I had an "epiphany" that the world is a beautiful place filled with love and a tremendous amounts of joy to share. King cake brings that kind of joy and fellowship to the people in New Orleans every year at Mardi Gras time. It marks the time right before the spring equinox, which many spiritualist believe to be the true beginning of the New Year, where hibernation from the winter's cold weather ends and rest restores the body to begin a new season of production. By now, the majority of individuals should have solidified their intentions for the new year. Mardi Gras is a celebration of the year's past; what we've learned and what we've created. However, it's also a time of excitement for what's to come because in the end we are all creators just as God, who has made us in his image.

January 6th signifies the beginning of King cake season which is no mistake. It's considered to be the day of the "epiphany", also known as the showing of Jesus to the three wise men, that follows the twelfth night of Christmas. This is the reason for the symbolization of the baby that is found in King cakes. If you find the baby (Jesus) in your piece of King cake, than you celebrate his showing by throwing the next party or bringing the next king cake to share in fellowship... It's that beautiful! Mardi Gras is a celebration of God. We eat, drink and be marry in the gift that we were given. Then we fast and pray, in order to be more like the creator, and create something just as beautiful that can be of great service to the world. Love is a powerful thing wouldn't you say! If you ever just stop and observe the way King cake causes joy, you will began to understand the life and legacy of Jesus Christ. In his mighty name we will be healed one piece of King's cake at a time.

In my celebration of God and his many blessings in my life I decided to gather with my family and take a survey of three King cakes that I truly enjoyed this year.

This is a traditional king cake. It was a favorite among the small children of my family who participated. It was soft with a nice texture to it. The flavor was mild, of course cinnamon, and the icing was the best part. Haydel's won best in taste. There is something unique that Haydel's do every year. They place small collectible editions of themed dolls in every box of king cake since 1990. This is an awesome way to create memories. Price point: $$, 15.32 with tax included. 

Sucre's selection is also considered to be a traditional king cake. It was my personal favorite and it is made for the ultimate sweet lover. It was soft, very moist and doughy. It didn't unfortunately take home any honorable mention. Price point: $$$, 26.21 with tax included. 

This king cake is so far from non-traditional, but was absolutely delicious in its own way. Éclair Délicieux is one of it's kind and I have never had one quit like this. It was filled with eclair creme and topped with fresh fruit, winning best in presentation and over all. Price point: $$$$, 45

Valentine's day was a beautiful day to love yourself. I bought myself all of the things a Valentines should, a big soft and cuddly bear, lingerie, bath and body works, chocolate and wine. I lit a fire and had my niece over to document the gesture of self-love. There was only one thing that I forgot, which was the most important to me.. to burn a bay leaf with the phrase "fear of rejection" written on it. I am wondering now if this could be the reason I am struggling emotional.  It is said that if you write on a bay leaf what you want to release or let go,  then burn it, is a powerful ritual in manifesting a desired reality by unblocking your mind from limiting beliefs. I missed the chance that night, yet today is another perfect opportunity that will not go unmissed.

There are people who will claim they want to love you, but there will never be anyone who can love you the way God and you yourself can love you. It's only a choice away.. Love yourself flawless.

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!
 

Back rubs
And Sunsets
Love from your lover
Silk panties
Wild nights
Passionate sex

Tonight's a dream
Full of fantasy

You're naked
I'm donned in leather
Ready to beat you
For your transgressions

You're a sinner
I'm your redeemer
Bow and kiss my feet

Yeah, Daddy
Just like that

What did you say
I can't hear you

Yes...
​I'm your Queen

-Alicia Monique Adewumi