The Beauty Review with Meagan Ball-Jordan

Rosebud Salve

One of the most sensual and beautiful smells in the world is probably the smell of fresh roses. The smell of  fresh flowers seems to awaken all the senses and instantly puts us in a better mood. I was reading an article a few months ago that featured the Queen Bey aka Beyonce’. Being considered one of the most

beautiful women in the world, of course everyone wants her to dish on her favorite beauty products in hopes they can achieve some of her same looks. Beyonce’ mentioned one of her favorite products to use was Rosebud Salve. Rosebud Salve is a blend of essential oils and cottonseed oil that is an all purpose skin prep. She uses it to prime her eyelashes before she puts on mascara.  While shopping in one of my beloved stores for all things beauty, Sephora, I came across a tin of Rosebud Salve next to the register. I instantly popped it in my bag and it only cost me a whopping $6!.

If you are one of those girls that doesn’t wear  much eye makeup, this product is a great alternative for mascara. It makes the eyelashes stand out without the thickness and clump factor some mascaras provide. It is also a great conditioner for the lips, cuticles, hands, and feet. It soothes dry and itchy skin and leaves you feeling moisturized all day long. I absolutely love this product and never leave home without a tin in my purse.

Purchase at Sephora stores or online at www.sephora.com and www.drugstore.com

Meagan Ball-Jordan is a beauty connoisseur and grad student currently residng in Dallas, Texas. Keep up with her on Twitter @MeaganElyce!

The Fashion Review: Kaine Hampton

 Every now and then, I have the pleasure of coming across someone with impeccable style. I’m not talking about the person who is steps it up for a special event, and any other time you see them there’s nothing to be desired. I mean someone who is well dressed from head to toe even if you run into them at a Starbucks or charity event.
Most recently, Kaine Hampton is that sparkling treasure, and whether you’re a guy or a girl his style is sure to impress. Last week we took off on a pretty cool project for our Coffey Break readers, The Fashion Review; and we proudly highlight Kaine Hampton for our inaugural edition!
Enjoy!
-Chelsea


How would you describe your sense of style? What is your first and foremost inspiration?

My sense of style definitely comes from my grandfather; he was very much into dressing the part. Suits, button down shirts, and tailored clothing are all things I adopted from him. If I had to term my sense of style by anything, I would say I am The Urban Gentleman.

What are the key factors you consider when putting together a look? Do you generally style a look the night before or the day of?

I dress myself based upon my mood; clothing is a direct reflection of your personality and mood. When you walk into a room, your presence should leave a good impression. A person’s aesthetics is the easiest way to leave a good impression.  I consider myself to be a very calculating person, dressing myself is no different. Like most people, I dress according to the environment I’m expecting.  I focus on varying key factors based upon the article of clothing, for blazers, I pay close attention to the detailing: buttons, stitching, lapels, etc.

Which celebrity’s style do you admire most?

Kanye West by far, his style influence is apparent throughout the hip hop industry right now. He helped shift the trend of what was “cool” for rappers to wear and what wasn’t.  He wears what is comfortable and synonymous with his personality, that’s what it’s all about. The close second would be Tom Ford, his commitment to his style and how he turned it into a career for him is amazing.

Where should Coffey Break readers inspired by your style shop to get the look?

My favorite stores are Brooks Brothers and J. Crew. I like the quality of their clothing and there upkeep with trends.

Where would you say you run into the most fashionable people in Houston? Is there a specific part of town? Restaurant, groups, etc.?

This is a hard question for me to answer, I don’t deem anyone to be “fashionable” or not. I think everyone dresses according to their identity, but I personally am inclined to the style I see on the east coast versus Houston.

The Coffey Break has a heavy music theme, so we need to know! What are the top 5 songs you’re jamming right now?

  1. Kanye West/ Jay Z- No Church in the Wild, I haven’t taken this song out of rotation since Watch The Throne dropped. As I stated on twitter  before, you can teach an entire college course based on the content and message in that song.
  2. Wale- Ambition, I am a Wale fan and I like the lyrics of this song, my favorite line would be, “Ambition is priceless ,It’s something that’s in your veins and I put that on my name…”
  3.  J.Cole-Sideline Story, If you have ever worked relentlessly to obtain a goal, you will love J.Cole’s music.
  4. Gotye- Somebody That I Used to Know-I first heard this song on the radio; I liked it enough to browse more of Gotye’s work.
  5. Aloe Blacc- I Need A Dollar, I first came across his music through Spotify, he is super talented.

Kaine Hampton is a recent graduate of the University of Houston with a major in Finance and African American studies minor. Kaine is currently enrolled as a 2015 J.D. candidate at American University, Washington College of Law. After expanding his education to West Africa, and working as a staffer for Congresswoman Maxine Waters, he has facilitated a strong desire to bring politics to our generation; he co-founded www.MyBlackCoffee.com to do just that.  MyBlackCoffee.com serves as a community advocate and a means to help a younger generation make informed decisions at the polls.

Mia’s Closet celebrates our first year of serving the greater Houston community!

Hey guys!
Today is a very special day for me and countless Mia’s Closet supporters! It is our 1 year anniversary and I am so blessed to be able to share this occasion with our Coffey Break readers! For one year we have been dedicated to providing clothing, free of charge, to families in dire need of support. Words cannot express the beauty of our volunteers interacting with the children and teens k-12 that we serve in the greater Houston community.
Our Houston-based nonprofit  Mia’s Closet, has had an incredibly busy couple of months, and  here are some of our most recent highlights. Mia’s Closet is a clothing donation organization that provides events to build confidence and self-worth in girls k-12.
On Saturday, March 3rd, we hosted our very first Family Fun Day in collaboration with several local companies and organizations. Thank you to the support of Wing Express, Hungry Heroz, Raydon Marketing Solutions, Moonstar Clothing, Mr. Fix It, State Farm, Triumph Christian Center, DJ Fanci, Karaoke for Kids and HCA Healthcare for helping us create a truly remarkable experience for these families! We were able to assist 200 kids with clothing, sports equipment and food –all for free! Please take a look at the following link for photos from the event: MIA’S CLOSET PRESENTS FAMILY FUN DAY AT YATES HIGH SCHOOL!!

On Friday, March 30th, Mia’s Closet and Niko’s Locker teamed up with Las Americas Middle School, Kaleidoscope Charter School, NHPO -National Hispanic Professional Organization Leadership Institute, PAIR -Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees, TSU Student Government Association, The UNO Project 2050, and Kachi Designs to present The Mia’s Closet After School Carnival at Las Americas Middle School! It was the most incredible experience, over 300 students attended. Las Americas and Kaleidoscope serve as a relief campus for HISD. Their students are non-native speakers and refugees. They represent over 32 different countries and over 20 different languages. We had the privilege of visiting classrooms on a few occasions prior to the event, and the loving atmosphere they have created for their students is one of a kind environment. Here are the photos from the event! MIA’S CLOSET PRESENTS THE LAS AMERICAS AFTER SCHOOL CARNIVAL!!
We recently received a really wonderful testimony from one of the Las Americas teachers, Ms. Sosa: “I just have to tell you, we have already gotten visitors as a result of the volunteer e-mails that you sent out, they were forwarded your e-mail with our website info and they came to see the school for themselves and they are seeking volunteer opportunities here! We even had the Houston Chronicle here!!! They will be here next week hopefully to do a feature story! All stemming from Mia’s Closet! God Bless You!!”Our first year has been a great year so far, and we look forward to the opportunities to come! This year we created Niko’s Locker, our subsidiary for boys k-12. Mia’s Closet hosts events on a quarterly basis and it is a blessing to say that we are ahead of schedule! Our next event will be during August for back to school. Feel free to contact us for opportunities to donate or get involved, and please, spread the word!
Thank you and God bless,
Chelsea

“Like” Mia’s Closet on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/MiasCloset

 Follow us on Twitter at: @miascloset_hou

View Mia’s Closet highlights at: http://thecoffeybreak.com/category/mc-videos/

Today’s a Good Day to be in Houston!

Hey guys!

Today is jam-packed with a few really cool events hosted  by various friends from around the city. Here’s a track by local talent HISD to get you in the mood for a frickin’ good day! HISD – Rockin’ aka Space UP

BTW, have I mentioned that it’s my parent’s 27th wedding anniversary? Never underestimate the value of  friendship, committment, and submission to the will of God. Cheers to true love that lasts! Be blessed and have a great weekend!

-Chelsea

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Phonte & 9th Wonder at The Warehouse, Houston TX | May 18, 2012

Phonte & 9th Wonder at The Warehouse, Houston TX | May 18, 2012.

For anyone wondering who Phonte is, he is one half of the group Foreign Exchange. I first got hooked on them because of Nicolay, the other half of the duo. Nicolay’s independent work is crazy good -so good, he was one of my first Pandora stations years ago.

Here are a couple of my favorite Foreign Exchange tracks:

Daykeeper -The Foreign Exchange:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCXNaV7CKig

Maybe She’ll Dream Of Me -The Foreign Exchange:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gK_TIsiQkg

Enjoy!