The disapproval of single women with children will never change. Since biblical times, an unwed mother was shunned and often persecuted. Today Black women raising children alone is all too common while circumstances may vary. After watching Vlogger Taren Guy, I immediately was engaged. "Damaged" and "unwanted" were just a couple of the labels that she disagrees with. While raising a child alone, is neither glamourous and desired, it's not an indicator of a woman's worth or value. Granted women with children require more from prospective partners, but the standards themselves, are the same as women without children. Faithfulness, selflessness, generosity, compassion, stability, motivated, spiritual and family orientated, aren't just requirements exclusive to one kind of women
"Rather than judging the book and assuming it's contents by the cover, one should open it and read to have a greater understanding of the author and the story itself" ~Africanexport
While I don't expect an unanimous acceptance of teen mothers, unwed mother's, and single parenting, I do think the more women share complete, honest, and transparent accounts of their pasts and experiences as a women, mother and partners, will the naysayers have a clearer picture and synopsis of the book to then draw an opinion.
Famous, African American celebrities typically modified their appearance, for the acceptance and approval of those in the industry. Industry standards are dictated and dominated by blondes or brunettes, straight hair, or the occasional red head. Not many respected African American celebs step foot in the public eye with their natural hair, especially if it's of a kinkier texture like Oscar nominee, Viola Davis. Listening to the reactions to one of Viola's first public appearances with her natural hair, the buzz was synonymous. She looked radiant, glamourous and a million times better than her typical grandma wigs, that looked far from customized. Although natural hair is far from being a new trend, Viola transcended all of the Beyonce-ish looks that most Black women actresses choose. Big-ups for Viola accepting, and embracing her black beauty. The Academy Awards is her coming-out party, and a new public acceptance to black women and THEIR beauty. Lets see who the next natural celeb will be?
Oh, and before I forget, wasn't she working that green Vera Wang gown? WUURRRRRKK
The weekend started off, with aches and pressure in my head. This year I wasn't able to escape this flu season. When sickness strikes, I prefer natural remedies and concoctions. An all natural tea that works for me combines fresh ginger root, lemon, cayenne pepper and honey. I boil a 3"-4" piece of ginger root for approximately 15-20 minutes. Straining may be necessary if you don't remove the tough outer part of the root. The juice of half of a lemon, and a dash of cayenne pepper for heat (to induce sweating that helps break a fever) and honey for sweetness. If you're not a fan of the heat, this spicy tea may not be for you, but it beats the over the counter hot beverage medicines in my opinion. If you decide to try it, please share your experience. Some may already be familiar with this tea, and its similar counterpart, the Hot Totti that adds brown alcohol/ cognac.
Nothing makes "mama bear" happier than a brand new pair of shoes. These puppies, are not only comfy, they are some of the baddest booties I own. ShoeMint, yes another subscription club outdid themselves. Collaborating with Steve Madden to customize various shoes with ShoeMint is a great union. Unlike other shoe clubs, the designs, quality , and selection of the shoes makes ShoeMint one of the best shoe subscription clubs that I have been apart of to date. These suede booties are very Jeffery Campbell-like, breathing life back to fashion of the 70's and putting a smile on my face. Let me know how you would style this booties, and I may do an outfit of the day inspired by one of you.
I've never been the woman to give in to all the hype over particular makeup brands. Whom I kidding!? I was foolish in my early twenties and spent enough money on MAC Cosmetics to make a down payment on a car. I'm not proud of it, but I'm wiser now, MUCH, wiser. However, I will attest to their quality products, specifically their lipsticks. Now retailing $14.50 a lipstick, I'm given a ton of color selection, and various finishes, Satin, and Amplified Creme being my favorites. So, when my "boo-boo-cakes" gave me a gift card to MAC Cosmetics for Valentine's Day , I was more than happy to add to my RI-DICULOUS lipstick collection. I intentionally went for neutral, everyday shades that compliment many olive, tan and deep complexions like myself. If you have any of these shades, please share which is your favorite. If you have any other lipstick recommendations feel free to share.
(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) Touch:Lustre; Freckletone:Lustre; Fast Play:Amplified; Cosmo:Amplified
(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) Del Rio: Satin; Retro:Satin; Verve:Satin; Pink Nouveau:Satin
Is this fabulous? Is this a ridiculous cry for attention? Whatever it is, I think that if the individual is confident and self assured, it can be pulled off. Two poplar brands are Secret Kisses and KA'OIR carry colors as daring as white, and green, they are said to both be nice quality. Do I dare? Do you!?
Now there is no need to run to Wal-Mart, or the beauty supply store, your products can now come directly to your home. Subscription based shopping is a new way to indulge in the things you love most. Pomades, conditioners, serums are all things I love to experiment with. Having tight coils and kinks myself, I'm giddy at the thought of discovering products just by opening my mailbox. Kudos to the founder. With all the excitement of natural hair, and curl acceptance, I'm sure a subscription to CurlBox will be a "must try" to many hair care enthusiasts.
First, I have to apologize for my tardy announcement of the winner for the genuine leather handbag. I wanted to post a proper video on youtube, but technical difficulties got in the way. Appreciation for all who participated, and frowns to the sore losers who will pout and complain because they didn't win. There will be tons more giveaways in the near future for the RELAUNCH of my new and improved blog. (good things come to those who wait )
The winner is Victoria : Youtube Username : Poonpepper
Please contact me through a private message on youtube, with your name and mailing address within 72 hours.
A recent beauty splurge were these three new Cremeblend blushes from M.A.C Cosmetics. The bright pink blush, Florida is perfect for the upcoming spring and summer months. These retail for $19.00, and you get 5.6g of product. Wear these alone, or layer your favorite, complimentary powder blush on top.
*MY FAVORITE IS ... RESTORES DAZZLE!
(LEFT) OPTIMISTIC ORANGE (RIGHT) FLORIDA
(LEFT) RESTORES DAZZLE! (RIGHT) OPTIMISTIC ORANGE
FROM THE TOP GOING CLOCKWISE.
FIRST COLOR SWATCH IS SHEERED OUT THE ONE NEXT IS TWO SWIPES
FLORIDA, OPTIMISTIC ORANGE, RESTORES DAZZLE!
Carefree is synonymous with curls and wavy hairstyles. If your not blessed with naturally perfect curls, let flexirods , perm rods or rollers to achieve beautiful curls.
TIPS:
Use a light oil for shine and reduce the frizz.
For smoother finish, smooth hair with your favorite brush and use a gel for all day hold
Feeling especially sassy this Valentine's holiday, opt for leather , while the weather still permits or something edgier than normal. If your a girlie girl, who loves sweet and feminine looks ,a bodycon dress {ideas Click Here} works for most body types. American Apparel Disco Pants are an all occasion wardrobe staple for me, and I love to look a little "badass" when I get time with my honey. In typical thrifty girl fashion, I mixed one high priced item with items from the thrift store. #teamthrift
I LOVE THE UNEXPECTED.
CHAIN BELT WORN AS NECKLACE- THRIFTED
AMERICAN APPAREL DISCO PANTS (SIZE MEDIUM) CLICK HERE
I'M A SIZE 12-14
FUCHSIA SATIN BOOTIES BY COLIN STUART- THRIFTED
PINK BLOUSE- THRIFTED
It's nice to wear some sentimental jewelry that your partner has given you in the past. This gives me an excuse to wear my diamonds which aren't practical for everyday.
BLAZER - THRIFTED
Hard to believe it's true that one of America's greatest vocal talents dies today. Wikipedia has updated her D.O.D. It's been a mind boggling Black History Month. Losing Don Cornelius to suicide and now Whitney. Her addiction and struggle with drug dependancy was no secret, but we all were hoping for the best, and most importantly recovery, and if we're lucky a musical comeback. Sadly the life of drug addiction is all too common, and our celebrities aren't exempt. If there are loved ones who you know struggle with drug addiction, do all that you can to help and not enable . Prayers and condolences go to the Houston family.
If this contest isn't some incentive to go natural, I don't know what is. When I went natural, I surely couldn't win price let alone have an all expense paid pamper session. "Times sure have changed."
UPS knocks on my door! The package indicated that it was from CurlMart. "YAY ME" my inner product junkie squeals. First impression after opening, smelling, scanning the ingredients lists, "this stuff seems pretty good". While the packaging is sure not to be overlooked because of it's loud color scheme, the ingredients and product claims makes this haircare line a contender for naturally curly hair enthusiasts' cabinets.
Some of the best gifts, are homemade gifts. Cute lollipops can be made at home using candy melts, molds, and decorative wrappers. A cute bouquet of handmade lollipops are sure to make your special someone smile.
Willow Smith's latest hairdo, recently surfaced! She's bald! Well, not completely. This young lady is fearless, not because she doesn't have mid-back length hair, but she dances to the beat of her own drummer. She's an inspiration and role model for her peers and young people all over the world, whether she knows it or not. Although her famous families' demographic will keep her protected from the "typical" ignorance, and taunting that would be allowed in a traditional public schools, she's the example of a confident, self assured, creative child, that has been nurtured and she is blossoming. Can't wait to see this "fireball of the party" does next.
All I can say is, I was a fan, and now I'm obsessed. Affordable, quality, and great colors. Wet N Wild gets an A+. I found these new Wet N' Wild cosmetics on the end cap of an aisle, in Rite Aid and Walgreens. The shimmer bronzer in a Ticket to Brazil 739 is a fabulous highlighter for deep complexions, while on tan complexions Bikini Contest 740 is a great choice. I believe there is another color in this collection as well. The polishes get 5 stars because of the new Pro ManiCurve Brush and long wear finish. I wore polish, "On A Trip" for 4 days with no chipping or peeling. Run, don't walk to your nearest drug store. These are an inexpensive, must have.
