#GirlBoss Review

Hey Lovely People,

After seeing the words #GirlBoss emblazoned across social media since May 2014, I finally got my own copy of Sophia Amoruso's book, and I was so happy that I was able to  read it at last, if you would like to obtain a copy, the book can be purchased here.

For those of who who may not be familiar with Ms. Amoruso, by way of introduction, she is the founder and CEO of the online retail clothing store called NastyGal. She initially launched NastyGal at the age of 22 (in 2006) as an eBay vintage store, and grew the business to the current incarnation as an online retailer of new and vintage clothing and accessories. She grew her business into a $150 million company without borrowing funds- or receiving a large injection of cash from her parents. I kid you not. I was inspired and motivated to learn that she basically became aware that you could sell vintage clothing on eBay after receiving myspace requests from existing vintage eBay sellers, and decided she could do that too. It helped her greatly that she has an appreciation of fashion and styling, and some knowledge of photography-  she was also passionate and invested in creating a good product and doing an excellent job. She didn't have a lot of money to start the store, and has stated in her book that the first thing she sold online was stolen (yes, she admits she used to steal stuff, she also stated she wasn't proud she had done so, and had realized she needed to stop and change course), she bought vintage items at low prices, fixed them up nicely, placed the items on models- or rather styled models in the items- and sold them at a significantly higher price (imagine paying $10 for an item and selling it on eBay for $1000- once the customer is pleased, sounds like good business to me). She states in the book that she kept working hard at what she was doing, and saving her money, and growing her business to the current model.

As I read her story, and learnt that she never attended college, dropped out of community college, shoplifted, changed low paying jobs multiple times, and had poor credit, I started to believe that anyone build the life they want for themselves once they are driven to do so.

Here are a few excerpts from #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso that resonated with me:

• "You will never regret trying to fulfill your dream"
• "Money looks better in the bank than on your feet"
• "Sell things for more than you pay for them, and save more than you spend."
• "We control our thoughts and our thoughts control our lives"
• "The energy you'll expend focusing on someone else's life is better spent working on your own. Just be your own role model."

Once you have the desire to do something, the idea to create something, and the ability to work hard to achieve it- you can achieve it, so I urge you to take that chance today to make your dreams come true, start asking yourself what you can create, so go to your dreams.

XO,

Malika

Chocolate Lip Scrub

Many of us are familiar with the benefits of exfoliation of the face and body- but are we familiar with the benefits of lip exfoliation?

 Just as we scrub the dead layers off our skin to maintain smooth and young-looking skin we also need to scrub or exfoliate our lips in order to make them smooth. Additionally, exfoliation of the lips has the added benefit of preventing cracked and dry lips.

Whilst I'm sure there are many lip scrubs being sold on the beauty market, since I've turned into a beauty product DIYer in a bid to get away from the harmful chemicals that are contained in a lot of beauty products, instead of recommending brands for you to buy,  I'm instead sharing a DIY recipe that I found  on how to make chocolate lip scrub. See recipe below.

Chocolate Lip Scrub

YIELDS: 2 ounces

1 tablespoon coconut oil

¹⁄₂ teaspoon raw honey

¹⁄₂ teaspoon raw cocoa powder

¹⁄₄ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons fine granulated sugar

1 tablespoon grated chocolate

What you will need: measuring spoons, shallow mixing bowl, glass measuring cup, grater, fork, 2-ounce jar with lid

1. To Make: Create a mini double boiler by pouring boiling water in the bottom of a shallow bowl. Put the coconut oil into a glass measuring cup. Place the measuring cup into the bowl of hot water to melt and stir it a little to help it along. Once the oil is melted, remove the measuring cup from the hot water and wipe dry. Add the honey, cocoa powder, and vanilla and stir the ingredients together with a fork. Add the sugar and mix well. Grate the chocolate and stir it in.
2. To Store: To preserve the freshness of this natural scrub, do not get water into the jar. Label and store this scrub in a sealed jar in a cool dark place, out of direct sunlight, for up to a year.
3. To Use: Apply to your lips in small, circular motions. Massage with a light touch and rinse well. Use 1–2 times per week. Note: Do not use on severely chapped lips, split lips, or open wounds.

 Enjoy and remember beauty is more than just the outward.

XO,

Malika

Get The Look for Less

Recently I've been on the lookout for a chic pencil dress, and after being in love with this number worn (maybe two years ago?) by Rihanna and Kim Kardashian, I was pleasantly pleased to log onto h&m today and find a similar look for $19.95 USD. And since it's the perfect pencil dress and budget friendly (think budget fashionsita), guess who's getting one :D ?

XO
Malika

Desiderata

Happy Monday Loveys. 

How was your weekend? Whilst the recently concluded weekend passed me by in a whizz of activity and I would have been most appreciative to have received an extra day (ideally today) I am nonetheless thankful for it. I spent my Sunday afternoon attending a poverty lunch at Coubaril held by the R.C. Church, and I was thrilled to see just how well attended it was. The meal of soup and a roll, though simple, was delicious, and I was glad to know that I had supported a worthy cause, as the funds raised from the lunch would go toward a home for the elderly.

In 2008 I was introduced to the Desiderata poem, and having recently re-acquainted myself with it, I thought I would share it with you loveys today, in hopes that it may inspire you.

Dreams are meant to be dreamt, and life is meant to be lived. Dream big loveys, and above all, as the Desiderata poem says, "strive to be happy".

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
© Max Ehrmann 1927