Not News...Retail Coupon Codes

Before finalizing the order confirmation for your favorite clothing items, might I recommend opening a separate window and searching to see if your retailer has a coupon code lurking somewhere in cyberspace. I was pleasantly surprised this weekend while ordering a few items online. I was excited that the items were already on sale, but the 'Frugal Fannie' side of me [I totally dated myself with that reference] could not resist. I just ran a quick check out of pure curiosity. I found a few coupon codes that could apply. I chose the code that offered the greatest savings. I know this isn't news to some of you, but in case you thought coupons were only for groceries or food items...nah. You can find coupon codes out there for just about anything.

You're wondering what I got, aren't you? Just some items from Ashley Stewart! I have a few evening events to attend. Curvy girls can get dolled-up too -- and for a reasonable price! Keeping up with my look without spending too much for fashion essentials (e.g., the standard little black dress captured below). If you are interested, take advantage of the holiday sales and see if any coupon codes can be combined with your purchase. Either way you will save!

Ashley Stewart's Sweetheart Illusion DressReg. Price $49.50

http://www.ashleystewart.com/sweetheart-illusion-dress/AS-023682_3501-IT-XR.html?dwvar_AS-023682__3501-IT-XR_color=black#sz=65&start=63

What is Beauty?

PopArt - Lupita Nyong'o by JoeyHazelLM on deviantART

People magazine recently released their Most Beautiful List of 2014. At the #1 spot was none other than award winning and rising star, Lupita Nyong'o. No one [that I am aware of] is surprised to see yet another accomplishment like this for Nyong'o. As I celebrate with her along with other women (and girls) of color for the achievement, I asked myself (as I do with any such list): "What makes her so beautiful?" and further "What is beauty?"

The easy answer is to Nyong'o's beauty may demand that one simply 'look at her!' Her face is symmetrical, so she's biologically beautiful. Her skin is smooth and even as far as the eye can see, so she is dermatologically (it's a word for the purpose of this blog-lol) beautiful. She's the darling of every red carpet in Hollywood. Her accent isn't so thick that the untrained ear is unable to comprehend what she says. Yet, her accent speaks to just how cultured she is -- how worldly she is. She attended and graduated (with honors) from one of America's best schools - Yale University (a trend we are starting to see more of, but that's for a different blog). The point is, she's not just a pretty face. She's got brains and beauty. Apparently, she has personality too. Still, her ability to show such grace and humility isn't all that makes her beautiful.

What is beauty?

It is her ability to own and master all of those things while still knowing that there is more ground to cover. More to attain; to grow; to achieve. The essence of her says it all. It isn't an innocence or naiveté. It's the opposite. It is an unexpected maturity from someone just over thirty years old.

When my brother's eldest daughter was born, we observed that she visibly favored our/his features and darker complexion. I recognized that image issues may be a potential challenge, and I gladly took it upon myself to esteem her as often as necessary (without going overboard-balance is everything). She was and is beautiful - all of his children are. However, we knew that in this society,  standards of beauty vary from what is considered beautiful in our homes. Being Liberian-American, I personally did not experience the negative effects of colorism until I got to school, as family members and friends were (for the most-part) shades of ebony, chestnut and chocolate. Due to my experiences at home, the effects of childhood taunting (as it related to my complexion) did not seem to phase me to the same degree as other girls and boys a similar complexion. So much work had been done at home and within my family's network. I was esteemed in that area. Yes, I recognized that I was darker, but I was also told that I was pretty, smart, talented, humorous and more.

Lupita is beautiful. There is no doubt about that. However, her beauty comes from so much more than what we see.  I hope little girls (and the little girls within) strive to enhance the internal beauty that all are capable of sharing with the world.

It is so important for all to be represented on mainstream media outlets for this very reason. My niece is all grown up now. She recently told me that Lupita Nyong'o was one of her favorites -- already. It's amazing, and I love it. Her family esteemed her as a little one. Now Lupita and others like her, are reinforcing what we've known all along: that you can be beautiful no matter what the conventional standard dictates.

Watch this endearing exchange between veteran and emerging beauty icons, Alek Wek and Lupita Nyong'o (respectively): 

Be beautiful.

Moving Forward

I know, I know. I've been long gone, and haven't given an update. My life got a little crazy (okay a LOT crazy). In the chaos of it all, I forgot to pay attention to me. Thank God, things are much better now. Though fashion, makeup and hair are still interests (and will still be featured on the site), content has expanded to include health and [possibly] fitness -- for obvious reasons. I've gained a lot of weight and have noticed other physiological declines (i.e., skin, hair health, etc.). Things are settling. I'm on my way to wellness, and I'm inviting you along for the ride. It is not fair to readers for me to blog about image, if I am not focusing on making mine the best it can be. The format of this blog will not change very much, and I will still feature the things I love -- I'll just also be including some additional features related to life+style.

This IS a lifestyle blog. :-)

You've likely guessed, N.Videl is rebranding. Stay tuned to see how things change with me and the site. Feel free to share your feedback. Chat with you soon!

Moving forward,
N.