I Love Love, and I love You Too!

Hello, lovelies! I know I have been such a flake, but I hit a little wall in the creative process--- well a big wall. I had so much going on toward the end of the year, that I felt like all my energy and creativity were drained out of me, but enough of that stuff. It's the month of Love and Black History. Yayuh!

I love--love---love-- LOVE!

I have so much to share with you, man oh man. I've been doing some home improvement projects around the house. I completed my first reuhpolstry project (pictures to come), and I'm working on reupholstering my great grandmother's chair. One of the best things that happened was I found a supa dupa new mascara. Now I'm killing it with Maybeline Falsies mascara. Yall it's the bizness. (I have to take pics of my lashes). Also, I might need reality show rehab. Naw, I won't go. I love reality tv almost as much as I love mac n cheese and chocolate shakes. I might have to start doing a few recaps. hmmmmmm Tami Roman deserves a little extra attention.

Speaking of reality shows, Essence.com had a post about Cynthia and Peter's relationship drama. (Real Housewives of Atlanta). Oh, I gasped when her sister and mama were hiding the marriage certificate. Essence posed the question what would you do if you love someone and your family and friends don't approve. Since we're celebrating Love this month, let's talk about it.

Have you ever been in a relationship where your family and friends tried to sabotage it? What happened, umhmmm we want to know all about it?

Love

Hillerie Camille

Get Sexy and Knock em Dead this Holiday

Heyyyyy ladies, it's holiday party time the most wonderful time of the year. I love the work holiday parties in particular, because this is when you get to watch at least one or two of your co-workers act a fool. I still crack up every time I think of a certain someone who showed up to to one holiday party drunk (or whatever she was) shaking her groove thang and getting nasty. Too funny! Aside from the clowning, I love holiday parties for the opportunities to see friends and family, eat great food, and get dressed up for a night out.

If you're going to a fabulous party this year, take me with you!! I want to go. Here are a few dresses you can use for inspiration if you still need to pick out your outfit.

You can find both these dresses at Dillards.com. They are simple and can be dressed up with a fab belt and over-sized bracelets and statement rings.

Curvy girls, Monifc.com has not forgotten you! She killed it with these gorgeous dresses that are sure to make you the topic of the party---but in a good way.

Have a great holiday season!!

Love

Hillerie Camille

When Was the Last Time Your Vagina had A Facial?

Please tell me you are not getting a facial on your vajayjay, your pocketbook, your vagina, or whatever your mama told you to call it.

Ok, why do I get the feeling you don't know what I'm talking about. Remember when I told you about bedazzling the vajayjay? Well now the "people" who decided the vagina can't take care of itself have decided you need to give it a facial.

Yes a facial.

Mess, I know.

My girl sent me this article and it blew my mind. I don't want anybody (who's not supposed to be there) doing NOTHING down there. Why does it need a facial, it has no face?

Maybe I'm missing out. Tell me what you think.

Love

Hillerie Camille

High Living: Roscoes, Cupcakes, and the School of Style

Hi pretty girls, I'm so glad to be back. While I was away, I hit up Luke Storey's School of Style to learn the business end of wardrobe styling. The class was held in West Hollywood at Smash Box Studios. It was an amazing experience.

Of course no trip to LA would be complete without eating at Roscoes Chicken and Waffles. If you go to LA, you have to stop by Roscoes. His chicken is good (can't touch my grandma's though), and his waffles are supa flavorful. It's a really nostalgic place with friendly staff.

I also ate at a tiny Chinese restaurant, near Hollywood and Highland, called Le Oriental Bistro. OMG! Hands down they have the best General Tso's Chicken and shrimp fried rice ever--melt in your mouth good.

Couldn't leave LA without trying a local cupcake joint. I picked up a cupcake at Frosted. It was good, but it couldn't touch Retro Bakery in Las Vegas--nobody can.

There you have it, I don't plan to be MIA any time soon, I missed you too much to be away too long.

Love

Hillerie Camille

Fabulous and Broke: The Truth About CNN's Black In America

How Keeping Up With The Kardashians, The Mary J. Blige's, and The Christian Louboutins is Bankrupting America.....No Matter What Color You Are

Have you heard it said some people wear all their money on their ass? That used to be me. Um hmm. It did, and I didn't give a damn as long as I looked good when I hit the club or church. I know you-are-not-trying to judge!

I've always been passionate about hair, clothes, and beauty products, but there was a time when the focus of my investments was my closet. See, there are a lot of people who don't want any part of "investing," but truth be told, all of us are investing our money in something. The only difference is the return on the investment. Some people invest in looking good, while others invest their money on food, electronics, or what ever makes them feel good.

Where the heck did this rant come from?

Last night CNN showed the debt episode of Black in America and people were tweeting like crazy about the insane ways we continue to get ourselves in debt. Of course the show focused on black folks, but the truth is, it doesn't matter if you're red, yellow, black or white in America. Being a slave to debt is kicking our ass! And most people could care less as long as they can have what the want--damn the needs. If you're turning up your nose at this, I'm talking about you, if not, I'm talking about your cousin.

To be sure, it probably won't take you long to think of the last time somebody (probably a family member) asked you to borrow money, because they didn't plan for their needs. How many times have you, or a....friend screened calls to avoid a bill collector? We HAVE to do better. Unfortunately, only a few of you will actually read this entire post, and of that group, only a couple people will actually feel what I'm trying to say here. I'm talking to those people. Get it together now. GET IT TOGETHER!!!! Do you hear me? This debt is killing us.

Celebrities Won't Offer to Pay Your Bills When You're Broke

I love sunglasses, and I love Mary J. Blige in either order. She's now selling a new line of shades called Melodies, and they are cute, but still just sunglasses. When I first heard she was coming out with a line, I knew I had to have a pair. Mary's been tweeting day and night about her new shades encouraging me, and you, to run out and be the first to get them. They start around $200. That type of money is nothing for Mary J. Blige to spend on sunglasses, but Hillerie Camille is not Mary J. Blige, Kim Kardashian, Janet Jackson, or any of those other celebrities I think have hot style. Nothing I do or spend will make me look or be like them. shoot I have expensive sunglasses, and I usually wear the cheapies most of the time......

Wake up. It's all marketing. They're counting on you to do whatever it takes to carry the same purse, wear the same shoes, download their songs, smell like them, and ultimately try to be like them. Maybe you won't spend everything, but sometimes you spend more than you should. I've done it, and still do sometimes, we all do on something or the other. It's easy to get caught up. One year the "it" shoe is Manolo Blahnik the next year it's Louboutin's. Doesn't it all depend on what Carrie Bradshaw is wearing anyway? Think about, they always want you to reach in your pocket, and they're using fame to keep us broke. It's not all their fault, we want to impress people, they just now how to play the game.

You Can Have Everything You Want And Then Some

I know, I know after all that ranting, I'm talking about you can have what you want. Two words will get you everything you want: planning and patience. If we would just hold off for at least one day before we buy something many of these chains would drop from our neck. We don't have to have everything right now. I guarantee those Mary J. Blige sunglass will go on sale. They have to. This time, I don't have to be the first in line to get them. You never know, If I'm patient enough Mary might give me a pair...... I know, I had to laugh at that one myself, but you get my point. Listen I'm not an accountant, or a financial guru, but like you I know people hate to see you coming if you have to beg, borrow, and steal.

I realized, now I'm just as passionate about being able to pay my bills every month without wondering if I have to skip a meal for a week. Neh, I don't skip no meals, I have to keep these curves. I want you to be able to rest easy when your phone rings. If you already have your stuff together, teach somebody else how to get it together. Trust me, it might help get them out your pocket. If you know somebody who needs to hear this, please email this post to them. Wait----before you do------ tell me about a time you went crazy buying something you knew you couldn't afford, and you regretted because you knew it cost waaaay too much. Please leave me a comment, they make my day.

Love

Hillerie Camille

Go From Hot Mess To Best Dressed

Most people could dress better.

Ok, not just a little better, but waaaay better.

What about you?

Have you ever showed up somewhere over or under dressed?

Do you ever go to work with your skirt to short or your blouse too snug?

Not you? Ok, have you ever passed a mirror or window,

and wondered "what the hell was I thinking?"

Yep. Me too. Don't worry, I got you girl.

Read the rest of this post, and you have exclusive access to

style tips that will make you best dressed.

Here's what you do.

Do Not, Not, Not Wear Clothes that are too: small, big, long, or short

• If it's too small, don't buy it......even if you plan to lose weight.
• If it's too big, get it altered. An Alteration specialist will make all your garments look customized.
• If it's too long, have it altered... see bullet above.
• If it's too short, leave it in the store....nobody wants to see your a$$ or your vajayjay.

Stop Here! No matter what outfit you choose, make sure you wear the right bra. This is critical.

Plan Your Outfits At Least Three Days A Week

The fastest way to find yourself looking like a hot mess list to get up in the morning and and just throw on something. No baby no. Take a little time every night, or on the weekend, to pull together an outfit--especially if you're NOT a morning person. Follow these quick and easy steps to build a killer outfit and you'll be best dressed in no time.

Base (Put on your clothes in this order for a stunning look)

1. Foundation Pieces (proper underwear....including spanx, girdles, bras, etc.)
2. Pants/skirt & blouse/sweater
3. Shoes
4. Earrings
5. Watch/bracelet(s)
6. Handbag/tote

Ledesi looks effortlessly glamorous in head to toe black.

Optional Layer

1. Jacket, shrug, vest, sweater, poncho, etc.
2. Belt
3. Necklace or Scarf (optional depending on neckline of blouse)
4. Statement Ring
5. Hair Accessory

Look for more great style tips. Yayy. Guess what?! I'm going to the School of Style in Los Angeles next month!!! I'm so excited to gain more knowledge to enhance my passion for style. The best part is, I'll have more great style tips to pass along for you.

Please don't forget to share this post on Twitter, Facebook, Digg, Stumble Upon, Email, through your mama nem, and your cousin nem. AND, help a sista out, I want to hear from you. What outfit did you wear that would land you on a best or worst dressed list?

Love

Hillerie Camille

Bigger Better Stronger: Thanks 2010 Blogworld New Media Expo Las Vegas

Hi beauty queens, I've missed you so much! I've been away working on my hustle and attending the 2010 Blogworld New Media Expo in Las Vegas. It was awesome as usual. There were hundreds of bloggers and other social media enthusiasts. I learned so much, and I expect to become a better blogger from what I learned.

So, what's next? Well, I'm working on new posts designed to give you practical easy to use style, hair, and makeup tips. Thanks to the lovely Melony who plans to let me rummage through her closet, for a future post on shopping your own closet for unexpected fall looks. I bet you think you don't have anything to wear either.

I need a favor from you. I want to know what challenges you have when it comes to pulling together your look, and I'm looking for post ideas. Please leave your challenges and ideas in the comment section. BTW are you following me on Twitter? Follow me, and I'll follow you!

twitter.com/hilleriecamille

Love

Hillerie Camille

How Do You Tell Your Friend Her Makeup Looks Like A Clown?

When I started wearing makeup I looked like a clown. A damn fool is more like it.

Seventh grade, my mother FINALLY let me start wearing makeup. I got my hands on some blue eyeshadow, it was bright, bright blue. I'll never forget how glamorous and grown up I felt wearing it. For some strange reason, I thought I needed to reapply my eyeshadow after every class. You can see where this is going right?

I would go in the bathroom and paint paint paint. One day, I was high stepping down the hall, with my dazzling blue eyes, when two older girls said, "look at that girl with all that eyeshadow on." Whatchu talkin bout Willis? I was crushed. Embarrassed. Devastated. There is no word painful enough to explain how stupid I felt.

To those mean ass girls, I say, thank you for saving me from looking like a clown during junior high.

Should I Tell Her She Looks A Mess?

Yes, yes, and yes, but not in those words. Believe it or not, sometimes people don't know how crazy they look. I wear concealer ALL the time. Sometimes, I see myself in pictures and it looks really overdone--not in a Nicole Kidman way, but still a little crazy. In the mirror it doesn't look that way. If you have a friend who's channeling her inner clown, gently pull her coat tail on her bad makeup techniques. Better yet, sign yourselves up for a makeover. MAC, Bobbie Brown anyone? There are also great videos on youtube too.

Is It So Bad To Blend In?

Sadly, your girl might feel confident in her look. Nothing you can do about that. But if you're the clown, I have a tip for you. The secret to beautiful makeup is in the blending. (See picture above) Use a fluffy brush, or cotton ball, to blend out the edges of your colors. You'll be surprised at the improvement in you application. Practice makes perfect, so practice, practice, practice. Tutorials coming soon. Yayy!

What do you think of my Barbie-pink look? It was inspired by breast cancer awareness month? What's the craziest makeup mistake you've ever made? It's ok if you thought it was cute at the time, we're all friends here.

Love

Hillerie Camille

What Would You Do If You Could Quit Your Job Today (Yes, the Lottery Counts)

If you won the lottery would you go back to work?

If you said you would, I don't think I believe you. You would quit today if you could. If not, congratulations you're living life like it's golden. You probably shouldn't read the rest of this post, but if you do, please leave a comment and tell us how to find our dream hustle like you did. I would love the inspiration for follow up posts.

Admitting You Have a Problem is the First Step

You are scared-to-death to admit you want more, because you don't want people to think you're ungrateful. Look at this economy. Some people don't even have jobs. So you go "there" day after day, play the game, and wear the smile. You're stuck because you're scared of failing and being broke. Broke reminds you of the ramen noodles you ate in school, and the bills you couldn't pay when you graduated, or how you need help to keep it together. You're addicted to the gifts you shower on yourself. Hell, you deserve them, you worked your ass off to get here. You can't quit this job. Your papa nem would kill you.

Even Angels Learn How to Fly

You're different from your grandmother's generation because you crave pleasure. You're not content with the "perfect job" and the stable relationship. You want spa days, exotic trips, powerful positions, and steamy relationships. The dream you had about starting your own business won't stop breathing down your neck. You still want to be a lawyer a little bit. At some point you stop being content with the routine and wonder is "this is it?" Is this cubicle my life? When you get to this point be careful, because you risk losing confidence in yourself. Stop and re-evaluate. What do you want? Nobody can answer that question for you.

Now What? Five Next Steps

• Rededicate yourself to your job - Strange advice yes, but hear me out. If you ever decide to leave a job, make sure it's for the right reason. If you work with the same energy you did in the beginning, you will be certain about your motives. Leaving a job because somebody pissed you off is stupid.

• Answer this question: What would you be doing if you didn't have to work? Your passion is in that question. Sooo simple. It's trendy to talk about living your passion, and I admit it's corny. But, I believe there's something to it otherwise you would be content living a life without personality.

• Find a person or resource to help you - There are people and resources to help you do anything.

• Invest in yourself- You might have to go back to school, take classes, or update your resume. Believe you can do something different.

• Decide whether to stay or leave- Your decision, your time.

I Must Confess I'm a Mess

Ok, I have a confession to make. I planned to talk about successful women who marry dudes straight out of prison, but this topic fell on me like a ton of bricks. I'm thoroughly tired of talking about the successful woman and her curse in the area of marriage and dating. I hope you're tired of hearing how your chances of getting married are slim to none. Maybe one day the mainstream media and Steve Harvey will understand, your problem is office politics and dreams deferred not pitying yourself about your relationship status.

Something About The Way You Make Me Feel

I hope this post made you a little uncomfortable or at least made you think. Do you think you could say to hell with it, I'm out? I'm curious, are you 100% content where you are---80%---60%? How are you dealing with your current situation? I Please do me a favor email this post and share it on facebook, twitter, and any other platform you use. Before you do that, don't forget to leave your comment, and do your self-breast exam this week.

Love

Hillerie Camille

Don't Worry, It's OK to Touch Yourself (Make Time For A Self Breast Exam)

My grandmother died from breast cancer.

One of my BFF's died from breast cancer.

Cancer is not welcome in my breast.

Today is my birthday, and I'm giving myself the gift of life. I have to admit I do not regularly check my breast for lumps. That's stops today. I'm going to make it a point to give myself monthly breast exams. Yesterday, my girl asked me, "what do you give the person who has everything?" Give him or her the gift of life. Yes, men can get breast cancer too. I'm challenging you to start checking your breasts on a regular basis. If you think breast cancer only affects people over 40, you might be risking your life. Check yourself.

Thanks to my girl at whydidshedothat for the inspiration and the motivation.

How To Perform A Self Breast Exam

This Information is courtesy of the American Cancer Society

Lie down on your back and place your right arm behind your head. The exam is done while lying down, not standing up. This is because when lying down the breast tissue spreads evenly over the chest wall and is as thin as possible, making it much easier to feel all the breast tissue.

Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. Use overlapping dime-sized circular motions of the finger pads to feel the breast tissue.

Use three different levels of pressure to feel all the breast tissue. Light pressure is needed to feel the tissue closest to the skin; medium pressure to feel a little deeper; and firm pressure to feel the tissue closest to the chest and ribs. It is normal to feel a firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast, but you should tell your doctor if you feel anything else out of the ordinary. If you're not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse. Use each pressure level to feel the breast tissue before moving on to the next spot.

Move around the breast in an up and down pattern starting at an imaginary line drawn straight down your side from the underarm and moving across the breast to the middle of the chest bone (sternum or breastbone). Be sure to check the entire breast area going down until you feel only ribs and up to the neck or collar bone (clavicle).

There is some evidence to suggest that the up-and-down pattern (sometimes called the vertical pattern) is the most effective pattern for covering the entire breast without missing any breast tissue.

Repeat the exam on your left breast, putting your left arm behind your head and using the finger pads of your right hand to do the exam.

While standing in front of a mirror with your hands pressing firmly down on your hips, look at your breasts for any changes of size, shape, contour, or dimpling, or redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin. (The pressing down on the hips position contracts the chest wall muscles and enhances any breast changes.)

Examine each underarm while sitting up or standing and with your arm only slightly raised so you can easily feel in this area. Raising your arm straight up tightens the tissue in this area and makes it harder to examine.

This procedure for doing breast self-exam is different from previous recommendations. These changes represent an extensive review of the medical literature and input from an expert advisory group. There is evidence that this position (lying down), the area felt, pattern of coverage of the breast, and use of different amounts of pressure increase a woman's ability to find abnormal areas.

What About A Mammogram or Halo Breast Pap Test?

The Mayo Clinic recommends these guidelines for mammograms and self exams.

• Breast self-exam to identify breast abnormalities and allow a woman to become familiar with her breasts so that she can tell her doctor about any changes
• Clinical breast exam performed by a health care provider and recommended annually beginning at age 40
• Screening mammography beginning at age 40

There's a little-known breast exam available called the Halo Pap Test. This test is supposed to detect early signs of breast cancer. Basically, the test consists of a small suction cup put over your nipple to suck out a small amount of fluid. The procedure is quick and painless. The downside to the Halo test is not everyone can get it. If you've had breast reduction surgery or breast implants, you may not be able to have the test. You can get more information from your doctor or at here.

Do you know someone who is a breast cancer survivor? How have they inspired you?

Love
Hillerie Camille