His and Hers Hobbies: Maintaining a Healthy Balance

It is important in a relationship for each person to have their own things that they like to do- their own “me” time. He likes dirt biking. You like painting. Whatever it may be, in a healthy, cohesive relationship there should always be those hobbies that each person truly loves and can completely indulge in on their own time.

Regardless of how much you may love your significant other, there are going to be times where you are simply wearing on each other’s nerves and need your own space. As long as you don’t find this happening on a frequent basis, this sort of thing is perfectly normal. If there should happen to be any circumstance where you find that “me” times are tending to happen more often, it may be a good idea to try to engage in the interests of the other person. Take a break from painting and ask him if you can hop on the back of that dirt bike with him and have him show you how that baby rides! Being able to show interest in the things he likes will deepen your bond and draw you closer together.

It is wise, however, to exercise caution that you don’t go overboard by trying to partake with him in his hobbies 24/7. As I mentioned earlier, it is healthy for you each to have your own interests. But if you find yourself tagging along every time he goes to meet up with the guys for his weekly dirt bike ride, you may want to consider skipping out the following week if you get my drift! Just the same, there is no reason why he should post up next to you and start painting every time you go to pick up a brush. Showing interest in each other’s hobbies is very beneficial to maintaining a happy and successful relationship. But respecting your mate’s “me” time is equally as important.

As women, we are the more common offenders because we have the stronger desire to spend time with our significant other. Men, on the other hand, often have a NEED for male camaraderie. They need that place where they can all get together, laugh like idiots, and act like they are all 12 years old again. For women, while we still need to have our chick time, we have a naturally more responsible, more take-care-of-home kind of nature. So for us, many of the responsibilities of life feel more common place and we feel less inclined to get together as regularly to scratch our butts and act like apes!

If you find that you are having difficulties breaking out of that tag-a-long cycle, take advantage of the times when he’s doing his thing and discover something new for yourself. Make it a goal to try new things and find new hobbies that you really like. In this day and age we get so busy with life that we often seem to operate on autopilot. Deactivate the auto pilot and really think about things that you enjoy doing and build on that. In time you’ll discover that while hanging out with the man can be fun and all, indulging in your own special hobbies can be just as enjoyable, if not more!

HLMN Weekend Roundup 6.19.09

Affordable Fashion spotlights 3 daytime LBDs for $20 and less.

Beauty Junkies Unites highlights the best Summer fragrances.

BeautySweetSpot has the top Summer eco friendly finds.

BellaLuscious explains ways to banish cellulite.

Blaq Vixen Beauty reviews the most recent foundation from Maybelline - the Dream Matte Liquid Foundation.

Check out the CFDA Awards winners as well as the best and worst dressed celebs, designers, and models at Cult of Couture.

Diary of a Style Addict shows us how to steal Eva the diva's maxed out style.

Can you be preppy and bohemian at the same time? Fab Finds Under $50 says, you bet.

Fab Glance Nashville gives an opinion on sandals for men and wants to know what you think.

Hot Beauty Health shows you 5 organic hair care products that works for healthy hair.

Who doesn't love a giveaway? Lipgloss Break is giving away Borghese B Gloss lip gloss.

MissWhover You Are delivers a budget beauty tip you cannot miss.

Obsessions and Confessions of Glamour and Love takes a look at Sephora Favorites Sample kits.

SparklingPinkGorilla shows us where we can get the best deals on shades.

StyleLuxe uncovers 5 timeless rules for achieving great style.

The Style and Beauty and Doctor explores one of the hottest trends this season: white hot summer denim.

For more information about The HLMN or on becoming an affiliate please visit our website.

Sephora Favorites!

Oh, how I LOVE Sephora!!!

For $40 or less you can have mini versions of some of the most wanted and most talked about beauty products from Sephora.

Are you in the market for a new mascara? With the Sephora Favorites Lashstash Mascara Deluxe Sampler you will receive 11 mini mascaras from some of the top makeup brands. Try them all to discover which one will give you lahses to die for! The whole set is only $39!




Or if you need to give your skin a little TLC, one of the best places to start is with a good moisturizer. Sephora Favorites Face Quenchers Moisturizers Deluxe Sampler includes 6 different moisturizers. For $37 you can have ultra hydrated skin from 6 different skin care lines and maybe discover a new favorite!



Sephora Favorites Sampler Kits are perfect when you are in the mood to try out new things. They typically are "limited time only" items so if you need more mascara or a new moisturizer, jump online and check it out! The mascara set and the moisturizer set are just 2 Samplers of several available to choose from!

What Is Co-Washing

You may’ve heard the term “co-washing” before but you may not have known exactly what it is or what it means to “co-wash” your hair. Co-washing is actually short for “conditioner washing” which is the act of using a conditioner to wash your hair instead of shampoo. The method of co-washing is primarily used by African American women to increase moisture in their naturally dry hair.


There are several different ways use the co-washing method. It can be done along with a regular regimen of washing and deep conditioning. It can even be used in place of regular shampooing, with the intention of using a clarifier when needed to cleanse the scalp and hair from product buildup. Some may choose to co-wash their hair once a week midway between shampoos. Or some may co-wash up to 3 times a week if they suffer from very dry hair and scalp.


When co-washing the hair really any type of conditioner will do the trick. Many prefer to use cheaper brands of conditioners like Suave, White Rain, or VO5 because you still get the benefit of quick conditioning without having to break the bank replacing your conditioner! I personally like to take advantage of conditioners I’ve tried and didn’t love. That way I don’t have to feel bad about wasting money on trying out new products. I presently have about 3 different conditioner brands in my shower that I use solely for co-washing because they don’t work as well for deep conditioning.


With co-washing it is necessary to exercise caution so as not to over-moisturize the hair. If you start to notice that your hair is beginning to feel sort of gummy you may need to ease up a bit. If you are concerned, but unsure if you are over-moisturizing try this little test. Take a strand of your hair, hold both ends and pull. If you noticed the strand seemed to stretch for a while then snap, even possibly coiling up on the ends, you may be going a bit overboard on the co-washing and you might want to either ease up a bit or try incorporating a protein conditioner into your co-washing regimen.


All-in-all co-washing, or “conditioner washing” can be a very beneficial addition to a hair care routine for a person who tends to suffer from chronically dry hair. If you are unfamiliar with the concept of co-washing but are interested in finding ways to increase the moisture of your hair, try it out once a week and see how your hair responds. It may turn out to be just the thing you needed for soft, healthy, MOISTURIZED hair.

Updating Your Foundating for the Summer

Many of us know our signature foundation color that matches closest to our personal unique skin tone. For example, I know that my MAC foundation color is NC-45. However, in the summer months after I’ve enjoyed a few sunny days outdoors, the NC-45 is not quite as “signature” anymore.

I love Rihanna! I admire her so often for her makeup looks. Her eyes always seem to pop and/or smolder and her skin is virtually flawless. I wish I could ask her what brand of foundation she uses because I want it! She pretty much seems like she can do no wrong in the makeup department…. Well for the most part anyway.

Here’s a shot of Rihanna looking gorgeous as always. But can you tell me what is wrong with this picture?



It would seem that Rihanna could stand to do some updating in the foundation department because her face is very clearly lighter than the rest of her body. Now this could easily merely be a bad foundation match, but the picture still validates the point at hand.



When summer time hits, it is wise to continually check up on the foundation color you are using to see if it may need updating. The best way to see if your color still matches is by applying your foundation in a mirror near a window so you can take advantage of the natural light. The artificial light in your bathroom or bedroom can be misleading.

Another good way to tell if your foundation needs updating is to take a picture of yourself making sure to use the flash on your camera. Check the hairline and jaw line because that is where you are likely to notice a difference the most. I don’t know how many pictures I’ve seen of myself where my foundation color was distinctly lighter than it should have been! I have since learned the errors of my ways specifically from those pictures!!!

During the summer months, I am an NC-50 in MAC foundation colors. What’s your summer color?

Intriguing Products- L'Occitane Olive Tree Healthy Hair Mask

This week's "Intriguing Product" is:

L'Occitane Olive Tree Healthy Hair Mask

L'Occitane (which I recently discovered is actually pronound Lock-si-taun)has a product line called Organic Olive Skin Care. The key ingredients in this line include, olive tree leaf extract, olive water and olive oil. All of these olive based ingredients are known for allowing for more moisture retention and encouraging softer more radiant skin.

The L'Occitane Olive Tree Healthy Hair Mask includes shea butter in its ingredient list and claims to "strengthen and protect the hair while restoring softness and shine shine."

I've personally had great experiences with olive oil on both my hair and my skin. Specifically, with my hair I've noticed when I apply it after shampooing and conditioning, my hair is left feeling very soft and well moisturized.

This product retails for $29 for 8.4fl.oz so it's not the cheapest hair mask option around. However, based on its key elements it may just turn out to be worth the money.

Feel free to post a comment sharing your experience if you've tried the L'Occitane Olive Tree Healthy Hair Mask.

6/12/09 HLMN Weekend Roundup!

Beauty Sweet Spot share the latest on how to get and keep your teeth white.

Beauty Junkies Unite compares 5 self tanners and shares the results.

Watch as style maven June Ambrose interviews Chrisette Michelle at Black Style Central.

Blaq Vixen Beauty tries her hand at false nails from the Kiss brand...want to know how they measured up?

Find Beyonce's colorful gladiator sandals at The Cheap Chica.

Cool and Fresh discovers the incredible shoes of Nicholas Kirkwood.

Diary of a Style Addict shares the details on a fab charity event!

Check out this cute little dress from Anthropologie over at Fabulous Frocks.

Hot Beauty Health shows you 10 natural solutions to preserve your youth and beauty.

In A Word...Fab has a great profile on businessman Kwame Jackson.

la.morena has the scoop on a ton of wonderfully priced goodies from E.L.F. cosmetics.

SparklingPinkGorilla shares her shoe of the day.

StyleLuxe shares what makes a great sandal.

Style Apothecary reviews the amazing products from Graftobian Beauty.

Workchic shows how you can go from the airport to a meeting in style!

For more information on The HLMN or on becoming an affiliate please visit our website.

Product Review: CoverGirl LASHBLAST

After my less than thrilling experience with CoverGirl EyeLights Mascara, I decided I was going to stick with the CoverGirl line but try something else. So I decided to go with the their main hot market item right now, CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara.

Unlike the CoverGirl EyeLights, LashBlast did exactly as advertised. The LashBlast Mascara added intense volume and separation with just one coat. It gave my lashes what I like to call, "the fan effect". Just like the look of an open paper fan, the eye lashes stretch and fan out across the eye so every time you blink it's like they are gesturing, "Come hither, my love!"

I'm not a huge fan of jumping on the band wagon but sometimes ya gotta! I give CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara a 4.5 out of 5. I highly recommended trying it out as it is an exceptional product for being a drugstore type of mascara!

HLMN Weekend Roundup!

Addicted to Lipstick talks about the new Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronze Collection

Beauty Junkies Unite got up close and person with the stars at the CoverGirl party at Byron and Tracey Salon.

BeautyLuxe takes a peek at the Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronze Collection, and it's a home run!

BellaLuscious reviews the RoC Renewex Microdermabrasion System

Check out a fruit-inspired FOTD at Black Beauty Central.

Staring aimlessly at your closet trying to figure out what to wear? Check out Fab Finds Under $50's June Inspiration Calendar for a different inspiration idea every day!

Fabulously Thrifty reviews ELF Studio Line.

Hot Beauty Health reviews the href="http://www.hotbeautyhealth.com/hair-removal/beauty-health-review-smooth-away-hair-removal-kit">As
Seen On TV product Smooth Away.

Missed the Mtv Movie Awards Image and Style News Shows us the Best Dressed of the Night Plus the Best Hairstyles and Makeup Looks.

Makeup Masala discovers a new dream cream to pamper your face.

Get back to the basics with homemade beauty from SparklingPinkGorilla.

Vanessa Hudgens looked gorgeous at the MTV Movie Awards. Seen on Star Style Central

StyleLuxe has the scoop on what's sure to be the hottest color this season: purple.

Tres Chic Style has a hot trend for the season: sexy Summer skirts.

UrbanLuxe takes a look at the harem pants trend that has swept Hollywood!

To learn more about The HLMN or about becoming an affiliate please visit our website

Pick Your Battles!

It’s Christmas and it’s your turn to open your final present. So far you’ve gotten a fabulous cashmere sweater, a white gold necklace, and that new perfume you’ve been wanting. You’ve saved the biggest present for last, assuming it’s the best. You tear off the ribbon then tear off the wrapping paper as your husband watches you wide eyed and grinning with a gleam in his eye. To your amazement and extreme discontent, you tear back the last of the paper to reveal the Hoover Windtunnel Bagless Vacuum Cleaner. You look at your husband wondering how he could possibly be cheesing so hard over such a preposterous present! You thank him half heartedly yet politely and casually get up to clean up the wrapping paper.

Now while reading this you may be thinking, “How typical! Men are so inconsiderate!” However, let’s stop and rewind time to the past 6 months where you complained at least 3 times on 3 separate occasions about how crappy the vacuum was and how frustrated you were by it. While it may seem like your husband got you a thoughtless gift on Christmas, the reality is actually quite the opposite when you really stop to think about it.

Women complain constantly that men don’t listen. Men often just seem to be distracted by their own interests and seem to have an amazing ability to tune us out. So, really how can you be upset about the vacuum cleaner? You complained, he listened, and responded by giving you what you wanted. Granted, maybe he could have just provided it for you as opposed to giving it as a gift. But regardless of what manner you received your new vacuum, the point is that he acknowledged your needs and tried to meet them. He may very well have been watching you as you angrily tossed the vacuum in the closet, and felt appreciative of the work you do around the house and thus wanted to make it easier on you. He may have spent time researching the top rated vacuums to make sure he got you something really reliable.

So even though, you may not have been thrilled that the last gift you unwrapped on Christmas was a vacuum cleaner, you may want to think twice about throwing your man in the dog house on this one. Think of his face and how excited he was while watching you open that present. Pick your battles and just throw him a bone! You asked and you received. It may not have been the ideal circumstances, but if you reward the effort now it may really pay off in the future!