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DIY| Baby Shower Decor

Published on January 18, 2019January 15, 2019 by KadiLeave a comment

Hi Passionista

Today is all about baby shower DIY projects from my last event. If you did not see Wednesday’s post STOP NOW and go read it, then come back here.

Baby Shower Onesie Centerpiece/ Table Decor

When putting together a decor table, it all about the details. I wanted to keep everything simple and cute but I wanted to give the table some variety. So I designed this cute little decor piece. It was so easy to make.

What you need:

Poster Board, Pen(cil), and Scissors

Hot Glue Gun and Craft Stick

Glass vases, Decor flowers, and fillers

Step 1: Trace or Draw (2) Onsies on poster board and cut them out

Step 2: Using hot glue gun, glue craft stick to the back of one of the once cut out and then glue the other onesies to the back side to cover up the stick

Step 3: Fill you vases with your fillers go choice and stick the Onsies stick in the center. Decorate the rim with flower (optional).

Mommy 2 Be Pin

I didn’t have time to order a cute mommy to be pin so I decided to make one. This was my first time making it and it came out so cute. I think I might start making more of them.

What you need:

Button with straight pin ( or any base will work)

Hot Glue Gun

5-6 different ribbons (you can get creative with the colors and patterns)

To start I used my Cricut to cut out Mommy 2 Be letter for the button and used scrapbook paper inside the clear craft button. Once I secured the back on the button, I cut and folded strips of ribbon to glue to the back of the button. I alternated the ribbons all the ways around and went back to fill in gaps in the end to make it full.

The ribbon used for this project all purchased from Hobby Lobby on sale for buy one get on 50%, priced between $1.99- $2.99 each.

DIY Cupcake Stand

Everything from Dollar Tree (minus the E6000 glue). I have found that E6000 glue works best on glass and ceramics. You can use super glue or a hot glue gun but in my experience they don’t hold well.

What you need(to make 1 stand):

E6000 glue

Dinner charger and Dinner Plate

2 Candle stick holders

Step1: Glue the bottom of one candle stick to the cent of the dinner charger, using E6000.

Step 2: Glue the dinner plate to the top of the candle stick and apply pleasure for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Glue the top of the (2nd) candle holder to the middle of the dinner plate (you want to flip this candle stick upside down for detail purposes- optional)

Step 4: glue the dessert plate to the bottom of the candle stick and apply pleasure for 30 secs.

Be sure to let these sit for at least 24 hours to completely dry before using.

THE FINISHED PRODUCTS

ALL PUT TOGETHER FOR THE GRAND EVENT

The pillows I put together last minute, but I will be doing a DIY throw pillow blog post soon…STAY TUNED!

If you try any of these DIYs be sure to tag me in your post or share pictures in the comment box. I’d love to see what you put together.

Tutu & Pearls Themed Baby Shower

Published on January 16, 2019January 15, 2019 by KadiLeave a comment

Happy Hump Day!!!!

So, this weekend I had the pleasure of putting together a “Tutus & Pearls” theme baby shower for a client. I love doing baby showers because there are so many creative things you can put together to make the most special and memorable occasion no matter how small or large the event.

This was my 1st booked event for the year and I’m extremely happy with the end results and so was my client. It was small but filled with so much love. I was able to put together some cool DIY decor for the candle table, gift table and pin for the mommy to be. I was nervous about the final look of the decor being gold and yellow (but my clients get what they want), it turns out better than expected. I’m glad I could make my clients vision come to life. I will share all DIY (How to’s) in Friday’s blog… Stay tuned! For now, here are pictures from the event.

And, just to let you know Dollar Tree, Amazon, and Etsy are my best resources for any event that I put together.

Mini Candle bar with gold back drop and tutu table skirt from Amazon

I love keepsakes and craft projects, So I put together a scrapbooking station on the entry table. Instead of a guest book, guest were asked to make a scrapbook page for Mommy and Baby.

I made the mommy 2 be pin and managed to craft up some cute pillows for the mommy to be chair. This was something she got to keep for the babies room.

Onesie cake and cupcakes by Christal’s Cakes n’ Bakes

(IG: @christalscakenbakes)

I’m thinking about putting together an event page on this website to show photos from all my events, what y’all think?

Networking in Atlanta

Published on January 14, 2019January 13, 2019 by KadiLeave a comment

Hi Passionista-

I have been attending some really dope networking events and mixers lately. So I thought it would be a great idea to share recaps and key takeaways from each event on my blog. If you don’t already know, I currently live in Atlanta, GA. And as I take this journey to grow my side hustle into a business I NEED to networking. Last year, networking and going to events were a struggle for me. I would scroll through Eventbrite or Facebook and see so many events that I wanted to attend but failed to actually go because I had no one to go with me. Now, I am putting that fear behind me and getting out of the house more. I must say, I have connected with some really DOPE young moguls who are making things happen.

It’s always good to connect with like minded people for inspiration and business connections. This weekend I met at least 5 people I want to stay in contact with to work with on either a event or business collaboration. So if you are in the Atlanta area, I want to encourage you to GET OUT AND NETWORK. Follow me on IG for upcoming events (on my IG story).

January 5th: LEVEL UP: Caught Between A Dream and A Job

This event was hosted by Young Entrepreneurs of Atlanta, featuring some dope panelist that shared their business startup stories and advice for living in your purpose.

Some of the panelist were:

Pinky Cole -Owner of Atlanta’s NEWEST restaurant, Slutty Vegan (Plant-based, Black- Owned Burger Joint) | IG: @pinky907

Tiara Johnson,The Dream Coach and Owner of TLJ Agency for Brand Management and Public Relations | IG: @tljagency

Erica Dias, Owner of The B Firm PR and Creator of Table of 20 | IG: @fashion101ed

A few of the key life hacks and gems I took from the panel discussions:

#1 Stay FOCUSED; Focus on what YOU really want and keep you focus on making it happen | Just do it!

#2 Be a good person! Stay mindful of who you are and how you treat others. You will not be successful when you are trying to break others downs. Treat people how you want to be treated.

#3 Your character is important. When you’re starting a business, networking and working with other people, you need to be likable and a pleasure to work with to keep a steady flow of business and partnerships. If you are a negative and nasty person, people are not going to want to continue to work with you. You can be the result of your own failure.

Young Entrepreneurs of Atlanta Foundation

http://www.yeafoundationinc.org

IG: @ye_atlfoundation

January 11th: Ask me what I do Networking Event

I love a turn up after work happy hour/ open bar event. The Ask me what I do Networking Event hosted by My Networking Appeal ( IG: @mynetworkingappeal) was not you ordinary networking event. Of course there was food, a DJ and free drinks, but this event also featured a DOPE Photo Booth from Moment in time rentals and a cool networking game throughout the event. Upon arrival everyone received a email for the “Networking Game”. Everyone was challenged to meet 5 people working a 9-5 and have a business, 3 people that’s ready to quit their job for their business and 3 people with a dope elevator pitch, etc. To keep the game going there was about 2 to 3 rounds of this game.

I thought the networking game was a really good idea to encourage people to talk to someone that they didn’t know. Because I will be honest, when I arrived I scanned the room and jetted over to the people I knew as soon as I spotted them. That’s not really NETWORKING. But I was thinking if stick with them, I might be introduced to someone else they may know that I don’t- or I could introduce them to someone I knew that they may not of known before the event. That’s how I tend to make connections. But the networking game encouraged people to go up to one another and just start talking. My shyness got the best of me until a Real Estate Agent just walked up to me handing me her card and asking me my name and what do I do? Of course that sparked a healthy conversation that lead to meeting a bartender and stylist. That’s what networking is all about.

January 12th: Glitter and Goals Vision Board Party

Last year, I connected with TLJ Little League (IG: @tljlittleleague) as a mentor for young girls in the Atlanta area. We meet once a quarter to mentor girls from 4th grade to 12th grade. ” Girls with dreams, become Women with Vision”. As I am walking in my purpose and living my dreams I want to always be able to reach back and instill that into our young, brilliant, beautiful females. Back in October, I got the chance to host a self care session with the girls- teaching them how to make DIY face mask and body scrubs. I think I enjoyed playing “beauty” just as much as the girls did. It warmed my heart to see them participating and engaging in the session. This weekend we had the 1st event of the year that was had a major turn out. This time we had more girls (all ages) attend and we even have more mentors now. The program is rapidly growing and I cannot wait to see what’s in store next.

January 12th is National Vision Board Day, so you know exactly what we did… MADE VISION BOARDS. We started by giving each girl a paper butterfly and asking them to write down their DREAM. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” With their DREAM in mind the girls started on their vision boards and setting goals for what they need to do to make their dreams come true. Kids are so creative and innovative, I was surprised by the level on context some of the girls gave when explaining the finished project. Everyone made such creative vision boards with great ideas and goals to put behind their dreams. I love listening to youth speak passionately about their future.

DIY | Cucumber Face Mask

Published on January 11, 2019January 6, 2019 by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista,

I brought the new year in with a cold and STILL when out for NYE. Which did not help my cold situation. A week later, I finally feel like myself again. My nose is no longer red and stressed out. I’m no longer coughing with a runny nose. I FEEL BETTER, thank God!

While I was sick, I went without washing my hair or applying any mask to my face. I wasn’t in the mood to and I didn’t think it was a good idea to do while sick. So, now that I am better it is time to show my skin and hair some tender, love and care. Today, I am going to share with you how to make a refreshing sheet mask for stressed skin.

You will need:

Compressed Facial Mask (from Amazon)

1 Cucumber (sliced)

Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar

Lemon Juice

Water

Using a pint sized mason jar (or gals jar), fill the jar half way with water. Add in the sliced cucumbers, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. Sometimes, I measure out a tablespoon of each (apple cider vinegar and lemon juice) or sometimes I just pour whatever in. Only thing left to do is, LET IT SIT. You can put it in the refrigerator or leave it out on the counter. I like to let mine sit for half a day before using.

When you’re ready to make the mask, drain the cucumber slices from the solution. Leave the solution in the glass jar. You can store any excessive solution for up to 5-7 days.

The perfect thing about the compressed facial mask is all you have to do is open it and drop it into the solution. It expands on its own.

Influenster Vox Box Review

Published on January 9, 2019January 6, 2019 by Kadi3 Comments

Hello Passionista,

Today, I have a special #curltreat to share with you. I received another Vox Box from Influenster,that is all about CURLS and treating yourself to healthy styles.

What’s in the box?

This Vox Box includes Garnier Fructis Curl Treat Leave- in stylers: Hydrating Butter and Defining Soothie.

Y’all know I love a good hair product and these styler came just in time for the holidays. I decided to do a flexi rod set using both the Hydrating butter and Defining smoothie. I normally don’t purchase Garnier Fructis products for my hair because honestly I didn’t think it was a brand for ethnic natural hair. Now that I’ve tried these curl treats I will be purchasing these products and exploring what other good styling products Garnier Fructis has to offer my thick natural curls.

Both the Hydrating Butter and Defining Soothie formulas are thick and feels very rich. You only need to apply a little bit to each section of hair.

When styling my hair with the flexi rods, I wet my hair with a spray bottle of warm water, them added the Hydrating Butter from root to ends. Before starting to roll each section of hair with the flexi rod, I used my finger to rub the Defining smoothie and a small amount of curl gel to the ends. Once my entire head was rolled and twisted in the flexi rod, I let it air dry over night then sat under the hair drier the next morning for 20 mins (just to make sure my roots were completely dry)

Natural Hair Tip: Make sure your hair is COMPLETELY dry when doing twist out, rod or roller set before untwist or unrolling. It makes a huge different in the final look and how long it will last.

I am amazed at the finished look of this flexi rod protective style. Like I said, I never thought Garnier Frutis products were for my type of hair. There advertisements always have white women with straight hair, I don’t fit that audience so I over look the brand. I would like to see more women of color with different types and styles of hair in their advertisements.

ENTIRE LOOK FOR THE EVENING

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for review purposes.

For PR and brand partnership or sponsoring, please email passionlockedblog@gmail.com

PinchMe Review

Published on January 7, 2019January 5, 2019 by Kadi3 Comments

Hello Passionista,

So I’ve received yet another PINCHme Box. I think this may be my last PINCHMe box. Don’t get me wrong, I like getting free stuff to try and I love sharing my reviews with you guys. But ….. PINCHMe is too much. When I first joined PINCHMe, it was simple you complete surveys for points and you get free samples to review. Recently they’ve switched something up. You have to take more surveys to get a box now. For some reason, I don’t qualify for most of the surveys anymore. I’ll spend hours on the website filling out the same basic information just to get rejected from completing the entire survey and getting all my points. I don’t event get a box every month any more. When I do get a box it takes it forever to arrive and when it does the box is all beat up.

Sample #1: Native Deodorant

The sample size packaging is great for trial. I have it in my work bag, just in case I need a refresh during the day or if I need to freshen up after work to head straight to happy hour.

There is nothing special about this product to me. It’s just like any other deodorant minus the parabens, aluminum and phthalates. You put this deodorant on the same way you would any other deodorant. I’ve used this deodorant for the past week and had no issues of being musty. I don’t really do any hard labor activity throughout the day anyways. I think it’s slightly impressive that the formula still seems to work without the aluminum, parabens and phthalates. It makes me questions why those ingredients were ever added to hygiene and body care products in the first place. A question consumers will probably never know the truth about.

This deodorant is made without aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and talc. Honestly, I don’t know what none of these ingredients are. But I do know that “Free From” parabens and phthalates, etc. has become a industry trend for skincare and cosmetic products. Just about everything new to market have these “Free From” call outs on the packaging and all over social media.

I did find this product in Target. The regular size product is 2.65oz and costs $11.99. I don’t see myself purchasing deodorant for $11.99 when I’ve used to paying $3-$4. There is also a mini size 0.35oz for $2.99, which is the same size as the sample from PINCHme. I don’t know how long the 0.35oz will last but I like how compact it is for on the go purposes. I will continue to use my sample and I may purchase the mini in store, but I know I will not be purchasing the $11.99 product. Toms brand is not even that much.

Samples #2: Shea Moisture African Black Soap Clarifying Facial Wash & Scrub with Tamarind Extract & Tea Tree Oil

This sample came in the form of a packet for a one time use. But the regular in store product is a 1.5oz tube for $4.49 on sheamoisture.com. The sample contained enough product for a good one time use of the product.

The product is meant to be a smoothing exfoliator to help cleanses any impurities of the skin. I used a facial spatular to apply the product all over my face and neck. Then used my hands to massage in my skin in a circular and upward motion. The scent is very mild, but PLEASE do not get the product in your eye. I did and it was horrible.

I felt like my skin was softer and cleanser after use. I didn’t really need to do anything else to my face. So I used my Little Barn Coconut + Mint facial mist to set my face and start my day.

This is a product I see myself purchasing and using more that I have tried the sample. It reasonable priced and works well.

Sample #3 Sugru Moldable Glue

This is not really a product that I need or would see myself in need of. I honestly had to find something to use it on to write this review. For a handy person, this product will come in handy for around the house quick fixes. I have a white board that fell of the wall and cracked recently. I wasn’t going to throw it away but the way it broke, I could not rehang it on the wall without repairing it. I was going to just use my hot glue gun, but after I received this sample I decided to use this. The package states it take 48 hours to fully dry. I used half of the samples to repair this white board and the other half went to waist because it harden in the slightly opened samples package.

Disclaimer: I received this product from PINCHme for reviewing purposes. All of my reviews are my honest opinion whether I bought the product(s) to it was sent to me.

For PR and brand collaborations opportunities, please email passionlockedblog@gmail.com. Be sure to follow me on instagram.

2018 Reflection & 2019 Goals

Published on January 4, 2019January 4, 2019 by Kadi2 Comments

Hello Passionista,

2018 was a good year! So much happened. So much to be proud of. So much to be grateful for. So much meaning to life. I’ve completed yet another chapter of my journey, and so have you.

2018 I actually did some traveling. I walked the wall of the Old City in Jerusalem. I prayer at the western wall. I walked the Via Dolorosa. It’s still surreal to me. That’s something I never in a million years thought I’d do in my lifetime. It wasn’t even something that I planned, it just happened and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity. I also went to Paris…. FRANCE!!!! Although it was only for a short period of time, I saw Paris. I stood in front of The Eiffel Tower!

BEYCHELLA happened this year. I stayed up until 2am just to watch Queen B slay the stage for BEYCHELLA. The first BLACK FEMALE headline for COACHELLA (ain’t that a 🤬).

My girls and I survived a road trip to Washington DC for a music festival, in my brand new ride. I can’t believe it’s almost been a year since I bought my 1st car on my own.

I continued to improve my blogging skills and event planning skills to grow my business. I booked several successful events; gender revealing, baby showers, parties, and weddings. I pray for more increase in 2019.

I turned 27 years old, I’ve had to reflect on a lot things in my life that I need to work on. I’ve accepted a lot of things and I’ve made a vow to myself to change certain things. I’ve made a promise to never compromise who I am for someone else and keep my dreams alive by never giving up no matter what obstacles I may face. I’m a one women show!

2019 Goals

I want to continue providing creative content 3x a week. My goal is to be better prepared and plan out materials. I strive to have each month’s content planned out at least 2 weeks before the month begins.

I want to work with brands for brand ambassadors or sponsorship opportunities. My goals is to stay consistent and market my content through my social media channels to attract brands lookin for ambassadors or paid sponsorship programs. If I can work with at least 3 brands in 2019 that will help me take my brand to the next level.

I want to monetize my blog and brand. My goal is to make $1k per quarter as a additional stream of income for sponsorships, events, custom decor and gift, as well as starting a shop on my blog. I tried using Etsy before but I was just to complicated for me. I strongly thinking about upgrading my WordPress plan.

BLOGMAS Day 23 | What I use to blog!

Published on December 23, 2018December 23, 2018 by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista-

Everytime I meet a blogger, the conversation always results to blogging tips resources and equipment. I’m not one of those people who doesn’t like to share information. I like to find out what other bloggers are using to blog and post videos, as well as share my resources and tips. We can all learn from one another. There are a few blogger and influencer groups on Facebook that I’ve found to be very helpful. It was another blogger that I met online that really encouraged me to move from 1 post a week to 3 posts a week. There was an instant increase of traffic on not just my website but my social media accounts too.

Blogmas has been a blessing because I feel like I’m getting new traffic on both my social media accounts and my website. I want to keep you all coming back to Passion Locked and build a online community of moguls that want to learn, grow and support each other. I’m now in an intense planning mode for 2019. I want to get better at preparing content and finding new innovative ways to bring readers to my lil ol’ blog.

Today I want to share with you the equipment I used to blog. Although I’ve been blogging for almost 3 years now, I still consider myself a starter blogger… lol ! I say that because I started blogging as a hobby and its still a hobby. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard work but I’m not getting paid for it…YET!!! I plan to grow my blog and brand to another level next year .

Most of the things I use to blog are really cheap, but they work and get the job done for me. The most important things are my Macbook and iPhone. I take all my pictures on my iPhone, edit them on my iPhone as well. Over time I hope to invest in a camera and better blogging equipment.

Here is what I use to take blog pictures