by ThallenBLiving on November 20, 2011
After much contemplation I decided to try the Shellac frenzy that’s taking over the manicure world! Shellac is a new type of nail polish that boasts the following advantages over regular nail polish: 1) It lasts up to two weeks, when you’d be lucky if regular polish lasts one and 2) Shellac is dry the moment you’re done, no waiting around.
I went to Polished Fingertips to get Shellac put on my fingernails. I don’t really see the point in a Shellac pedicure because the polish on my toes hardly ever chips. In total, the process took about half an hour because you have to put each hand under a UV light after each coat is applied. I had a base coat, about three coats of color and then a top coat. As soon as the manicurist was done, she wiped then off with a paper towel and water/alcohol and I was done! I was able to immediately put my hand in my wallet to pull out my credit card!
So far, I’m pretty impressed with Shellac, but I will reserve final opinion until I go through the removal process. Also I want to see if it REALLY lasts two weeks. I’m still on the fence about the price too. I paid $40… So even if it lasts two weeks, a $20/week manicure is still a bit expensive. Now if I can stretch it for longer than two weeks, I’ll be more inclined to do it again.
Have you tried Shellac? What do you think about it?
by ThallenBLiving on November 9, 2011
(That’s me on the far right)
This year I’ve made good on my new year’s resolution to get in better shape. One of the most rewarding activities I’ve done is running with Black Girls RUN! BGR is a group of ladies who get together in their respective cities across the country to run. In NYC we run throughout the week in Central Park, Prospect Park and other neighborhood trails. There really is something for everyone– from beginners to marathon runners. I was not a runner when I joined the group, having never run more than a mile before. However, I quickly became a runner with the support and encouragement of other group veterans. There’s something so motivating in knowing that you’re running with a group and that people are cheering for you at the finish line. I encourage everyone to try out a local walking or running group. It’s the easiest and cheapest form of exercise, seeing as how you’re already standing on the equipment!
What’s your favorite way to exercise?
by ThallenBLiving on November 3, 2011
Can you believe that this is the 100th post on Thallen B. Living?! I’m so excited to reach this milestone 
As a token of my appreciation to all of you, I have decided to do a giveaway! The gift is a (drumroll please)… $25 Sephora gift card!!! Here’s how you enter to win:
- Subscribe to receive Thallen B. Living email updates by entering your email address in the box on the right. Don’t forget to verify by clicking the link in the first email you receive. If you’re already subscribed, no need to subscribe again.
- Next, comment on your favorite Thallen B. Living post, telling me why it’s your favorite.
- Then, tweet or facebook your favorite post. Make sure to “@ThallenBLiving” in your message to notify me.
I’ll select the winner on Monday, November 14. It’s as simple as that! Thanks for reading, and hopefully the $25 Sephora gift card will be YOURS!
by ThallenBLiving on October 27, 2011
Help! It’s been forever since I updated my iPod, which is kind of ridiculous since I listen to music all the time… while working out, cleaning up, on the train, etc. I’m still jamming to music from years ago! While the classics of Stevie Wonder and MJ will never go out of style, I’m hoping to add some new music to my playlists (especially my workout playlists).
What’s your favorite song?!
by ThallenBLiving on October 23, 2011
Last Thursday at the Carlton Hotel, CurlyNikki had her very first NYC meetup. For those of you who wear your hair in its naturally curly state (meaning not altered by a chemical straightener), I’m sure you’ve already heard of CurlyNikki. If not, then you’ve been missing out! CurlyNikki.com is an awesome resource to help readers care for their natural curls. Each day the site is updated with articles, videos, and celebrity interviews about some aspect of hair care.
CurlyNikki has helped to foster a wonderful community and it was so awesome to attend this event. There were hundreds of attendees, including Karyn Parsons and Janet Hubert-Whitten (Hillary and the original Aunt Viv from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)!
The event was sponsored by Mizani who gave away gifts bags at the door. My gift bag included literature about Mizani products and samples of Supreme Oil and Curl Soft.
There were also “demo stations” where stylists and models demonstrated how to accomplish beautiful hairstyles.
CurlyNikki is so gracious and hospitable… taking pictures with all of her adoring fans. I must say that she is truly an inspiration to me, as a blogger and as a “naturalista!”
Cheers to CurlyNikki!!!
by ThallenBLiving on October 11, 2011
I am in love with Organix Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner. The packaging is what initially caught my attention… which means the marketing is doing their job well! It’s such an odd shape and the gold bottle is such a terrific color… but it’s what is inside the shimmery bottle that will have me buying Organix again in the future. The scent is amazingly sweet without smelling artificial. The shampoo gives a great lather on the first application. This is great because I use less product, meaning 1) more $$$ in my pocket and 2) less chance that the shampoo will strip my hair leaving it dry and brittle. The conditioner is creamy and rich with great slip. My hair is noticeably easy to detangle and manage after using.
The only problem is that something in it makes my neck itch! I’m allergic to certain nuts and fruits, so I bet one of the extracts is the culprit. In spite of my allergy I will definitely finish off the bottle and maybe try a new scent in the future.
I give Organix Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner:
2 KISSES!!!
(would’ve been 3 if I wasn’t allergic!!!)
by ThallenBLiving on July 20, 2011
I love music with a message… This song inspires me to keep moving closer to my dreams. I hope it inspires you too! (“Closer” by Goapele)
by ThallenBLiving on July 12, 2011
How much water should you drink each day? For years I’ve heard that everyone should drink eight 8oz glasses each day. But I often wondered why a 250lb active man should drink the same amount of water as 125lb inactive woman. So I put forth a little research to find out the truth behind water drinking. According to the Mayo Clinic, water drinking habits should not be the same for everyone. How much water you need is determined by your health, level of activity and where you live (among other factors). While the average person needs 8 or 9 glasses a day, read the article here to see how to adjust based on more personal factors.
by ThallenBLiving on July 5, 2011
I have tried so many workout plans, regimes and diets… But I have finally come to a point where I’ve figured out what works for me, and that is… hold on to your seats… EVERYTHING IN MODERATION! Brilliant, I know! I’m sure you’ve heard people say this before and you roll your eyes because you think they’re refusing to tell you their life-changing secret. Well I’m laying it all out here folks, I’m eating in moderation and I’m working out in moderation. I’m neither starving, nor living in the gym. So over the course of the next few months, I will share more information about my diet/workout plan and keep you up-to-date with my weight loss and fitness program. So far, I’m down 9lbs!
by ThallenBLiving on November 1, 2010
Remember a few months back I talked to you about Maybelline’s Lash Stiletto Mascara? Well ever since then I’ve been on the prowl for a mascara that really blew me away… and I think I’ve finally found it. This mascara has been a staple for many of my friends and family for a while, but I’m just getting around to trying it . It’s MAC’s Zoom Lash (US $14) and boy is it great! Here’s what MAC’s description says about it: “Major drama. Lasts all day. Creamy, velvety formula builds density and conditions. Feels light, supple. Ultra-sculpted brush has three-sided fibres to embrace and separate each lash, hugging every curve. Coats in one stroke from root to tip. No smudging.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself… I agree with every single point! However, I do have one (and ONLY one) gripe about this mascara… It’s SO hard to get off! I even purchased the MAC Pro Eye Makeup Remover thinking that would make removal easier. It doesn’t! So now when I wash my face at night I get off as much as I can without tugging too much under my eyes. Then the next morning I use the MAC Pro Eye Makeup Remover and clean up the extra residue that didn’t come off the night before.
I went to Polished Fingertips to get Shellac put on my fingernails. I don’t really see the point in a Shellac pedicure because the polish on my toes hardly ever chips. In total, the process took about half an hour because you have to put each hand under a UV light after each coat is applied. I had a base coat, about three coats of color and then a top coat. As soon as the manicurist was done, she wiped then off with a paper towel and water/alcohol and I was done! I was able to immediately put my hand in my wallet to pull out my credit card!
