Monday, December 16, 2019

5 Easy Tips to Change up your Christmas Tree Theme






Hello dolls and Happy Holidays! Today is an exciting post because I'm FINALLY sharing my 2019 Christmas Tree. It's the same theme as last year because I just loved it so much! I repurposed the theme by adding a few new things and switching up the ribbon design. I loved this crimped look of the ribbons I've seen on Pinterest (follow me HERE) and decided to give it a try.

I have this slightly unhealthy obsession with black, white and gold. Seriously my entire house is laced in the color palette as well as my branding for NajaDiamond.com. So for that reason alone I think this tree will be a permanent fixture in the house until further notice. LOL Not only can it be super expensive to start all over with a new theme, my ribbon alone costs about 30 dollars a roll, it can be a lot of pressure to keep up with. That's why I suggest starting with basics or a neutral color palette that will stand the test of time and boredom and use the following tricks to switch it up from time to time.

1. Switch out your accent color. For the longest I had the candy cane tree, (I still have it BTW 😉) and year to year I simply switch it up by changing the accent colors from a light blue to green. So far it's helped a lot to make it feel like an elevated version of the same old theme.

2. Add special ornaments. To me the ornaments on the tree is what makes it special and unique to you. Each year I try to pick up one or two new ornaments that make me happy and fit my vibe or represents me or the period of life I'm in. Growing up it was my favorite thing unpacking the tree with my Granny because she kept EVERY ornament my mom and uncles made growing up and have the best stories behind each one. When I have kids I'll do the same so their Christmas tree will hold special memories as well.
3. Change the top or the bottom. This is one I love because something as simple as changing the star or topper and the tree skirt can truly make all the difference. For example, switching out the star on the tree and replacing it with fun sparkly picks  can change your tree from classic to whimsical. Or changing out your faux fur tree skirt with a galvanized tree collar or wicker collar can take your tree from glam to rustic-Joanna Gains vibes real quick! Switch it up and don't be afraid to do something different.

4. Get creative with your ribbon. I mean this is the fun part. The ribbon is totally my favorite part and  I have tried it all. I have wrapped the ribbon the traditional way, I have cut and tucked my ribbon, I have curled my ribbon, crimped my ribbon, hung it like an ornament etc. You can weave the ribbon with another ribbon....I mean the possibilities are endless! Step outside the box and HAVE FUN WITH IT!

5. Plan Ahead. SO if you are dead set on changing up your theme, no problem. I suggest planning ahead and scouting those end of season sales. The best time to buy Christmas decor is December 26th! Check out the left overs from this year and snag your favs NOW. I know I desperately want a new tree. I only do artificial trees because I can't be bothered with the maintenance of a real tree. I want a larger lunch fuller tree as my MAIN tree. The budget didn't allow me to spend 500+ on the tree I would love but I will be looking very very closely to those end of season sales to see if it goes on sale.

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Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Let's Start Over

With a new year approaching in slightly over 30 days and the inevitable list of goals and "New Year, New Me" declarations are on the horizon, let's get a jump start on a few things, my wardrobe makeover being one of them! 2019 was a year that slapped me around and beat me up a bit. Not gonna lie, I feel bruised and beaten from the year. Most of which has been emotional, mental and full of internal struggles. The good thing about a good fight is you usually arise stronger and better than before. You learn from your mistakes and realize the moves you should have made to defeat your opponent. So with that I'm ready for 2020, ready to put my best foot forward and ready for the punches 2020 throws my way.

We will discuss New Year goals and what's to come another day but for today we will chat 'Starting Over'.....With my Wardrobe that is. Yes, I'm about ready to throw away EVERYTHING in my closet and just START OVER! I need a complete overhaul, a reset, a FULL MAKEOVER. Seriously, someone send help! I feel I don't even know what my personal style is anymore. What do I like, what flatters my body shape currently? What makes me feel AMAZING? Hmmm🤔 All great questions that I will be answering in this New Year. The Naja that started this blog 8 years ago has changed and so has her style. So if you don't mind, I'd like to take it back to basics and figure it out all over again.

Has anyone else been feeling like they are in need of a major reset? Nothing in your wardrobe quite fits your vibe these days? If so, let me know below and keep your eye on the blog as we walk through figuring it out together.
This look is the quintessential back to basics look. Every single item in this look in my opinion is a wardrobe MUST-HAVE. A good pair of jeans, black blazer, white tee and versatile shoe. This is me laying the foundation. Start with those basics and build on that. This oversized blazer is a thrift find that I've been obsessed with, I consider it my 'Fashion' blazer. I need a everyday black blazer and work black blazer to round out my collection.

This white tee is from Levi's and great quality so far. I also recommend knowing your shirt 'style'. I look better in a V-neck as opposed to a crew neck. Also, add your favorite accessories that show off your style. This gold chunky necklace and brooch is something I pulled out the archives for sure.

The FIT:
White Tee: Levi's; Jeans: Charlotte Russe; Heels: Steve Madden; Blazer: Thrifted

I'm curious to know what your go-to BASICS look is. My full list of Wardrobe MUST-HAVES will be coming soon.
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Monday, October 21, 2019

My Go-To Glam Makeup Routine

Hey dolls, Happy Monday, hope you had an amazing weekend! 

Today I have beauty post for you! Super excited to share my go-to glam makeup look. This look uses some of my current favorite products. While away on a business trip this week I wore this look all week and not only was it quick and easy but I felt FLAWLESS wearing it! Listen, I am a makeup lover through and through but I do not beat my face that often. I work from home so I don't usually have the need to get all dolled up everyday. I will be challenging myself to get dressed and do my face daily. For no other reason besides it makes me feel better when I look better. So here it is my go-to look for that daily glam look.
PRODUCTS: 

Foundation: Let's start with the base. I have been severely underutilizing my Fenty Beauty Pro Matte Foundation. I picked this up when my Too Faced Born This Way Foundation was running low and ran out the door. So glad I picked it out of my stash because I truly love it all over again. I'm in the shade 420 and I think it's a perfect match. 

Concealer: Admittedly, I'm a bit of a concealer hoarder. It kind of just happened by accident. One day I was buying a backup and the next I had almost a drawer full of concealers I wanted to "try". The Colourpop No Filter Concealer was one of them. I tried it about two weeks ago and have been loving it ever since. I know exactly why so many people are a fan of this product it truly is a MUST TRY and for 6 bucks you won't regret it. I'm in the shade Dark 46 but think I'll go a bit lighter for a brighter look for now this works. 

Eyes: Huda Beauty lil min palettes are so stinkin cute and easy to travel with. My favorite is the Warm Brown Obsessions palette. It's small and compact and perfect for Fall. 9 shades of creamy, pigmented goodness. It's 29 bucks so a tad pricey compared to drugstore brands but I've had mine for at least a year and no where near pan on any shade. 

Lashes: Do yourself a favor and check out some the Ardell Double Up lashes in the style double wispies. I freakin love these lashes, like, a lot! 

Powder: Not everyone NEEDS powder to set their face. I my friends am not one of these people. AT ALL. I will end up a greasy mess within an hour or two if I don't. If I do it usually takes at least 6 hours for the shine to break through. Now I have been trying different setting powders along the way and my Laura Mercier powder is one I've decided to STOP playing myself over. If I use something else I tend to regret it, so yeah I'm about done playing the experimentation game with powders. Do yourself a favor and just buy THIS one. 

Blush: My go to blush is Raizin by MAC. Again another one of those "if it an't broke, don't fix it" products. 

Highlighter: Currently I'm wearing the Wet n' Wild highlighting powder in Crown of My Canopy. I have multiple highlighters and it's not the best but it does the job. This is a good one and only a few bucks at your local drugstore. 

Setting Spray: This is the glue that holds it all together. Or should I say hairspray that sets the entire look together. I recently tried this Morphe Continuous Setting Spray and I like it I do. However, my usual go-to is the Urban Decay all nighter makeup setting spray








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Monday, October 7, 2019

Makeup Monday's: ABH x Jackie Aina Palette Review

Good Morning Dolls!

Happy Monday to you, I hope you had a great weekend and day is off to a good start so far. I wanted to come to you today with a beauty post. I'm still getting my footing with my blogging schedule. I'm thinking makeup/beauty on Monday, Fashion/Shopping on Wednesday and Lifestyle on Friday's. Let us see how this works but putting it out there to hold myself to it. With that being said please let me know down below what products you would like to see on the blog. I've been really into skincare, haircare and makeup as always so I will consider all those on a Monday. 

So today we will chat about the Anastasia Beverly Hills X Jackie Aina palette! I purchased this palette as soon as it dropped but just now talking about it. I have been a fan of Jackie Aina since her Army days. When she collaborated with ABH and seen this palette I knew I had to support because well...it's GORGEOUS!!

14 shades that are perfection for women of color and FALL, I just couldn't resist. I can easily see this being my go to palette for the season and really going forward. All ABH shades are typically super creamy and easy to blend and this palette does not disappoint. I also love this palette include a nice sized mirror and brush that's actually GOOD! 
Purchase HERE:
So these beauty posts I'm still figuring out dolls. If you want to know something specific for these posts please let me know and I'll make sure I capture them in future posts. Do you want to see swatches (I plan on doing that in the future, btw), step by step tutorials, a quick video attached etc. That's all I have for today so thank you for spending time with me, I hope you have an amazing day!
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Sunday, September 29, 2019

5 Things You Need To STOP Today! I AM!


Happy Sunday dolls! I can't remember the last time I posted on a Sunday but here we are, just going with it. I promise I'll get to the good beauty and fashion content soon, for now I feel like chatting. So if you follow me on Instagram you know I took a ME day yesterday. A day where I spend the day doing some self-care inside and outside. Never forget to do the hard inner work while getting the exterior together as well. During that time the following 5 things kept coming up and I've decided I'm giving them up today, NOW, right NOW!



What I'm Wearing:
Jeans: Levi's
Pearl Headband: Amazon


1. Negative Self-Talk
I talked about this in my last post HERE and has been something I'm constantly working on. I think it's easier said than done because we tend to be our own worst critics. Being positive and speaking life into YOU is essential to your happiness. Period. The world is harsh enough without us adding to it. One question I would ask myself is would you tell your closest friend the things you tell yourself. The answer is always an unequivocal NO. I can be a pretty blunt person but I'm not cruel, never cruel. The things I have said to myself have be just downright cruel at times. That iiish stops NOW!

2. Trying To Be Understood by Those Who Are Committed to Misunderstanding You
Are you friends with people that make you think twice about your own character? I don't mean in a constructive, honest, make you better, real but loving way either. I mean in a way that they try to make you out to be a bad person or feel shit about yourself for no reason kind of way. I am the QUEEN of purges ya'll, I will un-cousin, un-friend, un-boyfriend, un-family you real quick! For this reason I don't have many people in my circle that fall into this category, but because I'm so sensitive with energies I'm quick to notice it. Listen, get rid of people you find having to explain your inner character to constantly. That person doesn't understand nor truly wants to understand you. I am human and have moments but if you base a MOMENT I shared with you on my entire character and you've know me for years, then that is YOUR misunderstanding of me as a person and NOT my problem. Just because you do one bad thing doesn't make you a bad person and middle finger to anyone that tries to tell you you are! F them Sis, you know your heart that's all that matters. STOP explaining yourself, PERIOD. 


3. Putting Any Ole Thing in my Body
Ya'll, this one is hard. My diet these days is one of the HARDEST things for me to get ahold of. I mean I eat ALL the things, everything I know I shouldn't but do it anyway. This is something that will simply need to be mind over matter and a true test of discipline but I can do it. My issue is my addiction to sugar (Coca-Cola) and fast food. I mean the stuff doesn't even taste good (except Chick-fil-A, Chick-fil-A is bae!) but for some reason I continue to eat the stuff. I have a beautiful kitchen and all the tools, cookbooks and food so there is no excuse. So what's the plan? Good question…it's simple. Start small and meal prep Mon-Fri and allow the bad stuff on the weekends. I don't want to be too strict and then get into a cycle of beating myself up when I'm not perfect. Nope. Start small, have grace with myself but be prepared. Most of my bad eating habit come from not being prepared with things easily available at home. Because everything needs to be chopped or defrosted I take the quick and cheap route instead. No bueno, do better Naja. I would love to be in a place where I eat mostly organic and eat at home 90% of the time. I'm actually a pretty good cook and don't mind it so I would ideally do that more. My goals are to try new recipes, eat whole foods, actually enjoy vegetables and NEVER pick up a Coca-Cola again. (Seriously, that stuff is the DEVIL!)


4. Going Out the House Looking Crazy
So we touched on this is THIS post about not having anything to wear. Here's the thing, that's a bold faced lie that ALL women tell ourselves when we have nothing we WANT to wear AT THAT TIME. Closet full of clothes with nothing to wear. Uh hun, sure Sis. Listen, this point isn't even about that. If I'm honest I just fell into a depression and didn't give a F*CK! I simply didn't care that the sweatpants I threw on to run to the store had a hole and 3 stains on them. Or that I haven't put on a stitch of makeup or plucked a single brow in a month at least. Mind you I work from home so this is not uncommon for me. This stops now. Even though I don't work in an office or have anywhere "special" to go I still have to show up for MYSELF everyday! If you wouldn't present this person to your worst enemy or to your boss on Monday morning why present it to yourself on a daily? My goal is to get dressed as if I'm going into the office daily. Dress Code: Elevated casual. I will keep you guys posted on this in future posts. I think it will be fun to do a weekly roundup of my outfits. Not only to keep myself accountable to this goal but as a fashion diary to look back on. I remember when Cupcakes and Cashmere started doing this YEARS ago and I really enjoyed it.


5. Saying NO to Everything That Doesn’t Reside in my SAFE Place.
I rarely say YES to things outside of my comfort zone. Like hardly ever. I realized this is the case in most things as of late. I think this is perfectly acceptable in things you know doesn't align with your vibe, goals, lifestyle etc. But then there are times when you have to step outside your normal and safe comfort zone in order to grow. I once had a guy stop me at a red light (we were both driving) to ask me for my number. He went on to explain that he had just seen me at the local store but he was just leaving the gym and felt unsuitable to approach me. He promised he wasn’t following me and instead took us both being beside each other at this red light as his second chance to ask me out. He politely asked for my number and if he could take me out sometime throwing in the fact that he looks totally different outside of gym clothes. Y’all the light turned green and I panicked. I politely said thank you for the kind gesture but I wasn’t interested and drove off. Doh! 🤦🏾‍♀️ So let me tell you why I regret that moment. I truly believe in what’s meant to be will be and all that Jazz however (comma), -Yes, The comma after however is said out loud. I said NO to that man not because I didn’t want to say YES or I was uninterested. I regret that because the situation and scenario in which he asked me was not one I had experience with or thought to be “ideal”. I’m annoyed at myself because I didn't step outside of my comfort zone and say yes to the awkward proposal. It was not a bad gesture, he didn't hit me with that YO, MA  LET ME HOLLA ATCHU line, he was nice, respectful, complimentary and honest but I had this differently idea of how he "should" have asked me out and said no. In hind sight that was stupid and not even that deep, who knows what that could have led to. I'm ashamed to say I have many stories like that.


So there you have it, 5 things I'm giving up right NOW! What are some things you need to give up? No better time like today to start living how you know you should. 
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Monday, September 23, 2019

Style Update: Am I even a Fashion Blogger anymore?!

So you call yourself a fashion blogger? Then what happened to the fashion posts? Why you don’t take pictures anymore?? 🤔

Ya'll listen, these are the questions I have been asking myself for some time now.  This internal dialogue has been on repeat for me for years honestly. I deemed September my #SelfCareSeptember and sat myself down to answer those ongoing questions. I needed to answer them so I can move forward. The insane part is I've been stuck in the same cycle for far too long. 

So when I truly sat down to ask myself those questions. The answers were simple, I don't take and post fashion pictures anymore because I don't have anything to wear. I don't have anything to wear because I haven't bought anything I feel comfortable in besides sweatpants in ages. I haven't bought anything besides sweatpants because I'm unhappy with my body. BOOM, there it is!! You are unhappy with your weight so you don't shop or put the effort into your appearance the way you used to. This size (she a 16 ya'll) has me feeling like I don't look right in certain clothes. Or shall I say clothes I USED to wear. A new body will require new clothes and perhaps a new style. Certainly a new appreciation for your shape, Naja. 

Then I took this one-on-one conversation a bit further and asked myself how can we work past this and fix it? Then myself said to myself clear as day….."Love me through it and be patient". BOOM, there it is again!! Listen, the easy answer would have been to say "Lose weight" but the truth is I've tried it and then failed and then felt worst and beat myself up even more. At the end of the day ya'll, Naja is tired of fighting with NAJA! It's a battle that will only be won with kindness and patience. Period. So then I said to me was, "What you have the power to do in this moment is CHOOSE to love yourself at any size. You can CHOOSE to work out or NOT workout but either way you need to love yourself the same." 🤯 Now don't get me wrong, I won't take all the credit. People have been telling me this FOREVER, my mom included. But it really doesn't matter coming from anyone but ME. The message hit different when it's from you to you boo. 

So I went out and did this thing. Actually I opened my laptop and did this thing, me and dressing room mirrors don't get along! 😠 I went shopping, I bought clothes that I thought were cute and were in MY size. Say whaaaattt! I know, I know. #groundbreaking Even better, I actually liked them, felt cute and best of all felt confident. Fashion was back to putting a smile on my face like it used to and I couldn't be happier. I will say that it requires a LOT more patience and looking to find what I like but retailers like Rainbow, Ashley Stewart and Eloquii make it easier to find. I'll do another post on my favorite Plus Size retailers because Rainbow had me shook, but for now just know that she's getting the hang of this thing.

So back to my original question. Are you still a Fashion Blogger?? The answer in short is yes and no. My interest have grown far beyond fashion over here on my little space on the internet and I plan on sharing them all. My first love is still Fashion but Beauty and Home Décor is a close second. I also want to share more lifestyle things as well. This could be everything from what I'm loving at Trader Joe's at the moment, my love for photography and even my mental health or wellness journey. So more lifestyle topics are on the way and technically you can say I'm a Lifestyle Blogger.

In the meantime, to ya'll reading this, please be nice to yourself, seriously. You don't deserve half the crap you routinely give yourself. Be KIND to YOU because she is listening to what you tell her. Have a great and amazing week!

What I'm Wearing:
Blouse: Ashley Stewart in size XL, similar HERE
Jeans: Levi's wedgie fit in size 16
Heels: Rebecca Minkoff Mules, HERE
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Thursday, September 19, 2019

Fall Home Tour 2019 #DiamondDomaine

Hey guys, it's me, the blogger formally known as Naja Diamond. Lol let me stop, no but seriously it's been a while but I'm here to show you a glimpse into my home, #DiamondDomaine. Decorating my home is one of my favorite things to do. My home is my happy place and safe haven and somewhere I spend waaaay too much time in. lol, no seriously someone come get me out this house! I've gotten the itch to just CHANGE IT ALL recently. Like, I want new furniture, rip up carpets, paint walls…..ALL OF THE THINGS! But for now I just decided to add pumpkins, lotssss of pumpkins. LOL, enjoy and stay tuned the next year for all the new changes coming to Diamond Domaine. 

So this year, I have been seeing velvet pumpkins everywhere. And honestly I love the luxx elevated look of them. In the past I've went the Halloween-y décor route but this year I wanted something more simple and classic and less cartoon-y. Don't get me wrong I LOVE Halloween but lately I'm really looking to invest in more timeless, elevated décor. So I set out on the hunt for these gorgeous velvet pumpkins, I was determined yall. I found some at The Christmas Tree store, Target dollar spot and Michael's. Not gonna lie, I want more….like a lot more but this is what my home looks like so far. I will leave links where you can find similar items and I would love to know what some of your fav home décor trends are at the moment?
I purchased this fillable vase for my entryway some time ago and I honestly had no true intention to fill it until this season. I found these mini pumpkins at Michael's and I knew just what to do with them. 
Ya'll I have fallen for the festive scented cleaning supplies! 😩😩 WHO AM I! Hate to admit it but this stuff is BOMB, like real bomb. Mrs. Meyer's Apple Cider scented lines is yummy. It actually works with less harsh chemicals and it smells like Fall in a bottle. 
For my dining area I tried something new with these Marimekko Anniversary edition placemats. Picked these up from Target recently and I couldn't be more smitten. The problem is outside of this time of year they truly don't go with anything else in my house. Lol, anyone else lack complete self control for pretty thangs. I'm still shuffling this setup around hence the mixed matched plates but I like how it's coming along so far.


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