​The Zulu Ball is something I have always wanted to attend. Every year like clock work I would profess that "I am going to Zulu ball this year!" Fingers crossed. The fact that it materialized, I believe was no coincidence. The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club is the most visible African-American Carnival organization in the city of New Orleans, dating back to 1909. In the past, enslaved Africans and the Gens de Couleur libres (free people of color) were not allowed to participate in the festivities of Mardi Gras. As a matter of fact, during the pre-Civil War Ara, open gatherings of enslaved African-Americans were strictly controlled. However, after the civil war, emancipation, and the 13th amendment public demonstrations and celebrations became very common in the African-American community.

​The city was full and bustling of fun and an energetic spirit. Beauty could be found in the simplest of things, like the cart that passed on the parade route selling stuffed animals and carnival memorabilia. Restaurants where packed with families, natives and tourist alike, where they were compelled to admire, appreciate and compliment beautiful things, which I consider to be one of God's greatest gifts of physical life. Likewise, what is a celebration without good food. This is New Orleans by the way, where the selections become harder to choose between. However, of course to find a great view and authentic Louisiana seafood you must patron Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar located in the historic neighborhood of Uptown New Orleans.  Sitting on the corner of St. Charles and Napoleon Avenue this restaurant really offers a front row seat to the beautiful sites, sounds and culture of New Orleans.  This experience allowed me to realize what an opportunity I have.. What I can do for the city I love so much. I am grateful.  Do whatcha wanna!

Hi my pretties!! I've missed blogging dearly... Let's catch up! So, I have been extremely busy this past month landing a new career. It's weird to say, but I have never had a full time job. I want to celebrate this milestone with you. It is the season of giving and what better way is there to celebrate than with a gift to you my dear!

So, with that being said, have you gotten a chance to read the previous blog post yet? Well, if you haven't, I suggest you stop what you are doing; including reading this current post and go check it out asap! 

The Beauty Lover's Gift Guide is filled with beauty products I found and purchased this fall. I absolutely love every single product in this guide, which is what increasingly motivated me to share them with you. I adore all of these products so much, that I want to give them away because I know you will learn to appreciate them as much as I have.

Here are the guidelines for entering your chance to win all 5 products featured in the Beauty Lover's Gift Guide.

1. Sign up with your email to receive Newsletters and updates from Chicly Soigné Bon Viveur. (A pop-up window will appear upon leaving this site that will allow you to quickly sign up.)
2. Follow Chicly Soigné Bon Viveur on Instagram: @chiclysoignebonvivuer
3. Find and repost, the qualifying post on Instagram, with the #chiclysoigne along with your email address, and you're done.

I will announce the winners on January the 1st of 2016! The last day to submit your entrée is December the 31st 2015 at 11:59pm. May the force be with you!  
​

For the beauty lover in your circle, I put together a quick guide that is sure to please any beauty connoisseur. All of the products here are gems that I personally own and found this fall. I just have to share them with you! May you love them as much as I do... Enjoy!

1. Bold Brow Kit by Anastasia Beverly Hills. This customizable brow starter set can only be found at ULTA Beauty and for the record, I absolutely love it!

2. They're Real! Push-Up Eye Liner by Benefit Cosmetics and Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara by CLINIQUE. These two products work great together as a pair. I adore this matte, lash-hugging, gel eye liner pen; and as a matter of fact, it's the first of its kind. Believe me, your lashes will be to die for!

3. Contour Kit by Anastasia Beverly Hills. I use this product to create soft contouring lines for a seamlessly natural look and feel. I sculpt and define my natural features with this collectable contouring set by applying it on top of liquid foundation and then adding a translucent setting powder to finish and thoroughly blend lines. Perfection! 

4. Cream Lip Stain by SEPHORA COLLECTION. Color 01 Always Red. OMG! I fell in love with this matte lip stain by Sephora which is long-lasting dynamic color that goes on smooth and finishes silky and lightweight. I guarantee that it will stay on all night my pretty!
 

Its been pretty hectic in Louisiana for the past two weeks; jammed packed with my husband being in town, working two jobs, preparing devil eggs for a friend's baby shower, making sure my son is on track, along with  job fairs and job interviews. Whew... I am just catching my breath here, but this only marks the beginning of the journey I am about to take. And I am really excited about it! Hope can be a real game changer. It can override fear and this knowledge is truly a beautiful thing. So many great opportunities can happen when you cancel out fear and replace it with optimism and hope. I am undoubtedly blessed and I am extremely thankful. I have noticed in myself and also in others that we, at most times, try to fit into or live the status quo. However, what is really heartbreaking is the fact that people miss their blessings trying to fit in with the world and the ideas it creates. I have let go of what I think I want in a career in order to accept what the Creator has for me because I trust my God. I have realized, in this moment, that I am more than what I do. 

In good spirit I want to share a few links I love. I hope you enjoy them!

Take care of you,
Alicia

Susan Miller's Astrology Zone I read Susan's forecasts and blog several times a month. I absolutely love her attitude and her spirit. She is so uplifting and motivational! (www.susanmiller.com)

Kayture I found Kristina Bazan by accident. She is the creative mind and founder of the Kayture Fashion Blog. Not only is she beautiful. She is impressively young. I love her work! (www.kayture.com)

Super Vaidosa Camila Coelho is a Brizilian native living in New York who I found on Instagram a few years ago. She blogs about beauty, fashion and fitness. She is truly fun to watch, being that she creates a lot of YouTube videos for her followers! (www.camilacoelho.com)

Studio 404 Angela is a graphic artist who is the editor and designer of Studio 404 and co-owner of a brand strategies studio called Sevenality. The image in this blog post is some of her work! (www.studio-404.com)

I was asked after my last post; "What does the fall beauty & makeup trends have in store for us this season?" So, here they are!

May you be inspired my pretties...

Smooches,
-AMA