SINGLE MOTHERS: DAMAGED GOODS & DISCARDED ?

     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.





WHAT ARE YOUR HONEST OPINIONS OF SINGLE MOTHERS?

CHANGING INDUSTRY STANDARDS: VIOLA DAVIS DITCHES THE WIGS FOR NATURAL HAIR.

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

LIFESTYLE: MY ALL NATURAL TEA FOR COLD AND FLU

   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.

TOOTSIES TALK: SHOE- GASM

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. 

MAC LIPSTICKS : NEUTRALS AND EVERYDAY SHADES

     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

COLORED LIPSTICK- DO YOU DARE?

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!?

PRODUCT JUNKIES MEET CURLBOX

       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.