EMPTIES: December 2023 | STAINED COUTURE

EMPTIES: December 2023

Head’s up – I used up a lot of products back in December! So, this is a slightly longer EMPTIES post compared to the last few. However, I did break it up into two sections for easy consumption.

EMPTIES: December 2023 | HAIR & BODY

EMPTIES: Hair & Body | STAINED COUTURE

The hair body section is small but good! The first product up is Lume Acidified Body Wash. Over the last year, I’ve tried a couple of the Lume natural deodorants. However, this body wash was a hit because this helped minimize body order while making me feel fresh all day. Plus, it was my go-to body wash in the summer and it did not let me down. The scent was good, but I think I’ll try another scent next time. Yes, I’m buying this again.

The next 2 products were part of an Amika hydrating shampoo gift set my BFF got me for my birthday. I need a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to use in my tandem washing routine. The kit came with a deluxe sample of the Hydro Rush Leave-In Conditioner, which was lightweight and made my hair feel so soft. The Dream Routine Overnight treatment helped me wake up to hydrated feeling hair. Although, these were sample sizes, they did the job and made me want to try the full size versions, which I will.

I used up the shampoo in my Olaplex set and almost finished with the conditioner. I’m certain the conditioner will be in next months EMPTIES post. During my last hair appointment, I got some highlights to add some brightness. However, I created a bunch of breakage due to putting the wrong products in my hair. So, I’m currently in repair mode and  have the Amika bond shampoo set. Still, the Olaplex bond maintenance products will always hold a place in my heart and future shopping carts.

The ORS Oil Moisturizer hair lotion will always be one of the products I keep for my hair. However, I probably won’t buy it again until I get my hair back healthy, because it’s too heavy. Still, I’ll buy it again and again.

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LINK-END ROUND-UP: January 12, 2024

LINK-END ROUND-UP: January 12, 2024

LINK-END ROUND-UP: January 12, 2024 | STAINED COUTURE

How was your first full week of 2024? It’s that wild?! It’s really 2024 and I recently realized that I graduated from college 20 years ago. Whenever I drive pass campus, the thought that most of the students walking around probably weren’t alive when I started there. Now, I think that they probably weren’t alive when I graduated. Ooh…chile…like me gather myself real quick.

I sure I’m the only, but the first full week after the holiday season is so hard. The main reason is because the first 2 weeks are short weeks and then the first full week. As soon as you start to get back into the flow, here comes another short week for MLK day.

I’m not one of those people that does new years resolutions, which makes the beginning of the year less stressful. However, my church does a 21 day fast and this year, I decided to fast off of meat. I’ve done it before and it was rough. This time I decided to still eat seafood, because I need protein for my strength training. I also decided to not replace meat with plant-based meat. Plant-based meat usually helps me out A LOT. Thankfully, I’ve made some changes to my eating habits over the last few months and those options just sound too heavy to me now. I can’t explain, but it just does.

Although I do have a 3-day weekend, there’s been some chatter that Memphis could get crappy weather. Do I think it will happen? Not really, but I’ve been wrong about our weather before. So, we shall see, but I do have plans all day tomorrow. I’m trying to show up more for my friends/support system, because I can be very introverted. Yet, I’m still a work in progress.

While I try to figure out what I’m wearing tomorrow, please check out the reads in this week’s Link-End Round-Up.

LINK-END ROUND-UP: January 12, 2024

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Card Holders for the Girls

Card Holders for the Girls

Card Holders for the Girls | STAINED COUTURE

How was your Christmas? Mine was lovely – I got everything I requested and then some. However, every year, there are some things I wish I had asked for in the end. I usually share those items in the January Lust-Have List. However, one item I recently realized I regret not asking for is a card holder. Not just any card holder, but I want a card holder that has little extra to it.

Personally, I have a history of looking for the right wallet for me. For years, I was into big, zippered tri-fold wallets. I got into those big wallets after I got my first “big girl” job. After a couple of years of that, I decided that I wanted to smaller and moved to wallet keychains. Now, I’m ready to go smaller with card holder cases.

Using a card case might not practical for many. However, I rarely carry cash, which includes coins. Plus, almost everything is digital and/or on my phone. Therefore, this move just makes more sense to me. Now, I just need to find the right one for me.

Here the ones that I’ve been eyeing and leaning toward purchasing.

Card Holders for the Girls

  • All Black Monogram YSL – This all black card holder looks sexy and discreet, which is must for many.
  • Card Case Belt Bag – This card case comes with a detachable belt to make this more functionable when needed.
  • Tan MCM Card Case with Keychain – That first “big girl” wallet I spoke of earlier is the same design of this one, which is probably why I fancy this one so much.
  • Gold Tory Burch Card Case – A gold accessory will always hold a special place in my heart, which this one from Tory Burch is doing.
  • Cream MCM Card Case – It’s the classic MCM print but in cream and it’s slim
  • Smythson Flat Card Holder – You can never go wrong with a flat card holder made out of amazing leather.
  • Slim Folded Card Case – This one comes in many color, monogrammed and super affordable while being well made. Plus it folds for extra security.
  • Marni Card Case – This Marni case looks luxury but also casual. I kind of love that! Actually, I really love that!
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Hair Products For The Curls

I’m definitely one of the curly hair girls that mostly wear their hair straight in the colder months. Straight hair is just easier to maintain in the hectic winter months. However, in an effort to cut back on applying heat to my  hair, I’ve recently been wearing it curly, which has allowed me to try some new hair products for the curls.

 

Hair Products For The Curls | STAINED COUTURE

If you want to find out why my hair has been loving these hair product and if they might work for you, keep reading.

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LUST-HAVE LIST: January 2024

LUST-HAVE LIST: January 2024

LUST-HAVE LIST: January 2024 | STAINED COUTURE

Happy New Year! I hope you had a nice holiday season and got plenty of rest. Also, let’s aim to give 2024 all that we got so it can reward us, because 2023 was insane.

Honestly, I’m very hopeful for 2024, because I would hate to think or expect it to get worse. I still don’t do New Year Resolutions and will spend the rest of Winter hibernating and thinking about my revival list for Spring. Plus, I think we all need to rest after the holidays and for as long as possible; for mental health.

As I’ve mentioned before, my September LHL is my birthday wish list. The December LHL is my Christmas wishlist but the January list is things I wish I asked for Christmas. It never fails, starting 2 days before Christmas, I start thinking of things I wish I asked to receive. This year was no different and here is the January 2024 Lust-Have List of things I wish I got.

Keep reading to see the list and why I want them.

LUST-HAVE LIST: January 2024

  • UGG Ultra Mini Classic Boot – The mini UUGs were on a lot of Christmas lists and I should’ve put them on mine. These are so cute and probably super easy to put on to run errands.
  • Tower Non-Sticky Jelly Lip Gloss – Matte lips or pink lip oil has been my daily lippie for the lasty couple of months. However, this non-sticky jelly lip gloss by Tower is intriguing.
  • Instant Milk Frother – Santa did bring me and Nespresso maker and I’ve used it almost everyday since I put it together. All the espresso and coffee drinks made me think I need to upgrade from the little IKEA frother wand. This frother/warmer hybrid would help boil water for tea.
  • Connection Necklace – One thing I would like to do is start buying myself more little everyday jewelry  and  eventually the more luxury pieces. Until me and my budget can get it together, the pieces from Aurate will do, including this connection necklace. Simple and clean design that can effortless be worn everyday.
  • Posture Corrector Sports Bra – If there was one thing on this list I need the most, it’s definitely new sports bra and the posture correcting is the cherry on top.
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