Category: Lifestyle

Music As Self Care: Kelly Rowland

KellyRowlandCoffeeVideo
Well hello there!

 

I know it’s been a looong minute since I’ve posted/updated Curves And Coffee but I’ll get into that another day  😉 (if you follow me, you’re already up to date!)

 

Since there’s A LOT going on all around the world and it’s weighing heavily on everyone, I hope you guys are taking care of yourselves physically AND mentally.

For me, one of my self care items is listening to music. Sometimes just being able to vibe out, listen to sweet sounds of R&B or getting up and dancing around the house to Pop or rapping along to some old school Hip Hop is all I need to sweep me away, calming my nerves in the process.

Let me stop rambling…

Here’s Kelly Rowland showing us the many beautiful shades of COFFEE

 

 

I wish this song was longer!

Lots of good music has been blessing my ears over these months of lockdown and I couldn’t be happier about that! This song and video has been out a couple months and I meant to drop it here sooner but better late than never!

So now that I’ve showed you mine, what are some of your favorite lockdown-nerve calming-self-care tips?

Just What You Needed: Recycled Leather Journal

Writers, this one is for you!

It’s time to upgrade your old journals and notebooks. This Cool Cowhide Writers Muse is courtesy of the great people at Groovy Groomsmen Gifts and it is the perfect addition to your journal stash!

 

No need to carry around that annoying metal or plastic spiral that gets snagged on everything anymore. You’ll even impress those around you when writing in public and that last part is just a bonus! According to the site: the journal is recycled cowhide leather, contains 100 sheets (200 sides) and unlined. It’s available in brown leather and sizes at 7″ X 5″ X 0.5″. The customization is laser engraved. 

There are lots of other incredible products offered by Groovy Groomsmen Gifts like cuff links, watches, and even iPhone covers.  Whether you’re planning a wedding or looking for gifts for friends and family, they have it all. The perfect place to get customized gifts for anyone any wedding/party attendees or just pickup something for yourself.

 

 

‘Tis The Season for Wedding Planning

It’s engagement season!

Are you in planning mode already?

Need help with the extras for the big day?

No problem!

 

Whether you’re the bride, the groom, the wedding planner, or wearing ALL three hats, there’s a new site ready to help! Forever Wedding Favors! Forever Wedding Favors has all of the cute and festive favors for your guests that’ll be sure to be a memorable gift to them. Items can be purchased in bulk and delivered to you FOR FREE with purchases over $75. One stop shopping makes your to-do list even shorter!

 

Here are a just a few of their items ready to go!

 

 

 

Bear Hug Salt & Pepper Shakers

 

 

 

 

Wine Bottle Bottle Opener

This awesome wedding favor can be customized! The label of the wine bottle opener can truly become your own personal gift to your guests.

 

 

 

Mini Gumball Machine

 

 

 

Tie The Knot Wine Stopper

 

 

 

Antique Typewriter Keys (Magnets)

 

 

And a plethora of other items just waiting for your special event!

 

The good people at Forever Wedding Favors have made it super easy to find what you need. You can search for specific items and even by the theme of the wedding/event you’re planning. For example, I love candles and especially this set:

Searching for all the candles is really easy because all the candle favors are in one spot. 

 

After scouring the Forever Wedding Favors site (the shopaholic in me of course), I’ve found that lots of the items can be used for any event you’re planning. Most importantly: a girls night, birthday party, family gathering, etc. I love a good site that offers customers lots of products and plenty of ideas. Also, favors can be personalized like their sets of stationary. Be sure to check it out!

 

 

(Products pictured given for honest review.)

Wednesday Wants: Christmas Shopping Gift Guide

Hey guys!

I know it’s been a minute or five, apologies for my absence but your girl has been BUSY (plus a break from all things social media is always nice.) No worries, I’m back and hope you’ve been doing well while I was away.

So, what’s a good way to ease back into writing and sharing? By helping everyone out with their Christmas shopping of course!

Instead of our regular Wednesday Wants wish list, here’s some of the things I adore that’ll be sure to be awesome gifts for anyone on your shopping list!

Are YOU ready?



Let’s jump into it, shall we…

 

Let’s start with the person on your list that isn’t into fashion or you aren’t sure what they like:  You can always get old faithful e.g. a gift card OR you can go the humanitarian route and make a donation in their name to their favorite charity. My favorite charities involve those that are animal helping, environment saving, and/or keeping the homeless fed & warm. There are plenty across the world to donate to so choosing one will be simple.

Here’s my fave furry friend enjoying the gift of Bark Box last year. Psst! Pets love gifts too!

 

 

Now if your Christmas shopping list includes the girl who loves fashion as well as charity, the following ideas are for you (and her!)

 



 

2018 is the 90th anniversary of Mickey Mouse and the celebration is happening at Disney Parks around the globe and on ShopDisney.com.  As a lover of everything Disney, the items that follow are the cutest things EVER and I want them all…they’ll also be the perfect gift for anyone on your shopping list.

These Beats by Dre Apple headphones are a must have! Not only are they functional because they’re cordless but they’re super cute!

Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones – $329.95

 

Socks. Yes, SOCKS! Everyone needs socks and why not get some colorful fun socks?! I probably have way more socks than I’ll ever need but every time I see a really cute pair, I end up getting them. These particular socks come as a set with a matching box for each pair, advent calendar style! (FYI, they also have a mens set and I’d get those too because…double the cuteness!)

Disney Socks Advent Calendar Gift Set – $39.95




 

This single serve coffee maker comes WITH the special edition mug and it’s under 30 bucks! You get to save money and give the coffee lover in your life the perfect gift!

Mickey Mouse 90th Anniversary Single Serve Coffee Maker – $24.95

 

You can’t go wrong with jewelry. Even better…personalized with the receivers birthstone. Just make sure you get the right month lol aquamarine if they’re a March baby like me!

Mickey Mouse Birthstone Necklace – $56.95

I could, quite possibly, list every item on Shop Disney but I’ll spare those non-Disney fanatics. 




 

Moving right along…

It’s winter and some of us love a little luxe to go along with our snow

River Island Plus Faux Leather Biker Jacket – $103 ASOS Curve

 

Because being cute yet comfortable is a thing! This two-piece pant set from Premme comes in several colors including a sunshine bright yellow! Some sizes & colors are sold out but you can add your email to the wait list…trust me, do it.

Marissa Wrap Top – $59   Marissa Pant– $72

 

 

Eva Off The Shoulder Dress by Poetic Justice – $68

 

Shoes. Bags. Enough said.

Saint Laurent Opyum YSL – $995

 

Journee Collection Zinia – $54.99

 

Journee Collection Adley – $49




 

Thank GOD stacked and chunky heels are back and still in for 2019! Listen, I love heels. I love wearing them, I love how they look, love how my calves look in a sexy stiletto but let’s face it… we (I) can’t wear skinny heels everyday or even every time I go out without wanting to take them off and slip on those emergency flats because of the pain! These are for my chunky heel lovers:

For everyday/on the go/at work/just don’t want my feet to hurt and look cute at the same time heel

FYI: They come in red.

And here you see how cute they’re styled with a fishnet sock and I’m here for it!

Christian Louboutin Marimalus Spike Heel Pump – $895

And because it’s bootie season…

Suzi Folk – $1,195




 

If I’m going give into the crazy, clunky, old people sneaker trend, it’s going to be stylish fall into the trend of the masses. Thankfully Steve Madden gets me and made this ‘Cliff’ sneaker. There a TON of colorways to pick from and these three a just a few…

Cliff by Steve Madden – $99

Speaking of Steve Madden

BKAIA in Blush – $68              BKWEEN in Black – $68

A few of these items may be on sale starting Black Friday. Even if going out into the the shopping frenzy that is Black Friday isn’t your thing, you can easily grab these things online in the comfort of your own home in your PJ’s! I’ll be clicking the keyboard keys with you in hopes of grabbing some of these items on sale.

Hopefully I’ve covered all the ladies on your shopping list…just remember, If I like all of these…pretty sure she’ll LOVE them!

Wednesday Wants: #PrideMonth Edition

Celebrating the whole month because June is Pride Month!

Shout out to every LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning) person around the world!

It’s always nice, supportive, and fun to celebrate EVERYONE!  Whether we know someone who identifies or not…let’s simply be proud and appreciate each other. Even though we’re now two weeks into Pride Month, it’s never too late to show some color.

Below, I found a few cute things that might tickle your rainbow fancy!



 

 

Fast Lane Pride Cotton Lightly Lined T-Shirt Bra – $41 to $51

 

 

 

Gold-tone Rainbow Rhinestone Ring – $16.90

 

 



 

 

Rainbow Rectangle Sequin Tee – $21

 

 

 

 

Rainbow Party Supplies Collection – $2 to $10

 

 

Pride Narwhal Ride Pool Float – $29

 

 



There are plenty of other ways to support those we love and one of those ways are to donate to charity! Simply ask (or Google) a charity that supports the LGBTQ family.  Remember, any amount helps!

Here are few great charities 

ACLU

Human Rights Campaign HRC

The Trevor Project

GLAD

Planned Parenthood

 

If you know of others, please feel free to add them in the comment section below…



A Gift For Your Girls

It’s that time of year again…wedding season!

Now that the Royal Wedding Day is over, you can go back to planning YOUR big day!

I know. I know. It’s dreadful. It’s stressful. It’s expensive.

BUT

Keep remembering that it’s a celebration of family, friends, life, and love.

Plus, I’m always here to help you out with some of that stress so you can cross off something on that to-do list!

Remember this post, Gifts For Your Guy? Have a look to refresh your memory. Well, those same people are bringing us a website to help us all. Check out Bridesmaid Gifts Boutique, here you’ll be able to find the perfect gift for all the lovely bridesmaids in your wedding party!

 

My favorite (I was able to pick) is the Dazzling Duo $42.

Click photos to enlarge

 

It comes with a silky smooth cotton floral robe (your choice of colors: Soft Pink, White, Burgundy, and Navy) and a glittering tumbler (colors are Gold or Silver Sparkle.)  Both items come in a customized keepsake gift-box with a magnetic closure.

 

The robe and tumbler can be customized with the receivers initial, also your choice of color so each recipient can have their favorite color imprinted on the robe and tumbler for even MORE personal touch.

 

 

By the way, the robe is available for us curvy girls in XL (plus size) which I ordered. It fits perfectly with lots of room, as a size 18-20, I could probably go to a smaller size and still have room. Just know that it will fit all your curvy and plus size bridesmaids/friends.

Bonus: The gifts on Bridesmaid Gifts Boutique can also be purchased for any holiday or gift for that special lady in your life…trust me, she’ll love it!

 

 

Wednesday Wants: Florals

 

I’m a flower girl. I love flowers, more specifically, floral arrangements. As an allergy sufferer and person that’s scared to death of bugs, I like floral arrangements that sit perfectly on a table. This way, there’s no need to dig in the dirt or get dirty!

The only problem with this…flowers eventually die ?.

So when I came across this site Eternal Fleur while searching for the perfect pink rose, I was ecstatic learn they offer offer buyers a “four season rose”.

 



 

THIS is a “four season rose”

 

 

A rose that doesn’t die?

Are you serious?!

Apparently, yes and yes!

Well sign me right on up! A single rose can be purchased for about $60 or a box of 4 and even boxes of 16 or multiple boxes. Also featured is a Swarovski crystal covered box of roses BUT be ready to spend lots of your hard earned dollar dollar bills y’all!

 

This crystal box STARTS at $1,500.

 

 

Arent’ they GORGEOUS?!

 



The roses are to be kept in the box if you want them to last for as long as possible. Be sure to check the site Eternal Fleur because they have all the important deets plus a plethora of desirable roses! Consider this a dropped hint.

 

 

Oh and this is NOT an ad 

 

 

 

(photos via eternal fleur dot com. I do not own rights.) 

Unboxing Day: Drink qii

Ever wondered what you can do keep your mouth its’ healthiest?! Besides brushing, flossing, and mouthwash splashing…

Here’s a new idea:

It’s qii (pronounced: chee)

“Introducing qii, the worlds first drink that tackles your oral health so you can unleash the power within. qii is formulated with XyVita which works by reducing your mouth’s acidity and risk of tooth decay while freshening your breath.”

I know what you’re thinking “Uh Rena, this isn’t coffee.” and I know but I don’t ALWAYS drink coffee…I love water, tea, cranberry juice and a good ol’ Mountain Dew when there isn’t a cup of java in front of me. Plus, this qii drink has some benefits!

Anything that can help your oral health sounds good to me! Especially when it’s something you can easily carry with you when you’re on the go or just chillin’. Bonus, it quenches your thirst too!

SO, how does it taste?

Not bad actually!

There’s currently two flavors, Classic Oolong Tea and Lemongrass Ginger Green Tea. I’ve had the opportunity to taste both…yes, I’ll always be the guinea pig for you guys. Of those two flavors, my favorite is the Classic Oolong Tea. It wasn’t really sweet at all and didn’t leave an aftertaste (which I was definitely worried about.) The Classic Oolong tastes like regular tea so yay! The Lemongrass Ginger Green Tea ehhh not my favorite and it definitely leaves an aftertaste. I LOVE ginger so that wasn’t it so it had to be the lemongrass flavor that wasn’t best FOR ME. If lemongrass is your thing then this flavor is certainly for you! Other than that, I’m absolutely glad this new drink brand is getting off the ground and promoting a healthy oral mouth!

Interested? Want to grab a qii with me?

Follow along here:  Twitter drink qii // Facebook drink qii

Read more about qii on their website and enter to win some FRREEEE qii! Yes FREE!

Disclaimer: I was given this product for free to try and promote.

Gifts For Your Guy

It’s that time of year again! Time for packing the shopping malls in search of the perfect gift for that perfect guy. Easier said than done of course. Well, I’m always here to help you with your shopping trip. Today, is a special feature for a great site called GroovyGuyGifts.com and yes, they’re really GREAT gifts!

 

Below is just ONE of their great gifts:

 

 

Perfect Strangers (Engraved Shot Glass & Multi-tool Knife Set)

This is the perfect gift for the guy who probably already has everything. With this personalized touch, he’ll be glad to show this off to everyone! The set features a shot glass and your choice of a knife or multi-tool that comes in a keepsake wooden box. All of which can be engraved.

I personally, opted to receive the shot glass and multi-tool not engraved, only because I was unsure of what to put on it. (Of course, totally regretting it now…just means I need to make a purchase for myself in the coming months.) 

Speaking of other items, Groovy Guy Gifts has lots of cool items and great groomsmen gifts for those in wedding planning mode.

This wooden bottle opener can be engraved for everyone in your crew! Find it here: Snap A Cap

 

 

Full disclosure: I was given the opportunity to pick an item from the site, have it engraved and sent to me.