Feeling really thankful for everything I have despite everything going on and fully taking advantage of this season of our world! I’ve been the most productive,creative and clear I’ve been in a long time!
Before the pandemic,I was working 4 jobs and juggling everything was getting very difficult, I wasn’t getting accurate sleep, Ya girl was burnt out! So this time of stopping the world has been needed and wanted. It’s been a great time for reflection for me.
What have you learned about yourself through this time?
I have been taking time to really create and enjoy this “stillness”. I’m loving being at home and staying cozy and this Hanes set is perfect for every single day! (I got it from Amazon)
I added a pop of glam to this set by pairing my Custom Jasper necklace from Affirmation Crystals!
How are you all holding up? What are you doing in this time? How have you grown? Let’s chat in the comments!
The moment I walked in, I knew that I was going to have a great night! The warm and inviting decor andthe friendly staff set the vibe for a great evening atAltiro Latin Fusion newest location in Downtown Aurora!
I was so ready to dig into this Ala papa Brava + Ala Pina drink! ( this drink had a spicy +sweet flavor which was super yummy)
My server, Jessica was amazing at recommending all the favorites and must haves! Food is Tapas style and great for sharing! (perfect for date nights or A girl’s night out)
Do you all see THIS spread! (SO GOOD)
This dish, the Ala Paella was top on my favorite dishes, so flavorful and had all of my favorite seafood with each bite!
The owners are Erika and Roberto who are husband and wife dream team and every bit of #goals! Roberto is the executive chef and Erika is behind the beautiful decor throughout the restaurant! (can you say Power Couple?!)
And of course I couldn’t leave without dessert and it was plantains with a chocolate sauce and sprinkles!! ( I love sprinkles,how did they know?)
If you are coming to Downtown Aurora make sure you check out Altiro Latin Fusion’s newest location!
Tell them I sent you when you go! Thank you so much to everyone atAltiro Aurorafor their hospitality!
The best advice on mixing prints and graphic tee’s is to have fun and don’t be afraid to mix up looks that normally wouldn’t go! Play around with your white and colored tees and see how they look with leopard prints, cheetah, snake etc. Using a plain shoe will also help bring out the look and not become to “busy”.
Last week I was invited to the opening night of the House of Beetle Pop-up bar located at Bassline in Chicago.
The popup bar is inspired by the Tim Burton classic movie, Beetlejuice and features a interactive experience with remnants of the movie all over the venue!
Carefully curated cocktails and food were served and movie characters were roaming around taking photos with guests. I met BeetleJuice YA’LL.
I don’t do “Scary” stuff so this was just the right amount of scary for me. Fun fact: When I went to Disneyworld as a kid I always went to the BeetleJuice Graveyard review event. 😂 it has since closed but it was very popular back in the day.
I enjoyed the whole ambiance of the popup and to top it all off my favorite cupcake truck, A Sweets Girl has exclusive cupcakes available for purchase outside of the bar that are all themed.
Did you like the movie Beetlejuice? If your in Chicago you gotta go and check it out!
Tickets can be purchased here and It is selling out so fast!
Every year The African Festival of the arts puts on a amazing mix of fashion, food and live music during the weekend of Labor Day and it holds a special place in my heart as a summertime Chicago staple.
I go to find unique pieces for my closet and I love supporting the local artists from all over. Some of the best items to get at the fest, Art Work ( Mind Blowing) and Accessories ( I always grab earrings).
With foods from all over you can try lots of amazing traditional foods and also some cool new options. I’ve been going to the African Festival of the Arts for years and I always opt for trying something new, that didn’t change this year.
Food gets me excited.My Girl Cherita from Beauty Marked Vintage enjoyed the #AFAchi30Vegan “shrmp”from good2go
Along with seeing the culture, seeing the look and enjoying the #blackgirlmagic and #blackboyjoy energy you can always count on a dope musical lineup.
After the show I can’t stop playing his new song BGM ( Black Girl Magic)
This year had headliners Wale and Rotimi (If you follow my Instagram you know Rotimi and I go together. Just Kidding.🤪
Connect with The African Festival of the arts and head out next year!
A few weeks ago, Hair Care brand, ORS,Launched their new line, #orsfixit with a beautiful launch party featuring a live hair demo by Viral Hair stylist, Anthony Cuts.
MR. Cuts and I ( Is he a model also because?)
Cuts is know for his amazing transformations with wigs, weaves and makeup and went right along with the product line ORS unveiled. I had the honor to attend the exclusive event and it was fun but also inspirational, because ORS is the first multicultural hair brand to launch a collection for Wigs and Weaves specifically.
The complete #orsfixit Line!
The line includes 3 main products that keep lace fronts in place, keep edges together and tame leave outs and flyaways associated with wearing, wigs and weaves. The products can also be used on natural hair as well.( Dual Hair Care,yass ORS) Mr. Cuts did a live hands on tutorial on how he uses the new products on his lace front wig clients and the results were amazing!
The venue for the festivities took place in the newly remodeled ORS Salon in the South Loop, who knew that they had a Salon Space?! Instaworthy bloggers, youtubers and stylists were all in attendance. ( including Ya Girl!)
Mini Banana Puddings for the win!Anthony Cuts with his finished model!Finishing the last few touches before the models wig is slayyed!
Youtuber MsVaughnTV and I (I just love her)The attention to detail was real real ,down to the table cloths! The Wine is a local brand , LCSDécor added such a glam touch to the ambience.The newly remodeled ORS salon was done so beautiful!
All products are available in Walmart and your local Beauty Supply Stores and you can also get more information at the ORS official website! Have you used ORS products before? What’s your favorites? Mine is the Hair Repair line!
This Weekend I got the opportunity to attend the Black Beauty Fest at Victory Gardens Theater to celebrate Black History Month! It was a space for vendors, food, beauty and a special performance of The Black Monologues!
The Black Monologues are monologues about Black life and the perspective from a various group of black people and the struggles they have endured.
The Black Beauty Fest portion featured vendors from all over that have a small business, guests were encouraged to shop and mingle with each other while celebrating Black Beauty!
After the day’s events, I was able to attend the show Pipeline written by Dominique Morisseau. The play depicts the story of a mom who is trying to take the best care of her son while being a single mom. It touches on how stress can take a toll on you and how complex co-parenting can be when the issues have never been dealt with. It also discusses how each parent’s issues cause trauma on the child and it never gets dealt with until something bad happens. great cast and great story!
Hey guys! I was so excited when Monette Naturals gifted me some of their purse size body butter! Of Course, I picked my favorite scent: COCONUT!! (They have other scents if you aren’t Coconut obsessed like me!)They are not only great for my sensitive skin but also good for the current harsh Chicago winters!
I also love how small they are and that they can fit into your bag or purse so easily!
The formula is made with simple ingredients and doesn’t leave that greasy feeling! Don’t you hate when moisturizers are too heavy on your skin? UGH, so annoying!
So glad that this keeps me moisturized and glistening! I have no time to be Ashy! lol
Make sure you all check out the other goodies they have at Monette Naturals and let me know when you grab something!
XOXO, Arella
Connect with Monette Naturals on all Social media platforms!
