Monday, December 22, 2014

Makeup for Christmas Brunch [VIDEO]

Family is coming over for Christmas Brunch! A simple makeup look with a golden touch. Using my Wet n Wild Gold Liquid liner, I put a special touch on a simple look. Let me know what you think!


Please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, & SUBSCRIBE!
Thanks for reading and watching!
Nicole Charnel


Monday, December 15, 2014

Hot Chocolate on a Cool Night

I LOVE hot chocolate.
All year round but especially at Christmas. Something about the smooth chocolate, warm and creamy. Filling you up and heating you through on a cool winter night.
I usually get the packets and mix with water. But this year, I saw some Starbucks in the store and wanted to give them a try.


The directions call for hot milk...not something I usually do. I am just not a milk fan. But I wanted the full effect and wanted it to taste like it does from the baristas.
So I gave it try...
Spilled milk, of course...

After a handful of marshmallows, it was the hot chocolate I have ever made myself!
Since the first cup, I have made it every night. Sometimes twice a day...if its really chilly.


Whats your favorite type of hot chocolate?
Nicole Charnel


Sunday, December 14, 2014

Christian Living as a Young Adult

I am a christian.
I live a christian lifestyle.
I am not perfect. But I am a God-fearing woman who lives to praise Him.

Being a christian is more than a one day decision, it is a lifestyle. Some people don't realize or just don't know that their sole purpose here on earth is to praise the Lord.
A thought that some don't grasp or want to live up to.

Living this way is not easy. It is all about sacrifice.
I am 28 years old and it took me 26 years of life to realize this.
In hopes to help another sooner come to grasp with this, I want to talk about my lifestyle. The ups and downs, struggles and blessings.  I want to share in hopes to encourage another.

Lets start with some background. Everyone wants to know the stats.
I am 28. Been saved since my youth [not sure of the age].
I have been in church all my life. Born into christian living but never forced in to living it.
My parents have always let us [their children] be very independent and make their own choices.
I chose salvation.

As I said before, it wasn't until a few years ago that I realized the great sacrifice of it. Some people think that word [sacrifice] is dangerous or dirty. Immediately thinking "What do I have to give up?".
I admit I thought that as well. But once I realized what how unworthy but blessed I was, giving up my time, gifts, and life seemed like nothing at all.

When you find yourself in so low of a space and feel like you have nothing; ready to give in and crawl in a corner. Then you just let go and give it all the God...
You think your giving up and not recovering but he takes your hurt, pain, mess and throws it away. He give you something brand new and allows you to start fresh.
It is an amazing feeling and quite super natural.

So if your interested in hearing more about christian living and this lifestyle, stay tuned.
And feel free to chime in, comment below.

As always, thanks for reading.
Nicole Charnel





Saturday, December 13, 2014

Oh How I Love Christmas

This is my favorite time of the year. The cold air. The warm food.
Hot Chocolate. Hot Tea. Warm Cookies.
The love in the air. All the Christmas carols.
Just simply the feeling. It is my favorite time. Spending it with family and planning for the new year.
So much to do and love about Christmas.

What is your favorite time of the year? And what makes it your favorite?


Nicole Charnel


Friday, December 12, 2014

Curly to Straight on my Natural Hair [VIDEO]

It has been two and a half years since I have had straight hair. Been itching to do it so I did for my birthday last month! Went from Curly to Straight. And yes it was a long process...but I LOVED the results. Check out what I did and the process I used.



Products Used:
Palmer Coconut Oil Protein Pack
Honey
Coconut Oil
Koils By Nature Leave In Conditioner
Taliah Waajid Stregthener
Taliah Waajid Crinkles & Curls Wrapping/Setting Lotion
Beautiful Textures Flat Iron Silkener
ORS Heat Protection Serum

Hope you enjoyed this video and it helps you in your natural hair journey. If you have any question or comments, just leave them below.
Thanks for watching and reading!
Nicole Charnel


Thursday, December 11, 2014

Butter Grits

I'm not from the south but my family is. So a lot of my favorite foods and dishes are southern based. One that tops my charts is grits. Breakfast or dinner, it is a great starch. Delicious!
This morning for breakfast I had my own rendition of Butter Grits.

Starting with 5 min Quick Grits...



Make the grits according to the instructions.
Add 2-4 tablespoons of butter
Add salt and pepper to taste.



I always love bacon with my grits. Just perfect salt for buttery grits. My favorite breakfast.


Nicole Charnel



Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Easy Makeup: Ep 1 & 2 [VIDEO]

NEW SEGMENT!
This one is of course for the beginners. To help you get more confident with applying and buying and having fun with makeup!
Episode 1: Brushes and Applicators
Can I use the applicator that comes with the makeup? Do I even need to buy brushes? What brushes do I need to start out?


Episode 2: Primers
What is a primer for? Why do you need one? Don't worry, I'm gonna help you out!



Hope these segments helps you if you want to start our using makeup and you are a beginner!
Please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, & SUBSCRIBE! Also comment below if you have any questions.
As always, thanks for reading and watching!
Nicole Charnel


Wednesday, November 19, 2014

500 Subbies Giveaway! [VIDEO]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!
Decided to upload my giveaway to my lovely subs on my day! Good luck to all that enter :-)



The giveaway will run from November 19th to December 3rd. Winners will be announced on my Twitter (link below).

Rules for the giveaway
  • Subscribe to my YT Channel
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Follow me on Instagram
Winner must be in the US.
Winner must be 18 years of age or older (or have parental consent to give out your address).

This giveaway is sponsored by CharnelsWorld.com
Hope you enjoy the video and enter for a chance to win!
As always, thanks for reading and watching!
Nicole Charnel


Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Straightening my Natural Hair: Research

I am going to straighten my hair. I haven't had straight hair in 2 years! And my previous track record in not that great.
I use to straighten my natural hair every week. Yup...every 7 days.
And I didn't even know about heat protectant! I know...apparently I was living under a rock. I also didn't know about properly moisturizing my hair.
I have been natural for 10 years but I didn't stop relaxing my hair to have curly hair. I stopped because I hated the relaxers but I still wanted straight hair. So I used a system from Etae Natural to continue to strengthen my hair.
Of course straightening my hair weekly and not using a heat protectant and not knowing how to properly moisturize definitely caught up to my hair. I was left with no curl, straight natural, heat damaged hair.

Those are the main reasons why I am nervous. But hopefully these past few years I have learned what I need to keep my curls popping even after I straighten.
So I'm currently doing research on what process I should take to protect my hair and keep my moisture in and I think I have decided upon my routine.

  • Deep Condition
  • Shampoo
  • Detangle
  • LOC in Moisture
  • Set in Twist
  • Dry to 90%
  • Blowdry
  • Straighten

I have been watching YouTube vids to get the best techniques and routines that will work with my hair. Here are some of the videos that have helped me figure it out.



I will be recording my process and all that jazz! So stay tuned for that.
Thanks for reading!
Nicole Charnel


Thursday, November 13, 2014

The Daily Life [of Nicole Charnel] #2

We went the the Baltimore Zoo in the beginning of October with my moms class. Had fun of course. The children enjoyed themselves and all the animals even though it was a gloomy day.




Please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE!
Thanks for reading & watching!

Nicole Charnel


Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Talk Thru Fall Makeup Tutorial [VIDEO]

Changing up my normal tutorial and talk you through step by step! I am also using some new colors that I purchased from Costal Scents. A DIY Neutral Palette is coming up next, no worries. But for now enjoy the talk through and let me know how you feel about this style of video.



PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
MOISTURIZER: Mary Kay Age Fighting Mositurizer
PRIMER: Boots No7 Beautifully Matte
CONCEALER: Maybelline Age Rewind
FOUNDATION: BH Cosmetics Liquid Foundation
POWDER: Rimmel Stay Matte Powder & L'Oreal True Match
EYEBROW ROUTINE: http://youtu.be/vfED3qB7to8
EYESHADOW: Costal Scents Hot Pots in 'Chocolatier' & 'Canyon Coral'
EYELINER: Rimmel Scandel Eyes in Brown
BLUSH: NYX Pinched
CONTOUR: Iman Oil Blotting Powder
MASCARA: Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara & Mary Kay Lash Primer & Revlon
LIPSTICK: Milani 'Sangria'

Please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE!
Thanks for reading & watching!

Nicole Charnel


Thursday, November 6, 2014

90s Inspired Fall Makeup Look [VIDEO]

The 90s has been inspiring my makeup as of late. So of course my go-to fall makeup look is all matte and smokey. This look was super popular for the woman of color in the 90's. Brandy, Monica, Aaliyah, Halle. They all rocked a smokey eye and brown lip. I also added two other lip options, a pink and a red! Hope you enjoy and let me know if you give it a try.



PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
MOISTURIZER: Mary Kay Age Fighting Mositurizer
PRIMER: Boots No7 Beautifully Matte & Mary Kay Face Primer
CONCEALER: LA Pro Conceal
FOUNDATION: Maybelline BB Cream & Mary Kay Luminous Liquid Foundation
POWDER: NYC Setting Powder
EYEBROW ROUTINE: http://youtu.be/vfED3qB7to8
EYESHADOW: Maybelline Gel Liner in 'Brown', Lorac Shadow 'Espresso' & 'Taupe'
EYELINER: Jordana 12 hour Pencil in 'Black'
BLUSH: MAC Raizin
CONTOUR: Iman Oil Blotting Powder
MASCARA: Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara & Mary Kay Lash Primer & Revlon
LIPSTICK: Loreal 'Spice', Maybelline 'Lust for Blush', Wet n Wild 'Spotlight Red'

Please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE!
Thanks for reading & watching!

Nicole Charnel


Monday, November 3, 2014

Flaunting Your Natural Skin

Do you really love your skin? The natural, raw, unedited version of yourself?
I do...but I never post natural selfies! They are always made up and filtered.
So lets change that....




Thanks for reading & watching!
Nicole Charnel


Friday, October 31, 2014

My Favorite Fall Makeup Trend [VIDEO]

Just wanted to share my favorite Fall/Autumn makeup trend!
A Smokey Eye! Don't forget to comment below and tell me what your favorite fall trend is.


On My Lips: We tn Wild Vamp It Up
My current favorite!

Thanks for reading & watching!


Nicole Charnel


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Brining Your Chicken


Have you ever brined your chicken?
It is supple to make your chicken juicier and more flavorful. I tried this on some chicken thighs before grilling and I really didn't see much of a difference.
 I use salt, sugar, and water.
Let it sit in the fridge for about 3 hours.
I am definitely going to try to do it again and see if longer time helps or more sugar or salt. Because it is a high recommend way of peeping your chicken.

Anyone have any success or non stories of brining?
As always, thanks for reading!

Nicole Charnel


Tuesday, October 21, 2014

The Daily Life [Of Nicole Charnel]

After months of saying it was going to happen....I am vlogging!
I am not doing every day, just when I go somewhere with my children. Maybe other times too but it mostly about the babies.

The first week of October, we went to the Apple Festival in Darlington, MD. We try to go every year.
Fun Times. Hope you enjoy!






Please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE!
Thanks for reading & watching!

Nicole Charnel


Thursday, October 16, 2014

My TRUE Wash n Go! [VIDEO]

Sometimes I don't have time to define all my curls. And I'm not afraid of a little frizz! So I just use my natural curl pattern. Using my favorite moisturizing products, I LOC in the good stuff, get dressed n GO! A TRUE wash n go for us curly girls.
Hope you enjoy the video and if it helps, let me know!


Please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE!
Thanks for reading & watching!

Nicole Charnel


Wednesday, October 15, 2014

NEW Maybelline Matte Lipsticks⎜on Brown or Dark Skin [VIDEO]

Have you seen these new in the drugstore? The Maybelline Matte Lipsticks. Super creamy with a lovely matte finish. Check out the three colors I picked up and how they look on my brown skin.


Colors Mentioned:
Ravishing Rose
Touch of Spice
Divine Wine

Hope you enjoy tho video! Please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, & SUBSCRIBE!
As always, thanks for reading & watching!

Nicole Charnel


Tuesday, October 14, 2014

I think I'm Going Mental

Why I think I am losing it.
It as in all my good sense.
My Children...push me to the edge. I am sure most single mothers have this feeling at times. You just want to pull out your hair. Start screaming. Throw some things around. You know...that same tantrum that your 1 year old is going through right now.

No....am I the only one? Well I will speck on it. I'm not ashamed!
Maybe a little.

But it is hard sometimes. This weeks particular turmoil is the potty. Training a 20-month old and keeping up with a 3 year old who HATES pooling [yea, its real] is just killing all my happy vibes right now.
The pull ups are always wet and I have thrown away too many underwear in the last two days. I refuse to waste another pair. This struggle...I might just lose.
Probably not but I will be giving up a few times.

Anyway, it is just one bad week. I have too many good ones under the belt to put me out the game.
Hang in there. Head up, chin high. And remember...you are the MOTHER!

Signed, a Mental Mother

Nicole Charnel


Monday, October 13, 2014

The Daniel Fast: Week 1

The end of week one and beginning of week two.

Missing my butter.  I use t for everything when cooking. Now I use it for nothing. Ugh.
But, for the cause!
Cooking consist of olive oil, vegetable stock, and spices.
I usually have a smoothie for breakfast [see my previous post, Healthy Green Smoothie].
Lunch is roasted potatoes. Dinner is when I (my sister, lol) get creative.
The most creative dinner so far is Stuffed Bell Peppers.
Big green peppers stuff with rice and veggies in soy sauce. DELICIOUS!

For my studies, I have been taking a look at matters of the heart. You have to remember what is in your heart defines you. A wicked man has a wicked heart and will do wicked things.

I need to make to point to watch out for my heart. Guard it from the wicked things an thoughts. Like we all should.

7 days down, 14 to go.
As Always, Thanks for Reading.
Nicole Charnel


Monday, October 6, 2014

Growing Out My Nails: 3 Month Count

Since I have been in nail care these past few weeks, I have been watching plenty of nail care videos.
I found one in particular where a women grew her nails out quite long in 3 months. She said her nails do not grow any faster than normal and they are thin as well. So I was hooked and wanted to use some of her technique to grow out my nails and see if it works on anyone.

My nails grow thick but they peel like crazy! One thing she recommended was applying oil daily to your cuticles. I have been using the Burt's Bee's Cuticle Cream for daily use.



Also recommended from another nail-guru was soaking your nails in olive oil for 5-10 min once a week or more. I also added this into my nail regimen but I added Vitamin E and Coconut Oil. 

Last thing I added but wasn't recommended was a growth base coat. The on I got is from American Classics. Not sure yet if it makes a difference because I just started using it but I will let you know how it works for me.                                                                                     .                                                                                                                      So of course I am going to keep track of my growth and keep up on this new regimen to see if my nails really grow better and stronger.
These are my nails at the beginning of this test run, which was last Wednesday [10-1].  I will be updating with picks each month to track the growth as well.

The Beginning, 10-1

As always, thanks for reading!
Nicole Charnel


Wednesday, October 1, 2014

How To Paint Nails⎜Easy Nail Care For Dry, Brittle, & Thin Nails [VIDEO]

I'm not a professional, nor am I the best at painting my nails but I have been quite successful in getting my nails to grow back after my acrylics. Time to Share! These are the products and routine I use to help my nails retain length. If you have any questions, leave me a comment below.


PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
Acetone (w/Wheat Protein & Vitamin E)
Sally Hansen Thicken Up
Nailtini Nail Laquer in 'Aidos'
Sally Hansen Hardener
Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat

Thanks for watching and reading!
Nicole Charnel



Monday, September 29, 2014

The Daniel Fast: The Start

I am starting the Daniel Fast in two days. September 8th. By the time you are reading this, I will be finished with the fast though.
For personal and spiritual reason I didn't want to share my post while I was fasting because its not about the attention or the accomplishment. Its about the FAST.
But I still want to share my experience and thoughts. Maybe even a few recipes.
Possibly to encourage someone that may want to fast in the future.

For those who don't know, the Daniel Fast is a time for spiritual reflection as well as physical detox. For three weeks, you pray and meditate on Christ or a particular thing you want to take to God. As well as you only eat fruits and veggies.
If you want me to go further in depth, just ask. But otherwise, HERE is a great website that helped me a lot.

So this is my 3rd time doing the fast and I am doing it with my two sisters, Natasha & Jessica.
September 8th to September 28th.
I'm nervous as always, but that is a good thing.
I have already wrote my first grocery list and will be going shopping later today. I will be sure to share my groceries, things I'm cooking, how I'm coping, advantages to meditating, and anything else you all might want to know.

Even though this is after the fact, feel free to comment below.
As Always, Thanks for Reading.
Nicole Charnel


Thursday, September 25, 2014

NEW Maybelline Matte Lipstick [REVIEW]

Have you seen these new in the drugstore? The Maybelline Matte Lipsticks. Suer creamy with a lovely matte finish. Check out the three colors I picked up and how they look on my brown skin.
Hope you enjoy tho video! Please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, & SUBSCRIBE!


COLORS MENTIONED:
Touch of Spice
Ravishing Rose
Divine Wine

Thanks for reading and watching!
Nicole Charnel


Wednesday, September 24, 2014

HeartStrings

The world could use a lot more LOVE.
Just in general love. For your neighbor. Your friends. Your sister. You daughter. Your husband.

Start at home. From the moment you wake up, to give love to everyone you encounter. All day spreading smiles, encouragement, joy, and peace. It would change not only your day, but the day of anyone you encountered.

I never had to ask for love or long for love. My mother and father gave it out in spades. My sisters and brothers always expressed their emotions (not always love but most of the time, lol). Even my friends! We make it a point to tell each other we love on another every time we get together or part.
Love is an everyday thing for me.

But for some, they have never experienced this love. And even though they may not know what they are missing, their lifestyle and choices have reflected the lack of this emotion.
Sometimes it makes them seek love in everyone they encounter.
Sometimes it makes them reject any type of love.
Sometimes it makes love an unexplained mystery to them.

But if they had just gotten it, they may be more inclined to spread it. Allow it to multiple in their life and the people around them.

Love is beautiful and disastrous at the same time. Powerful at all times.
Giving it should be received with the utmost reverence. But because some people don't even know what it is, it isn't always such a joyous occasion.

Give more love. We all need it.

Nicole Charnel


Braid Out Addiction

Currently addicted to braid outs. I did a video last week on my YouTube channel, check it our HERE.
But I tried it again using a thick cream so I wouldn't have any residue left over. 

Water
Coconut Oil
Shea Butter
Coco Curls Moisturizing Styling Cream [Review here -> CURLS]

Results!





Nicole Charnel


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Making Changes

Lazy.
Slow.
Procrastinator.

Not the bed things to call yourself but they are true.
I am also...
Creative.
Inspirational.
Motivated.

But those traits are hard to see sometimes because the bad ones are in the way.
I want to be better, do better. Be my maximum. Productive. I just need to get rid of the bad qualities.
To do that, I'm changing some things about my day to day life.

First
My day will start at 7:30 am no matter what! I tend to lay in the bed quite late. I am ashamed to say. But I am going to do this no longer. Unless Im sick or legitimately not feel in well, I'm getting UP!

Second
Make a plan/schedule for the week and stick to it! Each day I will have a task and I will complete it. No slacking and no excuses.

Third
Add some motivation to my daily life. Keep my mind moving and on a creative track. This way, I will be able to keep up with my creative outlets (my blog and youtube) and they will continue to be successful!

I am determined to make great habits for myself and better myself in all things that I do. I will be a better child of God, mother, youtubber, blogger, makeup artist, etc. Just keeping my goals in mind and not allowing myself to slack off anymore

You ever go through moments like this? Let me know how kick start a change. Leave me a comment below!
As always, thanks for reading.
Nicole Charnel


Monday, September 22, 2014

Get Ready For Church With Me #2 [VIDEO]

Sundays are my GLAM Days! So I'm gonna bring you along, a least while I get ready.
Get Ready for Church with me! Hair, Makeup, Outfit. Whole look.



PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
MOISTURIZER: Mary Kay Age Fighting Mositurizer
PRIMER: Boots No7 Beautifully Matte & Mary Kay Face Primer
CONCEALER: LA Pro Conceal & Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer
FOUNDATION: Mary Kay Liquid & Covergirl 3-n-1
BLUSH: NYX Dusty Rose
CONTOUR: Iman Oil Blotting Powder
HIGHTLIGHT: ELF Highlighter & MAC Mineralizes Skin Finish
EYEBROWS: NYX Eyebrow Pencil & Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner
LINER: L'Oreal Gel Liner & Rimmel Scandel-Eyes Kohl Pencil
MASCARA: Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara & Mary Kay Lash Primer & Almay Triple Effect
LIPSTICK: Jordan Lip Pencil in Rock-N-Rose & Milani Lipstick in Naturally Chic

Hope you found this video helpful and please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE!
As always, thanks for reading & watching.

Nicole Charnel


Sunday, September 21, 2014

Food: Pete Wings

Pete as in Texas Pete.
Best hot wings I ever made.
Season the wings. Dredge in flour.
Pan fry the wings till crispy.
Dip in butter n Texas Pete hot sauce.
Place in 300 degree oven for 10 min to bake on sauce.
ENJOY!


Let me know if you try the recipe!
Nicole Charnel


Saturday, September 20, 2014

Healthy Living: Green Smoothie

- Two Handfuls of Spinach
- Half of Banana
- Spoonful of Pineapple Chunks
- Handful of Frozen Fruit (Mango, Peaches, Strawberries)
- A Cup of Mango Juice

Blend until nice and smooth.
Enjoy!

Friday, September 19, 2014

My Summer Beauty Favorites [VIDEO]

All the beauty products that have been good to me this summer.
Please share your summer favorites below and let me know what products your taking in to autumn and winter.
I apologize for the length of this video, below are the times so you can skip head to certain sections.
Please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, & SUBSCRIBE!



BODY & SKIN: 0:14
HAIR: 3:04
MAKEUP: 4:02

Thanks for reading and watching!
Nicole Charnel


Thursday, September 18, 2014

The Forgiveness of Me

How many years can you spend putting yourself in exile? In jail for just being yourself?
How many? I can say about 3...but thats just me.
Why? Why punish myself for being...myself?
Its just so wrong. So hated. So looked down upon.
By family. Friends. Outsiders.

Who really matters though? Family.
And will they still love you for being you? Yes.
Have they forgiven you for hurting them? Yes.

OK. Now its my turn.
I forgive ME.

I forgive me for loving with my whole heart. For giving everything when I thought it was warrented. It wasnt about the hurt in the end. It was about the love in the moment.

I forgive me for believing in the family I created. Believing that God was the center and He was going to guide because. The demise wasn't his fault. Definitely wasn't his idea. But you know what happens when humans get in the mix? we mess things up wit our own plans.

I forgive me for losing faith for a moment. It happens to everyone. We all need to fall so we see that we have messed up. Its ok. As long as we learn from it. Look at the ditch we are in. How it was created and learn; teach outselves how to get out of it. Then we reapply that great faith. Remember who Christ is! He will take care of me.

I forgive me for having fear. That standstill fear that makes you hold all your goodness in. You don't want to share it anymore for fear that someone else will use and abuse what you have to offer. Fear is understood...but not acceptable anymore. Christ came to claim all fear. It is irrational now. Fear has no place at the sound of his great name [lyric].

Now that I have forgiven me....time to move on.
Nicole Charnel


Nail: Trying Free Hand Splatter & Ombre Art


Nicole Charnel


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