CandidlyCan

Creative Inspiration & Candid Musings on Style. Beauty. Life and then some...

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Sunny, breezy mornings call for high buns, sweet florals and pretty pink pouts💋💄#marcjacobsdaisy #marcjacobsgloss #saturdaymornings #lifestyle

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One down...364 to go! #2016 #2016ismyyear

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My prayers &thoughts are with Paris🙏🏾🇫🇷. #prayforparis

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

l. to r. clockwise 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8|

Everywhere I turn, wreaths and lights are going up around the city and the shelves of stores once lined with the hues of Fall are now covered with a variety of reds, greens, golds, silvers and fake snow. Fall is a blur and all of it’s remnants are shoved into the sparse corners of clearance racks. Is it just me, or did we just enter a fast-forward time warp to the Holiday season, right?  Just a week or two ago, I was prepping for Halloween and overloading on Reese's pieces.  

Oh well...It doesn't take much to get me in the holiday spirit. Out with the Fall, and in with the candy canes! This is one of my favorite times of the year! So, to kick off the season, I’ve begun my holiday card search and I wanted to share my findings with all of you! Since this will be our first Christmas as a young family, I’m on a quest to find an amazing card to symbolize the occasion, and lucky for me I stumbled on some great choices! The only challenging part now is deciding on which card to choose! 

Honorable Mentions:

Though images from these sites are not presented, they are still on my radar and worth a holiday card search option as well! 

Paper Source| Rifle Paper & Co. |Etsy |Target | Walgreens

Are you in the holiday spirit yet, or is it still too early for you? Know any great suggestions for ordering holiday cards, or are you ordering from any of the sites above? I would love to hear all about how you plan on spreading holiday cheer this year. Share, drop a line, leave a comment...

CandidlyCan

[candidlycan]

Lately...

I’ve indulged in spending time with my two favorite guys.  Halloween was so much fun.  The three of us had a great time trick-or-treating in Houston, and I enjoyed raiding closets and dollar stores to create our homemade costumes and props! (A scarecrow, farmer and a hipster farmer’s market retailer lol)

I’ve painted, glued, taped, stitched...You name it, I’ve done it, and still doing it in an effort to make our humble abode cozy and warm for the winter days ahead! Deets coming soon!

I believe I finally found my postpartum curly halo routine.  My post preggers hair has been unusually dry, but I think my new product combo is a moisturizing winner.  My curls are soft, but defined and my “wash n’ go’s” are lasting 5 days + with simple daily refreshing! 

Eco | Creme of Nature Butterlicious | Shea Moisture |

I’m currently living in my Gucci loafers.  They are keeping my soles in bliss and instantly upgrading my wardrobe staples... jeans and a white tee.  I love how they only get better over time.  So worth the investment. (Thanks, Hubs... They were my pre-push/preggers gift lol)

I’ve never been a make-up guru, so my makeup collection is on the minimalist side. I’m that girl who forgets she has on makeup and rubs her eyes to reveal  a sleep-deprived raccoon. To avoid raccoon eyes, I’m loving my clear Maybelline Great Lash Mascara. It gives my eyes the daytime pop I need, without the brown and black makeup smears.  I’ve also resurrected an oldie, but goodie...the E.L.F. Lip Exfoliator Lipstick.  I use this daily to avoid chapped lips.  I think I’ m going to purchase a few more...this stuff leaves shelves in minutes, it seems and once it’s gone, it’s so hard to find again. 

 E.L.F. | Maybelline | Shea Moisture|

Coconut oil is a multi-purpose staple in my house.  I’m so happy Shea Moisture came out with a jar.  We love it and will definitely repurchase.  It’s a body, hair, and cuticle oil in one.  Oh and my latest obsession...polish in neutrals.  I’ve always been a “mani” girl, but once we moved it’s as if my polish stash disappeared...so, I’m rebuilding my collection, one bottle at a time. 

Sonia Kashuk | Urban Outfitters | Essie |

My little “Papa” is officially 4 months old...where did the time go!

I don’t know if it’s the rainy weather here in Houston, or my culinary skills finally kicking in, but lately I’ve been bitten by the cooking bug!

  I’ve always loved juicing and kombucha, and I’m finally able to add them back into my daily diet.  Loving how the Maca provides me with an energy boost and peps me up. Juicing has always been my detox go too, it clears my skin, helps me shed unwanted weight and just feel awesome. (oh and Purity Juices are not only organic but pasteurized for all pregnant and breastfeeding mommies).  Lastly, my favorite I love Kombucha, especially the Live brand.  It’s better than soda.  It’s full of probiotics and makes me feel great inside out.  

Sunfood | Purity Organic | LIVE Kombucha

What have you been up to lately...? Got anything planned for the weekend? Share I would love to hear all about it! Let’s  chat! 

Happy Friday & Weekend!

CandidlyCan

[candidlycan]

D.i.y Home Accents Edition #001

Moving is tedious and it takes effort and “patience” (there goes that “P” word again) to make a house a “home”.   My go to fix this move has been to add personal touches through “DIY home accents”.  Since we are no longer a home of two, but now three, I’ve been leaning towards integrating  “kid and family friendly” charm in our new place.  Family for me has always centered around food and the dining table, so what better way to turn my house into a family friendly space than by creating chalkboard placemats! It’s interactive and adds both a personal and familial touch to our humble abode.  

Here’s how I did It...

To begin, I first gathered my supplies...

Next, I followed three easy steps...

and Voila...a placemat for me and one for the hubs.

Little by little, day by day, our house is becoming a home! Two placemats down, and a dining room to go, lol! Stay tuned for more  DIY home accent projects coming to CandidlyCan soon! I’m adding a cool spin to the traditional family gallery wall, additional placemats, table decorating and so much more! How do you make your house a home? Share, give me a shout, drop a line... I would love to hear all about any d.i.y. projects you are working on to make your home cozy and family friendly!

CandidlyCan

[candidlycan]

Product Junkie ..Tub & Sud’ s Edition

(clockwise, l. to r.) Burt’s Bee Baby Bee Calming Baby Lotion; Earth’s Best Baby Wipes, Babyganics Wipes; Burt’s Bee Diaper Cream &Baby Powder; Honest shampoo & body wash, Honest Bubble Bath, and Burt’s Bee Baby Bee shampoo & wash; Johnson & Johnson Safety Swabs; Burt’s Bee Baby Bee Nourishing Oil; Honest Healing Balm; Weleda Baby Calendula Face Cream; Beautiful Curls Nourishing Curl Oil; Honest Organic Baby Powder

I love product’s, especially “smell goods” for my hair and skin.  I walk the shampoo and hair product aisles on the regular, and rarely do I resist my desire to take home at least one of something I can use to beautify myself! I know it’s an issue…but, it’s one I can live with! 

Now that I have my son, I have a new aisle to stroll and roam for "smell goods"...the Baby Aisle!!!! Shampoo, Bubble Bath, Cream...Oh, My!

 I try them all, with one condition...I must check the labels for naturally derived and organic ingredients (when available )that I can pronounce. I turn down anything with mineral oil, parabens, chlorine, phthalates or petrochemicals. Before you give me the side eye...I'm not a tree-hugger, nor a helicopter mom, I'm just a mom that is very much aware that the largest, most exposed part of your body is your skin, as a result I'm very mindful of what I put on my little guy's body as well as mine and the hubs! Thus far I love all these products for bath time, but let me first advise you to consider the following 

1). No two babes are exactly alike what may work for my Huddie's skin may not work for your tyke’s and 

2). Always consult your pediatrician before trying anything! (I am a parent just like you, not a physician). 

Now that we got that out the way...let’s review!

CandidlyCan Approved...!

Bath time at my house is always a treat! I think I gave birth to a little “Nemo”.  He loves the water, and I love to make sure he is loved from head to toe!

What’s some of your mommie favorites? Have you tried any of the CandidlyCan fav’s, and if so what do you think? I’ve been eyeing Mustela and Shea Moisture products to add to my little guys collection.  If you’ve tried them, let me know what you think! 

CandidlyCan

This post is not sponsored by any of the aforementioned products, nor affiliates.  All products were purchased by CandidlyCan and Candidly reviewed!

[candidlycan]

I Heart…Weekends #001: The Youtube Edition

Hello, Weekend! It’s so nice to see you again.

 I love weekends (what am I saying everyone loves weekends…I suppose) It’s the perfect excuse to leisurely indulge in all of your guilty pleasures; one of mine being catching up on a myriad of youtube personalities and their lovely channels. Youtube is full of so many inspiring creatives with beauty & style tips, DIY ideas, and laughs, (I can’t forget the laughs). If you haven’t explored the world that is “youtube”, you need to, you’re missing out on a plethora of talent.  

Here’s a few channel’s I’ll be treating myself to this weekend!  

Feminine Bliss  

I stumbled on the amazingly beautiful and talented, “Ms. Gaby”,  on Instagram after she did me the honor of liking a photo and becoming one of my newest followers on Instagram.  I always like to return the favor to other creatives by visiting their Instagram feed and site and while there... I was hooked.  I love her DIYs, OOTD(Outfits of the Day) and sewing tips! Plus, when on her site I get to brush up on my french lol (Did I mention she’s blogging/vlogging from France...how cool!)

Shirley B. Eniang 

I’ve been following this blogger/vlogger from across the pond, for some time now.  I love her shopping and beauty hauls from retail favorites like H&M, Zara, and Topshop.  She’s incredibly stylish, personable and inspiring, and lookbooks both on and off youtube are it!.  Check her out...!

LEAF

I love this channel...! Curated and created by two blogger pals, Geri Hirsch of Because I'm Addicted and Erin Falconer of Pick The Brain they cover everything lifestyle...living, eating and fashion! I especially love their recipes for nourishing your tummy and body and their brilliant DIYs! 

CECILE EMEKE

One of the coolest, most refreshing and thought-provoking docu-series, I’ve ever had the opportunity to view.  Cecile Emeke “Strolling” offers an authentic and  poignant view of issues that affect the lives of young people of color globally.  I am anxiously awaiting a U.S. Strolling Series! 

LaToya's Life

Bump reality tv...I love youtube lifestyle channels! They aren’t staged, the folks are personable and relatable-they’re just like you and me.  Latoya’s life is one of my guilty pleasures.  It reminds me of my NYC life and friendships and I can’t help but wait in anticipation for new episodes Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Fridays to catch up with Latoya, her friends, hubby, and baby Samia! 

Do you watch youtube...If so, what are your channel favorites?  Share I would love to check them out! Comment Below

Stay tuned each weekend for my "I Heart…Weekend’s” series full of links to just about anything cool, creative and inspiring to me!

CandidlyCan

[candidlycan]

“You cannot expect to receive forgiveness if you can’t extend it”...

This weekend I'm taking a leap of faith...and sending a card to an old friend that became a foe, for exactly what I can't recall.  She has her quirks, as do I have my own.  I'm not interested in who was right, or who was wrong.  My only concern is living with a pure and authentic heart.  How she receives it, I have no clue, nor control, but I can honestly move forward knowing that I live what I believe, and extend what I hope to expect from others.  

To avoid making excuses, and “chickening out”, I’m sending the card via Postable, an online postal service of sorts, where you can gather and maintain all the addresses, birthdays, anniversaries, emails and etc... for all of your contacts in an online address book and send cards for all occasions with just one click.  I first learned about postable when I was in search of a way to gather all the contact info for family and friends invited to my wedding.  It was incredibly helpful, and a wedding planning time and stress saver.  

Check it out when you get a chance, and remember 

“Forgiveness is reciprocable”.  

Candidlycan

[candidlycan]

aimless wanderer…

You know when you’re online aimlessly browsing for nothing in particular, just idly web wandering…avoiding a laundry list of “to-do’s” ? 

Don’t feel bad, you’re in good company…Today I stumbled on H & M and Zara home.  Mind you, I frequent both these sites often, at times weekly and I’ll even admit daily, for new wardrobe additions, yet l've never taken a peek at their home sections.

I don't know if it's the recent change in season, drop in temperature, or the fact that I'm in the process of making our new place feel cozy and "homey"(my own invented word) but I found myself adding a few pieces from each site into  online shopping carts.  I love the minimalist, clean lines and palettes of both sites, and I’d be remiss, if I didn't  mention the overly affordable price tags.  

Stay tuned for deets on what I actually ordered for my home coming soon, and if you’re a “web wanderer” like me, where have some of your “aimless web wanderings” taken you? What’s some of your favorite home shopping destinations both online and brick & mortar?  Share I love stumbling on something new!

FYI...to leave a comment, click the notes tag below 

CandidlyCan

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Count Your Blessings...

Last night, I folded up my son’s adorable laundry as I've done so many nights before, since his arrival. I sorted through his multitude of hipster handkerchief bibs, designer baby duds and the abundance of other accessories first time mommies and their families run out to purchase out of pure excitement for the arrival of their bundle of joy...and I smiled, because I'm reminded of how truly blessed my young family and I are-

Not for the abundance of materialistic things, but for so much more, both big and small in scale...

We are all healthy, happy and loved,

My husband and I are blessed to be able to provide for our family,

We are surrounded by family and friends who show us love unconditionally,

When it rains-I have shelter, 

when I'm hungry-I eat leisurely (and abundantly at times lol),

and 

when I'm cold I have clothes to keep me warm-

And for all of that and so much more, I am incredibly grateful. Don't get me wrong life is not perfect for me or anyone else I know for that matter. We all have days that we would rather not revisit or face, but we are blessed to open our eyes to have each day that we are given.

I encourage you to take a moment of gratitude and reflect on all that you are grateful for and witness how your spirit transforms (I know mine did), 

but don't stop there I challenge you to take it a step further and be a blessing someone else can express gratitude for.

As for me, I plan to pack up my sons outgrown, gently used wardrobe to a new mommie in need of support and love from another.

When's the last time you stopped to count your blessings...what are you grateful for and how can you "be a blessing'to someone else...?  Share below I would love to hear about it. Blessings are contagious!

Candidly...Can

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I’m Back...

Life has a funny way of taking twists and turns despite our best intentions and plans, yet I’m so thankful for each and every detour, I’ve experienced in the past year and half…

I was blessed to become the wife of one of the most wonderful and God-fearing men I know.  After postponing my Oct. 2013 wedding less than a month out from walking down the aisle…

I said, “I Do” to the love of my life amongst close friends and family in an intimate outdoor ceremony,  June 16, 2014, followed by a Southern Brunch at one of our favorite local Houston dives with blessings from loved ones near and far…

We planned our impromptu wedding with loved filled hearts within less than a month with the help of family and amazing vendors…It was beyond amazing and surpassed my imagination !  

Shortly into our honeymoon year, life continued to route us in the direction of even more blessings…

I was blessed with a beautiful, happy baby boy born July 3rd of this year.

Long story short, trust in God, know that he has plans to prosper you, not hinder you! I’m back, even better than when I left...stronger, wiser, patient...and looking forward to sharing all the twist, turns, bends and detours that come my way with you all!

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Count it all joy! Because...it ain't over until God says it done! On this trying day and weekend I count it all joy despite everything I face because I know troubles don't last always, plans change, people change, but God is consistent and never wavering and I'm so thankful for how God is moving and what's to come. Spending this day dwelling in joy, love and appreciation! This past year did not defeat me!!! Thank you Lord! Today's word came right on time this morning. I so needed this! Thank you Lord! Bless this day in peace! #joy #TFOP #ABeautifulMess

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That's me!

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Sunday Spread...Love. It's. The. BKLYN. Way

I was up late battling the onset of what feels like the flu, and stumbled on one of my favorite…

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