#NoJustice For Killing Of Mike Brown

Last night the decision from the Ferguson Grand Jury was to not indict Officer Darren Wilson for the murder of Michael Brown. Last night, I sat and watched Prosecutor McCulloch ramble on about the inconsistencies of testimony and how the physical evidence  supported Officer Wilson's story. As the prosecutor began talking, I knew in my gut that the grand jury had no intentions on indicting Officer Wilson. 

Tension grew even higher during the prosecutors speech as police cruisers stormed the peaceful streets as people were still shocked and quiet about the decision that was made. I watched for as long as I could, knowing a riot was soon to break out. And low and behold, its exactly what happened.

You know, I really wasn't surprised to hear the decision. This justice system, the system created by the government well before Black People had Civil Rights, was not built to protect us. The system didn't fail us because it was never built for us. There's a war going on and its on our young black men. But my question is: Where are our Black Leaders?

I've heard that people now want to boycott Black Friday. Which I have no problem with, but boycotting one day doesn't ignite change. When unions go on strike, they go on strike until the change has happened. Until they're demands are met. So if you're going to boycott shopping on Black Friday, boycott shopping for the whole Holiday season. Boycott shopping all together until they feel the pain that our community felt with last nights decision. 

If you want some change, be about that change. But let's no just react without thinking, because that's what they're expecting us to do anyway.

My prayers go out to the Brown Family during this Holiday season.

They're Back Aca-Bitches!!!

So anyone who knows me, knows I absolutely love the movie Pitch Perfect. There's a special place in my heart for all musicals, especially RENT. And yes, I'm aware that Pitch Perfect isn't a musical, nor does it come anywhere close to RENT or even some of the greatest musicals out there.

But after just seeing this trailer, my day has completely been made. Although from the looks of this trailer, it may not be as funny as the first movie. Wouldn't be the first sequel to not live up to the first. I'll still be at the movies to see it when it comes out in May 2015. Check out the trailer below.

Oh and BTW, I don't know how many of you are Hunger Game fans. But this girl here shall be in the theater 30 mins before the movie starts!

Fall iN

Fall iN by lavender-blonde-stephenson featuring versace boots

Forever 21 sweat top
forever21.com

Martin Grant ballerina skirt
boutique1.com

Versace boots
forwardforward.com

Brooks Brothers crossbody shoulder bag
brooksbrothers.com

Sun...Moon...Stars

A night where beautiful life is real

The mathematic to acting still

The unfamiliar the warm embrace

The family ties and the stranger's face

The lighting thunder, the power steed

The what it is and the what is believed

The strong connection's desire to need

The waking now or the moment to dream

The laugh, the murmur, the moan, and the scream

The voice of reason somewhere in between

The one and all the me and the we

The I and the thou and the thee

A man, a design, a child of the streets

The daily chore, the impossible feat

The drum the chorus phenomenal beat

Easy to touch and the harder to reach

The sweetest fruit in the top of the tree

The sun the moon the stars and the breeze

I'm coming to it, and it's coming to me 

I'm getting ready

-Yasin Bey (Mos Def)

Is #TeamNatural Only For The Black Community?

I recently watched a video of a live discussion Huffington Post hosted on whether the Natural Movement is exclusive to only black women. I thought it was a very good discussion including not just black women, but a white woman was on the panel as well.

I personally would not feel comfortable agreeing that the Natural Movement is exclusive to only black women. We praise all women with naturally curly/kinky/coily hair. Many times we praise women of a mixed race on their natural hair state. So is the bigger issue about whether natural hair exclusive to black women, or just not including white women? If we say its exclusive to black women only, then don't we exclude all women of color? That includes any woman that doesn't have the African American/Black heritage. I don't really think that's fair.

My parents are both of mixed race. Hell, if you go down my families ancestry tree, you may find more Caucasian then black. My mom, a Jamaican born woman, has very very light skin and very fine curly hair. Her mom is from a Scottish decent and her dad from an Irish decent. And btw, my mom is not natural. She's still using that creamy crack. But if my mom had decided to stop using chemicals to straighten her hair. She would be embraced right?

I feel like the main purpose for woman going natural is to have healthier hair. If I were to make a poll, I think that would be most women's number 1 reason for going natural. Why can't white women make the same decision and let everyone know they're natural? Their hair would be in a natural state right?

I agree with both sides of the spectrum. We as women of color should have more exclusive safe havens to discuss our own personal beauty issues. But at the same token, why can't we as women just stand together and be a part of the same community for once.

Check out the video for yourself, it's definitely a good watch.




What is your opinion? Do you think The Natural Hair Movement should be exclusive?

W Mag's Mood Board: Rihanna Edition

W Magazine and Rihanna both just gave me life after looking at the Mood Board W Magazine has for Rihanna. To say her editorials are amazing is an understatement. She looks absolutely gorgeous in these pics and can definitely stand out on her with two model icons, Naomi Campbell and Iman. Check out the W Mag Mood Board here.

50 Shades of Grey Official Trailer

So as I was doing my daily web surfing.  I decided to stop past Highsnobiety, only to look on the side and this link. I actually wasn't quite sure that this was real. There was a few buzz about this movie coming out, but I haven't heard much about it since.

But to my surprise, the movie is set to come out Valentine's Day 2015. If any of you were a fan of this sexy and controversial trilogy, then you're just as excited as I am to see this book come to life.  Check the trailer below:

Product Review: Hairfinity

Morning! I know I've been neglecting you guys for the past couple of weeks. We're gonna blame this on my never ending work schedule. Now let's digress...

A little over a month ago, I ordered a bottle of Hairfinity that everyone has been gushing over. At first I was super excited to receive my new package of hair supplemental vitamins. Maybe a week after taking the pills, I straightened my hair, after a 6 month heat free hiatus, and needed my ends trimmed badly. I knew once I got the trim, I wasn't going to be able to do a length check. But I still figured I would see a difference in other ways, like less shedding and thickness.

My Trim after 6 month hiatus :(

Let's just say, I wasn't too happy about any of the results that I wasn't seeing. My hair is still shedding the same amount and my hair really doesn't feel any thicker. Now I know what you are all thinking, I have to give it more than a month. But fact of the matter is, I know my hair! My hair grows pretty quickly with supplements. My hair is very thick and definitely sheds more than I would like. But if you offer a 1 month trail, I expect to see some type of results after 1 month.

Needless to say, I won't be ordering another bottle.

Now please don't let this stray you away from ordering this product. As we all know in the natural hair world, what works for me might not work for you...and vice versa. If you've really been thinking about trying out this product, then I say try it for yourself and I really hope you all have better results than I did.

Icon Alert: Kerry Washington

After looking at so many BET Award Fashion Fails, the person who stood out the most to me was Kerry Washington. Reason behind this, she always looks GORGEOUS! Every red carpet moment she has graced she looks very well put together. I've always believed the sometimes less is MORE. Kerry has graced us at every event with picture worthy gowns and looks that I can't help but give her a bit of shine today. Here are a few of my favorite Red Carpet looks by Ms. Washington.

Out With The Old!

Bad habits die hard and we all have bad habits, some worse than others. But nonetheless, we all have some habits that we might want to change. When do you decide it's time to change that habit? Is it once you've decided to that you really want to do something else? Is it when you realized, maybe this habit can hurt you in the future? Whenever you decide its time to change your not so healthy habit to healthier habits, here are some ways to help with that process.

1. Deciding The Habit

Your first step to changing your habit, is first deciding which habit you would like to change. Think about how realistic this change is and how important this change is to you. Knowing what it is you want to change and how hard this change may be for you, will give you a better understanding of how to go about changing this habit.

2. Making A Realistic Goal

Now that you have identified the habit. Let's make a realistic goal. It's easy for someone to say I want to drink more water everyday. But think about the habit and then think about how long it might actually take for you to do this habitually. Like maybe you want to stop smoking. Great! Now think about how long it will realistically take you to stop smoking.

3. Choosing A Date To Begin

Choosing a date is very important! Look at the calendar, decide which day of the week and/or month where you decide to just go ahead and begin this change. Mark the date on your calendar, in your smartphone, and whatever else you may use on a daily basis. Then set a reminder, so you don't forget.

4. Just Do It

I know this may sound cliche. But really just do it! No excuses, no pushing it back. Make that change!

We should all strive for a healthier lifestyle. Find your unhealthy vice and get rid of it. For me it's sugar. But with the rate of diabetes being diagnosed because of a less than healthy eating habits, I've had to reevaluate how much my sugar intake was and reduce. And just stick with being a healthier me. I encourage everyone to do the same!

Maya Angelou: Legend, Author, Activist

Maya Angelou passes at age of 86 and leaves behind a life full of inspirational quotes, poems, and books. A big staple in the black community and black women. From Why the Caged Bird Sings to Phenomenal Woman. This Renaissance woman has led the empowerment of black woman and encouraged black people to rise above the stereotypes and to love ourselves and one another for the way we are. I could go on and on about all the accomplishments and what she has done for our community. Maya Angelou maybe gone today, but her voice will forever live.

Kim K Does It Again

I know all weekend all the blogs have been talking about the big wedding between Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. But can we take a second to talk about her dress!

There were many speculations about what this dress may look like. And a couple of wishes for what people would like to see her in. Well the secretive wait was well deserving. I absolutely LOVE her wedding dress. I think it was very elegant and sexy in the right places. Kim being known for showing off her assets, found the perfect way to display and cover up all of her assets. Can we say chic, couture, and FABULOUS!

Back to Basics

Recently I decided I was going to go back to my basic hair regimen. A regimen that included going to back to black. So Sunday I dyed my hair back to black and used Flexi Rods to try to achieve heat less curls. Let's just say it was another FAIL. For some reasoning I cannot get my roots to smooth onto the rods. I'll be trying to figure that out soon, but I had to use some creative thinking use one of Mackenzie's head bands (completely too big for her head).

Reasoning for dying my hair: My hair seems to thrive when its black. In most of my older pics, my black hair was always rich, stayed moisturized, and was so healthy. Crazy thing is, black is not my natural hair color. I have a sandy brown mix and it does my hair no justice. Peep my old but new look below:

The LWD

Forget the Little Black Dress! This spring and summer its all about the Little White Dress. Find the best way to express yourself and break those pesky all white rules and choose a great look to collab with a perfect white dress. I love neutral colors, but sometimes I need to break out of my own way and use some great color. For me patterns are a definite yes! Here are 3 of my LWD styles:

Alexander McQueen white mini dress / Sophia Webster lace up shoes / J W Anderson red leather purse / ALDO stud earring set / Anne Klein charm jewelry 

Helmut Lang mini dress / Zara shoes / Gypsy05 coin purse / La Mer coral jewelry / Zarah Voigt gold earrings, $82 / Lime Crime lipstick / Matte lipstick / Marc Jacobs fragrance

Miss Selfridge cutout bodycon dress / Alexander Wang leather sandals / What Goes Around Comes Around handbag / Black diamond jewellery / Diamond jewelry, $42 / Lips makeup

Balancing Relationships and Me time

Often in relationships we tend to become very consumed with our significant other. From relationships ups and personal conflicts, we forget about the other important aspects in our life. Signs you may be caught up could come from complaining girlfriends to loss of interest in your own hobbies.  It may be time to catch up on some “me” time.

Go to the Spa.

Nothing says you’re enjoying some me time by planning a day at the spa. All girls like to get pampered. Call up one of your friends and set date. This is a great time to release some of those stressors you’ve been

carrying and catch up on some girl talk.

Pick up a Hobby.

If you’re left wondering what you like doing without your boo; try new things. Maybe there was something you really enjoyed doing before this relationship and you haven’t done it in a while. If you’re looking for some new things, check out sites like Groupon or LivingSocial. Sites like these always have new things in your area for a discounted price. Hey nothing beats a deal!

Create a Workout Regimen.

Working out has been proven to not just improve your health, but improve your mood. Create a workout regimen during the week and stick to it. It’ll lighten your mood and give you some much needed personal time to think and your clear your head.

Create a Girl’s Night.

Try leaving out one night a week that works for you and your friends and do something different. If you’re not a big club person (like me), find something that you all will enjoy doing. Go to the movies, to dinner, or maybe just create a night that’s at a different friend’s house each week.

Hair Care.

Don’t forget that “me” time also includes caring for your hair. Try a new hairstyle or maybe new products. Decide whether the current regimen you are using is working and if not try something else. Maybe it’s time for a trim. Make sure that you are picking at least one day to take care of your hair needs.

Remember, all things need balance. The time spent with your significant other, your friends, and time spent with yourself is important. But without balance, someone’s missing out.

Finger Coil Fail

So I've tried to put finger coils in my hair twice now. And each time has been an Epic Fail. Luckily, I was able to fix it with an impromptu updo for the day. 

Once I have figured out a regimen for achieving the finger coil without my roots shrinking under the coil, I'll post the results of that. 

In the meantime, I think I may have to use Rods for my heatless curls.

10 Fashion Trends for This Summer

 Now that spring has officially sprung, summer is just right around the corner. I think it’s safe to say that we have now entered the 90’s…again.  There are a lot of styles coming back that just a couple years ago probably would have thought twice about wearing again.  But that’s not the only thing making its round again. We still have our beloved Boho Chic styles and some definite must haves for our closets.

Top and Bottom at  Topshop

1. Matching Tops and Bottoms

This style has definitely made its way back around looking better than before. With prints to die for and colors that could still go with anyone’s sense of style. You might see a lot more of these walking the streets.

Clean Slate Blazer at NastyGal

                 

2. Long Blazers

Blazers of course are always in style, but we may see them hang just a bit lower than the normal waist or hip blazers. This can paired with pretty much anything. A great pair of distressed denims or a great pair of shorts to take your day look to an evening style.

All Torn Up Boyfriend Jeans at NastyGal

3. Boyfriend Jeans

I love a good pair of boyfriend jeans. With them being so versatile, you can pair them with some relaxed shoes, white chucks are also a must for this summer. They can also be paired with a cute pair of ballet flats or some heels for a more girly look.

A-line Print Mini at Topshop

4. Bright Prints

Bright and colorful prints are also a must have this summer and a great way to brighten any look.

Picture Courtesy of WhoWhatWear

5. Mixed Prints

Mixing prints and different patterns were once a Fashion Taboo. If you haven’t already, you may see more this as we no longer need to abide by this rule. I mean rules are meant to be broken…right?

Tropical V Bralet at TopShop

6. Crop Tops

Another must have, Crop Tops will definitely be one of the biggest trends this summer. Crop Tops can be paired with almost anything. And if you don’t have washboard flat abs, don’t worry high waisted shorts or skorts (yes I said skorts) and a blazer will allow you to wear this style without worrying about the presence of stomach.

Lace Shorts at H&M

7. Lace Shorts

Lace is here for the summer. Great for festivals or out for the day looks. This speaks to my inner Bohemian Heart and can be worn with pretty much anything.

Tall Gladiator Sandals at ShoeDazzle

8. Tall Gladiator Sandals

Trending this summer are Tall Gladiator Sandals, you may even seem some Gladiator Heels. Wear this style with anything mini to make a statement with this shoe.

Birkenstocks

9. Birkenstocks

Not known as being a very fashionable shoe, you will definitely see this a lot this summer. I always say, sometimes you just need a hint of something not so cute to make an outfit complete.

White Chucks

10. White Chucks

Last  but not least, a Summer Necessity (I thought I told y’all already)! You can’t go wrong with a classic pair of chucks. Need I say more?

Product Review: Aussie Moist Conditioner

So I'm sure there are plenty of reviews on Aussie Moist Conditioner, but I don't care I'm just gonna give you another one lol. Oh by the way, I've changed my washngo regimen thanks to Bianca Alexa. She's been the only person I've been able to find with a similar curl pattern. Check out her YouTube video on her washngo routine. 

So I decided I wanted to use a different conditioner. I've been really hung up on using a Natural Hair product but it's kinda hurting my pockets so I needed a change. Besides I did some research on the ingredients in some products and compared them, they pretty much have the same ingredients minus maybe a different type of oil extract used. Nonetheless, I bought Aussies Moist Conditioner (I wanted Tressemes Natural Conditioner). 

Monday morning I did my washngo routine. I was pleases with the slip of the conditioner which helped detangle. Overall my hair came out pretty good except for the crunchy curls I was left with. 

A friend of mine suggested using an oil after my hair has dried to see if my curls get soft. And she was correct. My hair feels and looks awesome on Day 2 ( I like day 2 hair anyway). Look at the results.

Question: What's your washngo regimen and how do you get pillow soft curls without the Ms. Jessie's price?

Trimming a Child's Hair?

So after doing my own trim, I've been thinking about whether I should trim Mackenzie's now. I know she's only 1 but I can see the ends needing a trim. 

My thoughts we're why wouldn't I care for her hair completely like I do my own. I've done some research and I'm completely comfortable with trimming her hair without feeling guilty. 

Right now Mackenzie has her hair in cornrows but when I'm ready to wash I'll finger detangle with coconut oil and trim before washing.

Wish me luck!

Trimming Time

Hey Naturals! This is my very first post from my blogger app so bare with me!

So this morning I had a real hair struggle. I waited too long to wash my hair to my liking and then there was nothing I could do this morning to make my hair act right. It was then that I realized I really needed to trim my ends. 

So after going thru the day with my hair struggle. I got my hair clips and hair scissors and did some trimming. Before actually trimming my ends I put my hair in 4 sections. This allowed me to focus on smaller sections of my hair while keeping the rest out of the way. 

I then twisted my hair, while dry. This allowed me to get a better look at where to trim so I'm getting the split ends. I didn't take out the twist. I still had to make sure I didn't put already trimmed hair in a twist with untrimmed hair. 

You're still following me right? Ok, good!

So at this point, I've completely twisted all sections of my hair and removed all split ends that I could see. 

How did I know it was time to trim my ends? 

Well, let's see...I completely moisturized my hair this morning with a leave in, oil, and styling cream. Honestly, I've never had to use so much moisturizer after washing and I still didn't get the results. My ends looked trashy and raggedy. Yes I said raggedy. There were only two reasons for me why my ends looked this way. 1. The color of my hair(I'll explain in a min) and 2. My ends needed trimming. 

Now why the color? My hair right now is my natural brown with honey blonde highlights. After a while I always noticed that my hair doesn't like lighter colors, even my natural light hair and begins to look dry. My daughter has the same problem....Sorry Summer! 

For years I would dye my hair black because my hair never looked dry with black. I know summer is coming, but I may have to go back to black. But for now, I've trimmed and ready to see my hair go back to normal. 

With that being said. Women please don't forget to trim your ends. You may not need to go every 3-4 months, but you should at least watch for the signs for when it may be time. 

My next steps will be finger detangling and dusting my ends. For a great video on that check out Bianca Alexa's YouTube channel on how she completes this process before washing. 

Goodnight Ladies!

Have We Forgotten About Relisha?

With as fast as news spreads and a story only getting its real 15 minutes. It leaves me puzzled that a story about a homeless girl missing and has yet to be found. For weeks, this story was in headlines about this young girl and dreadful life she lived in a DC homeless shelter. But the moment the police have no more leads I felt like this story was put to rest. 

There are thousands, if not millions of children that go missing and don't get a shed of light on the fact that they are. I know this story is a bit off subject as to my normal post but this hits a bit close to home for me. I'm a mother and I live in the DC area. It bothers me how things were handled with this case, from the parent of young Relisha to the system in which we place our trust into to take care of our children. 

From the beginning, things this story felt a bit fishy. No one was made aware of this little girl's disappearance until weeks after she was missing. An Amber Alert was sent out, but not to the entire east coast. The relatives never questioned an older man's interest in a little girl. The public never sought to help this family even after numerous complaints to Social Services about the welfare of not just Relisha, but her brothers as well. Relisha's cheerleading coach had the best answer as to who failed Relisha...everyone. 

Children give us signs of mistreatment and neglect. When children don't want to be with their moms, there's problem. When they don't want to go home, there's a problem. Why didn't anyone take the time to investigate this child's life before she went missing? As a mom, I will always question the interest of not just a man but of an adult as a whole. This man was not a teacher, a coach, a doctor, or a counselor. Clearly, we've known the statement is true: You can't judge a book by its cover. So how was this taken so lightly. 

To answer my number one question, the community hasn't quite forgotten about Relisha. But I think maybe one to many people have. My prayers go out to this little girl, wherever she may be. May she be returned to the ones who truly love and care about her.

Post Wash & Detox Day

Morning Curlys! So last post I recently expressed me starting a new health week. Sunday started this week for me of course. Which was great since it's also my Wash Day. In the morning after drinking my morning tea, I drank two 16 oz bottles of water in my Mason Jar with sliced cucumbers, oranges, and lemons. The reason I used these fruits and vegetables are for the health benefits they give. 

• Cucumbers-Have a great deal of health benefits for hair, skin, and internal organs. They help reduce the risk of many cancers, help promote urination from your kidneys, and contain dietary fibers which help the elimination of toxins in your body.
• Lemons-Also a Power Fruit, helps boost your immune system. Helps with cleansing your body, and contains many nutrients like Vitamin C and Potassium. Also for is a great aid to losing weight and cutting out the consumption of caffeine. 
• Oranges-Have pretty much the same benefits as Lemons. They help promote weight lost, contains Vitamin C, and with the antioxidants in oranges they help keep the balance in your nutrition. This fruit also helps with the prevention of Cancer. And controls your heartbeat and blood sugar.

Sunday was the only day I drank this water with the cucumbers, but I am still only drinking water with orange and lemon slices. And so far I have not had anything else to drink but water! This is a big deal for me. I can drink water, but of course I prefer other drinks. I read that most people drink more calories than they eat. I definitely believe I am one of these people. So this is the start to a great week!

Detox Water

Close shot of washed curls

Now Sunday is also my Wash Day and boy what a Wash Day it was. I detangled with the coconut oil and honey mix that I used on Mackenzie's hair, I also added a bit of Olive Oil to help lock in some moisture. I then washed of course with my cleansing wash. After my regular wash and condition routine. I used Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner and let it sit for 30 mins. After rinsing, I used my go to Carol's Daughter Leave-In and SheaMoisture's Enhancing Smoothie on my flat twist. I then sealed the ends with the oil mix I made. Needless to say, when I took my hair out in the morning, my hair was super moisturized. I didn't get to take a picture of my flat twist yesterday during my morning rush. But I refreshed this morning and today you can see how much moisture my hair kept.

Flat Twist (don't mind puddie back there)

Day 2