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Pageant Week: Interview Style

May 16, 2019 fashion

This is pageant week for me and I’m sharing with you my road to Mrs. New Jersey Unites States. I’ve already shared with you my skin care regime HERE. Today I want share the four categories in which title holder is selected. The categories are swimsuit, evening gown, on stage question, and the most important category interview. The interview portion is usually done before the official pageant has begun and it’s your opportunity to show the judges why you deserve to win the title. How you carry yourself, articulate your message, and present your morals and core is vital during pageant interview. It’s not about the prettiest face. Pageantry is about how you can make a difference while representing the title you are competing for.

As interview is the most important part in pageantry it is important that you not only look your best but feel your best. A woman is confident in her appearance will present well to the judges and will radiant in the judging room. I have some of my top fashion picks for interview portion of my pageant. I’m not going to show you my official interview pick just yet but I think judging by my picks you will see what direction I went in. Since my pageant is catered towards married woman I wanted to showcase a regal classy woman with a sense of style and personality. I wanted to feel like me with a touch of poise. Additionally, pageant weekend requires outfits for rehearsals, dinners, gala’s and much more so I decided to show some outfit picks for these events as well. We are also at show day and I’m extremely excited its almost here. Check out my picks below.

Stage Ready Skin Care

May 14, 2019 beauty

This week I wanted to take you along with me and share with you my preparation for the Mrs. New Jersey United States pageant this coming weekend. Over the years I have had my fair share of struggles with my skin. Acne is the absolute worst, especially as an adult. You think after a certain age it will magically disappear, well I’m here to tell you it doesn’t and often times you are left with the marks and scars from your fight with your skin. I call mine battle scars of the 90’s. Ok, seriously I knew I wanted to get my skin somewhat under control not only for the pageant but for my sanity. In previous years I’ve gone to countless doctors and the creams and pills would work for a short amount time then my skin would fight back like it belonged to a street gang. It was always a temporary high feeling when my skin would clear up then weeks later it was back like the plague.

Recently, I started a treatment plan from Dr. Michelle Henry, a Harvard trained Dermatologist and surgeon located in New York City. I have been following her on social media for a few years and I finally decided now was the time to really get the ball rolling of fixing this issue for good. We are currently still in the testing phase of plan however, I have seen some of the best results EVER! You can see from the image below the difference even in my makeup application. My makeup applies smoother and I require less product than before. It’s almost like night and day. Today I want to show you some of the items I’ve been using to get my skin stage ready. Although my treatment plan is customized to my skin type I will be sharing with you the products I use that can be used for all skin types.

Origins Checks and Balances

Let me be completely honest here, I was not feeling this product in the beginning. I went off of the recommendation given to me by the sales associate. This frosty facial cleanser is so different from what I’m used to that I was hesitant in purchasing it. I’m so thankful I decided to give it another try because I love it for two reasons. One, a little goes such a long way. I have had this cleanser for 3 months and I still have half the bottle. I use it in combination with my facial brush and it does the trick. Second, the formulation is designed balance the moisture levels in the skin. Since I have problematic skin, its often oily in a few areas and normal in others. This wash discourages the production of oil in the skin but won’t dry the skin out.

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance

I have been using this in the am with my topical antibiotic lotion from my doctor. It’s amazing at keeping my skin hydrated without the look and feel of oily skin. This is also amazing at reducing fine lines. Ladies, it’s never too early to focus on fine lines near your eyes, mouth, and forehead. These will be problem areas for me because I’m always smiling so hard lol. It’s also vegan, paraben, and gluten free.

Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Revitalizing Cream

This is my night time facial moisturizer. This was a product buy that I wanted to splurge on during the Sephora VIB sale. Also designed to combat fine line formation in the skin, I love the luxurious feeling it has. What I call the ultimate night time moisturizer and it not to thick. It feels amazing on the skin and is also the perfect product to use after a detoxifying or clay skin mask.

Belief Eye Bomb

This under eye cream is wonderful for helping hydrate the sensitive skin underneath my eyes. I see a great improvement with the bags under my eyes as well. I use this product 2-3 times a week. Any time I apply a facial mask or any time I wear makeup I apply this cream. When I remove eyeliner, it takes a toll on my eyes and this helps restore the moisture balance back into my skin.

Origins Clear Improvement Face Mask

This is one of my favorite facial masks at the moment. Some days my skin is very sensitive so I have to be careful when applying products. I have never had a breakout while using this skin mask. Additionally, this mask helps to remove stubborn black heads from my skin. It’s truly detoxifying, and there is a visible difference in my skin. Great thing is it not at all expensive in comparison to other mask like Glam Glow. I was going to purchase that one but I didn’t remember if it helped my skin or not. I’m glad I gave this one a try because it’s amazing.

Caudalie Overnight Detox Oil

Ok, so I purchased this product to use on my face and after talking to my doctor she told me that oils aren’t best for my skin because they aid in clogging my pours. Since then I’ve been using it to moisturize my neck. Yes ladies, pay attention to your neck and jaw line as it still skin on your body. When applying makeup, it goes in these areas and it’s important to replenish the skin so the makeup can be applied evenly. We are also trying to prevent pre maturing aging to the skin. This oil penetrates the skin beautifully and doesn’t leave me feeling greasy. I would also like to note, I feel it helped balance my skin tone as well.

I would be remiss if I didn’t add that I am currently drinking a gallon of water most days. Water has been my saving grace during this prep as it keeps my skin hydrated and flushes toxins from my body. My diet has also changed significantly as well. I’m sure this is adding to my skin looking amazing as I’m only eating clean foods. I cut out sugar, processed foods, and alcohol. Let me know what products you are loving for your skin as well. I’m always open to trying new products.

Polkadot Queen

May 12, 2019 fashion, lifestyle

The countdown has officially begun to my road to Mrs. New Jersey United States. Seven days from today I will be amongst some of the most beautiful, intelligent, and inspiring woman I’ve ever meet to date. We are unique in the fact that we not only are all married woman but, we also are advocates for varies causes and organizations within the communities in our state. Although only one of us will be able to walk away with the crown, we have created some lasting friendships and expanded our sister circle. Pageantry truly is a sisterhood. I’ve been getting quite a few questions regarding my road to pageantry and why I decided to compete. This wasn’t something I panned at all. The opportunity was placed in my chair literally and after really praying on it I knew it was the best decision for me. I’m usually very meticulous in my planning and I map out my goals for the upcoming months and year. I’ve learned in a very short amount of time that God’s plan for my life supersedes anything I’ve have ever planned. If you would have asked me 6 months ago if I would be participating in pageantry I would have laughed. Even 3 months ago, I was on a journey of discovery and aligning my purpose in God. As soon as I stopped trying to push my own agenda in him, he fully revealed the purpose on my life for him. Although I was headed in the right direction I was trying to take roads he didn’t path for me specifically. I wasn’t meant to walk or travel the roads he already established. He was taking me into unchartered terrain, and he had to show me things about myself in order to effectively help others in the process.

Beautiful black woman wearing red lipstick

Chimere Nicole Haskins Mrs. Trenton New Jersey 2019

The low points in my life “valleys” helped me understand why he was pushing me so hard. In these seasons we feel as though God has left us. I now realize that while you’re taking the test the teacher must quietly sit back and observe. He can’t interrupt, he can’t give /show you the answers, all he can do is hope that everything he gave you during the lessons as a guide will be used to help you pass the test. If not, the class will be repeated. I learned some hard and valuable lessons in the valley and because of that I’m now careful where I place my feet. I’m preparing for my mountain top experience. This post is not meant to be “deep” or super spiritual but this is my truth. I know that social media like to glamorize life and lead you to believe that everything is sunshine and glitter donuts but the truth is life can be challenging at times. Even much so if you’re not connected to the source. I’m praying my little corner of the digital space helps someone walk their path and stay motivated to live life purposefully.

Dress: BooHoo (Sold out) Similar HERE.

Not Your Average Beauty Queen.

March 12, 2019 beauty, lifestyle

In my previous post I talked about my short break from social media and how impactful it was. If you missed that post I’ll link it HERE. What I didn’t share with you at the time was what I did during my time off. Although it was only been a 3 week break, some amazing things have happened during this time. It’s amazing what God can do in a short period. I really wanted to focus on my prayer life and spending more time reading and studying the word of God. For me this is critical in the success of my businesses and person development. The Bible is known as the book of instruction and I rely solely on it to help me make decisions in these areas of my life. During my break I realized that I was stagnate in a few areas and wasn’t fully walking in my purpose the way I know I should be. So, I took it to God in prayer. What he showed me both frightened me and make me see my purpose so clearly. To say I was shaken out of my comfort zone is an understatement. This was how I knew it was God and not me. In prayer I asked God to help me fully walk in purpose. I mean truly use my talents and passion for the kingdom. One thing about me is that I’ve known of the calling on my life from a very young age. Its instinctive you know, you can just feel it. I’m unique in many ways and I always wondered why. It wasn’t until many years later God showed me and with many trials, mistakes, and episodes of self-doubt God is pushing me into my purpose. It was a gentle push but push nonetheless. I’m finally strong and wise enough to walk this path knowing my steps are ordered and that path is already mapped out for me. No practice or trial runs required, it’s time to walk by faith.

So today I would like to share with you some very exciting news! I have the honor of representing my hometown as this year’s Mrs. Trenton, New Jersey United States 2019. That’s right, I’m officially beauty queen lol. Every time I say this out loud a giggle. Who would have though a girl from the block, raised by a teenage single mother just above the poverty line would be considered beauty queen? God will elevate you to positions people thought you weren’t qualified for. What an honor this truly is as I have the opportunity to use this platform to bring awareness to many issues facing the city and implement initiatives to impact my community. If this is your first time here on my blog let me give you a little insight into my mission. This is a place where I cultivate an environment of beauty, growth, and faith. In doing so, my hope is that the next generation of women aspire not only to be beautiful but to be intelligent, graceful, and empowered. Why be on the cover of Vogue when you can grace the pages of Forbes as well. We are never to settle for anything less than greatness. My favorite scripture is Proverbs 31:30. It reads “Beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised. Although many of you may have come to know me from my beauty related content. I hope that my intellect and candor will impose the greatest lesson. Being deemed “beautiful” physically is nice but its subjective. I’m focusing on beauty that stems from integrity. My life is a tutorial, where you learn what to do and what not to do. I’ve embraced every aspect of my life because it serves as my greatest lesson. You can come from where I come from, make mistakes, and not become a product of your environment. You can glow up, you can become a true beauty! This is my purpose, through every trial, heartache, and mistake I’ve made the lessons are to help others. This has NEVER been about me. It took a break from everything I’ve worked tirelessly to build to teach me this lesson. Although God has blessed me with many talents they were never meant to promote my own agenda or ideals. They are meant to grow the kingdom of God. This is my mission, this is my purpose, this is what Chimere Nicole has been called to do. As Mrs. Trenton, NJ my platform Girl Yes will be used to shine a light into the darkest of places including my hometown and hopefully impact others along the way.

Me and Miss. New Jersey United States, Chenoah Blount

Live Within The Dash

February 25, 2019 lifestyle

I have fallen of the grid for a little bit. This was very intentional as I wanted to refocus on some very important things in my personal life. My days are filled with to do list, enlist responsibilities and a lot of stress. In pursuing these daily goals it’s easy to lose sight on what’s important in life. Building and maintaining relationships while actively pursuing a fulfilling life. Unfortunately, I recently lost my grandfather and the sudden lose has taught me to live my life like there’s no tomorrow. I mean really operate in my purpose. Travel, make memories, and realign my focus on my ultimate goal which is to use my platform to cultivate a generation of young woman to discover their purpose. We like to wait until tomorrow to do things that can be done today. This use to describe me to a T as I would wait until the perfect opportunity to do something. I love the wow factor when I’m creating, thus this translates into often waiting for the “right time”. But I have learned that there never will be a perfect time. There are momentary seconds in time where you contemplate your actions before the deed is done. I can elaborate on this for a few pages but I’ll keep this post short and sweet. Tomorrow truly isn’t promised. So, what exactly are you waiting for. Will there ever be the “right time”? The answer is NO. Now that you know this, start NOW.

If you’ve ever experienced death of a loved one the loss and grief you feel is overwhelming. One of the things you may think of is all the what if’s and should of could of’s. All of the things you wish you could have said or differently. I’m trying my best not to focus on this aspect of my loss but to focus on the good memories we shared. Grief can allow you the opportunity to put things into the proper preceptive. We do not know the time or hour of our demise so live within the dash. This is the time in between your birth and death. The dash is the time in your life where to try to live an abundant life. A life full of memories. A life full of service. A life full of meaning, while praying that I impact as many people along the way. This is my ultimate goal. To accomplish all my goals but letting God’s will be done. Whether that’s from teaching you through my tutorials or giving you a peak into my life and struggles. The motive is to incite in you the will to live within your own dash. This life is filled with so many ups and downs and through it all I encourage you to live. This post is dedicated to Abraham Johnson Sr, my grandfather. Rest in peace Pop. You have inspired me to live without regret. This next chapter is dedicated to you.

My Angles, Aunt Joanna and my Grandfather

The Level Up

January 31, 2019 fashion

It’s a term you hear all the time but you never hear fully explained. I believe it’s a multipurpose term that can mean anything from a Ciara dance or a motivational acronym. I use it for both actually but for the purpose of today’s post, motivation is the goal. For a long time, I worked hard and reached some very important goals that I set out to accomplish. Often times, I wouldn’t share these details because I’ve always felt that boasting was not necessary, I still feel this way. However, I’ve come to realize that you can still be unapologetically you, remain humble, and level up. I’m in a season of no chains, this means that I’m not concerned with how me living unapologetically effects other people. I’m not going to allow someone else’s emotions dictate my actions. Let me explain.

As I mentioned earlier, I would often have good news to share but wouldn’t because I thought it would make others feel as though they weren’t as accomplished. Maybe even uncomfortable. Hmmm, take a minute to let that sink in. Yes, people will be uncomfortable with your success. Whether you agree or not people judge and compare their lives and success. I chose not to share certain things because my goal has always been to motivate not to be a gauge for what’s successful and what’s not. Makes me think, if we shared our failures as much as our successes would we be as boastful. Just a thought.

In short, moving forward I want to continue on my path of inspiring woman like myself to dream big, work hard, and level up. This means that you become your own competition. You level up by being a better person then you were the day before. That’s the real measure of success.

Jumpsuit: ClosetSheIn

Busy Brand Building

January 29, 2019 fashion, lifestyle

I know it’s only been a few weeks but it seems like forever since I’ve sat down to write a blog post. Time sure does go by fast doesn’t it? This is my first official blog post of 2019 and so many changes have happened this year thus far. If you are following along on my YouTube channel you should have seen I have embarked on a few lifestyle changes that have benefited my health. If not, I’ll link that video HERE. I typically write down a list of goals for the year but instead of just creating a goal list I’ve actively taken steps to include them in my day to day activates. Much of the reason why I haven’t been blogging as much. Additionally, I have been focused on building and branding my new business ClosetSheIn. It is such a labor of love and so much goes into building a brand from the ground up. To say I’m busy is an understatement to say the least. I’m learning something new each and every day as well as unlearning a few bad habits.

One thing I’ve come to realize is how much time I waste during my day. Busy doesn’t equate to productive. I’ve learned this lesson a few times over in such a short time. I’ve made it my goal to only use my phone to learn and grow. Each time I log into my phone I set out to learn and grow for the sake of building my brand. I don’t have any additional time to waste “scrolling” social media. You know, one thing I’ve come to terms with is although I love social media and the opportunities is presents. I am now aware of how damaging to much of it can be. So, this month I’ve “unplugged” as it relates to entertainment purpose. I’m really trying to secure the bag sis and that means more reading, praying, quiet time. Being alone with my thoughts and in prayer has helped me more in this last month in ways I can’t explain in a single post but I plan to share with you as its all revealed to me. God’s plan… I hope your 2019 is off to a great start and you are working hard to smash your goals.

Dress: ClosetSheIn Here

You Are Good Enough

December 17, 2018 lifestyle

You are good enough. You are good enough. Yes you! You are good enough. Sometimes you have to repeat it until it sticks and I had to remind myself of this recently. It’s ironic, people can say things to you, thinking that they are “helping” you but don’t realize they are deflecting. Deflecting their own insecurities, emotions, and baggage onto you. In this, the words that are being spoken to you can make you feel sad, insecure, and even depressed. I’m speaking against that right now. That’s why we have to be very careful who we allow to speak into our lives as well as mindful of what we say to others. I’ve learned that sometimes silence is best. Not for them but for you. In these silent moments you must remind yourself that you are enough. Your mistakes don’t define you. Even in your weakest moments, you are enough. When you don’t feel beautiful, you are enough. When the world seems to be against you, YOU ARE ENOUGH. I can’t stress this enough.

As I write this, I’m reminded of a conversation I had recently that made me feel so broken and unworthy. It seemed as though no matter how hard I tried to please people I was never good enough. I just couldn’t get it right. My efforts were being overlooked and only my flaws were highlighted. Does this sound like you? Have you also been in this position or were you the one with the magic marker highlighting all the negative you see in others. If so I encourage you to read my previous blog post (HERE). My best didn’t seem meet their standards or expectations of what or who I should be. Boy ole boy, I can write a few pages on other people’s expectations for YOUR life. I digress, as I thought over what was said to me I realized that although I’m not perfect my best needs to be enough for me. I can’t and won’t allow anyone to put their expectations of what I should or should not do, feel, or say affect me to the point I feel less than. Not today or any other day for that matter. I AM ENOUGH.

In short, as you continue on your journey to improve yourself mentally and spiritually be mindful of the thoughts you allow to settle into your mind. Speak positivity to yourself and to others. You would be surprised at what a kind word or gesture can do for others. If you are enough then make sure the people you surround yourself with feel like they are enough also. Speak life into your friends and family and continue to encourage yourself.