#ForTheGirlWho... Single and Moving

I know I know I know. It's been a few months since my last post but I have very good reason. If you follow me on social media you already know about my latest business venture. I am officially a personal chef! I'm so excited because I have so much in store with this new phase of my brand. Including merging the blog and my kitchen skills with a new web series "For The Love of Food and Hiphop." More details about that later. 

So as I write this I am literally sitting on my empty apartment floor. Why? Because

I'm MOVING! That's right I'll be based out of the DC area and I couldn't be more excited, especially because I'll be so close to my family. As I've been getting closer and closer to my official move date (two weeks away) I can't help but think about the relationships I've developed while living here in Virginia and what will become of them once I'm gone. Personal relationships and friendships alike. Too many times I have had people in my life just for a season and with me moving I have a strong feeling that that season is closely coming to an end.

I am a firm believer that anyone that is meant to be in your life, no matter what state or country they live in, they will remain in your life if they so choose to be. That will require a little effort from both parties but it's very possible. There will be some that fall by the wayside, but that's just the nature of the beast. Well what about a relationship with the opposite sex? With this move, I've learned this, if the relationship with your significant other was as important to them as it was to you, there would've been a game plan months before this moment. I'm not saying there's no hope for your relationship, but what I am saying is take the time apart to focus on yourself. If your decision to relocate was even 1/2 as hard as it was for me to make, try making yourself the priority. Too many times we miss out on amazing opportunities life has presented us because we are so worried about how it will affect others. Now for the record I am writing this as a single 25 year old woman without a spouse and without children so I am free to move as I please. I think women in the circumstance that I am in (not having a ball and chain to drag around) get so caught up in the "Why aren't you married yet?" "When are you going to settle down?" "When are you going to have a kid?" questions that we don't realize how cool it is to have the liberty to just pack up and go. If no one has told you, I'm telling you now, LIVE YOUR LIFE! Be single, a true individual, you'll be really impressed with the things you can accomplish.

On that note, remember a few months ago I had my pastor Dr. J L Simpson come on my radio show to answer some questions from my callers? Well he recently gave me a definition of single that I thought I should share with you. He said "Being single means to be whole, complete, unique, having authority, having self control and power. To be able to function independently without the support of another."

It's ok to be single girl. Be brave, move, make new friends, make new memories, and live. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

-@InTheMixxer

#ForTheGirlWho... Knowing Your Worth

HAPPY CUFFING SEASON!!! Right? lol. Summer is officially "over" (I put quotes because it hasn't cooled down where I live one bit), football season has started, the fall breeze is right around the corner and if you live anywhere on the East Coast or Golf areas its hurricane season. So what does that mean for you? The single one? Who has received a "hey stranger" text in the last two weeks? *raises hand* I sure have. Before you send that "I'm not the stranger, you are" reply to initiate this emotional roller coaster you are about to strap into, let me pose a question. Do you know your worth?

This question has been on my mind the past few days for multiple reasons. The most recent being the footage that surfaced of NFL player Ray Rice spitting on, slapping, and eventually knocking unconscious his fiancé (now wife) in an incident that happened in Atlantic City. I watched that video like 50 times. Watched it on TV,  my iPhone, and on my MacBook. The reason I watched it so many times is because I wanted to make sure I was really seeing the situation. I have to admit it was pretty hard to watch. If anyone spit on me I really don't know if I could just walk away from that. Looking past the actual incident, this is what I gathered. First, although I am a firm believer in NO ONE, male or female, should put their hands on each other and women need to realize that not every man was raised to just walk away when provoked, that is not a real man that I saw in that video. Men don't behave that way. The second thing I realized is that by the way she was acting, this could not have been the first time that it's happened. Like I said spitting on someone like that is not something you just give a slap for. If he spit on me there was absolutely NO WAY that I would continue to get in an elevator with him. I say this because after all of that, the physical abuse and the public humiliation, this woman still married him.

#TheCopyCat Vol. 1: Denim On Denim

Denim On Denim!

All denim all the time! Denim on denim has recently exploded on the street style scene. 

Beyonce, Rihanna, Cameron Diaz, and Miranda Kerr are amongst a few A-List celebrities that have been spotted in all denim. While some may be hesitant to dress in head-to-toe in one look. I'll tell you how to pull off these looks right and where to shop for less.

When it comes to fabric, denim reigns supreme. Always cool, versatile in nature and unlike other fads, denim will never fade. 

What is the secret to pulling off the look?

The secret is about balance and knowing your body and flattering your shape. When wearing denim on denim, lighter shades draw attention to the body parts they cover, while darker denim creates a slimming effect. So depending if you are top heavy or bottom heavy choosing the right shade of demin will hide your problem areas or excentuate they areas you want to draw attention to! 

What is the most common mistake?

 The most common mistake is picking denim that is all the same wash & weight. Also, don't over accessoize with busy statement pieces, your outfit is already a bold statement! 

#NowPlaying: The Game feat. Various Artist x Don't Shoot (Mike Brown Tribute)

Unless you have been living under a rock you know that the city of Ferguson, MO has in some sense turned into a war zone after the shooting of an unarmed teen by the name of Michael Brown who had his hands up in the air before he was killed by a police officer. Mike Brown's family and the entire city has received a huge outpouring of support from the celeb realm, the hip hop sector to be more specific. Today Compton rapper The Game teamed up with a bunch of his industry heavy hitters and released a tribute track to not only show a united front on the issue but also raise money for the battle the teen's family will face in court. Prayers are up from everyone here to the city of Ferguson. Our hope is that order is restored safely and justice is served. Download link for the track is below. What do you think?

 CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

-@InTheMixxer

#ForTheGirlWho.... Dating, Friendships, and Talking About Jesus

"I'm a kingdom Chic"... "Child of the most high God"... "I don't drink"... "I'm not having sex"... "I want a God fearing man"... These are all confessions that I have been making recently. I've been saved almost all of my life but I did not always feel comfortable talking about my religion publicly. So does that mean I don't truly believe in it? I have friends of many different faiths, Christians, Muslims,  and Jews you name it, who had no problem telling me about what they believe in. If I were being 100% honest I would say that I was afraid of being that "debbie downer" or "buzz kill" that sounded "too preachy" but over the last year I have grown closer to God than I have ever been in my entire 25 years on this earth. Now everyone might not believe in the same God that I believe in, however each religion does have it's particular way of living. So my question is, how do you transition from living one way to another?

For me it was something that has become easier and easier as the day goes by. For me it has been the fact that I have been super consistent in going to church and surrounding myself with people who are already living the way that I want to live that has allowed me to have the confidence to even write this post. It all starts with yourself. 

#StuffWeLove: 'Dior: Strip Club Diaries #1' by Keshia 'Dior' Floyd

A few years ago when I first started blogging I met a blogger out of Miami by the name of Dior. A few months after I had been networking with her I took a trip to Miami for the first time, met up with her and she took very good care of my friend and I. Helped us get a nice hotel, showed us around, even picked us up when we went out. Over dinner one night I had the opportunity to pick her brain and I soon discovered that this woman was much more than a blogger. She was in every sense of the word a "hustler." I was having dinner with one of the top promoters in the city! In the hour that we sat there she changed my whole perspective of strippers and even plastic surgery. The most interesting thing I learned about her is that she is a former dancer (exotic dancer) turned entrepreneur and now she can add author to her resume. 'Dior: Strip Club Diaries #1' is Dior's unfiltered autobiography of her life before, during, and after her time on the stage. I recently got a chance to catch up with the author to talk about her very first book! Check it out.

#ForTheGirlWho... Dating and Celibate

Ok, so recently I made the decision to take the vow of celibacy. For me the decision was partly religious based and also partly based on the fact that I suck at being able to tell a man's intentions. So instead of beating around the big sexual elephant that is in the room when it comes to dating, I figure it's easier to talk about celibacy versus leading someone on. Its been about two months now and I have to say that so far its really not that bad. Of course my girlfriends had slick remarks about my decision because I haven't really been dating. "Soon as you get close to someone that vow is going right out of the window!" Way to have faith in me right? Well although I've contemplated this decision many times before, I'm in this one for the long haul. So I figured I'd share what has been the most effective in this process.

Introducing... '#OnAir with InTheMixxer'

I'm back on the airwaves! That's right, I've worked so hard to get back on the air and I couldn't be more excited about it. This time, this show, is 100% me! Introducing "#OnAir with InTheMixxer" Tuesday and Thursday nights from 10pm-12am on HIPHOPHIGHLIGHTS.COM HipHopHighlights is an online based station that can be accessed from your PC or mobile phone. Click listen live from your PC or download the TuneIn app and search HipHopHighlights. Have an android? Download the exclusive HipHopHighlights mobile app found in the android market, and if you love iTunes radio we're on there too!

#OnAir is a late night show designed to bring the essence of INTHEMIXXER.COM to the airwaves mixed in with mainstream and indie music as well as the personality you all know and love! ME! The first month has been amazing with nonstop interviews with people like Amir Driver (aritst), Mike Lambert (personal trainer), the Cardinal Cloth crew (clothing line), and more! If you would like to be featured on an episode of #OnAir send me a detailed email with your brand information to INTHEMIXXER@CRCDJS.COM and make sure you are tuned in!

-@InTheMixxer

#HigherLearningDC

So here's and update with me. I haven't been blogging much because I have literally been SWAMPED with work. But trust me that's a very good thing. I'm back on the airwaves (internet airwaves but thats where I flourish lol)! I'll get into all of those details in my next post.

At the end of this year I will be relocated from Virginia Beach to Southern Maryland (about 30 mins outside of Washington, DC) and because of the fact that i will be so close to a major metropolitan area I have been making trips back and forth to do as much networking as possible before I make the move. Last weekend I attended an event in the SouthWest area of DC called "Higher Learning DC." It was a networking/showcase event that brought out vendors and artist from all over the east cost to get together. What made this event especially unique was the venue. It was held at a church turned art gallery called the "Blind Whino." This place was AMAZING inside and out. Everywhere you looked, there was art. On the walls, no literally, the walls were covered in grafiti and artwork from artist all over. The concept is really dope actually. You can see the building a few blocks down the street the colors are so bold and bright. It kind of changes the whole dynamic of the neighborhood.  I've never really been an art buff but I could really appreciate the work that I saw hanging on the walls in the different rooms throughout the building.

#TastyTuesdays: Eating Right On Vacation (13MAY14)

*Sigh* Vacation... The downfall to all the hard work you've done to prepare for the vacation in the first place.. Is the actual vacation! It's our excuse to eat any and everything we can think of, and drink until we sweat alcohol through our pores. Right? ... WRONG!

This past weekend I took a few days off to get some sun in Jacksonville and St Augustine, FL. If you know me I love eating at places I can't usually get to day to day. For Example Krystal's Burgers and Whataburger are two of my personal favs (I'm ashamed just saying that lol). 

So soon as I touched down I went to Krystal's and grabbed a bottle of Peach Ciroc on my way back to my friend's house. TURN UP! Lol

Fast forward to the next day... I felt like shit. I'm always trying to justify that the reason I prefer shots over mixed drinks is because it's less calories, which is true but I eat like a crazy person when I'm drunk so what's the point? 

Anyway of course you're not always gonna have the luxury of a stove when you're on vacation but I you do I would recommend going to the nearest Walmart and stocking up. I immediately bought 2 gallons of water, a bunch of fruit, egg whites, turkey bacon, chicken breasts, and steam bag veggies. Stuff that's quick and easy to make. Yea I still had a few snacks here and there but majority of what I ate was better for me than the little chicken sandwiches and alcohol I had on Friday. 

For The Girl Who... Finds Out That He's Married (13MAY14)

 Ok so I've gotten quite a few emails on this topic and I will tell you it is a touchy one. I am not married nor have I ever been married so this will be strictly from a single woman's point of view and shouldn't be taken offense by anyone.

So you're dating a guy, he seems perfect. Treats you like a queen, takes you out on dates, introduces you to his friends, the whole shebang. Then one day it's almost like you are in an episode of Being Mary Jane... You find out that he's married! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU DO?! Do you leave him? Do you hear him out? Do you want to know the extent of the marriage? WHAT DO YOU DO?

Me? I'd RUN. Fast as all hell. One of the relationships I have been in that I'm not too proud of is that I was head over heals in love with a married man. I tried to justify this love with the fact that he had been separated over 7 years and had been in multiple relationships before he was with me... so what was the big deal? We were living together, talked about having kids, we were "engaged", and I had even met his wife! WTF was I thinking?! 

Before you go judging me let me put you up on game real quick. At the time he was in the military and when you are in the military and you are married you are given a certain amount of extra allowances to take care of your family needs ie. clothing, food, home etc. So because my ex wasn't serious about anyone before me he never divorced his wife because he would lose money. Instead he would just break her off a few dollars every month. They did this for SEVEN YEARS! And when I came around no matter how serious we got... he wasnt gonna divorce this woman unless we were all standing in front of the court house together like "Hey i wanna occupy the wife slot she's currently occupying so he doesnt lose money."

So why do I feel like you should run from a man that's married even if he is separated?  Because what I eventually learned is that MARRIAGE is MARRIAGE and at any moment even years later he could've left me and went back to his wife... because what was he holding on to? I feel like it had to be more than the money. But those vows he took before God with that woman meant clearly NOTHING to him. He might have at one point loved her... but eventually it was nothing more that convenience. So if I married him, I would eventually just be something that was convenient as well.

The point of the story is to know your self worth. Have enough respect for yourself not to step into quicksand. I know you hear it often but "there are plenty of fish out there" and its true... You don't have to eat someone else' fish. 

Good luck doll,

- @InTheMixxer 

#TASTYTUESDAYS 22APR14 (late post)

So as most of my readers and followers on Instagram know, I live in my kitchen. That's one of my happy places. I get asked all the time to do a food page on Instagram but I just don't think I can keep up with it as much as I would like to so every Tuesday I'll show you some of my techniques and maybe even inspire you to get creative in your own kitchens. 

This week I have been participating in Deelishis' (reality star from VH1's Flavor of Love) 7 day challenge. It's been a hit on Instagram so last week I decided to give it a try and lost 4 pounds in a week. The first week was tough but I figured I'd try it again this week. The toughest part of the challenge is the no bread (which means no bread white rice pastries and also fried food), so I've been trying to switch my meals up so that I don't get bored. 

So this Tuesday I decided to make turkey wings. I was originally going to make them on Easter but I fell asleep lol. 

Here's what I used to season them with: 

*note: the McCormick brand seasonings are awesome but tend to be pretty pricey, your local store brands are more than sufficient*

Onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, parsley, seasoning salt (have a light hand with this), garlic, half an onion, and half a green bell pepper chopped in big pieces.

This seasoning blend is actually one of my recent favs, because it has paprika in it it will help give your food the great color you would have gotten if you were heavy with the seasoning salt. I've learned to explore different seasoning blends to compensate for the flavor so that a whole lot of salt isn't needed. 

Alright now that we are all seasoned and ready to go, my wings go in my crockpot on low...

And 5 hours later... 

Falling off of the bone!!! 

I also made some home made gravy with the broth the wings made. Gravy is easy to make but can be ruined easily. My technique is simple. I put 2 tbsp of flower in a cup and slowly add water while stirring at the same time so it doesn't get lumpy (you want about a cup of the water/ flour mixture per cup of broth). Once you've made your mixture pour it into your broth over medium heat and continue stirring. Add a pinch of sea salt, a little more onion and garlic and continue stirring then you're done! 

*note: for thicker gravy add more flour than water to your mix before combining it with the broth*

Plate and enjoy!

If you have any special request on what I should cook next Tuesday send your suggestions to INTHEMIXXER@CRCDJS.COM

#DININGOUTFORLIFE

More than 1.6 million people in the US are living with HIV infection, and almost 1 in every 6 people are unaware of their infection. About 1 in 4 new HIV infections are among youth 13-24 years old and most of them don't know they are infected, are not being treated, and can unknowingly pass the virus on to others. Although gay and bisexual men of all races are primarily affected by the disease, African American men bare the burden the most.

That's a lot of statistics to take in right? Right. But it's reality. "Dining Out For Life" is a night dedicated to raising funds for those affected by AIDS/HIV. Hundreds of restaurants across the country have signed on for one night to donate a percentage (in some cases all) of the cost of your meal to help provide things like medication, transportation, and services needed to treat those affected by the virus and spread awareness. 

This season of Scandal is finally over so you won't be missing anything this Thursday night. Click the link below to find out which restaurants in your area will be participating and make sure you post your pics and tag us. Thursday might also be a good day to go get tested. Grab a buddy and #knowyourstatus.
WWW.DININGOUTFORLIFE.COM

For The Girl Who... Has to chose between love and career (21APR14)

"For the Girl Who..." is INTHEMIXXER.COM's single girl's guide. Although I don't have all the answers that Sway has, I don't mind sharing my experiences to help the next girl out. A friend of mine and fellow blogger @KristalWithA_K (KristalWithA-K.tumblr.com) had the idea to start this series because we believe we aren't the only girls going through the things we go through. Kristal is a single mother with a successful career in broadcast communication with a double bachelors so you will be getting two well rounded points of view. We'll try our best to give you a straight forward unbiased opinion and hopefully spark some healthy conversations amongst you and your friends, family, and coworkers. Enjoy!

For the girl who.... Has to chose between love and career.

Recently this conversation was brought up because I am in the process of making a major move. I'm switching coasts at the end of the year. The furthest west I've ever been is Louisiana (I used to date a guy from Baton Rouge). Now I'm not involved with anyone in any way and since I'm moving I've made the decision to not even start anything new until after because I'm not the long distance type. But then I asked myself, well what IF I met someone and even through friendship started developing feelings for them? What the hell do I do now? Eight months is a long time to spend with someone. Marriages can come out of an eight month stitnt. Well from my point of view as a single 25 year old woman with no children. I'd still make the move. Although this wouldn't be an easy decision to make, and every situation is different. I'd move. Everyone that knows me knows I am a hopeless romantic. I love everything about love. But an opportunity to see something new? I'm taking it. If I were forced to make a decision like this I would definately weigh the pros and cons. This world and this life has so much to offer, I personally wouldn't pass it up based on a shoulda coulda woulda. So what if you stay? And the person you passed up this awesome opportunity for ends up breaking your heart? Now your stuck and full of resentment. Don't let loneliness cloud your judgement. Live a little! And if that person was meant to be in your life... They'll be there.

- @InTheMixxer

Need Kristal or myself to weigh in on your single girl's issues? Send your letter to INTHEMIXXER@CRCDJS.COM

MONDAY MOTIVATION: TOP 5 TRAINERS & TRANSFORMATIONS

*Cues Fabolous x Thim Slick*

I don't know about you but over the holidays I ate like a mad woman. I was so happy to be back in my own home and in my own kitchen that I literally cooked everything that came to my mind. Cooking may be good for the soul... but not so much for my waist line. I was in the best shape of my life last summer and in January I made the concious decision to get my body back. But here is what I learned, being fit has to be a lifestyle change not something temporary. I was so upset with myself that I had made so much progress and in only 2 months i was back at square one. Well if you are or were in my shoes, here are my Top 5 Trainers and Transformations that still keep me motivated through my lifestyle change.

#5 @PicturePeggy - Miami, FL

I first came across this young lady's page by way of a clothing line (@kennedikouture) that I follow on Instagram that she is heavily involved with. She offers a meal plan and a fitness regiment that caters to working moms like herself. Doesn't she look fab?! Click Here to check out her products.

#4 @MsTisch - Atlanta, GA

If you are in the Atlanta area this is the trainer for you! All of her clients are transforming. I have a personal friend that trains with her and she started seeing results the very first week! Just following her on Instagram makes you want to hit the gym! The primary example I have been following, however, is clothing designer DeLecia Cordon (@msdecordon). Although DeLecia has always had an amazing body she has taken it to the next level by training with Tisch. I know a lot of times we can get concerned with getting bored from doing the same thing over and over again. I have never seen the same workout twice on her page. She really challenges her clients and you can see it in their transformation pics. The next time I'm in the A I absolutely have to get at least one session in with her.

TISCHTOSCHTRAINING.COM

#3 @The_MikeEly- Virginia Beach, Va

Although I haven't trained with Mike Lambert I have seen him transform a lot of people's lives and that is no understatement. A friend of mine has always said she wanted a booty, a few weeks ago he had her squatting in heels, and when I saw her at church yesterday BAM!!! She's got a booty now!  All jokes aside she looks amazing and from what she tells me she really enjoys her sessions with him because he pushes her and he really cares about her results. A couple of his clients are well known DJs and radio personalities in the area and with that lifestyle comes a lot of drinking, eating late, and lack of sleep but he's got then all looking healthy.

MIKETHEFITNESSJUNKIE.COM

#2 @BrixTV - NewYork, NY

*cues Brix x Hecky Naw (my favorite track off his first mixtape)* OMG OMG OMG!!!! Now listen. Lets flash back about three years (I know right? Its been that long). Three years ago if you remember I was on an online radio show called The Angel of Underground Show with Divita757. I had a segment called "In The Mixx with InTheMixxer" where I would interview small business owners and indie artists. One of the first interviews I did for that segment was a rapper from NYC named Brix and one question I asked him was "How did you get the name Brix?" His response was "I've always been a big guy, my family used to tell me I was built like a tone of bricks."

WELL NOT ANYMORE! So last year Brix took his health into his own hands and started training with our #3 pick Mike Lambert and lost a whopping 100 POUNDS in 7 months!!!! Do you realize 100 pounds is an entire person?! The awesome part about this story is that he made a complete lifestyle change. He's super disciplined in his nutrition and even turns the simplests tasks into workouts. He's even been taking the steps to become a personal trainer himself! I'll def be on the lookout for the #BrixFitness brand in the near future! 

#1 @Uptown_FitnessLLC - Chesapeake, Va

WARNING: I'm biased and I don't care. As I've embarked upon my own fitness journey I have enlisted the help of the trainers over at Uptown Fitness. What makes these trainers different is that their goal was to make health and fitness affordable for everyone. Not everyone can afford a gym membership and not everyone can afford a personal trainer. Uptown fitness offers a monthly bootcamp (with small groups so you still get the same attention you would in a personal training session) 3 times a week that I attend and I also have one one-on-one session with Renaldo (@Uptown_Naldo...who will start providing weekly workouts for INTHEMIXXER.COM). Working with them has been an awesome experience so far. Sometimes I feel like they care more about my results than I do lol. I've been pushed to the point where I've cried in front of them but I've never been able to quit. That kind of love for what they do is what earned them the #1 spot this week.

TOP 5 INSTAGRAM FINDS (JAN-APR 2014)

I'm back! 2013 was an extremely busy year for me. For those that don't know I am active duty military and last year I was deployed to the middle east for just about the entire year and it KILLED me to not have the ability to blog while I was away. Although I was all the way on the other side of the globe that in no way shape or form stopped me from doing what I do best... SHOP. Instagram is an awesome marketing tool for small businesses and any brand for that matter because it's FREE. So while I was away I took the time to really find out which businesses were legit and which ones people should probably stay away from. With that being said here are my top 5 Instabusinesses for Jan-Apr 2014.

#5 @BOUTIQUEONTHEGO - MIAMI, FL

THIS ONLINE BOUTIQUE IS ONE OF MY FAVS BECAUSE THEY CONSTANTLY ARE UPDATING THEIR INVENTORY AND THE PRICES ARE PRETTY COMPETITIVE. SOME OF THESE BOUTIQUES CAN BE PRETTY PRICEY BECAUSE THEY HAVE AN INSTAFAMOUS PERSON WEARING THEIR STUFF AND VOUCHING FOR THEM EVEN THOUGH A LOT OF THEM SHOP FROM THE SAME VENDORS. MY ONLY GRIPE ABOUT @BOUTIQUEONTHEGO IS THAT THE LARGER SIZES GO SUPER FAST. I AM NOT A PLUS BUT I'M ALSO NOT PETITE SO THE STANDARD LARGE IS PRETTY MUCH WHAT I WEAR IN ALMOST ALL OF THE CLOTHES THEY CARRY SO IF I SEE SOMETHING THAT I WANT I HAVE TO ORDER IT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEY POST IT OR IT WILL BE GONE! OTHER THAN THAT THE ITEMS I'VE ORDERED ALL CAME INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED AND IN GREAT CONDITION.

#4 SNOBLIFE.COM (@IAMMINGLEE)- ATLANTA, GA

OK IF YOU KNOW ME I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE A GOOD WEAVE (EVEN THOUGH I JUST RECENTLY DID A BIG CHOP FOR THE SUMMER). BACK IN OCTOBER OWNER OF SNOB LIFE STUDIO MING LEE HAD A HUGE SALE ON HAIR IN HONOR OF HER BIRTHDAY SO OF COURSE I JUMPED ON IT. I PAID $185 FOR FOUR BUNDLES OF BRAZILIAN WAVY HAIR (16,18,20, & 22 IN). YOU CAN'T BEAT THAT! WHAT WAS EVEN BETTER WAS I ORDERED MY HAIR AT 8AM AND IT WAS SHIPPED AND ON ITS WAY BY 2PM THE SAME DAY! WHEN I GOT MY HAIR INSTALLED OVER THE HOLIDAYS MY HAIR DRESSER WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE QUALITY OF THE HAIR ESPECIALLY AT THE PRICE I GOT IT. MING LEE HAS A WELL OILED MACHINE WHEN IT COMES TO HER BUSINESS AND HER STORY OF HOW SHE BUILT HER EMPIRE IN 3 YEARS IS AMAZING. SHE'S GONE FROM HAIR DRESSER TO MOGUL WITH HER OWN LINE OF HAIR, HAIR CARE PRODUCTS, HAIR TOOLS AND SHE'S WORKING ON HER 2ND SNOB LIFE STUDIO LOCATION SET TO OPEN IN HER HOMETOWN OF DETROIT.  WHEN THE SUMMER IS OVER AND I'M READY FOR LONG LOCKS AGAIN I'LL BE SURE TO ORDER FROM HER AGAIN.

#3 ITSRICHGIRLZ.COM (@ITSRICHGIRLZ)- MIAMI, FL

 

*CUES TRINIDAD JAMES x ALL GOLD EVERYTHING* MS. NESSA HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR YEARS FOR HER GIANT HOOP EARRINGS SEEN ON SOME OF OUR FAVORITE REALITY STARS LIKE DRAYA MICHELLE, BROOKE BAILEY, KIMBELLA AND THE LIST GOES ON AN ON. AS HER BRAND HAS EVOLVE SHE'S BEEN PRODUCING A LOT OF GOLD JEWELRY WHICH I HAVE BEEN ALL OVER. MY PERSONAL FAVORITE ARE THE MIDI RINGS AND THE BODY CHAINS. SHE GETS MAJOR POINTS FROM ME FOR HER FAST SHIPPING TIME (2-3 DAYS STANDARD), HER PACKAGING (EVERYTHING COMES IN ITS OWN BLACK VELVET POUCH), AND SHE IS ALWAYS OFFERING A GREAT DISCOUNT CODE TO HER FOLLOWERS. I'M EXCITED TO SEE HOW HER NEW MAKEUP LINE AND FASHION LINE WILL DO THIS SUMMER. IF SHE PUTS HALF OF THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL INTO THOSE AS SHE DOES HER JEWELRY I'M SURE THIS WON'T BE THE LAST TIME SHE MAKES MY FAVS LIST.

#2 SHOPGUILTYPLEASURE.COM (@SHOPGP)- VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

 CONFESSION: I MIGHT BE A LITTLE BIASED BECAUSE I KNOW THE OWNER PERSONALLY. HOWEVER, THAT MAKES PUTTING THIS ACCESSORY BOUTIQUE IN MY FAVS EASY BECAUSE I KNOW THE WORK ETHIC THAT GOES INTO THIS BUSINESS. WHAT MAKES THIS BOUTIQUE AWESOME IS THAT THE OWNER TAKES THE TIME TO GET TO KNOW HER CUSTOMERS AND SHE LEARNS WHAT THEY LIKE. FOR EXAMPLE I AM A BIG EARRING TYPE OF GIRL. SO WHEN I PLACED MY ORDER WHILE I WAS GONE IF I ACCIDENTALLY PICKED SMALL EARRINGS SHE JUST WENT AHEAD AND REPLACED THEM WITH BIG ONES AND I LOVED EVERY PAIR. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR BIG STATEMENT PIECES AND HAND BAGS THIS IS THE SHOP FOR YOU. AWESOME CUSTOMER SERVICE AND QUICK TURN AROUND TIME.

#1 OWNYOURSOLE.COM (@OWNYOURSOLE_) - ATLANTA, GA

 WHAT GIRL DOESN'T LOVE A FABULOUS PAIR OF SHOES?! I'VE ORDERED FIVE PAIRS OF SHOES FROM HERE AND I MUST SAY THEY HAVE GAINED A LIFETIME CUSTOMER. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAD ISSUES WHEN THEY ORDERED THE POPULAR ZIGINY BRAND PIARRY BOOT. SOME SHOETIQUES CLAIMED ISSUES WITH THE COMPANY SOME CLAIMED THEY WERE ON BACK ORDER. I HAD NONE OF THOSE ISSUES AND I ORDERED THEM IN 2 DIFFERENT COLORS. I PREORDERED THEM AND THEY WERE SHIPPED TO ME RIGHT WHEN THEY SAID THEY WOULD BE SO NO COMPLAINTS IN MY BOOK. CUSTOMER SERVICE IS WHAT EARNED THIS BUSINESS THE #1 SPOT, I RECEIVED PERSONAL EMAIL UPDATES ON THE STATUS OF MY SHOES SO I WAS NEVER IN THE DARK. FYI THEY ARE HAVING A MAJOR SALE RIGHT NOW TO GET READY FOR THE SUMMER INVENTORY WHICH LOOKS VERY PROMISING. I'VE ACTUALLY BEEN HOLDING OUT ON BUYING SHOES I KNOW THEY WILL BE GETTING IN STOCK JUST SO I CAN PURCHASE FROM THEM. 

Ok so now that I'm all caught up you can expect my #TOP5IGFINDS at the end of every month. The next top 5 will be posted at the end of May. If you have any businesses you think I should check out comment below or email me at INTHEMIXXER@CRCDJS.COM