Sometimes Yaya

The Cereal Made Me!

As I continue my nonresolution of bettering my eating habits and fitness program, I find that I can find support and information everywhere. I find it on websites, blogs, Twitter, conversations with friends, magazines, television, etc. Even advertisements are offering advice.

How can you lack education in this field with so much available to you?

This morning, I was munching on some childhood fave Honey Nut Cheerios. Now let me tell y’all this, despite their claims for heart health, some of the Cheerios sport higher levels of sugar than a healthier version of granola or such may give you, BUT it’s hella tasty and is a better alternative than sugar filled concoctions that have the colors of the rainbow and promises of fruit. Anyway, I’m notorious for reading packaging from expiration date to UPC code when at a loss of other reading materials, and this time I had some good material!

Check out some of the tips I got on the left and after the jump:

They must have some good writers, because they were a level or three higher than the usual roll my eyes tips I read elsewhere.

Second image is a bit fuzztacular. Sorry!

Does your cereal motivate you to be healthy (or healthier)? Where do you learn your tips from?

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Magazine Weekend: Over in India

When I pass a cover of Maxim I am accustomed to seeing a bikini shot. Always. Anything less would surely be surprising. So imagine my surprise witnessing Maxim India with Sameera Reddy, Bollywood maven smoldering with less skin showing.

Mama always taught Yaya that a shoulder will get more than baring the belly, and showing some leg accomplishes more than booty. I can’t say that I’ve always been a modest girl scout, but I do have to admit that as I grow younger with every year (only things that grow old are wine and cheese!), I see that tidbit pay for itself more and more.

I always think to myself if I knew then what I know now, just how much more fabulous I would’ve been.

Well enough about me though, I will be doing my best to do Magazine Weekend for US and International magazines as well, check out the stunner for this week.

Just goes to show you that some baby oil, high heels, figure flattering dress, shoulder, and pout accomplishes about the same (if not more) as a bikini clad, tearing at the clothes lady.

What do you guys think?

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Neckin’ on the Covers

The maxi necklace. The bib. The multi-chain. Starting to sound familiar? I’m talking about the new craze to dress up the necks of day workers and debutantes alike.

I remember when layering two necklaces was a big deal following after Miss Carrie a la Sex in the City. Following the bigger is better mentality, us gals have kept up with the trend. Right? I have.

There are the necklaces with mixed beads and materials looking like bibs (and thus aptly named so) with a piece of felt usually holding the design together, wrapping around you with a ribbon. Then there are the stone ones, garnering plenty attention, looking like something from the Queen’s collection. Then there are the gaggles of chains collected together, sometimes mixed with rhinestones, pearls, and various stones, looking like a gem filled string of sausage links. Of course, that can spread to multi strands at different layers, encompassing the whole area of your upper body, and the list continues forever.

So you can imagine my enjoyment when I was trolling my favorite magazine sites Cover Awards and MagXone to see so many winter covers sport the various styles.

Most of the covers are international glossies, but a lot are well known publications that grace the coffee tables (and sometimes little girl rooms) of you and I.

I love this style of necklaces because they create such a huge statement, that you don’t need much else in the accessories field. You might even need minimal work in the outfit as well depending on how far the necklace extends. Such strong styles usually warrant a simple top. They look great with shift dresses, solid colors, and strapless tops. I’ve started playing around with the necklaces that have separate strands hanging out and trying to wear them with V-neck tops. It’s been a hit or miss so far though, because sometimes it looks overdone, and sometimes it’s the bees knees. But you already know the deal – I’ll be my own judge!

Do you have any favorites? Own a necklace of the sort? See similar covers? Let me know!

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Magazine Weekend: Amber’s VIBE

I’m glad to come back to Magazine Weekend on MOJ to compliment the work that VIBE magazine put out. If y’all followed the news and my Twitter, you would’ve heard my serious dismay at the magazine folding, and then my excitement into their online mag ventures. But coming out with new issues? I’m not clear on the specifics but I can most definitely say they are coming back with a bang.

Right as their doors closed shut, their Christina Milian and The Dream cover was the last. Admittedly, I was disappointed with the artwork/photography for said cover, but my loyalty ran deeper than that. I also heard that they were about to go overboard for an MJ dedication issue, but never got the chance. The offices were several floors below my job, and it was a bit sad to see the elevator doors open to bare walls instead of larger than life past covers, or see Maino riding upstairs.

But no mas with the reminiscing. My magazine is beyond redemption and back on it’s A game with their Amber Rose photo shoot. I know this is a civilization when we are all too happy to assign fame to people who did nothing to deserve it, but I think this gal has flavor and can rock a dress or whatever else to tongue-wagging results. I also love a woman strong enough to rock a close shaven head (because I sure as hell can’t). That and I have to say I like her modeling gigs, have no interest in her personal life, annnddd…. well who am I to be a hater? Don’t hate, Congratulate!

I feel like in some photos her bronze-y skin, model squint, and red lips are a bit reminiscent of Catherine Zeta Jones, every time I tried to find a picture to match though, I proved myself wrong. Do you think she looks like someone? I can’t shake the feeling that I do…

Lovin’ this shoot? The mag? Check out the site for more great stuff!

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Skin Food for my nails

I’ve been seeing a bunch of bloggers mentioning Skin Food Nail Polish, and of course, you know me, the crazy eBayer, I had to get my shopper’s delight satisfied. These babies flew over to me all the way from Asia (and of course they probably cost a pretty penny more than you Asian beauties get it for!). I chose some great ones, so keep reading and let me know what y’all think!

Of course, I am not sure what the colors were for any of these, but there were two bottles looking like medicine droppers and the other looks like a normal polish bottle. I got a bright color (of course) and a neutral tone holographic-y shade (which is quite appropriate for work as well!).

I’m not sure what the names are for any of these honestly. But you can tell I am lovin’ them! I used the China Glaze Magic Matte top coat to check out how this baby looked as a matte and I was not disappointed. The polish is pretty thick and requires very little work to apply and look fab.

The bottles look like mini medicine droppers.

The cream color is a slight holo and reminds me of one of the colors that many nail polish blogs are posting from the Nubar Prism Collection. I feel like this holo is most definitely work friendly and looks nice and neat on anyone’s nails.

After the bright and the holo, the metallic cream didn’t pique my interest from the trio that I ordered. That’s okay though, I will be venturing over to eBay for some other goodies and will report back ASAP.

What do you guys think about Skin Food? Ever tried it?

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Happy Holidays!

It is a snowy winter for me. For you? I’m not sure. I do have hopes and wishes though.

I hope you are able to enjoy the presence of your family and friends as much as I enjoyed yours. If you are not as lucky, I hope you may enjoy your own presence and understand how fabulous and strong you are!

I wish that you are given as much support for your endeavors as you have showed me and MOJ. And of course I wish y’all keep coming back!

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Giveaway Winners

I finally have the names y’all! I have all the packages ready so if you see your name, shoot me an e-mail at myownjudge@gmail.com so I can send it out ASAP!

I have listed each day and the winners (and their submissions if applicable). Thanks to everyone who participated and stay tuned for bigger and better things!

Day 1:
Tell me whether or not you have a resolution connected to nails.

Esmeraldaa said… ohh my resolution is to find more colors besides the 3 pink colors that I’m so used to wearing. I also want to take better care of my nails meaning that i want to keep up with filing them and treating them .

Day 2:
Leave me a message on the MyOwnJudge Facebook page telling me what holiday you celebrate this winter and what it means/stands for.

Xiao-Ying Tien We celebrate X-mas and it means cheer and relaxation!
Niña Sagarbarria My family celebrates Christmas during the Holiday season. I see this celebration as a time for us to reflect on the past year and to bond over good food and company.

Day 3:
Let me know what your secret method for lining your eyes is and you just may win!

STYLEEZTA said… I actually like lining my upper water line~! Looks scary but it makes my lashes look fuller
Nelsby said… the best tip for eyeliners is to keep them in the fridge.
~tHiAmErE~ said… you might not believe it but i burn the end of my eyeliner to have that really dark look. I only do it when i am donning a very dark smokey look.It intensifies the color! I light it for like 3 secs…then cool it off then apply it. This is such a great tip!

Day 4:
Share your holiday traditions on Facebook.

Lizzie Morris On Christmas morning me and my sisters always head straight to our stockings on the fireplace because my mom always places something special in there!
Melissa Valmonte My mom makes me get up on a really tall ladder to risk my life for her Christmas decorations! Last year she won first prize from the HOA contest so I love how happy she gets for all her efforts 🙂 (and my risk taking)
Jessica Stocker As a newlywed couple, we’re just now establishing our own traditions. It’s so fun! But one tradition I’ve carried with me from my Mom is to always have a gag gift mixed in. One of my favorites is from when I was a little girl… my Mom had me in on my Dad’s gag gift. We painted a rock to look like coal for his stocking. I was *so excited* for him to open his stocking and find it. I thought it was hilarious! Until I found a lump of “coal” in my stocking, too.
Loraine Diaz We always open gifts in the morning then met at a family members home later on for dinner to share the day!

Day 5:
Guess the China Glaze color on Twitter. It was For Audrey! (I gave y’all a lead up with her name!)

@ICSarojini
@jconcep
@dustywingsnhalo
@BitterSweet1016
@squarrell

Day 6:
What color L’Oreal H.I.P eyeshadow duo do you want to win and what would you rename it? Six lucky comments will win their choice pick!

Nina said… My pick would be Platinum and I would rename it Steely Gaze!
Parisky said… I like the “flamboyant” combo 🙂 I would it rename it as banana meets plum
Kayla (detailoring) said… I would take the metallic duo “Gilded” and rename it “Karats and Sparkles and Shine, OH MY!”
DG said… I like Reckless and I would rename it Got Grape?
chris said… I would like gunmetal and rename it Artemis
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Niika said… I would pick ‘Showy’ and rename it ‘Caribbean Sea’

Day 7:
Tell me what you indulge in the most on Facebook.

Marta Higginbotham chocolate and wine…
Lilly Papers Chocolate and go shopping.
Elizabeth Allbright Nail polish…again. And I’m with Marta: Chocolate and wine!!!
Raisa Culver I’m indulging in makeup! =D
Melissa Valmonte I indulge in ice cream! especially in ultra chocolate from trader joes!
Helena Milost I love to indulge in all of the goodness on the table at Christmas eve 🙂
TaMyra Simone Harris I indulge in Chocolate

Day 8:

Alemom
Ramcrest
Lipton | TEE
Ms. Jenn
Lyssa
hi (Heather T)
Halifax
Amber

Congrats to everyone!

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Jet Lag – Last day of giveaways

Between my netbook breaking abroad, rushing around and trying not to miss my flight, and then some personal issues, I could not find a moment to check my e-mail or update MOJ. I do apologize, but I am back and focused.

Below you will find the last giveaway, and to make it easy, y’all just have to leave your name and e-mail address to enter. Please check out the other giveaways and enter to make sure you have the highest chance of winning.

Eight winners will win one bottle of this fab color from KO Knockout!
(The only catch is that you have to be an e-mail subscriber).

Check back in a couple of hours to see the post with winners!

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Chanukah Giveaway Day 7

Prior to the credit card bill arriving in my mailbox that ill-fated day, I used to be a bad girl collecting shoes and makeup like it was a stamp or rock collection to some. I’ve slowed down on my spending for sure, but I still have a basketfull of plenty a pair of eyelashes. So now y’all get some Revlon lashes for you! Seven winners will win the following three pairs.

Check out the MOJ Facebook page and tell me what you indulge in the most! Seven winners will win one of each pair of lashes from Revlon!

Remember only Facebook followers will be able to win!

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Chanukah Giveaway Day 6

Sometimes I walk through the drugstore and read the names of some of the products and I wonder where their creative team went (maybe on vacation like I did lol). There are few companies out there that like to experiment with the titles of everything. Nothing makes me happier than a product name that makes me actually stand and smile and say out loud to no one in particular ‘ooohhh that’s clever’!

If someone looks at me funny, I just explain to them what makes it so spectacular (and most of the time they walk away even more perplexed). So today, you get to put on your creative hats and shoes! Six winners will get their choice of L’Oreal H.I.P Eyeshadow Duos (one per winner).

What color duo do you want to win and what would you rename it? Six lucky comments will win their choice pick!

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