Beauty Q&A with Daily Glow.com

http://www.dailyglow.com/blogs/bings-beauty-bag/nikki-leonti-of-nikki-rich-reveals-her-beauty-secrets

Nikki & RIch Feat..FAB

Listen to our New Single

"City Lights"

Featuring Fabolous

http://bit.ly/97eajm

Muzic...

At what point do you throw in the towel? At what point is dream chasing like the tornado chasing guys and people look at you and think "give this up, it's doing you no good". Music is a crazy thing right now. It's very formulated and there is not much room for what doesn't blend into the ideals of what radio stations today are playing. Which seems odd to me. I am constantly hearing people talk about this need for REAL music and REAL change. The music I most enjoy has never seen the light of day on radio, nor have most people ever heard of. But it affected my life in huge ways and I idolize it as some do Lady Gaga. Someone told me recently big voiced singers are just not hot anymore. The days of Mariah runs are way out. And I agree to a point. It seems if you can auto tune a vocal to a well written pop song with a catchy beat then you have a hit. And I am in no way hating those who have successful careers without vocal ability. If I could push a button and have some hits and retire with a hit auto tune song then sign me up. I think?

Then I look at some friends and people around me and I think truly you are one song away from where you need to be. 6 months can bring some of life's biggest changes. I hate to use examples but my friend Bonnie Mckee has always been talented. She has always written great songs and has always had a beautiful voice. This last month she has had 3 #1 hits. With Katy Perry and Taio Cruz. This girl is now the one to write with. Bonnie put in the hard work and deserves all the success.

I remember when Bruno Mars was hanging up at Rich's studio writing with him last year. In a years time time he is all over the place.

Great things happen. They will happen. When you give up you never see the amazing things that will be. And I am sure many people you see have stories of up's and downs.

But I am trying to learn that I need to change how I personally measure success. Do I only need number #1's to be successful? Although I would love that, I don't think that is the answer. I have to go back to the artists that have inspired me the most in my life....Tommy Sims, Marc Broussard, Brandi Carlisle...etc etc. Have they had #1 hits?? no....Do I think they are the most crazy talented/inspiring artists....yes! So, if you inspire people in any way... I feel you have become successful. Sometimes it doesn't reach the masses. But sometimes in one persons head you have truly changed and formed how they write and sing their own music...That is a beautiful thing.

Nail color :)

Try Essie Ballet Slippers. One of my faves and I hear a favorite of Kim K and other gals in H-wood.

Does Biotin work?

I decided to give Biotin a go. I wanted my hair to grow a little faster now that I have banned my head from ever using extensions again!!! They are too pricey and honestly not comfortable. On top of that it takes the best of the best to make them look real. I also have horribly brittle nails. They do no not grow and they peel in layers. So 5 weeks ago I stared using this biotin. It's a little too soon to tell if my hair has grown or not. My bangs seem to have gotten much longer. The real huge change was in my nails!! For the first time in years my nails are hard and growing. They don't peel and I can file and polish them. I would say this product is worth it for my nails alone!!!

Doggie Love

We went to lunch today and found a pet adoption drive happening on the Corner of Ventura and Laurel Canyon. They had the sweetest rescue dogs! Make sure to always rescue animals before paying loads at a pet store! The sweet lady takes multiple dogs into her home and at their center until they find homes. I met a sweet dog named Wilbur who was about to be put to sleep before they rescued him.

Check out their site www.pryorsplanet.com

Someone please take Wilbur!!!!!

I would but our boxer would eat him alive.....

Grreeeeeeen

For those of you who don't read every fashion magazine like I do GREEN is very hot right now (The olive army green). I bought these Jbrand jeans and I love them. I actually bought them this spring/summer. But the green color is what to wear this fall/winter. I needed some green gear so I actually went to a consignment store to get some little jackets. Its great to do because fads don't last too long. I will splurge on a piece or two and grab a few things from consignment.

FINALLY!

I have been on a mission to find the most effective organic deodorant. It's hard to find. Well, after much time and experimentation I found one that really works. TRY IT! Stop using the other stuff. My health store guy told me last week that there are 2 cancer sticks, the one you smoke and the one you use under your arms. Stop putting chemicals in your body and make a change today!!

LOVE IT!

Does your hair take 10 hours to dry like mine?? Well my hairstylist to the stars recommended this Enjoy Intensive hair/skin oil. It is awesome and does not leave hair oily at all. I tend to hold oil very easily and this product is amazing. I don't apply to my scalp but a few inches down and to the ends. My hair dries so much faster and looks healthier. It cuts my blow dry time in half. I also use all the other ENJOY products as well. And the best thing...you can find this in some of your local drugstores. The guys that do my hair have done just about everybody! And this is the choice for them. I get nothing for this...just the satisfaction of my thick haired friends having more time to put makeup on instead of hurting your arms with the dryer.

FAB!!!

Okay, call me crazy. A few months ago my incredible hair guy dropped his hair things in my outside area by accident. It was too dark to find so we left it. The next day I found it and to my surprise he told me to just keep it. It was the most incredible thing a thick haired girl could asked for. Drum roll please..... The AS SEEN ON TV "INSTYLER". Folks, I use this every single day. It makes really nice loose curls that actually hold in my hair. If you have an unruly, coarse, think hair like me you will LOVE it.

Things I love...

I love it when happy couples take pictures of eachother. I think it is such a sign of admiration when the one you love takes the time to capture you in a light that brings them joy.

Hugo Naturals

Natural Deodorant

Try the Hugo Naturals sea fennel & passionflower deodorant. I finally stopped using regular deodorant because of the horrible effects of aluminum. It actually has been working. I do carry it with me just in case. You might need to reapply later in the day. It is worth it just knowing your doing something good and safe for your body!!!! Try it!

Coconut Water

I have been addicted to coconut water. I have had 2 a day. I only drink it right out of the coconut. I'm telling you my skin has been getting more clear and I have more energy. Also been doing a daily shot of the E3Live. It is also amazing and I recommend it for energy and clarity!!

CNN

Had a fun day at the CNN studios doing a lovely interview. Did several radio/magazine interviews and learned more about myself and Rich. I hope I never sound like I have answered the same question a hundred times when I have. Anyway, it was fun day!

Happy Birthday My Sweet Sister

I didn't think my sister turning 18 would effect me as much as it has. It's so crazy to think I was at the hospital holding her and soooo excited to throw it in my brothers face that it was a girl and not a boy. My brother and I said prayers out loud everyday before school. He would pray for a boy and I would pray for a girl. So I felt like I had the direct connect and God was a little closer to me. I won't say how many years....but when you have a younger sister it's hard to connect when your a teen and she is watching Bobby's world. I didn't realize the connection we had till much later on. I remember my sweet sister took it the hardest when I decided to pursue my dreams and move to Nashville at 18 years old. Now today she is 18!!!! wow wow wow. I am in denial.

So my sweet Devin...I love you so much. I love every moment with you. You always make me laugh. I miss our slumber parties. Your so beautiful and have the world ahead of you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

UGH!

I have been so excited about this trip to London and ended up stuck in bed. I actually slept for 16 hours yesterday. I think my body needed rest from jet lag. I am not equipped for time changes. I'm starting to feel better this evening....but everyone else is tuckered out from having fun. Oh the irony. Anyway, that's all.

Makeup tip!

I have had a fantastic makeup artist in this London trip. She has used this "Lucas Papaw ointment" as my base lip balm. It is intended for cuts, burns and chapped skin but it makes a fantastic lip balm.It is made of papaya. It is natural and free of carcinogens unlike other balms which she said can actually cause you to be addicted to putting your lip gloss on!! I sometimes feel I have to constantly reapply even when I already have lipgloss on. So anyway, if you haven't already tried it pick some up.

MTV

I have always wanted to hold the MTV microphone!! We had a great time today. Saw some beautiful sights in London. My feet are killing me. I have a dinner in 2 hours so I am going to take a nap :)

Wow!!!!

Well, I am sitting in my hotel this morning a little overwhelmed. I had such an amazing/exhausting evening last night. Rich and I had the opportunity to perform at "The Hospital" in London. For as long as I can remember I dreamed of the time when I would go to Europe to perform. So it was a bit surreal. The jet lag is the worst I have experienced in my life!!! For some reason I can't seem to sleep this trip. But in the middle of wanting to pass out I have to keep reminding myself how blessed I am.

We had a dinner with many of the international rep's from Warner Bros after the show. It's insane to talk about future trips to Australia, Italy, France, Finland, Spain, and Rich's favorite rep from Amsterdam. :)

I have been doing the music hustle for a while now. I have to say that oddly enough it is a weird transition to not wake up every morning and wonder what your going to do that day to be a step closer to having a label deal. At first I didn't know what to do with myself. The pressure of knowing music was my only option to succeed in life and I didn't have a back up plan kept me on my toes. It is the craziest feeling to take a deep breath and know you have all these amazing people working on your behalf. You never know how it will play out, but you feel at peace knowing your not the only one making calls and plans.

So I am sitting in my hotel chair listening to Robin Thicke's amazing new record...(Side note: check it out! Rich produced on it and I was honored to write on a song with Rich & Robin). I'm having my hair and makeup done for a full day of meetings, photo's & MTV!!!! woah! It's just crazy folks.

Don't ever give up on your dreams. It may not happen in the timing that is perfect for you....but it happens when your ready. I truly believe if you go after something 100% and don't give up, you will see that your work will not go without reward. I dont even have a record out yet. I don't even know what will happen when it does come out. You hope for the best and that people will also enjoy your work. But I must say in all honesty, my biggest fear used to be not having a chance. My dreams were never to be famous and rich. My dreams were to have the opportunity to try. I feel like I can let go now and know whatever happens will happen. I am just blessed to have a shot.

When I sit here I can't help but feel thankful. I think back to sleeping on any open couch, singing at casinos 4 hours a night doing top 40 hits, eating Ramen noodles, living with Mom & Dad again, being told I was a nut and it was time to find a real job and stop wasting time....now I say...Thank God for all of it. It's all in the journey. The appreciation that comes in the subtle affirmations of kind hearts, the undeserving mindset you have when someone takes the time to get you ready, the anticipation and excitement of a future that is unknown and hopeful are all direct results of being in humble circumstances that might embarrass you in the moment and challenge you. But It's only in the fire that you can be refined.

I was challenged this week by my partner in crime (Rich). Oddly enough for as handsome as the guy is he has the greatest advice to give and wisdom above and beyond what I think he even knows he has. We were talking about the idea that because you have worked so hard you feel deserving and entitled to having success. And as much as you feel you have worked for something you should always walk through it with a spirit of humility and grace. Your mind can go to a place where you feel "I deserve this! I worked hard!!" But he reminded me of all of us as a whole. So many people work their whole lives and never get a break. Some people can't find reprieve from difficult circumstances. So having an attitude of appreciation no matter how hard you've worked or what you've sacrificed is the only way to go.

If you have made it through all this rambling, I thank you. I just feel so Thankful this morning.

All my love to everyone.

Nikki

Lip PLumping in London

 

  So, I decided to experiment with a Duty-Free purchase of lip plumper. I was in the NY duty free on my way to London and saw Sovage Instant Lip plumper serum. I have decent sized lips but every girl likes an extra pout. It cost's $25 at duty free. Which I feel they are always slightly overpriced on everything to make up for being tax free. 

Well Rich and I are in London. We were hanging out and I look horrible from jet lag so I asked him to be the guinea pig for the Sovage lip plumper. 

The verdict: It gives a nice tint from pulling  blood to your lip surface. Rich thinks it's plump-tastic. For a few minutes. I wouldn't recommend if you really want drastic change. For a nice shade and short term color its good.

Nikki :)