Bold Lips

Lips clockwise: 1. Heroine by MAC with a purple liner. 2. Urban Decay 24/7 glide on pencil in Deep End. 3. OCC Lip Tar in Hoochie. 4. Sephora cream lip stain in Rouge veloutè. 5) NYX matte lipstick in Sweet pink and Urban Decay heavy metal eyeliner in Junkshow on top.[/caption]

This season is all about being bold and what better way to stand out then with a lovely lip color. What I look for in a lipstick is great pigment, great coverage, lasting power, and one that won’t crease (usually solved with a moisturizer, liner or a primer my secret trick). I also decide on whether I want a matte, shiny or glossy finish and lastly what feels good on my lips. What I mean by what feels good is whether it’s sticky, tacky or clumpy; if it’s doing any of these it will throughout your wear so you don't want that; it’s uncomfortable, not attractive and no one wants that when you have to be camera ready! Now that its spring and quickly approaching summer, now is the perfect time to try bold seasonal colors!

Tips for the Unofficial Start of the Summer

wehearit.com

The unofficial start of the summer is here!!! Now is the perfect time to get in the summer mood and follow some safe tips to get you through the summer in a healthy way.

What's Going On Wednesdays?

www.visitphilly.com

Often at times I hear people saying “there’s nothing ever to do in Philly. I’m tired of the same old things and places to go.” And that may be true as far as the nightlife goes, but one thing I have to admit is that our city ALWAYS has dope music events/concerts going on. This past Friday, I heard about an awesome concert at Union Transfer that featured Jesse Boykins along with Beano, Jacqueline Constance, Justin Graham, and Domi Jo. Yesterday, there was an event that I regret having to have missed called “Who Got the Jazz?” It took place at the World Café Live and brought together live jazz and hip hop performers to honor and pay homage to a Jazz Legend, Miles Davis. Although you may have missed out on those two lovely events, don’t fret because there’s still time to attend some other cool events going on this weekend...

Victory for Same-Sex Couples in PA

Outside City Hall in Philadelphia (USA Today, Photo: Matt Slocum, AP)

After a long fight by activists in the LGBT community, on May 20, 2014, Pennsylvania became the 19^th state to overturn the ban on same-sex marriages. I first learned about the ruling on social media networks. A lot of people were ecstatic for the LGBT community and couples in PA. This was a huge win for a battle fought long and hard. I was especially happy for my friends and family members, knowing that when they do decide to tie the knot, they can do it in their own hometown. So what does this victory mean for other states who still have laws banning same-sex marriages?

Budget Friendly Memorial Day Outings

Life should never be all work and no play. It’s important to set aside time for family, friends and FUN too!!! And the best part about it is you don’t have to break the bank to do so.

Make-up Dos and Don'ts

\ 1st Look: Night Out Look
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
Nars pure radiant tinted moisturizer
Highlighted with Make Up Forever HD Concealer
Anastasia Beverly hills brow wiz
L'Oreal infallible eyeliner
Covergirl lashblast mascara
MAC pro longwear lipglass in Driven by Love over Sephora's Rouge veloutè cream lip stains

Let me start off by saying that I am in no way, shape, or form a makeup guru, a makeup artist, or a makeup connoisseur. However, my makeup collection is extensive; it's one of my guilty pleasures. I do love and have a passion for fashion and makeup because they go hand in hand. If you love to look good with clothes, you'll also love to look good with makeup. Of course makeup isn't for everyone, but I feel that everyone can benefit from some form of makeup every once in a while, if you can't settle for everyday. Not meaning a "beat face" every day, but a tinted moisturizer, mascara, and a gloss can go a lonnng way.  I hate hearing "makeup is for ugly girls" or "I don't need makeup". Makeup is not meant to make you pretty or to change your face. It's there to enhance your qualities, cover your small imperfections (like skin discoloration) , and enhance your beauty.

JAE Style- Make Ahead Quiche Muffins

Quiche Muffins[/caption]

Make in 20 mins for the whole week!!!

These Make Ahead Quiche Muffins are the first of many JAE recipes. These muffins were made for convenience, affordability, and nutrition. I was inspired by a couple of different recipes and from a great coworker of mine. I was unable to retrieve the full recipe from her so I went to the market and did it on my own so here it goes!!!

First, the ingredients for about 18 quiche muffins…

Set It Off: Philly Edition

“I know that there are plenty of women out there who have all that it takes to be the next MC Lytes, Missy Elliotts, Lauryn Hills, Salt n Peppers, and Queen Latifahs of our new generation in 2014. I’m hoping and praying that they will continue to fight past these obstacles and let their talent, creativity, charisma, and style be their stepping stones to making it mainstream.” That is a quote that actually came from myself in the very first article I wrote about “The Decline in Female Hip Hop Mainstream Artists.” Furthermore, it made me think about 4 female rappers from my hometown Philadelphia who have potential to do just what that quote stated. Their names are Lee Mazin, Tiani Victoria, Leen Bean, and Ms. Jade.

King of Loveland- Raheem DeVaughn

Raheem Devaughn has done it again with his new mixtape King of Loveland 2! He put his own spin on songs such as U.O.E.N.O by Rocko and Them Slick by Fabolous ft. Jeremiah. He remade a classic by the Isley Brothers Between the Sheets. One of my favorite original songs on the mixtape is Whole On A Baby! It's available for download on datpiff.com You can also download Datpiff mobile app to listen to it. Check it out and tell me which song on King of Loveland 2 is your favorite?

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Fast Food Workers Take a Stand for Higher Wages

"We can’t survive on $7.25!” “15 and a union!”; Chants from a group of over 200 unsatisfied workers and their supporters fill the atmosphere of drive-thru lanes of an Atlanta Burger King. Workers from all over the world demonstrate just however serious they are about their demands. On Thursday, May 15th employees of the fast food industry formed a united front to combat against the minimum wage. The average worker at your local McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s and other similar chain restaurants brings home $9.00 an hour, which only equates to $18,000 a year. To think that some are working for the federal minimum wage, $7.25, makes matters even worse. Four States actually have a minimum wage of less than the federal amount, (AR-$ 6.25, GA- $5.15, MN-$6.15, WY- $5.15). It’s one thing for adolescents to have after school or part time jobs with incomes within this range, however, it’s hard to imagine how any adult could live off of $18,000 or less a year. While difficult to fathom, it unfortunately is a sad truth for many. Not only are they trying to support themselves but many have the financial burden of feeding and providing for their families as well.  

Flaws and All

I came across this quote and I couldn't agree with it more, "Confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud". This is so true because no matter how confident you may portray to be those insecurities will always rear their ugly head. Insecurities enable our possibilities to fully love and respect ourselves. We all have them no matter how big or small they are but we have to face those demons.

Butt [Injections] Why??

Black market butt injections are synthetic products drawn up in a syringe and injected into the buttocks to make them “bigger”. People, mostly women, seek these injections sometimes not even knowing what they are being injected with. Some forms of injections include fat, hydrogel, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), silicone and other black market products. Most of the “practitioners” are not licensed and can care less about the risks associated with butt injections. The risks include, but are not limited to, blood clots, kidney failure, nerve damage, respiratory issues, scarring, inflammation, infection, allergic reactions, buttock asymmetry, limb amputation, and/or death.

The Lovely, Talented, Sevyn Streeter

Sevyn Streeter

When Sevyn Streeter reappeared on the music scene, I remembered her from the group RichGirl. They were gorgeous, with beautiful voices, decent dance moves, the full package. The lead singer reminded me of Beyoncé because when I first seen the video I got excited thinking Destiny’s Child had got back together lol . Their song “He Ain’t Wit Me Now (Tho)” debuted in 2009 and still is my jam. When it comes on my phone, I have to catch myself from dippin it down low lol. Unfortunately, after 4 years together they broke up. Sevyn was also in the group TG4 when she was a teenager. You may have seen them perform at a Bow Wow and B2K concert. I’m so happy that Sevyn Streeter continued to follow her dreams and go solo because she can sinngggggg.

Jazmine Sullivan is Back!!

Over two years ago Jazmine Sullivan tweeted that she was retiring from music. A lot of her fans were upset, but we were hoping after she took some time off she would come back to us. And our dreams came true! Jazmine Sullivan recently released her new single "Dumb" featuring fellow Philly native Meek Mill. She is scheduled to release her third album "Reality Show " this fall. Also catch her at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans July 3rd.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/149146231" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true" width="80%" height="300" iframe="true" /]



How do you feel about the new single?

Solange Attacks Jay-Z: Why We're Obsessed

Jay-Z and Beyoncé at the 2014 MET gala
Image:AFP

I love me some Beyoncé!! She's my sister, don't we look alike?! I never knew how much I really stan for her until the first time I caught myself taking up for her when someone was talking bad about her. I have to catch myself like chill you don't really know her lol But I do know that I admire her. And I can’t wait for the On the Run tour to make its stop in Philly on July 5^th!

Apple Takes A BEATing

Unless you’ve been under a rock, chances are you’ve heard about the workings of the potential deal between Apple and Beats by Dre. This news has gone viral, specifically in the Hip Hop community. If all goes according to plan, the Hip Hop World will be able to congratulate Andre Young ( B.K.A Dr. Dre) for becoming it’s 1st official Billionaire. Kudos to Dr.Dre and founding partner/CEO Jimmy Iovine for taking a company built on such a specialized product, not necessarily aligned with Apple’s lineup, and making the unfathomable happen. Unfortunately, while many celebrate, just as many are criticizing. We know that Dre will benefit greatly from the deal, with expected $3.2 billion in revenue from selling Beats Electronic LLC. However, some are less confident that the deal’s impact will be as positive on the Apple Brand. There are quite a few financial experts who have been very vocal about their disapproval.

Met Gala 2014

The Met Gala is the single most important fashion event of the year! Most of the red carpet regulars are: Beyoncé, Sarah Jessica Parker (my fave!), Marc Jacobs (absolute fave!) just to name a few. The most beautiful, celebrated women and men in fashion, film, music and TV make their way to the New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art wearing ball gowns with bustles, full-skirts and long evening gloves, while gentlemen don top hats and tails.

All in Moderation

allinmod.wordpress.com/

One Healthy Meal doesn’t make you skinny…
One fattening meal doesn’t make you fat…
It’s all in Moderation…

One of my co-workers mentioned this catchy phrase to me and it stuck. I love it because it explains moderation completely. Some people become extreme health freaks overnight and in a week, go back to their old eating habits. Like the D-word article mentioned, it takes dedication which takes time. We as humans strive to be perfect. Perfect is definitely a good thing but perfect we are not and perfection takes time and repetition. Let’s be real. It is hard trying to change your habits, how they say it, “oh, they stuck in their ways.” It’s the truth but let me help you become more health conscious and make it easier to turn away from those fattening, sinful meals a lot of us fall victim to.

New Nicki : Hit or Miss?

Soulja Boy and Nicki Minaj

When I first hear the words “Yassssss bish yasssss,” I instantly think of black females saying this to one another, to compliment something lol. For example, a female having a bad dress and pair of heels on … and her friend says “yasss bish yasss.” lol. So when I first saw that Souljah Boy was featured on this song by Nicki Minaj, I most definitely didn’t expect him to be saying this phrase, in this same exact way, throughout the chorus of the song. Maybe this was his funny way of mocking black females but also his form of empowerment to Nicki Minaj to keep working, keep stunting, and keep killing the game...

#BringBackOurGirls

www.telegraph.co.uk

When I first learned that over 200 girls were abducted from a school in Nigeria, it wasn’t from CNN; it was actually from a post on Instagram.  Throughout the day more people posted on Instagram as well as other social networks, giving a brief story about what happened. People were asked to use hashtags #BringBackOurDaughters and #BringBackOurGirls to attract media attention and to get our governments involved. If you’re anything like me, I hopped on google to search for the full story.

Debt Depression: Student Loan Edition

Have you considered making a career out of becoming a professional student just to avoid that dreadful day when your student loans come back to haunt you? I must admit, that’s partly why I started my MBA program, and why I’ve even toyed with the idea of a second master’s degree. Although short lived, the thought was definitely there. I’ve never met anyone who’s excited to receive a letter or call from Sallie (Mae). That’s because she’s like that annoying friend that has her hand out every time she comes around. But hey, she was there when we needed her support to get through school. For many of us not only did she help with tuition and room & board, but also with those new sneakers or a pair of shoes and maybe even that spring break trip to Miami or Cancun. Those refund checks came in handy! Maybe not the smartest choice considering that we all knew we’d have to pay her back eventually, nevertheless what’s done is done. Now that eventually is here, time to face the music.

What's Underneath Matters

Underneath: Spanx Super High Power

We all have flaws and insecurities that leave us, hindering ourselves from being fully open with wearing certain things. With this post I'd like to talk about body shapers and bras and how significant they are when it comes to shaping our bodies and providing the perfect illusion… so that we are indeed SNATCHED from head to toe. With Shapewear we are looking for a smooth and controlled look and with bras we are looking for lift, coverage and support.

Ms. Fit Fancy Fitness Experience

www.iammsfit.com



JAE Bloggers

JAE had the pleasure of attending Ms. Fit Fancy Fitness Experience and Website Launch on April 12^th, which had a special twist, providing the attendees with a unique fitness experience. You may ask, “Who is Ms. Fit?” Well, each and every one of you ladies are “Ms. Fit”. IamMsFit.com is dedicated to supporting women in the foundation and maintenance of healthy lifestyles which would ultimately prevent and/or manage lifestyle diseases. It's important to establish regular healthy habits to achieve the healthiest you. The Ms. Fit website is a guide for you via personalized fitness programs and nutritional support, that caters to your individual goals, needs, and abilities.