Category: Lifestyle

Living The Dream: Writing my way to becoming my own boss

 

 

It’s rare that I publish a non-fashion or style post but today is just one of those days. You guys are going to learn a little or a lot more about me (depending on how far of a tangent I go on lol)

It’s been two whole years since Curves And Coffee was born and a huge thanks to those of you who’ve followed me on this exciting journey! It started with a dream and now readers from all over the world visit! I never intended for this to become a profession. It started as more of a hobby until I figured out the next phase in my life while in between grad school programs.

Who knew that next phase would actually include USING my degree in communication to promote self-love and share my love of fashion with the world?! I’m just glad that there’s a visitor here now and then.

As time continues, I’ve started to think about what’s in store for Curves And Coffee instead of what’s next for me. There’s NO way to predict the next steps..not even a bit! What I can share with you, is that, Curves And Coffee will become my full-time project. I want to produce a great lifestyle site both visually and intellectually, be able to travel and spread the word of self-love and a sense of community among the curvy world. Some day, I’d even like to open a small café that serves the finest coffees (of course) with possibly a boutique right beside it. One day, I’m gonna need money for all of this!!

Pretty sure by now you’re wondering, “why is she sharing all of this?” Well, a few weeks ago, while shopping on eBay (yes, I have a shopping problem) I noticed an advertisement for this company called Kabbage. The ad said something about owning your own company and it immediately caught my eye. It was like a sign, brightly blinking telling me to go ahead and go! Of course, me being the forgetful person  that I am…time passed and nothing ever came of me going further than browsing Kabbage.com and reading their testimonials.

 

collagekabbage

 

Then, an email arrived from one of the Kabbage community managers asking if I would be interested in sharing my dreams. That’s DEFINITELY another blinking sign. Needless to say, I accepted the “challenge” to share my dreams with you guys so here we are! No, Kabbage didn’t offer me an instant starter loan for this post…it’s just me sharing this pretty cool company!

 

What is Kabbage?

Kabbage is a like a lending bank but better! Instead of using just your credit score like other lending sources, Kabbage allows its’ borrowers to use their company accounts’ that are already established. Kabbage provides small business loans for fellow entrepreneurs in a very unique way. You can see part of their process in the diagram below.

 

kabbagesnip1

 

See, it’s THAT simple to get approved for your start-up or “already” thriving business. I once created a business plan for my company way before those “dreams” ever popped up…it was actually during an Entrepreneur  course in undergrad. The fact that my brain still retains most of that course is pure wizardry! I’m fully equipped to branch out make Curves And Coffee an official company and get stamped with a big hunk of LLC, so am I waiting on?

 

 

 

Influenster #GoVoxBox – Product Review – Next Step FIt N Full – Playtex® Sport® Fresh Balance – AquaSpa – Blue Diamond Almonds

 

Thanks to Influenster, I’m able to check out some pretty awesome products and share them with you guys! I’m your official “lab rat” today…have fun!

 

Influenster boxes aren’t just “given”, I do have to put in some work and be an active member within the Influenster community. Just a small task when you think about it. Anywho, take a look back here, to watch me unbox the Influenster GoVoxBox and see everything that was included in the #GoVoxBox.

 

After having this box for almost two weeks…

 

 

 

 

I’ve managed to test almost everything. Read on to see the good, the bad, and the ugly about this VoxBox.

 

 

 

Triad Orthotic and Pedi-Rock by ProFoot

Ahhh walking on cloud nine! It’s summer, which means it’s time for toesies to get some much needed sun and Profoot arrived just in time. The pedi-rock is amazing! It’s soft and squishy which allowed me to get a good grip while rubbing it on the bottom of my feet. The best part is the shape of it…it’s really made like a rock but a soft rock and it gets into the arches perfectly! Also by Profoot and included in the #GoVoxBox, was the Triad Orthotic. It’s an insert that claims to help with knee, leg and back pain. I suffer from and receive treatment for lower back pain so I’m not sure if these will cure my pain but they are very soft insoles for my espadrilles which have ZERO support. So far so good. #GoProFoot

Next up…

Blueberry Almonds by Blue Diamond

Flavored almonds. Yep. It’s a real thing! So glad this was included in the #GoVoxBox, otherwise, I never would’ve walked down the nuts aisle and bought blueberry almonds. The not-so-healthy Rena only eats almonds when they’re mixed in Poppycock caramel popcorn. Stop judging me with those judgy eyes. Almonds are usually the hardest nut to eat…literally.  Blue Diamond deserves a round of applause for these because they were delicious! Sooooo good that I’ll be heading to the store soon to buy the other fruit flavored almonds by Blue Diamond! They were sweet yet salty and fruity but nutty and nothing but yummy in my tummy! Guess what I found out about Blue Diamond Almonds………COFFEE FLAVORED. The end. Winner winner chicken dinner!

Then…

Next Step Fit N Full Protein Shake by Vitamin Shoppe

When I think of protein shakes, I think of guys who live at the gym and way too tan with spiky hair. Maybe I’ve watched too much Jersey Shore way back when but that’s the image they left me with. Needless to say, I’m not a Muscle Milk drinker. Shocked and almost appalled I was stuck with some chalky substance to try from Influenster and Vitamin Shoppe, I shied away from tasting this until I saw the cool shaker bottle! This bottle has a huge jax inside that will help shake up all that chalky stuff (you can remove the jack by unscrewing the top). The Vitamin Shoppe was kind enough to include three flavors: Fresh Berries, Swiss Chocolate, and French Vanilla. My taste buds allowed me to try the French Vanilla…verdict…eh not my favorite thing to drink but it’s not the worst thing I’ve tasted. Since this was my first time EVER trying a protein shake, I’ll give it another go with the other two flavors. As far as the shake being a meal replacement, eh, I tried this in the middle of the day so I wasn’t planning on eating much anyway…maybe for breakfast this could be perfect!

Don’t forget…

Aqua Spa relax Body Creme in Lavender + Chamomile

Ok, soooo, my sensitive skin is always leery of trying new things but for the sake of beauty and giving you guys an honest review, I tried it. The scent of this creme was on point…not overpowering like most lavender scented lotions. You know, the ones that practically burn your nose hairs (if you have them, girls are all made from sugar so we don’t have that problem.) Since I do have uber-sensitive skin, my feet were the guinea pigs of this operation and they were in absolute bliss! I decided to apply the creme after a long day at the pool, the texture was thick so even though the directions say “apply lavishly” you really don’t need to. A little goes a very long way.

Lastly…

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance Tampons

Upon opening the #GoVoxBox, there was a fresh scent that flowed into the air. Once I  emptied all of the contents, I figured it was the Aqua Spa lotion but no. It was the Playtex box. The box says “odor shield” & “lightly scented”…gonna have to disregard “lightly” because EVERYTHING from the box now smells like whatever flowery fresh scent Playtex dipped these in. Now, don’t get me wrong, as a woman, when it’s that time…fresh is ALL you want to feel and smell like but I’m gonna have to pass on this scent alone. Women have to be careful when it comes to scented feminine products because they ultimately disrupt your pH balance, not to mention they may irritate the most sensitive area of your body. As an Always and Kotex lover, gonna have to stick with what I know and just say no to Playtex and their heavily scented tampons.

That’s all for now stylish sweets! Hope you enjoyed these reviews!

 

 

Interior Design: Chic and Comfy Home Decor `The Balloon Chair`

 

 

Up Up and away (and sometimes down down and comfy!)

 

 

Some of you are aware of my obsession with interior design and home decor, more particularly…..chairs. Not sure why my eyes are drawn towards chairs (could be my lazy side *haha) but it’s been a while since I’ve noticed one that I absolutely WANT.

 

Last week, I was searching for a rug to put in my living room. Instead, I came across this awesome chair aptly named a “Balloon Chair” and it’s exactly what you’d think it is…..a chair in the shape of a hot air balloon!

 

 

 

Leonide Fabric Balloon Chair by Zentique Inc ~ $2,226.39 ~ Wayfair

 

 

 

This sent me on a search to find more of these cool chairs and here they are!

 

 

Balloon Chair in Metallic  ~ $3,495 ~ ModShop

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zebra Balloon Chair by Old Hickory Tannery  ~ $3,639 ~ Neiman Marcus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PM Continental Balloon Chair ~ $916.30 ~ HomeThangs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue Ming Balloon Chair by Massoud ~ $2,669 ~ Neiman Marcus

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course I found a couple of balloon chairs in pink! I mean, it’s only one of my favorite colors!

 

 

 

 

 

Victoire Balloon Chair  ~ $1,675 ~ Fabulous and Baroque

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magenta Balloon Chair ~ $2,495 ~ ModShop

 

 

 

These chairs aren’t whimsical in a circus-like way but more of a sophisticated formal yet fun way. I’m imagining a dinner party with laughs and Louboutins while sipping on a sweet dessert champagne! I’d even make this the perfect office chair fit for a queen boss! Needless to say, I never found that rug I was looking for…back to the search.

 

Spring Cleaning: A Girl’s Way to Makeup Organization



 

 

We made it!

We made it through the worst winter ever!

I say it’s time to celebrate and have a party!

 

Let’s get all dolled up and oh wait, where’s that cute peachy pink lip gloss I bought a few months ago? That may be the hardest question to answer right now! If you’re anything like me, you might be a product junkie. This means, when you see new products, pretty packaging., cute colored polish, and things of the like… You. Just. Have. To. Have. It.

 

Makeup bags are overflowing at this point and trying to find a lip gloss you just bought for instance, can become, shall we say…overwhelming! Here’s an inexpensive way to stay organized (because you need any extra money for more goodies!)

 

Take a trip to Dollar Tree, Target, Kmart, Walmart, or whatever you have in your area. Head STRAIGHT to the home goods section…seriously, don’t go down the beauty aisles ladies. Next, find your way to the organization area….you know, the section near kitchen items and home improvement. Now you’re need to locate the storage containers. Sterilite & Rubbermaid are awesome and durable brands.

 

Money Saving Tip: (Dollar stores such as Dollar Tree have similar products for just a dollar…go there and get tons of storage containers… I went to Target because I needed to buy other household essentials.)

 

For your makeup, purchase a 3-drawer clear unit like this one from Sterilite…

 

 

 

Once you get home, grab all of your products from out of bags or other dark drawers and place EVERYTHING out in the open.

 

 

 

Here’s the fun part: divide your makeup into THREE categories… Eyes-Face-Lips (hence the 3-drawer storage thingy.) The first drawer will be used for your eye makeup, second drawer for face items like foundation, concealer and primer, the last drawer will be for all your lip stuff.

 

 

 

 

This 3-drawer system is an easy way to remember which drawer holds which products. Everything is stored in order of your facial features and how you use those products…. eyes (top of head) face (middle) and lips (bottom). Of course, you can organize however you want, this is just an easy way for me to remember

 

 

 

 

And there you have it! Everything is organized and it’s all in one place! This is just a small sample of what you can do with all of your girly things. I placed this on the counter in my master bathroom and it’s so incredibly helpful! Hope this helps out other product junkies.

 

 

Now go outside and enjoy the weather!

 

 

 

 

Driving In A Winter Wonderland: Aftermath of the 2014 Polar Vortex

Has snowmaggedon been overused yet?
If not, I’d like to insert it into my morning mantra. “Snow no more maggedon!”
As a Michigan girl, I’ve been through my fair share of winters! I won’t tell you how many but it’s been a few. So when the weather man told us we were getting snow (on top of snow) there was no widespread panic. That is until the term “polar vortex” got involved! Seriously, mass hysteria is quite the understatement! Once we heard the temperature would be below zero and windchills would be in the -40 range…it was time to freak out a bit!
This was Monday night in Canton, Michigan.
Yes, yes that does say NEGATIVE 13 with a windchill of NEGATIVE 42! This isn’t some sort of trick…it happened people! Fast forward three days, 12+ inches of snow, negative degrees, and a fridge that was nearing empty…we ventured out into the wild!
Here’s what we saw…
 As you can see…we’re still digging out from under feet of snow and a deep freeze!

What’s That Wednesday: The Lost Files




 
Ever go through the picture roll in your phone or camera and wonder…
 
What the heck is that?
 
Haha, that’s what I did
 
Here’s what I found…
 
 
 
 
Besides pics of my nails, Starbucks Discoveries Caramel Macchiato (my fave instant cold coffee), and the pink dress pic…. I have the slightest idea how the rest of these pics happened! My best guess? I was about to take a picture but the button accidentally got pressed before the actual pic. Makes sense to me. I might be a good candidate for the evidence department at the police station because, clearly things are kept very well around here!
 
Anywho…this may become a regular post every Wednesday because I’m sure there’s tons more “oops” pics in both of my phones and digital cam!
 
What do you guys think?
 
 
 
 



Shopping For A Cure

 

Is there a better way to spend your hard cash than shopping for a cure?

 

I think not!

 

We all love to shop (even if you’re on a tight budget) so October is the perfect month to spend, shop, and support. Breast Cancer Awareness Month offers many deals and items for the pink lover in us all. Forget about that guilty feeling you get in the bottom of your tummy when buyers remorse kicks in. This time around, you’re shopping for a cure for Breast Cancer!

 

Here are just a few brands, shops, and stores offering pink items that will turn your cash into a donation for a cure.

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

$15

Pink with a Purpose

Limited Edition Almost Lipstick

Comes with a pink-ribbon carrying case with Clinique charm.

Your purchase includes a $3.00 donation.

 
 
 
 
 

NFL

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Sparkling PINK Collection

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

$95

foundation WRAP BRACELET

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

$14

SEPHORA COLLECTION

Purposely Pink Lip Duo

 
 
 
 

Get to shopping and feel good about those purchases! Keep fighting for a cure and help end breast cancer. I fight for a cure and in honor of my late grandmother….why do you fight?

 

Remember to visit www.curvesandcoffee.com throughout the month of October for more Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Shopping For A Cure – Pink Ribbon deals.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month


 

 

What It Is:

 

Every year, I look forward to this month for this exact reason. Even though, we’re able to fight for a cure throughout the year, October serves as a time when brands, professional sports, and many more acknowledge the fight. There are tons of ways to help fight for a cure and throughout the month of October, I will share the many ways I find.

 

 

Why It Means So Much:

 

Four years ago, I lost my grandmother to breast cancer. She fought for an incredible 20+ years after her initial diagnosis. As a survivor and a fighter, she made sure I understood the cause even as a kid. So today, I strive to make sure the world knows how important it is to find a cure. This is probably why I love the color pink so much now! My grandmother is also the same woman who made sure I was an oddball for life by making me left-handed…soooo I’m pretty sure she forced pink on me too 🙂

 

 

How To Fight:

 

The easiest way to protect yourself is to check yourself! FEEL YOUR BOOBIES! Ladies, it can’t be any easier than that! In the shower or laying in the bed, softly grab those boobs of yours and caress them like no on has ever caressed them before!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fight on!

A Coffee Break with The CEO of Camus Coffee for National Coffee Day

 

 

 

After being approached to taste the flavorful blends, a new opportunity came’a’brewing. Yours truly had the pleasure of interviewing Frank Matz, current CEO of MAISON CAMUS Coffee just for you guys!

The  MAISON CAMUS  company wasn’t always into specialty coffees, in fact, they were solely into making cognac…yes, the sweet brown goodness, cognac or brandy…whatever floats your fancy!

A company known for its’ luxury brandy, I quickly became intrigued and wondered if CEO Frank Matz would enlighten me and us to the process of running a specialty coffee brand.

Thankfully, he obliged and I was able to get the details about MAISON CAMUS, CAMUS Coffee, and does a CEO have a favorite flavor from his own brand. Via an afternoon telephone call, Frank Matz (and his great Parisian accent) opened up while we both shared laughs and a quick Q+A. I didn’t want to be known as the American blogger who kept the CEO on the phone ya know!

Here’s what transpired…..

Me (Rena): CAMUS was originally a cognac company, how did the switch to coffee come about?

Frank Matz: Yes, CAMUS is the oldest privately owned cognac house in Paris and is now 150 years old.  [We, CAMUS] was always considered to be more than just a cognac house, more of a lifestyle brand. As the fifth generation took over, we looked into extending the product line under CAMUS in order to become the lifestyle brand. After looking into many things, coffee seemed to be the best option.

Me: How long has CAMUS Coffee been around?

FM: We started two years ago with the coffee which was totally independent and wanted to demonstrate that we’re more than cognac. We wanted to give it [coffee] time to grow on its’ own and now its’ becoming very successful in Japan, China, Russia where CAMUS is really known.

Me: I received a recipe for “CAMUCCINO” that includes both of your specialty drinks. As a cognac house and coffee brand, is this an example of the two becoming one?

FM: After we began to get the name out there and started being taken seriously, we started experimenting with this cocktail “CAMUCCINO” and it has become quite popular with customers.

Me: Will there be more blended drinks in the future?

FM: We’re still a boutique brand in the coffee area and coffee is such strong market so we want to wait until CAMUS is of significant size to really branch out and will take more time to break into [mixed drinks] but yes, let’s see how the CAMUCCINO goes but there will be more to come with adding more cocktails.

Me: What has been your favorite blend/brew of CAMUS?

FM: The signature blend is my favorite but it’s purely personal preference. It’s a medium roast and it’s perfect, I even have it at home and bring it with me when I travel! It’s a best seller here in New York. I love my coffee black without creams or sugars and I think I’m alone when it comes to that choice. Our French Roast is very good too, it’s a darker roast but again, it’s total personal taste choice.

Me: How do you pick which coffee beans to include in CAMUS Coffee?

FM: We apply the same philosophy to our coffee bean as we do with our crates for our cognac. We are really really selective. They [coffee beans] have to come out of sustainable areas that grow coffee without pesticides or any other harmful chemicals. We make sure the farmers are getting paid fair wages and that they are able to do this for years to come. Guatemala, Colombia, and Costa Rica are the three countries we source our coffee from. {}



After talking with the CEO of a 150 year old specialty brand that produces luxury cognacs and now coffee, I’ve gotta say…Frank Matz is definitely one very down to earth CEO! Even though I was able to try CAMUS Coffee through my blog, I’m officially hooked and inspired.

Huge thank you to CAMUS Coffee and Frank Matz also thanks to Madeline at Deussen Global Communications for reaching out and giving me this opportunity.

Find Camus Coffee on Facebook: CAMUS-Coffee

Tweet Camus Coffee: @CamusCoffee

 

Read more about Camus Coffee.

Disclosure: I (Rena/Curves And Coffee) was contacted and provided samples to taste and was not in any way paid or obligated to do a review and/or blog post on Curves And Coffee for Camus Coffee. It was purely my choice to comment. I am not affiliated with Camus, Maison Camus, or Deussen Global. 

 

National Coffee Day 2013: Featuring Camus Coffee

It’s finally here!

Hopefully you guys are going out today, even if it’s only to grab your free cup of java!! That’s my plan at least. Free coffee might be the best beverage giveaway in this entire world next to water! National Coffee Day takes place at the end of September and continues to boost brands and businesses each year.

This year, I had the lovely opportunity to taste TWO coffee flavors from Camus Coffee. A brand that’s fairly new to the coffee world, Camus Coffee provided me with their most popular roasts…French Roast and Signature Blend. Trying a new ANYTHING can be scary but trying a new coffee can sometimes be delightfully delicious!

Pronounced KAH-MOO (use your French tongue!)
 
 
 
 
 
 

As a producer of luxury cognacs Maison Camus has now ventured into the coffee making business….pretty sweet if you ask me! “Already found in Harrods (London), Takashimaya (Singapore), and the Ritz-Carlton (Shanghai), CAMUS Coffee focuses on the highest end of the quality scale, similarly to CAMUS Cognacs which are driven by qualities XO and above.” ~ Maison Camus

Camus also has a signature “adult beverage” aptly called the “CAMUCCINO”. Fortunately and unfortunately…I was only able to try the coffees which are superb…seriously, superb! The CAMUCCINO is a blended coffee cocktail that mixes Camus Cognac AND Maison Camus Coffee (French Roast) for what I can guess is a mouth full of joy!

 
 
 
 
 

Pretty sure I won’t be staying up after having that tasty drink! More like curling up next to my honey and watching a movie for the night. So, um, hey, how can I get my hands on some Camus Cognac?! 😉

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If you would like to get your hands and tastebuds onto CAMUS Coffee…it can be found on Amazon.com for an affordable $18 (for two boxes).

 

To learn more about CAMUS Coffee, enjoy this PDF brochure {Camus Brochure}
Find CAMUS Coffee on Facebook: Camus-Coffee
Tweet CAMUS Coffee: @CamusCoffee

Hang on to your coffee cups and enjoy Coffee Break With The CEO

Disclosure: I (Rena/Curves And Coffee) was contacted and provided samples to taste and was not in any way paid or obligated to do a review and/or blog post on Curves And Coffee for Camus Coffee. It was purely my choice to comment and share my opinion. I am not affiliated with Camus, Maison Camus, or Deussen Global.