Memorial Day is upon us, and even though we may not be able to take part in our normal shenanigans, we can still indulge in all these sales. And ladies, the sales are good and plentiful this year. It can be a bit overwhelming navigating all the options so I wanted to compile a quick list of some of my favorite sales and my top selections that they have to offer. I've covered clothing, shoes, and skincare to help fulfill whatever area you enjoy the most. So sit back click and enjoy!
Let me know in the comments below if you decided to get anything.
It's the most wonderful time of the year. It's the Sephora spring sale and your girl has been SHOPPING. Not just pick up a few things here or there I mean just throw it in the bag shopping. My justification is that I've been really responsible with my money since this lockdown and I deserve one little splurge in the interest of self-care. So I decided to really invest in upholding my current skincare regimen as well as trying out a few new products that will help address some of my skincare concerns.
The sale is 20% for Rouge members until 5/1, 15% off for VIB members until 4/29, and 10% off for Insiders until 4/27 ( welp today so you better get on the good foot if you want to get something).
Treating my skin has really been an uphill battle for years. I suffer from Seborrheic Dermatitis which causes inflammation and flaking of the skin. It can be very frustrating at times, as flare-ups cause very painful visible dry patches on my face, scalp, and ears. I have seen a dermatologist who helped me to really get it under control during one of my worse flare-ups, but since then I have done a lot of research to find ways to treat the skin, specifically on my face, with products that were less harsh and nonsteroid based. I have been asked why I would spend so much on skincare, but I would far rather invest in healing my skin issues then investing in makeup to just hide the problem and make it worse.
Now that I've spilled all of my tea, I wanted to give you all a more in-depth look at some of the products that I have been using and have really worked for me as well as some new products I decided to give a try. As you go through this list please keep in mind that my skin concerns may be different than yours so it's important to identify what products will address your personal concerns. My skin is extremely dry. DRY AS THE SAHARA DESERT DRY so after much research and trial and error I curated a regimen that focused on providing moisture and evening skin tone ( as I have some hyperpigmentation and discoloration from picking at the dry patches I would get during flare-ups). So without further ado let's get into this.
Cleansers
So my two favorite cleansers right now are the Clinque's Take the day off and Farmacy's Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser. I use the Clinique cleansing balm to remove my makeup prior to cleansing. It is a creamy balm that kinda suds up once you add water to your face and rub it in. It truly does get EVERYTHING off. Ever since using it, I have stopped using makeup wipes completely. This product absolutely does a better job of removing makeup than a makeup wipe has ever done for me, and it doesn't strip my skin of moisture either. Once I complete that step I use the Farmacy Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial cleanserto gently remove any remaining dirt. I absolutely love this cleanser because it gets my skin very clean and doesn't leave any residue or strip my skin of moisture. A lot of gel cleansers I used in the past would only exacerbate my skin issues but this one has really been a winner.
Toner
Fresh's Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toneris the GOAT when you have dry skin. I was recommended this product by one of the lovely Sephora sales associates. Toners are important in your skin regimen because they help to remove the dirt and oil in your pores that your cleanser did not get off when cleaning the surface. Clogged pores lead to breakouts so you really want to make sure you're incorporating them into your regimen. This one is very soothing and gentle, and most importantly not drying.
Serum
I have been alternating between two different serums and I love them both. I've been using the Fresh Vitamin Nectar Glow Juice and the Claudalie Vinoperfect Anti Dark Spot Serum.Fresh's Vitamin Nectar Glow Juice is packed with vitamin C, E and B5. The Vitamin C is great for skin brightening so if your struggling with dullness and uneven skintone this is the serum for you. It's also very light weight so it works well for any skin type. The Claudalie Vinoperfect Anti Dark Spot Serumhas been the most effective serum for dark marks. If you are struggling with uneven skin tone, blotchiness, or hyperpigmentation this is absolutely the serum for you. You won't see an immediate difference but you will absolutely see difference overtime. That truly goes with any skincare product or regimen. It takes time for products to actually make a difference in your skin. Think of it this way, it takes about 30 days for new skin cells to generate so that is how long it will take for you to truly see the results of a new skincare product.
Moisturizer
The Tatcha dewy skin cream is the best moisturizer that I've ever used. It's very rich and moisturizing and is one of the only creams that I've used that has been able to keep my skin hydrated all day. The best part, is that it leaves a very dewy finish after it's applied. So if you're looking for hydrated plumped skin, natural glow, and you struggle with dryness this is absolutely the product for you. I will say, that if you have oily skin I would not recommend this for you. It will likely be way to heavy on your skin.
Oil
I have not tried any other facial oils and likely won't because the Farmacy Honey Grail Oil has been so beneficial to my skin. It is a very lightweight oil that absorbs into the skin beautifully and adds to the glow. The oil really helps to lock in the moisture of the products that I used prior to this step and creates a very strong protective barrier over my skin. A little goes a VERY long way with this product. I typically only use 1-2 drops whenever I use it, so one bottle lasts me for MONTHS. If you are oily I would still suggest you incorporate this step into your routine. Keeping your skin hydrated when you have oily skin is even more important, as your skin actually produces more oil when it's dry to attempt to combat its dehydration.
Sunscreen
Forget all the rumors and lies we were told growing up as black woman. I remember believing that I didn't need sunscreen because I had a higher level of melanin in my skin than white people. I'm here to tell you that is a lie, black girls need sunscreen. I'm gonna say that one more time so it really sinks in here. BLACK GIRLS NEED SUNSCREEN. Not just at the beach or on vacation either. You need sunscreen every single day that you are going outside. Furthermore, there are certain ingredients in your skincare that make your skin more sensitive to sun damage, and when you use those products and go out into the sun you are leaving your skin open to far greater damage than you even began with. So let's make sure we are protecting those beautiful faces ladies. Do yourself a favor and incorporate sunscreen into the end of your AM facial routine. My personal suggestion would be Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen. It is extremely smooth and light and does not leave a white cast on your skin or have any flashback. In my opinion, it's the best.
Tinted Moisturizer
As I get older I get a little lazier when it comes to glam, and I notice when I do have to put makeup on I HATE the feeling of foundation. It oftentimes feels heavy and like my skin is suffocating. It also doesn't help that a day or two after wearing it I notice a breakout somewhere on my face. To try to negate this issue I started using tinted moisturizers because they were .... well moisturizing, and much lighter than a traditional foundation. I also prefer more of a sheer coverage when it comes to my makeup. So when doing my research for this sale I came across a skincare blogger, Chanel Tyler, who raved about the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint. I'm a creature of habit so I was really hesitant to give something new a try, but I decided to be brave this time and do it. GIIRRRRRLLLLL I'm so happy I did because out of everything I purchased during this sale this is hands down the one I can't stop talking about. This product not only provides BEAUTIFUL dewy natural coverage it also is PACKED with skincare benefits. This is makeup that actually treats your skincare concerns while you wear it. No more dry, irritated, suffocated skin after a day of wearing makeup. Now you can have that natural coverage while actually treating your skin at the same time. It's genius and I am never going to put foundation on my skin again, not after this gem of a product.
Well ladies, I hope this post helps you all make your final decisions before you hit checkout on that purchase. Are there any products that have been holy grails for you that you plan on restocking on during this sale? If so let me know in the comments below. I would love to give something new a try. I appreciate your recommendations just as much as you appreciate mine.
The past few weeks have been like something out of a movie, to say the least. We are all quite unsure about what the state of our economy, our health, and any other plans we had are going to be going forward. Many of us are working from home, completely out of work, or still working and trying to find a way to deal with the glaring anxiety of what is happening. I know personally, this has been quite the emotional roller coaster for me. I'm blessed to have a job that allows me to work from home and a secondary job that closed down to protect us. But the uncertainty of everything has left me with a need to disconnect. My main source of mental relief has and always will be binging a show. Yes, I know to some this may seem ridiculous but it has always been a great escape for me. Whenever I've been overwhelmed, upset, or stressed I carve out some time to allow myself to get lost in someone else's world.
So as we all try to keep from going stir crazy while banding together to protect one another I wanted to share some of the shows that I've been watching to keep me entertained. I'm still not stir crazy yet and for that, I can thank this list.
Good Girls - Netflix/ Hulu
( watch it from the beginning on Netflix and the new seasons on Hulu)
This show is actually currently on NBC but if you have never seen it you will definitely want to go back to season 1 on Netflix and watch it. If you like shows with a solid and captivating storyline that will also keep you doubled over laughing this one is right up your alley. When I first saw it on Netflix I thought it was a movie so I ignored it for at least a year until I randomly discovered it was a show. You would be surprised how many people thought the same thing, and I know some of you are reading this and I just rocked your world with this new information.
The plot centers around 3 suburban moms with their own individual financial struggles who decide the best way to fix their issues is to rob a grocery store. This one act leads them down a road full of HOT mess that will keep you on the edge of your seat for all 3 seasons.
My boyfriend is not one to take any of my show recommendations because he is quite stubborn ( I'm still trying to get him to tune into the genius that is Game of Thrones) but he secretly watched this one behind my back and was instantly hooked. If you don't take my word for it take his, it's an absolute winner.
Desperate Housewives- Hulu
Now this one is a super oldie. Like extremely old so you may be wondering why I'm including this. You may even have already watched it back in 2008 when it was on TV, I absolutely did. The great thing is if you have a memory like mine you won't remember a single thing that happened. I was OBSESSED with this show. So much so that back in 2008 I even had The Sims desperate housewives edition, yea it was that serious. Which is why I was surprised I didn't remember a single plotline from the entire show. It was truly like watching a brand new show and the only thing that I do remember is how addictive it was, and that feeling still remains. The best part is it has about 8 seasons so there's plenty of content to get you through the however many weeks we will be on lock down.
Stranger Things- Netflix
I am absolutely not a SciFi girl so this one is even surprising for me, but I can't deny this is a great show. One of my old managers at H&M used to beg me to give it a try and I would always tell him not a chance in hell. Welp, I can admit when I'm wrong and I was very very very wrong my friends. This show is funny, exciting, and will have you on the edge of your seat every single episode. It focuses on a group of kids who singlehandedly save the world while keeping you laughing and nervous the entire time. It's a great watch and will definitely take your mind off of what's going on right now.
Greys Anatomy- Netflix/ Hulu
Now this one right HERE!!!! This one is hands down my favorite show of all time. I'm just going to assume 90% of the free world has already consumed this amazing piece of art, but in the slight chance that you haven't stop whatever your doing now ( which in this time I'm going to imagine isn't much) and go start season one. You can find it on Netflix and you need to get into it as soon as humanly possible. If you're familiar with my good good sis Shonda Rhimes then you should already know that this is an amazing piece of programming. This is Shonda's breakthrough show, and it's got so many seasons at this point I can't even tell you where they are at. I have personally gone through all of Grey's anatomy at least 4 times and will likely watch it again during this break.
No TV romance has every compared to Der and Mer so do yourself a favor and add this to your list.
Working Moms- Netflix
A great plot and non stop laughs. I'm not a mom, but I felt every bit of this show. This show surrounds a group of mothers trying to navigate life while balancing being successful working women, wives, and mothers. Needless to say they damn sure don't succeed at all of those things. They fall hilariously short in at least one area in every episode. This is a pretty quick watch so you could probably knock it out in a few days.
Grace and Frankie- Netflix
If you follow me on Instagram ( which you should be doing so go ahead and click and follow @guiltyofglitz_) then you already know that I love Grace and Frankie. If you loved Golden Girls back in the day, then you will love this show. It follows two older women who are recently divorced and end up deciding to live together and become best friends. Grace is a very uppity rich woman and Frankie is pretty much a hippie so as you can imagine they clash constantly. So watching them try to navigate their own lives and survive under one roof is pretty hilarious. I won't even get started on their kids and ex-husbands. I cannot say ENOUGH good things about this show. In my personal opinion, it's one of Netflix's best original series and I hope it doesn't go anywhere anytime soon.
The Morning Show- Apple Tv +
Now, this one completely caught me by surprise. I found this show a few months ago when my godson was playing with the Apple Tv remote, and I thought it was an actual morning show. When I saw Jennifer Anniston and Reese Witherspoon I was even more confused. Since I've run through every single show like a damn marathon I decided I might as well circle back and give this one a try. Needless to say, it was fantastic. It has a lot of big hitters in Hollywood, and the plot grabs you from the very beginning. It's very obvious that this story centers on the Matt Lauer scandal with ABC. It is only available on Apple TV+ but you can get a free week's subscription to watch this show. I watched it in 2 days so one week is more than enough time, its only 10 episodes, and let's be serious what you got to do instead lol.
Little Fires Everywhere- HULU
Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington wrapped up in massive lies and deceit. Do I really need to expound any further! This show is based on the best selling novel and although I have not read the book ( which I wish I did because I am a stickler for reading a book prior to watching the TV or film adaptation) it has my full attention. The only complaint that I have is why are we releasing the episodes every Wednesday. HULU stop playing with us! We are locked in the house for the unforeseeable future can we just get all the episodes PLEASE!
Honorable Mentions
And now for a list of shows that deserve very much to be on this list but my fingers grew tired of typing and the Dnice Quarantine concert featuring Issa Ray was starting up soon. So let's Go:
Insecure (HBO)- Speaking of Issa, literally the most relatable comedy I've ever seen about a young black woman trying to navigate dating in your 30's. Honestly one of my favorite shows, and I've never related to a character more.
Euphoria (HBO)- I'll just say Zendaya DID THAT!!!
YOU (Netflix)- Insanely creepy, yet captivating show about a hot Pierce Badgley being a weird creepy stalker
Love is Blind( Netflix)- A reality show that tests the theory that people can fall in love without ever seeing one another. Also, get ready to want to punch Jessica in her face every episode.
This is Us (Hulu/ NBC)- Do not watch this without a pack of tissues readily available. It pretty much gets a tear from me every episode. But if you want your heart to melt all over the place give it a watch and get into Randall and Beth.
90 Day Fiance- BAAABBBYYYY this will take you through the whole damn quarantine. I don't think I've ever laughed this much at a reality show or been in such shock in how naive people can be. But if you want something a little less serious that is FUNTY!!!! BABY this is 110% for you. If you really want to test it out I would say start with " 90 day fiance: Before the 90 days" Season 4. I promise after that you will swan dive into the rabbit hole.
So since we all have PLENTY of time why not use whatever time you're not working and unwind with one of the shows on this list. If you watch any of them it drop me a comment or comment on Instagram and let me know, or leave any suggestions of shows you have below so I can have something new to watch during this quarantine as well.
Confession time, I'm a shopaholic. It's an addiction that I'm not proud of but also brings me great joy. What can I say, people, I like nice things. Although there isn't anything wrong with treating yourself from time to time there is something very wrong with not knowing where the limit to that lies. This is something that I can honestly say I struggle with regularly. If I want it I buy it and I suffer the consequences of that decision later. Smart? Absolutely not, a reality yes. But the thing is that this is not just my reality it is a reality for many other people as well. So how can we live a life where we can enjoy having the things we want while still exercising financial responsibility. It's one word, one service that many people have not been informed about, but your girl is always here to share. It's called Quadpay and it's your new best friend.
What is Quadpay
Quadpay is a magical service that allows you to take the entire total of purchase and split it into 4 interest-free payments deducted from your chosen method of payment every 2 weeks. The vital difference with Quadpay and other similar services is that it allows you to use this service anywhere as opposed to its competitors that only offer partner with select retailers. Yes, I said anywhere and I meant what I said. Another incredible game-changing feature is that it allows you to use this option while you are physically in store. This was really what sold me on this company. When I first downloaded the app I got it because I wanted the Staud Crocodile bag ( worn here and here) and Quadpay was the only option. I had not heard of this service previously but I wanted the bag so bad that I figured looking into this Quadpay thing was worth the try. When I downloaded the app originally, it was still in beta-testing and I was placed on a "stay tuned" list. Three weeks later I received an email stating that I was off the list and could use the $500 they had given me anywhere and anytime. Since my job is to test it out and bring you back the tea, of course, I had to take it for a spin immediately.
How Does It Work
First things first, download the app. Once you are verified to purchase using the app, you have the option of using your QuadPay card both online and in-store If you choose to use it online it's pretty simple. Once you put in the exact dollar amount of your purchase ( to the cent) you just need to agree to the 4 payment amounts and the card that you would like it to pull from. Once you have done that Quadpay will generate card numbers at the bottom of the screen for you to utilize as your form of payment, instead of your own card information. In-store use is even easier. You follow the same initial steps as online, except when it is time to pay at the card reader Quadpay will generate a virtual card for you to add to your apple wallet, and you will use that card to pay. Exactly as you would if you were using your own card with apple pay. Easy as 1, 2 , CHA-CHING!
Is This A Credit Card Sis?
Absolutely not! There is no credit check, no exchange of social security numbers, none of that. This is as simple as buy now and pay later. The only fee's you incur is a $1 fee added on to each payment and $7 fee for late payments. Other than that you are in the clear. I tested this out for 6 months just to try to find out what the catch was. Well, six months later I'm here to tell you there is absolutely no catch. It is truly as straightforward and easy as it sounds.
Being able to use this service has allowed me to buy far more things than I typically would have been able to. Ya'll know I do not buy full price, but I can honestly say over the last few months of using this service I have been able to buy higher price point items without feeling the financial burden of it. I typically wait until payday to make my purchases so I know in the next two weeks when my payment comes out it will land on a day when my account overfloweth. I really do love this service so so sooooo much. Anyone that knows me personally already has been using it because I talk about it to anyone that will listen. In the last two months, I've been able to purchase an entire skincare regimen from Sephora, indulge in the Zara sale ( whole Zara outfit here), buy my Staud bag, and buy a ton of new H&M looks ( these H&M looks were all purchased with Quadapay here, here, and here). Having the ability to split the cost of these purchases throughout several checks has also allowed me to allocate more funds towards creating content, which in turn has led to more brand collaborations, and more creativity on my end. It has truly changed the game for me and I am so thankful to have found them.
So go ahead and buy all the things you like while still making sure your bills are paid.
To make things super easy for you click the link below to download the app, and HAPPY SHOPPING!
6 Years ago you couldn't catch me outside without 3 long full bundles swinging from my head. I did NOT play about my weave. I had an appointment every two weeks to get my hair laid, and come hell or high water I made it to that seat no matter what. If someone would have told me that 6 years later I would be walking around confidently sashaying down the street with a shake and go fro I would have thought they were delirious.
Now don't get me wrong. I truly believe all black women should have the right to wear their hair in whatever style makes them feel the most confident, but my personal behavior was indicative of a larger issue. I was raised by a mother who came from a generation of permed and straight hair being more visually desirable. Although she always means well in everything she does for me, her thinking is simply a result of historical precedence about hair that has been passed down from generation to generation. The belief that straight hair is more attractive and natural hair is only acceptable if it is more of a loose curl pattern. These are the beliefs myself, and I'm sure many other black women, were raised on. Going to get a perm once a month from the age of 5 until about 18 seemed was completely normal to me. Sure I endured chemical burns so bad I could peel the palm-sized scabs off my scalp, but it never really seemed like much of an issue. "Beauty is pain right?"
It wasn't until I went to a hairdresser that did not properly wash the perm out of the back of my head that things changed for me. I watched chunks of my hair fall out over the course of a few days leaving me with a horrifyingly huge bald spot in the back of my head. It was that day I swore I would never get another perm. I wasn't really sure what else to do with my hair so I began my relationship with weaves and braids. This went on for years. I would get my hair done back to back without a care in the world. Typically it is recommended you let your hair rest for a few weeks between " protective" styles, but I didn't care much about protecting my hair. The only thing I was concerned with was hiding it. You see, I didn't grow up with a curly texture of hair. I grew up with hair so course I broke every comb and blow dryer that came in contact with it. I hated looking at it let alone trying to deal with it or " keep it healthy" . I spent all my money and time making sure it was always well covered up. This behavior went on for years. I'm ashamed to even think about how many years it was. What shocks me most now, when I think back on it, was that I didn't see a problem with my line of thinking. It was so commonplace that I truly saw no issue.
A few years later things changed. My best friend decided she wanted to try to go natural. I remember her telling me and asking me to do it with her and me thinking she was insane. I would watch her try twist outs, and study countless youtube videos, and think " Oh she's tripping". I just couldn't understand why she would want to stop getting weaves. I mean, we were so beautiful with our 20 inches of hair. What was she thinking?!! I didn't know but I for damn sure wasn't going to find out either, or so I thought.
Thanksgiving came around, and my hairdresser was BOOKED. Typically I would make a standing appointment to make sure I always had something on the books but this time I forgot. I begged her to try to squeeze me in but unfortunately, she didn't have anything available. I was devastated, to say the least. The sheer thought of showing up at thanksgiving without my hair done terrified me. But guess what ya'll, ya girl had no choice. So that's what I did. I walked up to the door head down and a lot more quiet than I have ever been ( if you know me personally you know I'm NEVER quite). I had my hair covered up with a scarf because in my mind it was far better to wear a scarf on my head, looking like I had just rolled out of bed than to just allow people to see my hair.
I noticed my older cousin kept staring at me with an extremely irritated look. After trying to ignore her for as long as humanly possible I finally decided to ask her what was up. She simply said " why do you have that scarf on girl". I already knew what was about to go down and I absolutely wasn't in the mood. I simply replied " my hair isn't done, that's all its not a big deal", but she wouldn't let up. She kept asking me what I considered "done" and why I believed that my hair in its current state wasn't presentable enough for me to come out of the house. Now I could sit here and give you every rebuttal she provided to my responses, but to be honest none of them resonated with me. They were all in one ear and out the other. But there was one thing she said that stuck with me. It hit me so hard that 6 years later I remember it, and I likely always will. She said " the problem is not what's on your head the problem is what's in your head."
It was really that simple. I spent my entire life hating a part of me so much that I would do anything to hide it. No matter the cost, the time, the pain, the damage to my own hair, none of that was enough to make me accept myself for who I was. It was that night that I decided I would at least TRY going natural. I had spent so much time hiding from myself I didn't even know how to love myself as I truly was. Although there have been ups and downs this has been one of the most beautiful journeys I have taken.
Now I want to be very clear. I believe that every black woman has the right to do whatever she wants with her hair. It grows out of YOUR head. As long as you are taking care of it and making decisions in the best interest of the health of your hair then GO OFF SIS!! I switch my hair up often, and I love having the freedom to be able to do so. Do I still wear weaves, wigs, and braids occasionally, YES! Do I go through stints of straightening my hair, Absolutely!! But now I have gained freedom. I no longer feel like I have to cover up whats on m head to achieve society's standard of beauty. I look in the mirror and I feel beautiful, confident, and in love with the person staring back at me. Of course, there are times when I get frustrated with my natural hair because it can be quite a bit of work at times, but I love it more than that frustration.
As I walk through the hallways of my office, and men and women of every color comment on the beauty of my fro, the joy I feel is insurmountable. I hold my head high, and I know every coil, and kink is perfect. So the point of this extraordinarily long-winded post is that I want each of you to know that you are perfect as you are. Whatever your insecurity may be. Whether it be hair, body, skin, it doesn't matter you are perfectly and wonderfully made. Please don't ever forget that, because once you do the problem is no longer external, sis it's internal.
Wheeewww Chillay it's been a minute since I have been on here, and that's something I am quite ashamed of. I began to get so wrapped up in Instagram I neglected the space that actually belongs to me, and the people that actually go to my site to read my very long-winded stories. Daily obsessing over numbers so much that I started feeling like I did not even want to blog at all anymore. What was the point? Who was even reading it? Well, let me tell you something God works in mysterious ways. When they say we serve an on-time God it is absolutely true. So story time people, walk with me here.
It was Saturday night and I was just getting out of my second job. I had literally every intention of going home after work. I actually told myself no matter what, I was taking my behind straight home, and not spending a single unnecessary dollar. Well, that whole plan went down the drain when my fave coworker was closing with me and asked me to accompany him to Fridays for a "quick drink". Mind you, our drinks are usually never quick, not even close. So of course, I obliged, what kind of friend would I be if I left him cold and lonely at the bar looking like some kind of weird psycho. Well as we came in I saw an old friend from high school and quickly went over to greet him. I had not talked to him in about a decade so I was really happy to see him. We exchanged our hello's and how have you been, and then what he said next truly shocked me. Out of what felt like nowhere he said " Camille I'm really proud of you, your blog is really amazing. I see you doing your thing on there (instagram/ blog) and I'm really proud to watch the woman you have become." Now he had absolutely no way of knowing this but I was in a space mentally where I was completely ready to give up. When you are a smaller scale blogger it honestly feels like no one is reading your work but you, and maybe your mom. Knowing that not only is someone reading it, but that the things I write, the stories I tell, and the information that I share impacts someone was huge to me. It really meant a lot. It brought me back to a question one of my blogger friends Sadeasked me. What is your why? After serious self-reflection, the answer is very clear to me now.
I started blogging in 2012. I remember one of my best friends coming to me with the idea of starting a group blog and thinking, "what the heck is a blog?" I always loved writing ( as a kid I used to write my own books so I could always read a story that would excite me), it has always been an outlet to express myself or rather a way for me to share stories with others. Also lets not forget that I never shut up, and it is also a way for me to ramble on and on as I typically do without having to deal with the awkward laugh and stare of dear god when is she going to stop talking ( if your doing it right now I don't even care because I can't see you). She showed me different blogs and I fell completely in love with the idea of what I was seeing. So many cute outfits, direct links to them, great photos, and quirky stories. I couldn't get enough. There was one thing I just could not find though. Where were the black girls? Now trust me nowadays black girls are Killing it at blogging but 7 years ago when Instagram was a small space for iPhones and blogs were just a place where the most you could hope for is some free stuff there weren't many girls that looked like me. I want to be a brown face that other woman and girls can relate to because representation matters. It REALLY REALLY matters. I want to be a part of a community of strong black woman that are killing this industry. Getting brand partnerships we never thought we could obtain, and filling up every seat at tables we were never previously invited to sit! Another thing that drove me insane was where were the clothes I could ACTUALLY afford. Even the blogs geared towards sale clothing and looks for less were not in any low-cost price bracket that I could afford at the time. I was fresh out of college trying to understand how money worked and how to pay my own bills buying 1 shirt for $98 was not really a "steal" for me. So that was my mission I wanted to serve other girls like me and help them find REAL DEALS, help them look and feel beautiful, and most important luxurious without having to compromise quality or style. One thing I know for sure about myself is that even if I lack talent in other areas, I know I am one of the best there is at sale shopping. Some people coupon for food I do it for clothes. If you know me personally you know Camille and sale might as well be synonymous. If you tell me my outfit is cute I'm certainly going to tell you how I paid under $20 for each item I have on ( because honestly, that's really what matters). So as I push through some major imposter syndrome I plan on bringing you some great content. *** Although this skirt is sold out here are a few noteworthy ones that all happen to be 50% off right now: leopard print satin skirt; Gold leopard print skirt ; Satin midi skirt ; neon striped midi skirt
So we all have hobbies that we partake in to get us through the mundaneness of everyday life. They become a way to bring us a little piece of joy during our weekly routines. My hobby is simple and puts a smile on my face whenever I get a chance to enjoy it. What is my hobby you ask? Well its very simple actually; it's brunching. Yes! I LOVE to brunch. I mean between working two jobs and blogging I don't have much time for extracurricular activities, but one that I always find time for is brunch. About a year ago one of my besties told me about a place called Bernie's that she wanted us to try. I never heard of it before and was eager to give it a shot so that's exactly what I did, and it was the beginning of a love story (between me and Bernie that is).
I cannot tell you how much I love this restaurant, but I'm going to give it my best shot. From the moment I walked into the Glenside location, I was immediately taken aback. Anyone who is a habitual bruncher knows that it is SUPER important for a brunch location to have a cute aesthetic. I mean how else are you supposed to take bomb pictures to share with all your friends if the location is not adorable, Duh! The entire restaurant has a very rustic yet modern feel to it. There is lots of sunlight and very modern decor. There are beautiful chandeliers, a 15-foot fireplace running through the middle of the restaurant, a gorgeous bar, and an amazing patio deck fully equipped with fire pits. It really is a GORGEOUS space. For the last year, since my first visit, I have been there so many times that I've cashed in on my rewards card about three times. So I think its safe to say this is one of my favorite spaces.
Besides the beautiful ambiance, the number one thing that made me fall in love with them is their brunch menu. It is so so so so so soooo good. I don't know how much more I can stress this to you all. I am not one to try new things when it comes to my food. Every time I go to brunch you can rest assured I'm most likely going to get whatever form of a breakfast special they have; eggs, bacon, toast, potatoes. Same thing every time. My very first brunch at Bernie's I must have been feeling a little adventurous because I decided to give their shrimp and grits a shot. WHAT A GOOD IDEA! This is now my FAVORITE thing on their menu. Not only is it good but I have now visited at least 10 different restaurants for brunch in the city and they by far, have the best shrimp and grits. Also, their banana french toast covered in caramel deserves an honorable mention.
So the next Saturday or Sunday that you are seeking your next brunch location you should definitely give Bernies a try. It may be your first time but I can guarantee you it won't be your last.
