Blue Spotlight: Creme of Nature

Hello Lovelies!

It's Kenya signing in. As some of you may or may not know, a few months back I was gifted by a love blogger named Afrobella (check out her blog on our blog roll...she's fantastic) with some lovely Creme of Nature products. I had a chance to try them out, and I must say that I've definitely seen some great results, so I decided to try a few of their other products as well. Most of these are from their most recent releases which offer the inclusion of organic ingredients. Here's the Creme of Nature product round up...

-Regular Formula Detangling Shampoo
-Red Clover & Aloe Soothing Shampoo
-Chamomile & Comfrey Healing Conditioner
-Jojoba & Olive Oil Moisture-Active Deep Conditioning Treatment
-Lemongrass & Rosemary Leave-in Creme Conditioner

1. Regular Formula Detangling Shampoo: "this special organic formula is a 3-way shampoo treatment for your hair. It gently and effectively cleanses then richly conditions and detangles. The incredible blend of super conditioning ingredients leaves natural or relaxed hair looking gloriously soft & silky"
Advantage: It contains NO SLS...can you believe it? Not to mention it's helpful in knocking out two birds with one stone. Not only can you cleanse, but you can simultaneously condition as well. A great way to cut down on some products and save some cash.
Disadvantage: If you have some major build up from alot product usage you may need a stronger clarifying shampoo. But for the most part, it cleanses pretty well. Just repeat try to repeat your lathering process a couple of times

2. Red Color & Aloe Soother Shampoo: Here's C.O.N's description for it..."uses organic red clover, one of nature's healing emollients, plus aloe to soothe and hydrate dry hair & itchy scalp while gently cleansing and detangling hair"
Advantage: the smell is lovely...almost peppermenty. Also fulfills it's word in eliminating any itch factor
Disadvantage: Contains SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) which strips the hair follicle. Will need to follow up with good conditioning and moisturizing to counteract SLS properties

3. Chamomile & Comfrey Healing Conditioner: "Organic chamomile soothes and detangles while healing comfrey moisturizes and protects"

Advantage: this is a VERY hydrating. I would use this for my co-washes/no-poo (washing without shampoo) and it would provide great moisture to my tresses

Disadvantage: Other than having a few cones in the ingredients (dimethicone & amodimethicone), which are known to coat the hair and sometimes be counterproductive in moisturizing because of it coating the hair. It may have some long term effects, but as long as you clarify your hair at least once a month, it shouldn't cause too much of a problem.

4. Jojoba & Olive Oil Moisture-Active Deep Conditioning Treatment: "a wealth of certified organic ingredients combine to deeply moisturize thirsty hair, improve shine, strengthen and restore manageability.

Advantage: This product will make your hair feel like SILK. No seriously. After I shampoo & leave this on my head with a plastic cap for half an hour, I get a comb through my coils with ease, and my hair stays uber soft for the whole week.

Disadvantage: once again, yet another product that contains cones, but I must say that I'd take the cones for all of the yummy ingredients that comes with it (Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, pepperment, basil, senega, watercress, sage, thyme, rosemary, grapefruit, chamomile...shall I continue?)

5. Lemongrass & Rosemary Leave-in Conditioner: "The creamy formula quickly softens, detangles, and conditions. Organic Lemongrass adds shine while Rosemary helps protect & strengthen"
Advantage: Has one of my fave ingredients...Rosemary...yum. This is well known for soothing the scalp and preventing flakes & itchyness.
Disadvatage: I'm not a big fan of anything with petrolatum as an ingredient, because like mineral oil and other crude oils, it's known for coating the hair shaft (which my promote buildup)

Overall, I can't say I have an overwhelming amount of complaints for the Creme of Nature products that I tried. Like with anything that correlates with your body, I'd definitely recommend you read the ingredients before determining if it's worth the purchase or not. However, every head of hair is different and various products work better for others. If you have tried any of these products, feel free to let us know how they worked out for you and as always...KEEP IT BLUE!!!

A BLUETIFUL RETURN!!!

Hello Lovelies!

We're baaaaaaack! Yaaaaaay! Mexico was absolutely gorgeous, and taking some time out to travel & enjoy what this wonderful has to offer was truly a beautiful experience. We ate delicious food, kayaked in the ocean, snorkeled in gorgeous water, zip lined through the jungle like Tarzan, swam with dolphins, danced until our feet ached, and relaxed in Jacuzzis until our bodies looked like prunes (stay tuned for a "Viva La Mexico" post w/pics). But we must say that we are happy for our return and SO excited about what's to come with Virtuous Blue.

First & foremost, we couldn't continue without apologizing for our long departure. After our return from our cruise, we got a little distracted with settling into our new place, readjusting to things, and making efforts to better our lives in many areas. Whether it's through health, fitness, finances, spiritually, socially, or professionally...we are all for embracing growth. However, even though we are embarking on a journeys individually, we're making steps to help each other out along the way, and it is our hope that you all would join us as well!

We'll be sure to keep you updated on our fitness regimen, health improvements, spiritual enhancement, and social endeavors. So with that being said, we wanted to include you all on some decorating progress we made on our apartment. Although these rooms now have furniture & a few decorative pieces, we don't want to do the actual "unveiling" until we have completely finished everything. So here is what we started with...


Room #1. A room that embodies a cool & vibrant mood. Adorned in a gray back drop, with a green focus wall, and toned down with dark espresso pieces, white furniture, and accented with small splashes of color sprinkled throughout the room.


Room #2 is the "warm" room with bold orange paint, strong dark & mahogany furniture pieces, and burgundy, brown, and gold accents.


Room #3 falls in the middle with a calming blue hue on the wall and offset with cherry wood pieces, and peach & orange tones to add a warmer feel.

The living and dining area (so far)...


We've come to find that your environment definitely influences your mood & state of being. So we made an effort to keep that in mind when decorating and gave each room its own special appeal. When you walk into your home, what emotion automatically pops into your mind? When you have been in a certain room in your place for an extending period of time, how do you feel after you leave? Keep these things in mind when thinking about the stance that you want to take on life. Remember that your foundation starts at home, so why not make it a firm foundation? Why not make it a comfortable? and more than anything else...why not make it a happy one? You DESERVE it!!

Thanks lovelies. Stay tuned for the cruise recap, apartment decorating progress, life updates, and so much more. And oh...don't forget to KEEP IT BLUE!!!

VB In Action: Bon Voyage!

Hello Lovelies!

We know the ladies of VB have been in and out as of lately. The summer has been quite the test for us as we experienced a little separation, drama, and often the lack of an Internet connection. However, today not only marks a reunion for us, but a departure as well.

We're super elated about progressing in various areas and entering a new chapter in our lives. And what better way to make a new start than to do it in style?...via a cruise ship! Yay! We set sail today on the 24th to Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and will be returning to the States on the 31st. It will be the first experience of a cruise for the both of us and we are SO excited!

If you have a last minute summer trip coming up, or just looking to enjoy a little sunny weather in style, here's a little fit that we put together...



1. Dorothy Perkins Green Print Maxi Dress www.dorothyperkins.com 2. H&M Straw Hat www.hm.com 3. Sunglasses www.topshop.com 3 Natural Yellow Round Shell Earrings www.belladawn.com 4. Yellow Xhilaration Tote www.target.com 5. Brown Boho Bracelet www.target.com 6. Strappy Tan Jarie Sandals www.debenhams.com

Oh, and definitely don't forget to throw in some sun block with at least an SPF of 15, a spicy...yet comfortable swimsuit, waterproof mascara & eyeliner, moisturizer (for face, lips, as well as hair), bronzer, and a camera for the MANY memorable moments that should captured.

After our cruise, it's straight back to the east coast to get settled into our newly acquired apartment. So although you won't be hearing from us for a little bit, just know that we are thinking of you, taking pics, and constantly thinking of new ways that we can make the world a more blue place. Love ya, and as always...KEEP IT BLUE!!!

Heart To Heart: Go For The Gold

In the midst of Olympics season, it would only be befitting that our Heart to Heart segment focuses on sportsmanship. However, we've come to find that "going for the gold" is something that can be applied to more than just being the fattest runner on the track, or the most skilled gymnast on the matt.

No matter what area it is in your life, be it your appearance, finances, education, profession, or romance...don't settle for less than the best. And that doesn't necessarily mean the highest paying job, the most expensive outfit, the best looking man at the club, or countless amounts of degrees...it's about trying to be the best you that you can possibly be, and only accepting things and people into your life that contributes to your growth.

Some of the best athletes know that their biggest competition is themselves, because they know at the end of the day, they dictate their own performance. You could be your own worst enemy, you could constantly compare yourself others, you could psyche yourself out...or you can decide in your mind that you are going to win before you even enter the field.

So if you're going to win...why not win big? A mediocre effort won't get the medal, but if you give it your all....you never know, you just might get the gold.

Good luck in all of your endeavors lovelies. The ladies of VB wish you nothing but your blue best :-)

Color Me Bluetiful: Bronze Beauty

Wow, has it really been a week since we talked to our lovelies? Sheesh...time flies when you're trying to get your life together. Anywho, we missed you all like we missed like we miss Suede Magazine (R.I.P.). So on that note...on with the posting...yaaayyyy!!!

Today's Color Me Beautiful segment was inspired by the youtube clip that was recently posted. The golden/bronzy look has been my staple for the summer. I just love the alluring "glow" that it gives off and how it plays so well with the sun & warm dewy weather. Seeing thequeenofblending at work inspired me to add a lil pizzazz to my usual look. I usually rock a rather nuetral lip with this look, but after suggesting various lip colors in the youtube post, I decided to take my own advice. I went with a soft yet funky candy pink lip, copper eyes, and a little golden bronzer.

Products Used:

Face

Black Radiance Perfect Blend Creme Foundation with SPF 15 shade 6815

Black Radiance Golden Shimmer Mosaic Bronzer in 3512

Eyes

Loreal H.i.P Cream Shadow Paint in Commanding (used as eyelid base)

Maybelline Pure Makeup liquid foundation in medium beige 3 (highlight base)

Wet & Wild eyeshadow pallette in Sand Castle (copper shade on outer corner of lid & gold shade on inner corner)

Black Radiance Desert Clay quad (bronze shade, and dark brown shade blended into crease)

Loreal H.i.P eyeshadow duo in Flare (light golden shade as highlight)

MAC fluidline in blacktrack (line upper & lower lid)

MAC pro longlash mascara in pitchblack

Lips

Joya lip liner in berry nude

Prescriptives Moonbeam Reflective Gloss in Meteor

So bluetiful ones, don't forget to embrace your inner "golden goddess" while you're heating things up during what's left of the summer. And don't be afraid to throw in a some various lip shades to add a special pop of color to your look. Hope you enjoyed the pics & feel free to tell us what some of your favorite summer make up looks are. Sharing is caring!

Keep it blue!

Fashion Within Reach

Hi Lovelies,

ASOS, the UK based fashion and beauty site, is having a sale that you would not believe. We've chosen a few items to meet every one's budget and still look fabulous. What better way to spend the day then to save money, look amazing, and find your individuality. The good thing about shopping at ASOS is it decreases the likelihood of walking out the door and finding someone with your exact item on which never fails to occur when the VB girls shop at Old Navy (nothing wrong with Old Navy, they're just extremely popular). Anywho we digress... Check out the VB picks.

Under $15

(left to right) 1. ASOS Ruffle Front Cami Top $8.76 2. ASOS Metallic Snake Court Shoe $13.13 3. ASOS Snake Embossed Wrap Belt $13.13 4 ASOS Bow Front Slingback Shoe $13.13 5. ASOS Twist Front Kimono Top $13.13

Under $25

(left to right) 1. ASOS Linen Crop Trousers $21.89 2. ASOS Printed Tie Waist Dress $21.89 3. ASOS High Heel Gladiator Shoes $19.70

Under $50

(left to right) 1. ASOS African Trim Jersey Playsuit $26. 27 2. ASOS Crochet Trim Dip Dye Dress $32.84 3. ASOS T-Bar Wedge Sandals $30.65 4. French Connection Camilla Waisted Belt $39.40

These are just a few items, which can all be found on asos.com

Keep it BLUE!

Youtube Look Of The Week

Hey Bluetiful Ones!

As some of you may or may not know, the ladies of VB are no strangers to the viral phenomenon known as YouTube. We could spend hours roaming through videos. It should be no surprise that we are fans of many of the make up tutorials that we come across and the wonderful divas who make them. The "diva of the day" is the QueenOfBlendingMUA, and we are featuring her gold and brown eye tutorial. This is a look that is wonderful for the summer time. Not only is the eye look wearable for occasions of just about any nature, but with a little sweep of bronzer, and a neutral-toned shimmery gloss, you could have that much desired "glow" that is in this season. But don't just take our word for it....watch the queen at work & judge for yourself...



So ladies, feel free to replicate this look with similar products that you may have, and tone it down or liven it up according to your own liking. Looking for a little more of a "wow" factor? Well let your inner diva out and experiment with a bold red lip...or even hot pink/berry if you dare. Why not? It's summer...live a little! Oh, and don't forget to keep it BLUE while you're at it ;-)