natural matte crayon lipstick and the other end is a lip balm. I received this in the Fab Fit Fun Box and it was really great. I got opted for Burgundy or red and everyone complimented me on this lipstick. Even if you aren't really feeling great then but you put

One Hundred Dollar Challenge: Fall Wardrobe Update

Many complain that a dollar or one hundred dollars just can't buy enough and oh boy about the needs, etc.... So, I took the 100.00 dollar challenge this is what it got me: 1. Clothes:  New York and Company was having a BOGO sale on dresses and I really needed a wardrobe update so I took advantage of it and for the price of one dress I got two dresses that are chic, on trend, and would last all season long. Price Check: 52.00... 2. Make Up Update: I really needed some new make up so I bought from Cover FX two in one highlighters, one in a rose color that would really work well with the Fall deep reds, burdgundies, etc. and a gold highlighter that works really well with my skin tone. Price Check: 20.00 (Plus a portion of the sale went to the Hurricane Efforts in Texas.) Thanks gmadeals.com. 3. Black Bucket Handbag with a  Black Metallic Chain: There was a new handbag subscription service called: Ivory Clasp so you buy stylish bags that are not knock off be

Style Collective: Digital Landscape Arrived

We're back... We covered Fashion Month in NYC and it was amazing! All I can say is expect to see ultra feminine, loads of sequins and people expressing their cultural point of view. The event that really put things into perspective for us was Style Collective, the bloggers event that kicked off Fashion Week. The Reality of the New Digital Landscape: Bloggers from all over the country was there and ready to be seen and heard! Many of the bloggers are new, some in college, some taking blogging as a college course and others who just wanted to get into the shows for free. Well, it is true that the digital landscape is far out pacing traditional media, when I started five years ago, I was laughed out of NYFW and the only events I could go to was Tech events. Now, bloggers are getting major book deals, endorsements, and they are far out pacing the traditional celebrity in many ways. There will always be sports hero's because you can replace tennis, soccer, or footbal

NYFW: Beauty Spot: Hair Care

So next week we begin to go to the fall independent shows, then the CFDA shows... How does one keep or maintain those awesome locks? We discovered a great product by madam cj walker that you can find in sephora.com  and it is a detox for your scalp and locks. This product you sit with it on for 15 min. and let it do it's magic! Rise then wash with a shampoo that works for your hair and then conditioner. I must say that with all the product build up in a person's hair that it does work wonders!! Especially during NYFW when you will be going for multiple hair do and accessories, etc. this is an amazing product! Madam CJ Walker has the best in terms of pre scalp detox, you must invest in this product for a healthy scalp. Cheers!

How Addiction Starts...

When you do your annual physical exam doctors now ask how many drinks do you have in a week? And a depression screening... weird I thought until this summer. It was filled with so much negativity, multiple betrayals, people who drop the ball then blame me, false accusations, then over the top demanding houseguests... then watching national news. One day I found myself in a liquor store buying a can of Rose, which happens to be rather good, but I rarely drink, then I am outside on a Friday evening drinking half a can of Rose. I go to the mall and eat half a bag of BBQ chips, then more stuff keeps on snowballing-- like the cab driver who wanted to give me a lecture of being prepared. I wanted to reach for the can of Rose, then I found that I used that for my frose and drank the other half when someone came on my deck to ask me something so absurd, I wanted to know if Ashton Kutcher's series Punk'd got a reboot. Then, I looked at the mini bottle of Jack Daniels and said

Beauty Spot: NYFW Prep Part Two

Now that we got our basic makeup it is all about the hands and nails. A few months ago on either GMA or The View (Deals Show) I bought Glove Treat, paraffin treatments pop in the microwave for 30 seconds on each side and place one hand in one glove and you got something good going on! Now that our hands are nice and soft our go to for nails...Sally Hansen new nail polish is now a one step gel nail polish, no base and top coat anymore. Two coats and you are good. We loaded up on metallic because you can use them for day and night shows as well as the office. Our colors are: Shimmer- Which is a peach and copper metallic nail polish Stilettos and Studs- Gray metallic Adrenaline Crush: Purple metallic These colors are the latest and the most appropriate since the basics are coming back into style which are black, gray, and white. So get your hands the softest by using Glove Treatments and the your nails the best by Sally Hansen metallic in one step Gel Nail Polish. Chee

Beauty Spot: NYFW

It is only a week a way NYFW, how are you coping with the fact that you must be camera ready at all times.? My finds are not 100 percent "clean beauty" but these will get you through NYFW. 1. Urban Decay- Setting Spray all Night Long- 15.00 at Sephora-it is a larger bottle and will get you through NYFW day and evening shows. 2. Urban Decay- Top Coat Lip Color- This is so amazing because it last longer than a lip gloss and gives your lips that wow factor. 3. Sephora Brand- Red Lipstick- This is the closest you will find to Ruby Woo, it is amazing, I line my lips with this red lipstick and then put the top coat in Sheether over it to give it a orangey sparkle. 4. NARS - Med/Dark Mini Concealer- This works wonders for my skin tone, under the eyes are the best! 5. Sephora Brand- Highlighting Powder in Gold Tone Shade...  Before your concealer sets in take this and put it under your eyes, it is amazing! It will last all day with one retouch at midday. Remember Smoky

Real Reason Why I Stopped Dieting

Everyone is eating plant based or clean, with non- GMO's and lactose and dairy and sugar free. OK. Oct. 2 would make my 7 year anniversary that I lost 130 lbs. and everyone who looks at my size 12 or 14 body asks me don't you want to work out? Which leads me to an article that I read on Refinery 29 about the 67 percent project, that 67 percent of American women are at a size 14. One day went I went to a local mall, the majority of women were my size some bigger, some had children wasn't too concerned about the baby fat, other women were walking with their boyfriends and were happy. So, I began some deep introspection if these women are a 14 and up size and are happy, why am I struggling to count calories, drink tons of water, etc. Trust me I am all for being healthy, but being so concerned to near obsession about losing weight is really unhealthy and led me into old feelings that I because I was not a size 0 or under 100, I was worthy of anything; especially anyth

Beauty Spot: Nailpolish Review: Sally Hansen

Now that summer is winding down, time to put away the bright blues or pastel yellow nail polishes. Back to work, back to school, and back to the daily grind. But, you still want to have your fun in terms of nails... we found four great colors from Sally Hansen that will give you that polished look. Sally Hansen Argan Oil Collection we found: 1. Rosy Glow- it is a combination of pink and red, we recommend wearing this color for days where you have an event after work, or date night. 2. Aren't U Relaxed- This is a coral color more on the orangey side of things, but still work appropriate. 3. Freedom of Peach- This color looks great on women of color, it is a peach nude this is the ultimate in a manicure. 4.Rasin the Bar- This color is great and goes with silver it is rose with silver undertones. Cheers to wonderful nail colors for the back to work and back to grind season!!

The Beauty Spot: IPY BLUSH, Urban Decay, Shea Moisturizer

We are finally winding down in terms of summer. There are some products that can go into the fall that we just love!! IPY Blush- Peach Glow- We snagged this actually at BeautyCon and it is amazing! It goes on peach but has a gold under tone, so you don't have to use any highlighting powder, it is so subtle yet gorgeous. Wild Grow- If you have had any problems with hair breakage and fall out this is the product, I used this in the winter when I saw that I had bald spots and I use this very often, not only did it regrow my hair along with vitamins, but it is amazing. It is plant based and the base of this product is Jamaican Castor Oil, which is known to naturally regrow hair. Aunt Jackie's Natural Shampoo and Conditioner- We wanted to know what this "natural products" that are not mainstream was all about and we found this brand that was based in flaxseed oil. We tried it and once again, the thickness of our hair was amazing! Urban Decay- Heat Palate The Urban

Anti-Inflamation Diets Really Do Work!

So, I wanted to see what the hype of eating an anti-inflammatory diet was all about since, I still have the 50 lbs. to lose. I read about the benefits of turmeric, ginger, no red meat, dairy, soda, no salt, or even certain fruits. Then, I was waiting on line in an ethnic grocery store where someone told me to drink grated turmeric and ginger tea and stop eating red meat, the woman actually put the whole turmeric root in my basket. So, out of necessity, I began to eat organic turkey and chicken and only season it with turmeric, Hungarian smoked paprika, and ginger. If I ate rice it would throw in some ground turmeric and chives. Then, I drank nothing but water, still having some sweets but not a lot. I mean water became my best friend that I had to run to BJ's three times a month for cases of water and coconut water as well. Did I lose a ton of weight. No, but here is what happened... 1. My blood pressure was stabilized 2. The marker to see if you are diabetic or not d

Does sampling, subscription boxes, and deals show work?

Many retailers have cut back on giving free samples to customers, and we have seen since the last few years many subscription services folded. However, you need to ask with still so many subscription services out there do sampling programs really work? Is it really worth your company to donate samples or full size products to influencer events of swag. As a consumer first and a blogger and influencer later, it absolutely works! 1. I was given many years ago a swatch of different foundations and concealers from clinique.com  they are the only foundation that I can use without having to mix several other foundations to get a perfect finish. When I do make Television appearances, this is my go to foundation, even professional make- up artist say that this is the best brand for my skin tone. So thanks to a swatch, I am a loyal supporter of the foundation. 2. Clinique.com  I was also given a sample for skin wash for oily skin from clinique.com . It was effective, but this summer

Effective Networking: Win/ Win for both

Here are some effective networking tips for business, church, children's school, etc. When you see someone who is doing something that you would love to do or want take a time out and just know this person had to go through a lot to fulfill their dream or goals. WHAT NOT TO DO: 1. Approach people who you truly care about and see yourself inviting them to your home for dinner. 2. People detect insincerity and if they have given you information and you are intentions or motives are not pure, that is the last time they would ever do anything for you again. 3. If you need information from someone, invite them out and don't play mental games or ask questions and then imply you can do the same thing, no you can't or you would already be doing it. 4. If they are in a negative space don't engage or feed there story because when they come out of that negative head space after they have given you information, they realize your insincerity, you took advantage of them an

Subscription Box Review: VINE OH !

We are moving away from beauty subscription boxes for a minute to look at lifestyle boxes. The lifestyle box that is geared towards women is called  vineoh.com   Vineoh.com  actually takes women's love specifically for wine and pairs them with lifestyle products. We actually became aware of this subscription box through participating in a survey for the brand. Here is what we love about the box: 1. You have a choice between all reds, all  whites, and a mix, the quarterly subscription costs 59.95, however you can choose a one time gift in between quarters. 2. The ordering between quarters is great because during the summer months when you have out of town guests or people, going to BBQ's people you are more apt to serve or bring a bottle of wine. 3. This is the aspect that will keep them in business: They have a box, where you items that are specifically geared for women. In this box we received Dana Herbert earrings, Mixture of bath products, Govino 16 oz. Wine Gl

Thanks again to Our Sponsors for a great night.

On the outside many people may look at a person with all the trappings of success and say man, I want what she has or us doing. Over 5 years when I started Positivexpert Blog it was just a dream to provide people with information that was not filled with gossip, negative news, or complaining about something I had no control over. Tonight's event is 5 years of service to our audience and the biggest gratitude note to our readers and other people who supported me  either by reading the blog, inviting me to events, encouraging me to stay strong while I was taking care of my late father. Thanks again to Athleta who promotes women fitness,  but personal care, and ensures that all women are not only dressed in the best athlesisure and Fitness clothing, but they are a large company that promotes sustainable fashion, recycling among their clothing bags and are safe spaces where women  can come in and take a  class or just chill out. Thanks again to Our Sponsors who saw our vision in sh

Our First Event: Healthy Happy Hour at Athleta June 23, 2017

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Yes we are holding our first event after 5 years of blogging, product testing, foodie Friday's, the Beauty Spot, Charity Spotlight, etc... We are celebrating Happy Hour but with a twist, it is a Healthy Happy Hour at Athleta where you can taste awesome healthy treats, shop, gift bags and giveaways will be given through out the event. Thanks to our host www.athleta.com  our snack sponsors www.noosayoghurt.com , baresnacks.com , www.bienafoods.com , www.davidstea.com  and justins.com  for providing us with delicious and healthy snacks. We will have gift bags and giveaways throughout the night but, you have to register first at eventbrite.com/e/healthy-happy-hour-with-positivexpert-tickets-35139599488 as always.... CHEERS!

Save The Date: Positivexpert Hosts Healthy Happy Hour at Athleta

Hello Positive Peeps! We finally are taking our show on the road. We are hosting a Healthy Happy Hour with Amazing Networking for Women. Here are the deets... Healthy Happy Hour Location: Athleta Flat Iron Store 126 5th Ave. 18th Street and 5th Ave. Time: 6pm - 8pm Enjoy: Happy Hour with healthy treats from Noosa Yoghurt, Bare Snacks and more... Beauty Tips.. Let us help you pick out your next summer dress, from Athleta's Athleisure collection. First 50 guests will receive an awesome swag bag. Official registration will open June 1....

Subscribtion Box Battles: Fab Fit Fun vs. Target- Natural and Regular

Back to battle: Fab Fit Fun has been in the subscription boxing arena for years! But, it underwent some major management changes, however we decided to give it a try again. Fab Fit Fun-- is a quarterly box and it is filled with amazing things: All of their products are not samples! They had products such as wraps for the bed or picnic blanket, earrings, full size product of Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion, Karua face masks four in a box, and a MILLY bag for your wet suit, all of these products retail well over 45.00 each. Target Box-- This month Target tried something new and put together an all natural box and a regular box. Target has an all natural box which has samples of Espom Salt Soak, Raw Sugar Body Wash, Yes to Charcoal Face Mask, Hello Toothpaste, etc. Target's regular box has products such has  full size Sally Hansen nail enamel top coat and base, full size Rimmel London Eye Pencil, and mini shampoo's, etc. The combination costs of both boxes were 47.00

Frugality Alert: Spring/Summer Fun Tips

Spring and Summer is upon us as the temps in NYC are trying to latch on to the 60's, so desperately. Here is how you can take advantage of all the great spring and summer events in NYC. Concerts: There are tons of free concerts, but you have to arise a little bit early! The todayshow.com  is known for there free summer concerts and the first artist up is Cheryl Crow!! There is also gma.yahoo.com  for there free outdoor concerts which last year was pretty amazing. So you aren't into waking up early, but this is a great way to send your out of town guests into the city and they come back early in time for a great dinner. Health and Fitness: We discovered that at Samsung 837 store there are free Yoga classes that you can take on weekends. Also the Highline great outdoor activities including free Yoga as well. Bryant Park has a group yoga class as well and mats are free. Day Getaways: So you decided on a staycation, that's fine check the MTA- LIRR for th

Prepping for Summer with items for Playdates, Spring Cleaning and House Guests

We were in Target just the other day and looking through the 1.00 to 3.00 bins and what did we find??? We found all 1.00 Dr. Seuss playing card decks for the kids we found erasers, pencils, stickers, sticker books, and bags to match the theme of the party. Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish Two Fish things perfect for a child's party or summer play date with the kids. Newer items such as Finding Dory, Trolls were 3.00 but they are still new for kids. The standards such as  Elsa from Frozen, Batman, Stars Wars and also in the 1.00 bin and of course all of these items were authentic, Target only is allowed to sell licensed products from Disney and certain authors. Even mini cans of play dough were .99 cents and dig in the back of aisles and what did we find authentic Hot Cars for .90 cents each and packs of 4 were 4.00, so if your kids are having play dates this summer bring along a gift bag of goodies one for your child and the other and watch them have loads of fun. The total on ev

The Beauty Spot : Clean Beauty

Were back!!! Spring is here, spring is here! That is our mantra around here while we were once again shoveling snow! But, we went a shopping! We are trying as many all natural beauty products so here are our finds: Skincare: thecottagegreenhouse.com  This is an 98 percent all natural brand that was part of the The View viewyourdeal.com  segment Oprah Magazine Edition. We bought Blood Orange and Grapefruit body lotion, the scent is amazing and it is so moisturizing, there is a Orange and Honey Mask we snagged two, and a Cucumber and Honey Shower Gel, which rinses off so clean without drying. Body care: All natural lavender deodorant, we heard so much about the high levels of metals in our deodorant so we gave it a try and I must say it does do wonders. It smells very good and it beats out some of your higher end all natural deodorant products. We bought two at target.com  and it 13.00 for two. Perfume Oils: This is the next major thing! We have a floral patchouli from M

Beauty Spot: Clarins Review

So, I tried the full suite of skin care products from clarins.com.  and this is what I found to be true about the product. History: Clarins was actually founded back in World War I by a French physician who use to treat injured soilders. The formula worked so well that it was used by French women for their beauty needs. You may need this bit of trivia when you audition for Jeopardy, ya never know. Back to the product review: 1. Cotton Seed Daily Face Wash: I use this twice a day night and morning, and what I love about it is that it leaves my face soft without a residue, it is a natural softness and supple feeling that is great. 2.  Face Oil: I was given a sample of their face oil in Blue Orchid and it was very light, and it healed a dry patch of my skin immediately, with out clogging my pores. 3. Extra- Firming Mask: This was another sample and I put a little on and waited for 10 min. the results left my skin feeling great again. I did the mask twice a week as instruc

Glam for Less: How to Look and Feel Great for Less

Many on the outside who look at me say wow, she has some big bucks!! In reality I just know how to bargain hunt really well, with the exception of a few things. These are my tried and true tips for looking your best and getting the maxium experiences out of life. 1. When updating your wardrobe look for jeans that are on trend but have a BOGO sale, the wide jean and culottes are big this year so newyorkandcompany.com  so I got two pairs of jeans for the price of one. 2. Haircare: If you go to your local salon ask when there weekly specials are, same if you go to a local place for waxing needs. Chain hair salons such as dreamdry.com  or waxing chains have a point system, so if you are regular ask how many points do you have or need for braiding or an updo, they will give you points even if you buy products. 3. Samples: You heard about a product you really love, but you aren't sure if it will work on skin or perfume is for you, then go to sephora.com  and ask for a sample th

The Beauty Spot: Spring Break : Part 1

Greetings Positive Peeps! This edition of the Beauty Spot, we have tried some awesome products and this is what we think is going to be hot for Spring, but we have to bring it to you it doses. Eyes: Pastel Color Eyeliners: We picked this up at ulta.com  in a Teal Pearl, which is great because you don't need any other eyeshadow when wearing this, it is just that great! Mascara: Eyeko Brand which is famous for there eyeliner but has a great mascara gives a lot of lift, but the mascara wipes everyone needs to have, because they are just that good and even if you use a regular wipe, most may get all of the mascara off your lashes these are great. Again we found this at ulta.com . Eyeshadow: We love the Urban Decay Smoky Eye Palette because you can do a smoky eye for all seasons, or just wear one eyeshadow for your lid, we found ours at sephora.com . Bronzers, Highlighters, Illuminators. We decided to try an Illuminator by laurageller.com  in Gilded Honey, which gives y

President's Day: Retail Therapy

You are home for a long weekend if you are in the East Coast last weekend you went to grocery stores stood in lines forever to stock up on essentials, then you hauled tons of water and did the snow patrol with sidewalks and steps, checked in on the elderly, you deserve some RETAIL THERAPY!!!! How can you take advantage of the amazing sales going on NOW!! 1. Good Morning America  gmadeals.com Winter Beauty Sale going on right now until Feb. 17 at midnight. Until supplies last you can score amazing prices on beauty items from laurageller.com . etc. go immediately! I scored on a root touch up product that I was willing to spend 30.00 and got it for half the price! 2. Forever21: If you are cruising the wall Early this weekend, then check into Forever 21 where you can score always in the back of the store Buy One get One Free! Yes, the marked down inventory is amazing! I scored a chiffon flower skirt with a slip dress for 14.00. The skirt I got so many compliments it was amazing! Ch