IS IT A SHOPPING ADDICTION? OR HOARDING? WHAT DOES YOUR CLOSET LOOK LIKE?

One of women's favorite pastime ishopping. I wasn't one who grew up poor, or without. My mother always took me shopping during the summer for new school clothes. Not always the clothes that I wanted to wear, or thought was fly, but what she felt was appropriate and durable. Soon as I started earning my own money, shopping and clothes became synonymous with my free time. Whether I find the best deals, paying pennies on the dollar for clothes and accessories,  I still have a difficult time shopping based on necessity. As an  avid thrifter, I purge my overflowing, shared closet just about every month. No shame in my game, but there is a tinge of shame and an uncontrollable urge that I see in women young or old, black or white. Can you recognize if you have a problem? Do you know a hoarder, or someone who shops obsessively.  Below are some pictures of my closet before a major overhaul. Going into the year with clutter, means I go in it with chaos. Who wants that? My goal is to have an organized closet that contains only items that I ACTUALLY wear. Share your organization tips below, and share this with girlfriends who suffer with OCD of the wallet and credit cards. 

How do you control and treat this condition?

It is recommended that spending addicts seek professional counseling or a self-help group to deal with this problem. Addictive behaviors tend to come in clusters, so if you have an eating disorder, a problem with drugs or alcohol, or gambling, you may be a candidate for shopping addiction. Many communities have credit counseling centers that will also help with shopoholism.

THIS IS A REAL PICTURE OF MY CLOSET, AND NOTHING IS STAGED! NOW THAT WOULDN'T BE KEEPIN IT REAL NOW, WOULD IT ?

THIS IS THE FIRST HAUL TO THE GOODWILL TO DONATE. HAVEN'T MADE A DENT

YOUNG BLACK MOTHERS NEED TO GET IT TOGETHER

Ass poppin' little girls at a child's birthday party.!

When you read that, what goes through your head? Living miles from Oakland, CA I see the neglect of children, and the disfunction of their mothers. The statistics don't go in favor of these moms.  Seems as though they don't grasp the importance of their role as their child's teacher, and protector.  . Muchlovefromky, a youtube vlogger rants in her PSA to irresponsible young mothers who are raising today's children.  She shares some of my same frustrations.

http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhctXSIFv8BDbY9I9S

YOU'RE NOT NATURAL IF YOU WEAR WIGS

So I have been catching up on some Facebook and blog threads about weave and wig wearing natural hair women . The debate will continue and never die, just as long as there are orthodox, and intolerant people.  Vlogger PhillyDiva19154  did her  second big chop, and since, has been harassed by the OPINIONS of others. A women went as far to say " she isn't natural, but chemical-free because she dons a wig from time to time. As a vlogger who makes public their hair, fashion and diet choices people will have opinions, and take things that YOU do personally. If a woman wants to do ANYTHING different to their natural hair it's her prerogative.  The stuff that I feel like saying about the "natural hair community" may have my in an alley fighting somewhere, so I will keep it clean. There are far too many opinions and less support, which is why I started my youtube channel.  If a Black woman wants to rock a fade, twists, afro, weave, wigs, bald, or braids that's the beauty and versatility of out hair and we should all support that.   For some women it's JUST hair, and for others its much more. Like PhillyDiva says Agree to Disagree! What do you think? Is a natural hair woman still natural if she wears wigs, or is she just "chemical- free"?

CHOLESTEROL FOR YOUR HAIR, NOT YOUR HEALTH.

I've been having a love affair with thick heavy cholesterol creams for my hair.  Cholesterol conditioners have all the characteristics that I like . Cholesterols are thicker than most rinse out conditioners. They add weight to my coils, coating my hair making detangling easier for me and less stressful on my strands 4a, 4b cooly strands. They are super cost efficient, costing less than $4 for 20 oz.  In a recent post I used the Le Kair Shea Butter Cholesterol and with fabulous results. Leaving it in is also making styling my thick kinky hair easy. One thing that is important when leaving conditioners in my hair is I do a final rinse to remove excess conditioner especially on the scalp. This reduces that nasty and dreadful WHITE STUFF. You know they stuff people SEE but don't SAY anything about .

ALL BLACK MATTE FRENCH MANICURE

An edgy interpretation on the classic french mani. Would you ? I sure would.

MY MESSAGE FOR 2012

I've learned in the year 2011, " if you believe it, you can achieve it ." So often, it's easier to blame circumstance for your lack of achievement and personal fulfillment.  Throughout my 29 years on earth, I understand that life may not hand you the easy road, but you have the ability to create uncharted success and a path with purpose. Passion, dedication, motivation, and positive thinking habits has worked in my favor this year, and I will continue and grow and nurture this way of thinking for years to come. What are your resolutions and short and long term goals for 2012?.

 GOALS  (short and long term):

• Lose 15 pounds with in the first three months of the new year, 
• Purge my overflowing closet (can we say BLOG SALE)
• Blog regularly
• Travel more 
• Save MORE
• Become a homeowner 
• Eat dinner with family regularly (at the dinner table)
• Exercise my mind and body regularly
• Work, feature & collaborate  with bloggers and vloggers I admire:  SherryBlossomBeauty, TheManeSource, SammyDavisVintage, PhillyDiva9154, Destiny Godley, StylePantry, BisaNation, Afrobella,  Whoissugar and so many more to name
• Create a series where I encourage and inspired by sharing my personal story, experience, and trials 

(I'm not scared to add to the list. Progression is ongoing just as goal making should be.)

THRIFT YOUR OUTFIT FOR NEW YEARS

Since my stanky leg isn't what it used to be, and the safety of a night on the town isn't either, I thought I would share some clothing options that I have from thrifting and items picked up on my travels. Many people think sparkle and sequins for the New Years but I think leather, animal print and spandex are equally fierce.

GLAM NEUTRAL MAKEUP

Even on a regular day, makeup can be neutral but still glamourous at the same time. I love golden shades, and a severely contoured face. I attempted to recreate the recent look Celebrity/MAC MUA Alexandra Bond did. I didn't use the exact products but interpreted it as best as I could.   It's important to adapt makeup choices that suit your skin tone, and skin type. How'd I do ? Products I used are listed below.

CONCEALOR: 

BLACK OPAL COVER & CLEAR CONCEALOR ( MAHOGANY)

 NYX CONCEALOR : NUTMEG

FACE:

MAC MINERALIZED SKIN FINISH (DEEP DARK)

BLUSH: 

MAC  (LOVERUSH)

CONTOUR:

BF-BEAUTY.COM SINGLE SHADOW (#415)

EYES:

BF BEAUTY SHADOWS (#415, 416, 566)

LIPS:

NYX MEGA SHINE LIPGLOSS- (BIEGE)

JORDANA MATTE LIPSTICK (NATURAL)

NYX LIPGLOSS- (LILAC FIELDS)

WIG REVIEW VENDERS BEHIND THE SCENES.

I was sent a human hair full lace unit from Rpgshow.com to review. This is a unit that I could almost throw on without thinking. VIDEO REVIEW COMING SOON. I'm getting over my straight and long trend with my lace units, and I think I will try a more modest 14 - 16" length.  So far so good with the unit. Getting a unit for review is one of the perks to making beauty videos on youtube, but it's not all lollipops with all venders. No shade to Rpgshow (I have loved dealing with them) but like in business there is SOME who get on your damn nerve with demands, and unreasonable time restraints. Some communication is difficult because of a language barrier, many are located in China. Some seem to care less if you are content but rather have you get the review posted on youtube.  I've been asked not to review wigs from companies' competitors and that is just a lil' taste of what happens behind the scenes.

~Keep it real Family

STYLE # PTS003-S         
COLOR : 1B         
YAKI  
       18"    
     100% HUMAN HAIR  INDIAN REMY  
 CAP SZ 2
RPGSHOW.COM 

SOCKS WITH SANDALS. YAY OR NEY?

I'm no stranger to weird clothing combinations, or fashion statements that make you say, "huh?". I've noticed that socks with sandals are no longer a fashion crime. What do you think ? Whould you rock sock with sandals?

MS. ANONYMOUS: NATURAL HAIR DEBATE & DISCUSSION

DISCLAIMER: This letter doesn't express any of my personal views or opinions. I feel that the anonymous person chose me to discuss this touchy subject because I can remain unbiased and objective. I opted not to share a debate & discussion in video form  on youtube because of 2010's dramatics with Kimmaytube.  However, I think that because it's clear this is being talked about on forums and blogs, it can be discussed and addressed on a platform built on integrity, community and respect. Now I do feel there is a tone of "hatin" in this letter and if I was to receive the same opportunities and blessings as the women mentioned, I would be on Ms. Anonymous' shit talkin' list as well. However, I want to believe that it's more about the frustration that the black hair care industry being dominated by Asians and NOW the natural hair industry being controlled by those who don't look like the consumers they advertise to. The natural hair community and surge of natural hair women isn't all empowerment, or sharing and caring, but a lucrative money driven industry that if your lucky, you have some part in. What are your thoughts?

HAIR TO KINKY FOR "WASH & GO" NATURAL HAIR

 Caught up with  the fascination that my nappy hair could be "washed and go'd" but now I just see the style as "not for MY kinda hair".  Many newly natural women with afro-textured hair are surprised that their hair had ANY curls at all, because all they knew was the cotton they saw in the mirror after water hit their hair. Once hundreds of "How to define your Curl "videos and blog posts started surfacing, frustration from women who couldn't get results were usually woman with tightly coiled and cottony hair. I've gone back and forward with myself, trying to co wash and slap goo gobs of gel in my hair and feel confident with my hairstyle for the day. I always ended up looking like I have a puffy jherri curl.  Ladies, let's be honest is some hair too kinky to just wash and go? I think so. Some black women just insist on forcing their hair to do something that doesn't come with ease.  In my honest opinion, for some the fixation and obsession  stems from the African American's communities praise  f loose curls or softer textured hair and it's characteristics. I suffer the most tangling and matting from wash and go hair styles because of the inevitable shrinkage. However, not all coily hair is the same, so there is no point in using the hair typing system to identify who would or shouldn't WNG, but results don't lie.  If your hair  doesn't want to clump and separate with the  use of product, then styles that create texture like twist outs, braids outs, and flat twist outs are your friend and enhance the beauty of kinky afro- textured hair.

Wash & Go - Just because it can be done, it doesn't mean it should be !   :O)

Twist- out with flexirods on the ends: This helps get my hair smooth and stretched. 

Flexirods or Perm Rods are a kinky hair chicks best friend. Great voluminous hair and smooth ends.

LIP LOVIN': REVLON COLORBURST LIP BUTTERS

"CALLING ALL LIP PRODUCT FREAKS!!! "  Revlon Lip Butters are some of the most moisturizing drug store lipsticks that I have tried. They feel like a lip balm on the lips, and the pigmentation is sheer to moderate depending on how many passes on the lips that you apply the lipstick.  Below are some  of the lip butters swatched. Be mindful that the color payoff on the lips will depend on how pigmented your  lips are..  I have highly pigmented lips so many colors are sheer on myself. My favorites are Fig Jam, because of it's "my lips but better " look on the lips , and Pink Truffle which gives my lips a pinkish cocoa tint that is sweet . These are perfect for the lady who doesn't wear much makeup, or is modest in her makeup choices.  The price point is around $6-9 . Forgive the blogger but for swatch of Fig Jam please see it featured in my Debate & Discussion video below.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT)  GUMDROP; FIG JAM; PINK TRUFFLE;  SUGAR PLUM, TUTTI FRUITTI 

GUM DROP  - Pastel Lavender

PINK  TRUFFLE - Pinkish Brown can be worn sheer or layered, a great nude for dark complexions

SUGAR PLUM-  Plum Pink

WET NATURAL HAIR BUN

I can see that keeping my hair protected under my wigs has retained a good amount of length. I took a small break form the wigs, before another batch of lace front wig reviews on my youtube channel. I've played around with leaving conditioner in, then applying a moisturizer and gel . Below are pictures of freshly washed and conditioned hair. Lustrasilks Olive Oil Cholesterol was left in . Eco -Styler Clear gel was used for slicking my hair down. With a scarf for 30 minutes or more, my hair is extremely smooth. I find that for my hair type, slicking my wet hair is much easier than on dry hair and yields better results.

NAKED NATURAL HAIR

LAST MINUTE STOCKING STUFFER & GIFT IDEAS $$

For all of you last minute shoppers, here are some great ideas for inexpensive stocking stuffers and small gifts for friends. I pity the person who is out in the madness today, but just in case your one of them hope this helps. Feel free to share what you want for Christmas, or any great inexpensive gift ideas

Happy Holidays Family.

SARAH LEAVES CLOTHESENCOUNTERS! CAN A CLASSIC YOUTUBE DUET SURVIVE SEPARATION?

One of my favorite Youtube channels for thrift fashion videos is Sarah and Jenn from ClothesEncounters announced that one of the two's members would no longer be making videos.  Can a creative vision last without the two originators. Peanut Butter with no jelly,  Siskel with no Ebert. Will Clothes Encounters , NOW with only Jenn be able to keep my attention with just one fashion perspective?
I will continue to support, but it's just a bummer to see one of your favorite duets break up.  I look forward to seeing what the new ClothesEncounters shares with the youtube, thrift and fashion world.

NATURAL HAIR CHILDREN AND THE PERFECT HAIRSTYLE

Two - strand twists are one of the easiest styles for small children with natural hair in my opinion. You can style them as you see fit from day to day. Size does matter when looking at the longevity of the style and the style options. I opt for small to medium size twists for my daughter, who has  turned 11years old today.  :O)   I moisturize and co wash her hair per our regular routine. Cutting bangs in the front just adds a little something cute for those ponytail days, she can wear her bangs if she wants to. Here are a few pictures of my daughter's from several months ago. We don't use much heat on her hair, but as she ages she requests more blowout styles to show her length . 

How do you style you young daughter or son's natural hair?

DESIGNER CHANEL FOR $1.99

This is why I love the thrift store. My most recent designer find were these Chanel clip on earrings. They were amongst the regular jewelry and priced perfectly for my tight pocketbook. Only $2.00 for these beauties. They aren't in mint condition and have some signs of wear around the faux pearl, but while wearing you cant see any imperfection.  BAM Watch out now!  :O) What have you found lately

GIVEAWAY WINNERS

FAMILY TRIP & GIVEAWAY WINNERS

About to head out on a car ride up to the State's capital, Sacramento Will not have much assess to the internet. For all those who entered the lace wig and $100 giveaway, mucho thanks. Will announce the winners no later than Monday . Sorry ladies and gents, working ,real life schedule and maintaining vlogger and blogger worlds can be a lil obnoxious. #imjustsayin. Holla at y'all real soon. Catch me on Facebook or twitter.

ESSENCE MAGAZINE AND THE DISS TO NATURAL HAIR VIDEO MAKERS ON YOUTUBE

I find it so irritating when recognition isn't given when they should. It's large corporations who like to keep their ears to the street, to find out what's hot, what's the upcoming trends, and other popular issues that relate to their customer, and in this case their readers. Now I don't know the contributing writer of the Essence article "Back To Your Roots" pg. 40 but I would assume that their not a fan of natural hair youtube videos. I think that it's much easier to show love, and praise to the MOST popular platforms, and the most sought out publications. However, INITIALLY neither Essence nor NaturallyCurly.com had information on the afro-textured haircare . Essence was not short of articles on how to style relaxed tresses, and NaturallyCurly.com catered more towards looser curls until forums specific to kinky hair came about. Youtube videos makers were few in number 3 years ago, but now there are hundreds of contributors. All I'm sayin' is "give me my props, and stop discounting the lil guys efforts and contribution. I'm sure the writer didn't mean to offend, but they did. I'm still waiting on a tweet back from Essence regarding this matter. Do you think I will get it ?

AFFORDABLE MAKEUP BRUSHES SET AT WAL-MART HOLIDAY AISLE.

I went to Wal-Mart to pick up treats for my daughter's winter break party. I went down the seasonal gift aisle and found this Makeup Brush set for $20.00.  The brushes are light-weight and the fibers on the brushes are very soft. You get a totally of 7 full size brushes, and 4 travel sized, also a snap front pouch for your brushes , carrying case for travel sized brushes, mirror, and vanity brush holder. Great bang for your buck. The construction on these are 4 out of 5. The life of the brushes are yet to be seen. Great for a gift or for your personal stash. I took a picture of the serial number as well, just in case you have to do a lil shopping research :O) Happy Holidays Family.  Share the post with any makeup lover in your life.