Changes!

Good Morning Beautiful Readers!

Please check back with us on Thursday to learn about an Awesome Giveaway! We're also making some Exciting Changes & Have New Topics to discuss! Have a Fabulous Week! 


I leave you now with a classic, perfectly fit for this post! 

href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4zaaLOVcMs8/S7CYW6LDr3I/AAAAAAAAARo/6QUDy6t_0Fc/s1600/Bowie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

Enjoy!
A.

Whatever Friday

M.

Throughout this week MAQ has been giving you ideas about how to fill your life with the delights of spring. I want to use today’s post to show you a few things that I’m using to make me feel fresh, healthy, and happy YEAR ROUND! These items are my loves so ENJOY!

1. Victoria Secret Cheek Tint- As I mentioned on Wednesday, a roll-on cheek tint has become my new best friend. It’s great for touch-ups throughout the day. I’ve been using the roll-on cheek tint from Avon in Berry but just picked up a new bright coral color from Victoria Secret on my last shopping trip. I love this one because it smells great too!

2. Miss Dior Cherie- This has been my perfume for almost four years now. It has sort of become my signature scent. I never believe and outfit is complete without perfume so I never leave the house without a “spritz.” I always get compliments on it and I am in love with their ad campaign, because I also have an obsession with balloons. Go figure. And j’adore Paris!

3. P90X- This workout has changed my life, honestly. My man friend, Matt, and I started the first time July 2009…but OFFICIALLY started January 2010. Even 3 broken toes couldn’t stop me this time. It’s PlifetimeX now. There is a very strict diet which I am….modifying. I’ve been cutting the carbohydrates and sugar and living by the motto “you are what you eat.” It’s helping but I can always do better. Measuring and weighing only stress me out, but the proof is in the pudding…or, in the mirror. Muscles are developing that I never knew I had. I even got my dad doing it! If you want intensity with your workout I STRONGLY recommend it.

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/p90x.do?code=P90XDOTCOM

"Looking good, Billy Ray!

Feeling good, Louis!"

peace out,

M.

A.

Hello Fellow Readers!

So I just discovered this wondrous flower, Fritillaria meleagris (also known as a Snake Head Flower) is a little spring bulbous flower that arrives in March. It is a petite and fragile beauty! I think they just amazing, and I must go plant a garden full right now!

Also, Im kinda obsessing over this look, if I were a bride this spring, I would have to have these two looks:

This pretty little Camilla & Marc dress available at Sunday Brunch. Its the perfect reception dress!

And this Hair Style is Shear Genius, So soft & romantic!

That's All Folks, Enjoy Your Weekend!
A.

Q.

DIGGIN' IT

The past few weeks I have been really researching all the up-and-coming trends for the spring, and I must say I am completely Diggin' the over sized gold Jewry. I love the big "man" watches, they make my wrists look really skinny!! The Big Gold Chains are extremely trendy....just don't over do it, you may end up looking like Mr. T, "I pity da fool."

It's human nature to want something you can't have. For the last 3 months (at least) I have been trying to successfully execute the Mohawk ponytail....No success. Forget Friday night out with the girls, I'm in my bathroom teasing and spraying more hairspray than the human body should inhale...and it still looks like a hot mess.

Hope all of our MaQnolias have a simply FABULOUS Weekend.

xoxo
Q.

Showcase Thursday

Every Thursday of our weekly blog we present a showcase. The showcase is of a particular someone or company that is playing an active part in the world of art, fashion, and all around creativity. We hope that this segment of our blog serves as a platform for some of the people and businesses we find interesting.

We want to show off people who are making lasting footprints in our fascinating little world.

Today, we have decided to shine the spotlight on a company who survives because of the work of artists and creative masterminds. This very special company is Etsy. It is a company that prides itself on also being a community. It is a large online community of buyers and sellers of art and creative merchandise. Members come from over 150 countries around the world and visit Etsy.com daily. The company was founded in June of 2005. The number of Etsy members now ranges in the hundreds of thousands and continues to grow daily.

Etsy’s purpose is to provide a forum for artists and art lovers to buy and sell handmade crafts and creations amongst people who understand and desire them. It is a global marketplace for the original and artistic. Shopping on Etsy is like going to a store where they have everything you could want.


You can find anything on Etsy from a handmade I Love Lucy inspired apron

to a Mary Poppins Acrylic Brooch.

The merchandise possibilities are endless. As long as you are willing to look and search with key terms, you can almost always find what you are looking for on Etsy.com.

M.'s favorite thing from Etsy was a Christmas gift from Miss A. The gift was a mug with a quote from her favorite Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice.

Mr. Darcy Proposal Mug

According to Etsy: Our mission is to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers.

Our vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice:

Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade.

http://www.etsy.com/

Click to read some fascinating stories about everyday crafters who joined etsy.com and are now making six-figure incomes:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/17/fashion/17etsy.html?_r=1&ref=style
http://www.ajc.com/lifestyle/etsy-com-gives-hobbyists-306141.html
http://www.etsy.com/press/

If you are a crafter, sign up for etsy today. It is so easy!
Learn more here:
http://www.etsy.com/how_selling_works.php

Be sure to check out A.'s shop on Etsy:

www.etsy.com/shop/abgraham

Fresh Faced Fashionistas

Fresh Faced Fashionistas

As Q. and A. have already shown you so far this week, there are so many great ways to infuse your lifestyle with the feeling of spring! Spring is a time of new beginnings and time to make a fresh start. Why don’t we take the ideas that we’ve been shown this week and apply those to our fashion and beauty choices!

My whole wardrobe revolves around the seasons. I literally have to box up and hide my non-seasonal clothes underneath my bed and in the far reaches of my closet. I don’t have anything close to what I refer to as the dream "Walk-in Wonderland" of a closet like Carrie Bradshaw in the Sex and the City movie so I just have to make it work with what I have. I don’t have the room to play around with what makes “the closet cut.” I have to admit that at times I have been one of those nit-picky fashion people who gripe when it’s appropriate to wear open toed shoes and ask myself “how soon is too soon to jump into your springtime color scheme?” I am getting so much better of breaking myself of these notions because the sliding scale for this type of thing is continuously changing…can we say “winter white?” Are you not in love with mixed metals? I can’t even get over how much of a weight was lifted when I started mixing my bronze, gold, and silver jewelry! I was a new person when I discovered that I liked brown and black together as a fantastic new color combo!

What I am trying to express is that it can be FUN to experiment with your wardrobe! Go SEASONAL! I always have fun trying new styles and accepting the trendy colors of the season. Take some risks and step outside of your box. I know how hard it can be to go out and buy new stylish things, let alone buying a fashion magazine to find out what the new trendy things are! (Hello Books-A-Million benches- I will be here for a few hours.) Because it can be so expensive to try and shop trendy I always do a little shopping trip at home, IN MY CLOSET! I will literally go through and try to mix and match what I already own to create new chic fashionably trendy outfits. After I pick my new looks I see if I need a few little things to pull the outfit together. If so, I can just purchase those instead of the whole outfit brand new. (Try Goodwill or consignment shops first!) By doing so, I save tons of money and I’m getting more wear-time out of my clothes.

TRENDS!!!

In Fashion: There a lot of hot trends for spring right now so I want to tell you about my favorite trend of this season for the ladies and one that I keep seeing everywhere. Dewy blush tones that suggest a morning sunrise are all the rage my little darlings! Ethereal and flowy are what‘s making ME blush with anticipation! Neutrals and pastels are what you need to be searching for. Think “Colors of Dawn.” Take this movie poster for Pride and Prejudice as inspiration. ((By the way...this movie is incredible. It is one of my favorites and so is the book by Jane Austen. Read and watch if you're seeking greatness..ahh I can hear the soundtrack now...just lovely!))

You can totally thank J.Crew for hitting the nail on the head with this trend. Check out these outfits shown below.

MEN: You need to brighten your wardrobes with POPS of color. Try keeping a neutral ensemble but wearing boat shoes in a bright new hue. Add some pizzazz to your work suit with a fun bright colored tie. Show off the time with a brightly colored face on your watch. I also can’t tell you how much I love, love, love a straw fedora on a guy. *Love, love, love* Gentleman, please just have fun with your wardrobe and don’t be so serious.

Everyone, always remember that the main theme for EVERY spring is to be breezy and enjoy the comfort and ease of your clothes.

In Beauty: In regards to beauty, here are some great ways to freshen up your look. Try breaking into spring with a fresh new YOU! Brighten your face with the colors of dawn and always be dewy and glowing. Make sure to moisturize and don’t be afraid of blush! Blush will give you that instant POP of color to make you look radiant instead of that blah-winter dead look you’ve had going on. I recommend a roll-on cheek tint to touch up throughout the day -Pinch those cheeky if you have to! For the men, I recommend a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizers are fantastic for men because you’re getting some color without having the fear of being too feminine. For springtime hair I always like some face framing highlights or flirty layers! If you’re not ready for anything drastic, try changing it up some with your style. Push your bangs back with a floral headband and show off your new glow. What about braids? Braids are my go-to style when the lion’s mane cannot be tamed, as well as my sleep hair-do. Try channeling your inner most Guinevere and do a long braid down your back or maybe even a side braid. But of course, if you’re feeling daring, I love it when my peeps go for a nice CHOP! How else can you say "fresh start" than a completely new do!

Please leave some comments if you have any other tips for springtime fashion and beauty. We would also love to see some pics of our readers trying out their new spring style.

peace out,
M.

When Life Gives You Lemons...

Lemons. The Magical Fruit.

Im feeling so inspired by the change of seasons. Its time to get organized and look & feel better. With all that being said, Let me explain how great the lemon is! For around $5.00, a bag of lemons can add so much to your life.


LEMON: the lean, mean, cleaning machine.

Why Clean With Lemons?The citrus smell of a lemon is refreshing and invigorating. For many people a lemon smell has come to symbolize cleanliness. Most major cleaners on the market today have a lemon or a citrus scented version for consumers to enjoy. Lemons are acidic and can provide some antibacterial and antiseptic properties for cleaning.

How to clean with Lemons:

Cleaning laminate countertops: First, take a whole lemon and cut it in half. Squeeze lemon juice onto the counter. Using the lemon as a scrubber, work the juice over the counter. Leave the juice stains on until they disappear. Then rinse the surface with water and dry it. The citric acid will quickly remove the stains. This should happen fairly quickly, but, tough stains may take longer. Lemon juice from a bottle can be used in place of a real lemon.

Cutting boards: The same procedure works on bread cutting boards. Rub the lemon onto the stains and let it sit. It will bleach the board, plus it disinfects at the same time.

Cleaning copper: To clean copper, first cut the whole lemon in half and sprinkle salt (any kind -- even sea salt) onto the lemon. Massage the lemon wedge onto the brass, squeezing the juice out, until the tarnish is buffed off. As it stops working, add more salt to the lemon. Rinse well with water and let it dry. It is important to keep copper bottom pans clean because they redistribute the heat according to how clean they are on the bottom.

Removing rust from clothes: Put lemon juice on the rust stain and then sprinkle cream of tartar onto the top of the juice. Pat it in with a finger and let it sit on the stain until the rust is gone. The citric acid will take the rust right away. Some stains are tougher than others, but 15-30 minutes should work just fine. Launder as usual.

Bleaching white clothes with lemon juice: Mix 1/2 cup lemon juice (or use sliced lemons) and one gallon of very hot water together. Soak the clothes that need bleaching. Do not use this trick on silk. But, this is perfect for white socks and underwear -- even white polyester shirts. This can sit out from an hour to overnight, depending on how badly the clothing needs bleaching. Once they soak, remove the clothing from the mix and pour the mix into the washing machine and wash as usual. It's impossible to over-bleach using lemon juice.

Getting stains out of Tupperware: Squeeze some lemon juice in the container and then add some baking soda. Use the lemon as a cleaning tool and work it in. If the stains are bad, let it sit overnight before scrubbing the stains.

Lemon-Aid to the Rescue!

The lemon has healing powers, try some of these home remedies.

Want to lighten or get rid of a scar?
- 1 Lemon
- Surgical Gauze
1. Squeeze the juice from the lemon into a bowl.
2. Soak the gauze in the lemon juice.
3. Place the gauze on your scar.
4. Relax for at least 30 minutes.
5. Repeat as often as you'd like, but don't overdo it if you have sensitive skin.
Avoid major sun exposure, while trying this treatment.

Dull Hair Color?

If your hair is starting to look dull, it could very well be from the product buildup that isn't getting washed away by your shampoo. Using this rinse, before you shampoo your hair, will remove product buildup and clarify your hair.
- 1 Lemon
- 1/4 cup Vodka
- 1 cup Water

1. Pour all of the ingredients into a plastic container or a jar.
2. Put the lid onto the container or jar and shake it up to mix well.
3. Pour the mixture to distribute it throughout your hair.
4. Shampoo and condition as usual.

Have Oily Skin? Citrus Facial

1 teaspoon lemon juice (You may substitute grapefruit, orange or another citrus juice, but don't mix them.)
2 teaspoons honey
6 ounces plain yogurt
1 drop ylang-ylang essential oil (optional)
1/4 cup oatmeal or crushed almonds (optional)

Directions

1. Blend ingredients.
2. Apply to face.
3. Allow to dry.
4. Rinse with warm water.

Need to Exfoliate? Lemon-Brown Sugar Body Scrub1/4 cup coarse brown sugar (to gently exfoliate without drying)

1 cup grapeseed oil (to moisturize)
1/4 cup grated lemon peel (to invigorate your senses)

Directions
1. Mix together all ingredients.
2. Gently rub on your body in a circular motion. Concentrate on rough areas like elbows, knees and heels.
3. Rinse with water.

ALSO TRY THIS.

"Dr. Oz had a segment on home remedies, and one of the remedies a lady swore by was making a recipe of white rum, lemon juice and water to reduce fevers and to get rid of a cold or flu. She said that you dip a cloth into the mixture of white rum, lemon juice and water and pat it all over your body (arms, legs, chest, back, forehead) and then lay the cloth across your face and breathe it in.

Dr. Oz says that he is a big fan of body rubs for fever, cold or flu… but not ones like this which contain alcohol, because the alcohol (rum in this case) makes your skin cool down too fast, so your inside temperature actually goes up. Instead, Dr. Oz suggests making a body rub with water that is 90-94 degrees."

Last, One of my absolute favorite things to do with lemons are pull out a vase or shallow bowl that you already own and fill it up! For $5, you have a ready made centerpiece! It looks great, smells clean, and is super Easy!

Also, try making your own Lemon Infused Vodka. This delicious recipe is from Martha Stewart: 

1. Using a vegetable peeler, remove peel from lemons in large strips, making sure not to remove any of the white pith. Reserve lemons for another use.
2. Place lemon peel in a large jar with a lid; add vodka. Cover and let stand at room temperature at least 3 days and up to 1 month. Strain before using.

However, if all this fails turn to the old sayin', when life gives you lemons...Grab the Tequila!

have a blessed day!

A.

And the Green Grass Grows all around, all around. And the Green Grass Grows all around.

This morning when I stepped outside I felt something very strange between my toes, (yes I'm barefoot, I'm from the South what do you expect.) It was soft, cool and a little moist...ahh yes the feel of fresh grass between my toes. We are finally seeing signs that SPRING is here! Time to take off the jacket and sweaters, and bust out the pastels.

The New year technically begins Jan. 1, but for some, like myself, the New Year begins when I get my first whiff of fresh grass, or feel it between my toes. Spring is the season of new beginnings. It evokes the thought of renewal and hope for a better future. During the winter everything dies, we cover up our bodies with jackets, bulky sweaters, and our feet are trapped within boots and closed toe shoes. We literally gain an extra 5 pounds just to stay warm. Spring gives us hope that summer is right around the corner. Our bodies realize this and we get a surge of new found energy. We begin to prepare for the summer. With Spring comes Spring cleaning, here are a few tips to begin a fresh new start.

DECLUTTER-
Remove all the clutter from your life. Clean out your closet, if you haven't worn it in a year donate it to the savlation army, or goodwill.

DUST-
Take out all those Dust Bunnies. If you have allergies your gonna have to fight pollen, you shouldnt be worrying about the dust.

OPEN a Window-
On a nice day, open a window and air out your house. Nothing is better than a fresh breeze blowing through your bedroom.

Set New Goals-
With spring comes a new found energy, set a few goals that you can accomplish in the near future. Don't worry so much about long term. Whether it's paying bills on time, losing 5 pounds, volunteering more, etc.

Enjoy the weather and get out and do something...anything.
Support an Artist

XoXo
Q

Whatever Friday

Whatever Friday!

___________________________________________________________

M.'s Music Vids Friday Funday

I am a very VISUAL person. I am a very ARTISTIC person. I am a music LOVER.

Ok, so I have hinted around at the fact of how much music and movies consume my life. If you loved music and movies as I do, can you imagine if there was mini-movie that was set to a song you loved? Is it possible that there could be a short short film with so much wonderful-ness and dancing fantastic-ness that you had to learn all of the choreography before you could eat your dinner? Can you even begin to fathom loving a little video so much that you DID learn that choreography just so you could dance around to the song while you were getting ready or riding in your car?

My afternoons spent watching TRL on MTV with Mr. Carson Daly are over but I have not forgotten the exquisite art of the MUSIC VIDEO. A little mini-movie set to a song to express visually the feeling of a song. Even though I am not vegging on the couch watching TRL anymore, I am still sitting at my computer downloading the latest music vids. The idea of a music video is fantastic to me, so with my post for today I want you all to enjoy them too.

**Before you watch the videos I'm posting for you I can't forget to pay homage to the Princess of MusicVideoLand, Ms. Britney Spears, whose videos helped mold my adolescence- fa realz. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your videos to 'I'm a Slave 4 U,' and 'Toxic'-amazing. Also, let me also please say that in the world of music videos at the moment, there is a new reigning Queen-Lady Gaga! She has arrived and she is brilliant! If the Lady has a song, I'ma be a-singing it,and dancin' it, and lovin' it.**

I want to present you with three music videos that I am kinda sorta loving at the moment.

Click on the links and ENJOY!

• 
  
  
  
  Vampire Weekend- Giving Up The Gun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bccKotFwzoY

So funny, right? And the song is killer.

• She & Him- In The Sun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ3cTwI9bIw
Not my fav song by this group but Zoe-Zoe is so cutesie! If you love Zooey Deschanel watch (500) Days of Summer....NOW

• 
  
  
  
  Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce- Telephone (explicit version)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ95z6ywcBY&feature=related
Just absolutely BRILLIANT! I totally die for the Kill Bill and Thelma and Louise references. I've watched it like eleventy-million times already....I'm probably watching it now...
peace out,
M.
___________________________________________________________________

Okay, so today I'm going to pull out the DISLIKE button. I totally Hated Ke$ha's performance on American Idol. I thought she just looked insane. I didn't get it! She is  a GAGA wannabe, and there is only one Lady Gaga! Im sorry but no one should ever spell their name with a dollar sign. Ke$ha is so Blah, Blah, Blah. 

On the other hand, Im totally loving the movie trailer for Eat, Pray, Love. I want to see this so bad! Not mention James Franco is in it!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crNaJjfY57g

Last, I am totally lusting over Kimberly Dow, she is an amazing artist. I want this oil painting like now! It is titled Soft on Soft. Her ability to capture realism is unbelievable. I love the way she painted the flesh.


It is just truly stunning. 
Check out the detail shots below.
To purchase this painting or visit her etsy shop: 
Kim Dow

Enjoy your weekend, Don't Drink & Draw!
A.

__________________________________________________

When trying to get "Bikini" body ready, you would think the last thing I would blog about would be food. However I have recently become semi-obsessed with Sweet Potatoes. I have always been scared of sweet potatoes, for some reason, they make me nervous. I guess because I'm not big on sweets (yeah I know crazy right?),just the word sweet potato never sounded very appealing to me. I was introduced to sweet potato fries last weekend and was shocked at how much I liked them. A few nights later at a BBQ I ate a sweet potato and even though it was did not have the thing fry appeal, I enjoyed it as well. To top it off I have learned sweet potatoes are really good for you. They are an excellent source of vitamin A and C and are a great antioxidant. Sweeeetttnnneesss.

Lovesies

I don't know why I have been putting this off as long as I have. This girl should have been my very first "love" post...Natalie Tran has a video blog on youtube "community channel", and I have been totally obsessed since the day I accidentally stumbled on her site! I can't pick out a favorite video because they are all funny in their own little way, so I'm just going to post some of her most recent ones. Check it out, totally worth it.

http://www.youtube.com/user/communitychannel?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/8/L13pgLgTaLE

http://www.youtube.com/user/communitychannel?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/12/G_nWv0_DirE

http://www.youtube.com/user/communitychannel?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/31/xSinrR1SHVA

http://www.youtube.com/user/communitychannel?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/27/GyQOt-QXPY4

http://www.youtube.com/user/communitychannel?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/18/n1GMJh-upEc

LUST

You know those people who hear a song, become obsessed with it, and listen to it over and over again for at least a week?...Yeaahhh I'm totally one of those people. I take it a step further, I make whoever I'm around listen to it, even if it is totally not their "type" of music. I mean, I'm really doing them a favor, this is good stuff. Some of my friends have banned my iPod in most social situations,(sorry I like other music than just the mainstream guys, geeezzzeee). So I am a Huge Passion Pit fan!! My sister Cassie introduced me to their song "Sleepy Head", which is HECTIC! This week I discovered their song "Little Secrets". I literally cannot listen to it enough, and when I introduced it to mi amigas, they actually enjoyed it! Yaaahhh breaking barriers baby!

xoxo

Q

Showcase Thursday!

Hello World Meet 

Kaitlyn Stubbs! 

       Kaitlyn Stubbs was raised in Peachtree City, GA and grew up active in the dance community. She considers herself lucky to have parents, who exposed her to traveling and culture at a young age. Kaitlyn began to make art seriously in high school, and it has been a huge part of her life ever since. Her passion lies in depicting the human figure in many mediums, especially oil paint. She has recently become interested in sculpture as well.

     Stubbs will receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting this May from University of Georgia, and is currently working on her closing exhibition from college. Some of her most influential experiences at UGA were studying abroad in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands. She has also traveled throughout Europe, South America, and Australia. Stubbs was recently notified that she will be interning as a studio assistant for the teen art classes at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston this summer. Kaitlyn Stubbs  plans to attend the New York Academy of Art in the fall for graduate school, and has also received a scholarship to study there. 

Now lets get The Scoop! What every MAQ Reader wants to know. 
1. money or love?
LOVE


2. If you could have lunch with any three people (real of fictitious/ from any time period, dead or alive) , which three people would you choose and why?
The first 'human being': This person was probably the most unique individual in history. Meeting him/her would reveal truths about humanity and the forces that drive us. It'd also be cool to meet the one ancestor that every human being has in common. I might even try to snag a few of their cells and clone them...

Edouard Manet: The father of modern art and a fearless innovator. I'd love to pick his brain.

Lady Gaga: She's amazingly successful and sure of herself for her age. Everything she does is relevant and purposeful.
It also seems like it'd be fun to have a few drinks with her.


3. If given a choice, which animal would you want to be?
After visiting the Galapagos, I would be a sea lion. They love to sunbathe and chill, but they also love to swim and be playful. They don't have many predators. They need to show love and socialize. They're intelligent, elegant, and spirited.


4. What is your idea of fun?
Traveling & belly laughing & dancing.


5. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?
That I made a positive impact in the lives of people I love...and my art (I know, that was two things).


MAQ thinks Kaitlyn Stubbs is totally awesome and that you should too!
 Here are some of her most recent works: 

So beautifully done! 
Want more of Kaitlyn Stubbs? Make plans to attend the Senior Exit Show of Painting & Drawing at the Lamar Dodd School of Art at UGA, Opening April 24. 


Enjoy!
A.