Tips & Tricks Tuesdays | Picking The Right Lip Color

This may seem like a no brainer. Just go to the store, pick up a pretty color, and walk out, right? Wrong. It's clear that not all shades are the same, but what can be less obvious is that not all shades are meant for every woman. I feel that some women have the misconception that they can wear any color they want on their lips. While they have every right to, some shades are more flattering than others. It all depends on your skin tone/undertone. There are three undertones you need to be aware of:

Cool undertone: You can tell you have cool undertones if the veins in your wrist are blue or blue-purple. Lip colors that work best for you are a blue-based reds and pink-based shades.
Warm undertone: You have warm undertones if the veins in your wrist are yellow or olive. The best lip shades for you are orange-based reds, peach, and earth tones.
Neutral undertone: You have neutral undertones if you have both blue and green veins in your wrist. Lucky you, because you can pull off anything!

Keep in mind, you are free to wear any lip color you choose. Just know that there are colors that will flatter your skin tone better than others.

Weekly Wishes #1 | Faith In The City

I have to thank Amber of Stages of Gold for introducing me to Melyssa of The Nectar Collective and her Weekly Wishes linkup. Up until this point, I have been pretty isolated in my little blog world, but now I'm excited for the chance to connect with other bloggers!

There's a lot of movement going on this week. Most of my friends from school will be moving back to the city to get settled in their new apartments. Truthfully, that should be me as well. Regardless of how things are settling into place, one of my wishes for the week is to stay focused. It can be easy for me to get discouraged, but that won't get me any closer to Philadelphia. I have to keep my eye on the prize and continue working towards my goal until the very end. My second wish is to be supportive of my boyfriend who will be moving back in a few days. Just because my situation isn't going according to the original plan, doesn't mean I have to bring him down with me. I want to remain the supportive, loving girlfriend and be there every step, or mile, of the way.

To participate in the linkup, click the photo below to visit The Nectar Collective!

Wish You Were Here - San Juan, Puerto Rico

First of all, I just want to apologize for the wait. Some of you have been itching for details of my trip and finally, here it is!

I have officially been bit by the traveling bug. Having never been outside of the United States, let alone the east coast, this trip to Puerto Rico was definitely a milestone for me. I experienced so many once in a lifetime opportunities that when I think back, it almost feels like a dream.

Of course, some of the most memorable adventures I wasn't able to document. We went parasailing off the coast of the beach homes of Michael Jordan and Ricky Martin. Later that evening, we went on a late night kayak trip to get a glimpse at something called bioluminescence. That's just a big word for these beautiful single cell organisms that glow when you touch them. Not only did we get to see that, but while we were in the bay, we got the most remarkable view of the stars. A view that I'll never be able to get in the city. We also went jet skiing which was so much fun! Warning: if you ride with a partner just know that it's much easier to drive than to try and hold on to the back.

In between our adventures we enjoyed sight seeing, relaxing on the beach or the pool, and trying the island cuisine naturally! We also met some extended family members who showed us what true Puerto Rican culture and hospitality are really like: absolutely wonderful. So, I'm not going to talk your ears off. Just enjoy a few of the moments I was able to capture.

Our little path to the beach. 

The Roots.

Note the most delicious pina colada ever in the background.

Birds in Old San Juan.

Before we set sail, parasailing that is.

Ginepas. The yummiest, oddest fruit.

Poolside.

Rice pudding, papaya, and flan. Yum!

All smiles with mi amor. 

Soon Come

Tips & Tricks Tuesdays | Networking

To talk about networking I decided to enlist the help of the most effective networker I know, my boyfriend Daryl. So if you're struggling to put yourself out there, just keep a few things in mind.

• Introduce yourself! Everyone has the possibility to be a friend, but you have to allow them to have that chance. In the classroom, at the gym, and even at work you have the chance to start a new relationship. 
• Learn to be friendly and manipulative at the same time. The word manipulate has gained a negative connotation, but all it means is to handle in a skillful manner. Being manipulative doesn't mean being hurtful, it means being strategic. If you recognize an opportunity that your friend can afford you, go for it! Just make sure you have something great to offer in return. They'll be appreciate and more receptive. 
• Maintain your friendships. Remember, we're building relationships, not using people. 
• Have a clear distinction between your friends and your networks. Only 5 percent of the people you know are actually friends. The other 95 percent? Well those are acquaintances, classmates, coworkers, and, of course, networks. It's important to know the difference between the two because they will, in turn, treat you the way they see you as well. 

Networks can be made absolutely anywhere, it's all about how you use them.

Like Daryl's thoughts on networking? Then network with him!

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