NEW BLOG SITE!!!

Please hop on over and subscribe to my new blog website www.niquenique321.com.  I'm so excited to have finally purchased my own domain where I can house all things NiqueNique321. Make sure to also follow me on my social media platforms so that you can stay in the know. I'll also post about new blog content on there as well!

Light.

Quotes of the day:

"I have learned things in the dark that I could never have learned in the light, things that have saved my life over and over again, so that there is really only one logical conclusion. I need darkness as much as I need light." - Barbara Brown Taylor

"Even those afraid of the dark must live through half of each day as night, to come to see the beauty in each." - Johnathan Jena

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I am learning to walk in the darkness. When my light dims and starts to fade, there's a new lesson. In the dark is where I will find my light again... a new light that will shine and illuminate brighter than the last. No light bulb lasts forever. Every light will eventually start to flicker. That's when you know it's time for a change.

~xoxo~

Dominique

Ready for Fall

I have a bitter-sweet feeling about summer ending so soon. I've enjoyed vacation trips with friends and family, BBQs and of course shopping! Although I wish summer wasn't saying goodbye just yet, I'm happy about fall being on its way. It's my favorite season of the year! I love the different earth tone colors and textures of the leaves. I especially love the weather because it's not too hot and it's not too cold. I can dress comfortably and still look nice at the same time. 

For fall's arrival, I decided to prepare early by cleaning and reorganizing my entire closet wardrobe. Everything from sweaters and blouses, jeans and trousers, shorts and skirts, dresses and even my shoes were all rearranged. After two hours of shuffling hangers and clothes, I was able to give away a lot of clothes and shoes I no longer wear. I'm going to make my first trip to the Goodwill next weekend. I'm happy to give back and help those in need.

Now that my closet is in tact, I can sit back, relax and wait for the first leaf to fall.

~xoxo~

Dominique

Break from Reality

I went on my very first cruise last month with my family and boyfriend. We cruised the Western Caribbean on the Carnival Conquest ship. The ship was massive! I actually thought it was a building from my peripheral view. Anywhoo, this was a much needed vacation that was LONG overdue. After being in the office so much, I needed a break from the real world!

My boyfriend and I enjoyed our Ocean View Balcony room. The view and sound of the ocean was breathtaking! We caught the sunrise on the first morning. So incredibly beautiful...

I enjoyed spending time with my sister and my cousins. It's always a family affair when we're all together! We enjoyed the sun, the food, the weather (for the most part), and the beaches! And how can I forget the plentiful activities provided while on the ship! My dad suggested that we make this an every two year vacation. Sounds like a plan!

The food on the ship was amazing! I admit I felt a little guilty eating countless servings of all those delicious calories (lol)! Needless to say, I may have picked up maybe 5 lbs. after eating on the ship. Not to mention, the excursion food was just as scrumptious! We first stopped in Montego Bay, Jamaica where we ate the famous jerk-style chicken. Next, we hopped on over to the Grand Cayman Islands for a quick dip at the beach. Last but not least, we landed in Cozumel, Mexico where we enjoyed REAL Mexican cuisine and snorkeled with many colorful fish.

Sadly, my vacation ended after being free from the real world for a whole week. It was nice while it lasted, but now it's back to reality I go...

~xoxo~
Dominique

Curly Hair Wash & Go | Twirl Method

I am in LOVE with my wash & go hair today! Stepping out of the box, I decided to try something new, something different, something outside of my typical wash & go routine. Since Summer of 2012, I've been a faithful subscriber to one of my favorite curly hair gurus, SunKissAlba. Watching her YouTube videos has drastically changed the condition and health of my natural curls as I became more and more educated and knowledgeable on how to care for my type 3b curly hair. 

One of her latest videos featured an updated wash & go routine in which she used a twirling method. It basically involves taking pieces of your hair and twirling it with your fingers to create big, chunky curls. Once 100% air-dried, you can separate some of the curls to create volume. I gave it a try this morning and the results were too good not to share! 

From now on, this is the way I'm going to do all of my wash & go's. My hair is completely frizz-free and well-tamed. It has more volume and it's so bouncy! This is a great way to achieve amazing, beautiful curls without heat. Let me know if you want me to film an updated wash & go hair tutorial using the twirl method. Take care!

Products used:

DevaCurl No-Poo

Shea Moisture Reconstructive Conditioner

Shea Moisture Yucca & Aloe Thickening Growth Milk

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

NOW Solutions 100% Pure Jojoba Oil

For more photos, follow me on Instagram @NiqueNique321

One Lovely Blog Award

Hi everyone! I first want to give a HUGE shout out to Tiffani from The Beautiful Life. She passed on the One Lovely Blog Award to me. Although I was SUPER late reading her post, I am very flattered that she selected me for this award. So, thank you tons Tiffani! Okay, so apparently, recipients of this award are supposed to share 7 random facts about themselves and then pass the award on to their favorite blogger. With that being said, let's jump right in. Here's my 7 random facts about me. Enjoy!

1. I mainly type with 2 fingers. I don't know why I can't type with all my fingers. I've been typing with only 2 fingers since I can remember. The good thing is, I can still type very fast. ;-)
2. I can't blow my nose, so I have to use an aspirator...you know, what you use on babies. Weird, right?! Blowing my nose REALLY hurts my ears and makes them pop. Plus, it gives me ear infections. So, instead, I use an aspirator.
3. I was "technically" considered overweight for my height during my junior year in college. I'm 5'2 and at that time, I weighed 138 lbs. I found it interesting and humorous, so I wasn't at all affected in a negative way. Instead of gaining the infamous "freshmen 15", I gained the "junior 15"???
4. I failed my driver's ed vision test during high school...WITH my contacts on! Luckily for me, the lady instructor complimented how pretty I was and let me slide. Being pretty paid off!
5. Too much starch instantly gives me hiccups. It's true. My favorite foods are bread and potatoes. Every time I eat them, I get hiccups right away. 
6. I graduated #8 out of 360+ students in my high school class. Back then, I considered myself to be Octorian of my class. It made me feel important, lol.
7. I always say Sonic's with an "s" instead of Sonic. It has been a habit ever since I was living in Spain. When you're away for too long, you tend to forget certain things.

Okay, so that was just 7 of many little random fun facts about myself. And the next One Lovely Blog Award goes to....Ahkeeia from Ahkeeia's Food Blog! 

The Curly Girl Handbook (Expanded Second Edition)

Hi there! I've been hearing about this book for a while, so I decided to purchase it and check it out for myself. I haven't read the whole thing yet, but so far I am liking it. If you have curly or wavy hair, and you wear it natural, you may also want to get your hands on this book. Whatever your curl type is, there is a daily routine for it. I never knew what mine was before buying this book (I have corkscrew curls). 

It also came with an instructional DVD showing you how to cleanse, trim, and style your own hair. Healthy hair is my main priority, so I am obsessed with caring for my hair! I'm learning more about what my hair needs and doesn't need in this book. If you're interested in more information, check out my latest video on YouTube. Let me know what you think!