Poetic Since '90: Welcome to Nicole's Blog!

Hey guys,

I know this is a random post, but I've been busy and haven't had anything extra exciting or valuable to post. So, I decided to do a post on perfume. I'm a fan of perfume, and this is a great site to check out reviews of all your favorite perfumes by various companies and celebs.

http://www.fragrantica.com/

'Til Next Time,

- Nicole :-)

So a few weeks ago I was doing some shopping at Wal-Mart, and couldnt't help check out the make-up isles. Normally I use lip gloss from the Victoria's Secret 'Beauty Rush' line and Cover Girl 'Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers' line. Now after a few years, I found a new FAVORITE lip gloss, the 'Lippin' Large' line by New York Color.

Let me tell you why this is my new favorite...

1. The 'Lippin' Large' lip gloss has 16.5 ml of product, while the Victoria's Secret and Cover Girl brands only have 13 ml of product. The packaging is nice too.

2. The 'Lippin' Large' lip gloss costs about $3, while the VS lip gloss costs $7/ lip gloss or 5 for $20 and CG lip gloss is about $6 for one. So, not only is it cheaper, but you get more product for your money.

3. The 'Lippin' Large' lip gloss is wwwaaayyy more pigmented with their colors than VS and CG, and the shine and color seems to last longer. This lip gloss also makes your lips look fuller.


4. Your lips contanstly feel tingly (lip gloss "conditions" your lips) and soft.

The only negatives about the lip gloss is that the print on the tube seems to fade some after one or two weeks, but I can live with that. Also, I love the candy smell of the VS lip gloss more than the minty smell of this one. However the positives DEFINITELY outweight the downsides to it.

If your interested in more info: More on Lippin' Large


P.S. My favorite color is Plum Tart. =)

* The online pics of the packaging, featured in the post, that I were able to find are kind of outdated so here's the new packaging picture I took...

So I figured a great new topic category (one that I've been wanting to do for a while now) would be one sharing some of my all-time favorite songs. Now these songs are ones that I've loved since I was a kid and some as I got older, but regardless of the new music I hear, nothing can take their spots. For now I decided to share 10 songs with you all (all songs are in RANDOM order), and will make this post once a month with 10 new songs. Feel free to listen to the songs, and share some of your favorites also!

1. What Love ? - Deitrick Haddon



* The only video on YouTube I could find for these song was of a group dancing to it lol, sorry! Will upload a mp3 and replace the YouTube video asap, but meanwhile, at least you get to hear it.

2. Differences - Ginuwine



3. Lifetime - Maxwell



4. No Letting Go - Wayne Wonder



5. Too Close - Next



6. All My Life - K-Ci & JoJo



7. Someday We'll Know - Mandy Moore & Jonathan Foreman



8. Someone Watching Over You - Yolanda Adams



9. Beautiful - Rachael Lampa



10. I'm Not Missing You - Stacie Orrico

Hey guys,

So I know it's been 2 or 3 weeks since my last post, due to being busy and not knowing what to blog about. Until I come up with some more really great blogging topics soon, I am giving you all an exclusive post. This is a countdown that I hosted back in December of 2010, and after it got recorded due to YouTube restrictions and other factors, the anticipated release in January didn't happen. Below is the download link or if you don't want to download it you can just click the open option to view it on Windows Media Player, or whatever video player you use on your computer.I had sooo much fun hosting and I'm excited that I get the chance to share it with ya'll...ENJOY! =)

Part 1 - Hottest R&B, Rap, & Pop Songs of 2010 Countdown

* Part 2 - (The final part is not available for download at this time, but I definitely anticipate its release in the near future.)

NOTE: In case your wondering what the countdown was for, it was for my portfolio and for music lovers every where at the same time.

Just wanted to let everyone know about a new book that I'm looking forward to reading once it is released in a few months. It's titled 'Priceless Inspirations' by Antonia "Toya" Carter, most known as the ex-wife of rapper Lil' Wayne (also the mother of his first child) and star of BET's hit reality television show 'Tiny & Toya'. It seems like Toya has definitely grown more over the past few years. Some highlights include opening her own clothing store in her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana and getting engaged to successful business man Memphitz. I'm a big fan of Toya because she seems really humble and I love her style.




The new book is not a tell all as many were wishing for. However she is opening up about her childhood (with a mom addicted to drugs, etc), struggles being a single mom, relationship experiences, strength and more. Toya hopes that young girls and women in general can maybe avoid some of the struggles she encountered, and gain inspiration to strive for positivity in their lives from the book. Lil' Wayne also wrote the introduction to the book. The book is set for release on April 15, 2011, just 4 days before the season premiere of her new reality show 'Toya's Family Affair'(a spinoff to 'Tiny & Toya') on April 19, 2011 at 10 PM EST on BET. You can pre-order the book now on Amazon for $8.96: Pre-Order 'Pricessless Inspirations'

So I want to start my year off with a fresh new look. The look I'm going for is a shorter look that resembles two of my favorite celebs, Keri Hilson and Antonia "Toya" Carter. I love both of their hairstyles, but I like Toya's style the most. By the way, I am not ever dying my hair, just focus on the style! Which one do you think I should do?

Keri...









Toya...

This is my first official post of 2011, my beauty must haves, yyyaaayyy! ☺ These are the products I have been using for years, and some consistently for a few months now. I ♥ all of these products, and plan on continuing use of them for years to come. Hey, if something works, keep using it. When it comes to my beauty must haves, I'm not one of the people who has the "if it ain't M.A.C., it's wack" view of things. I don't have anything against top/high end a.k.a expensive lines like M.A.C., Bobbi Brown and Dior. However, although I LLLOOOVVVEEE skin care/beauty products I refuse to pay more for a name when I can get products that are equally as great or better for less.

For example, for one M.A.C. eyshadow it costs $14.50! O_O However the Sedona Lace palettes that I like (check below), you get 88 colors for about $18-$20. There's no way I'm gonna pay that much for one M.A.C. eyeshadow when I can have 88 colors for a few more dollars. Now I have tried M.A.C. products before like the Studio Fix Fluid once, which is great, but I honestly don't see what all the hype is about.

With make-up on a daily basis I just use a little foundation to balance skin tone or cover up small blemishes, basically a light natural look. With eyeshaw I usually use one or two colors to match my outfit or at least blend with it. I use the mascara to help make my eyes pop. I also use lip gloss (my favorite!) for shine. I don't wear heavy make-up on a day to day basis. The only time I use a lot of make-up (full coverage) is maybe for a party, special event, something where I think it's necessary. The liquid eyeliner and eye pencils are things I play around with on days I feel like it. All of the products are very affordable, so check them out if you can. Enjoy!

SKIN CARE

NOTE: How good you look isn't as important as how well you are. At least to me, which is why skin care is my top priority. My skin condition underneath the foundation, eyeshaw, all the make-up is the most imporant. It definitely helps your natural beauty to radiate through. Anyways, my two favorite skin care products are by Neutrogena that I've been using since I was like 15 I believe. I've tried several Neutrogena products before, but these are my favorites. You can't go wrong with Netrogena, their products are always dermatologist reccomended, affordable, suit a variety of skin types, and most importantly deliver results!



* Neutrogena’s Transparent Facial Cleansing Bar For Acne-Prone Skin - $3



Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub - $8

FOUNDATION

NOTE: My first time using Clinique was when I was 18 for my senior prom. The lady who did my make-up used a powder foundation and I brought their Cherry Bomb lip gloss which was great (smell and last). I loved how they had make-up for all skin colors, their make-up was hypoallerginic, natural looking, long lasting, and made my face feel like I wasn't wearing anything. A few years after that I got into make-up a lot more, and switched to liquid foundation, which I prefer.




Clinique Perfectly Real Liquid Make-Up Shade # 48 - $24

EYE SHADOW

Sedona Lace 88 Metal Eyeshadow Palette - 19.95 @ SedonaLace.com (3 picture views)







Sedona Lace 88 Matte Eyeshadow Palette - 18.95 @ SedonaLace.com (3 picture views)










Covergirl Eye Enhancers 4-Kit In Country Woods # 215 - $6



Covergirl Eye Enhancers 4-Kit In Pure Romance # 235 - $6



Covergirl Eye Enhancers 4-Kit In Tropical Fusion # 205 - $6

LIP GLOSS

NOTE: Victoria's Secrete Beauty Rush line of lip gloss is my all-time favorite!!! One tube can last me about 2-3 months, the smell is AAAMMMAAAZZZIIINNNGGG, the shine ans gloss stays put for a long time so you don't have to re-apply it every two seconds, and the tubes don't fall apart. This is definitely worth the money. Lip gloss is my favorite make-up product to buy by the way.



Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss - $ 7 Each or 5 for $20



Covergirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers Lip Gloss - $6

MASCARA



Maybelline’s The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara - $6

EYE LINER



Maybelline’s Eye Studio™ Lasting Drama™ Gel Eyeliner - $9

EYE PENCIL

Maybelline’s Twin Brow & Eye Pencils In Velvet Black - $5 (3 picture views)







FINGERNAIL POLISH



Wet N Wild Fingernail Polish - Prices Vary

Hey ya'll,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, I know I'm 15 days late lol, but I was in lazy mode for a while. Now, I'm back. I'm just writing this message to let you guys in on some updates. It's a new year, so that means new changes. As you can see, I already have a new layout. Coming up next are new posts on random products I like, music, writing, videos, and just anything I care to share. What will no longer be featured as blog posts are my interviews or Talent Spotlight. New interview videos will be posted under the 'Interviews' link at the top of the page, so don't look under the 'Labels' link to the right for them.

This blog served as my official website from February 2010 until around October 2010, so that's what the majority of the older posts from 2010 are related to (interviews). My new official website is: The Official Website of Nicole. That website is more professional, this blog is like my playground, where I express myself to give visitors and supporters a more personal look into my world. Ok enough of my rambling, I'm sure you get the picture by now. I have a lot of exciting ideas for the blog, so stay tuned!

Until next time,

Nicole ☺

The lovely and talented singer and actor most know for her 2007 hit 'Promise Ring' Feat. Ciara, and role in Tyler Perry's 2005 movie 'Diary of A Mad Black Woman' is back! Below you can see the video to her new hit single from her upcoming sophmore album (currently untitled) 'I'll Be There'. It's not an identical remake of The Jackson 5 hit that probably was the first to pop into your head, but it most definitely shares the same theme about unconditional love and support through the many highs and lows that may happen in one's life. Tiffany has a winner with this single...

On November 28, 2010, about a weeks ago, Keri Hilson released her 'The Way You F*** Me' video on WorldStarHipHop.com. The single is the 3rd released from her upcoming sophmore album 'No Boys Allowed' (follow-up to her 2009 platinum 'In A Perfect World' debut), scheduled for release on December 21. As soon as the video hit the net, the controversial video was met with shock by bloggers and music fans all over the net. In the video Keri can be seen refering to herself as a "bad b***h", screaming sexually explicit terms (p***y, f**k me, etc), and most suprisingly dressing in underwear and a revealing top dancing in an EXTREMELY sexual way. Most Keri fans and music fans in general were asking "How did Keri go from the classy 'Breaking Point'(first video released from the album) and 'Pretty Girl Rock' videos (second video released for the album) paying homage to women in music such as the Supremes to this?" Many fans claimed she went this route to create a buzz in order to attempt to sell more records. Many people have now labeled her as a "hoe" and "slut" because of the video, some say she lost their respect, and some say they are no longer fans.

Keri's response to the negative views on the video was "It is racy.I can't allow other people or the media to dictate what I can and cannot do," and "I'm talking about one man in a relationship, I'm not talking about being a slut or whore and being paid to do things." Basically she described that it's how women feel, she was being real, and so on. My reaction to the video was shocked, because I never expected a video like this from Keri Hilson. I'll start on a positive note. I will say that Keri is an adult, so she has the right to say and do whatever she wants. It is true that women can relate to the majority of her music. Also, it's not the responsibility of music artists or celebrities in general to be "role models" for the youth.

One thing I disagree with was the way she was dressed half-naked in the video, dancing in a "promiscuous" way, and being sexually explicit with the song lyrics. Keri also refered to the video as "art," but it was definitely not to me, more like "trashy". I also disagree with some of the people commenting on YouTube, blogs, and other sites saying that video and the song was "sexy". A true definition of a sexy but classy video and song would be 'Unthinkable' by Alicia Keys, 'What's My Name?" by Rihanna Feat. Drake, 'Video Phone' by Beyonce Feat. Lady Gaga, and YES even the 'Single' video by Lil' Wayne. If you are a grown you clearly know what the artists are talking about, however the videos and songs are not outrageously explicit like 'The Way You F**k Me' is. The artists and others in the videos are respectably clothed, and the lyrics are clean (well Weezy drops the F bomb several times, but you can't compare the song or videos to Keri's).

Keri could have expressed herself in a more subtle and respectful way that didn't take away from her class. Being half-naked or practically naked in a music video, save it for your bf or husband. Using sexually explicit language telling everything you like to do or have done to you, save if for your bf or husband. All the overally sexual not "sexy" dancing (that was more like movement to be honest), save it for your bf or husband. There is no need to broadcast it to the world trying to claim it as art as a music artist or as a women period. Some have said that it's a double standard, and rappers talk the same way in their videos and are not criticized. First of all they are criticized for "demeaning" and having half-naked video models in their videos sometimes. Secondly, rappers don't dress half-naked in their videos, so that's probably why they aren't called "hoes" and "sluts", only the girls in the videos " video hoes". Many of them do glorify sleeping with multiple women, and I have heard many people (males and females) say negative things about it.

When you look at some of the most famous, and successful business women in our country and even the world like Oprah, Tyra Banks, Raven Symone, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, they all have class. You can't google their name to see them in too many scandals, half-naked music videos, pictures, or other things. You don't have to do those things to be successful, and should maintain a level of privacy. Most people's parents would be disgraced if they saw their daughter, no matter what age, in a video dressing and acting like that. I would never do something like that out of self-respect, and respect for my family. Also, it's one thing to be a certain way behind closed doors, but the public doesn't need to hear or see all your business.

- Nicole

The video...



Her response...




'Breaking Point' Video:



'Pretty Girl Rock' Video: