Any one out there?

If anyone actually reads my blog, or would like me to continue please comment. I have great plans that you may want to follow starting August 1 :)

What is good hair... my take.

I've seen this being discussed multiple times in reaction to the Tyra Show airing of this controversy.

As defined by India Arie...
"Good hair means curls and waves. Bad hair means you look like a slave."

First let me say, I think it's gross. In saying that, I know that I'm hypocritically going on with the topic, the argument of "good hair and bad hair" is just a recap of slave days. The theory of separating the slaves by skin color to turn them against each other so that they wont rebel against the masters. I believe that by arguing the "good hair and bad hair" theory we're continuing this separation. That if your hair is closer to white raise you're a beneficiary. A theory raised in the community of those who are of African decent.

That is what is disgusting to me. We're doing this to ourselves. Talk about some self hate. I don't think white people could care less if my hair is more like theirs because I'm still more than 5%. Only in the black community it's seen as the ability of "passing". Internalized oppression much?

Maybe it's my privilege to argue that. As someone who is biracial of African and European decent I arguably have "good hair", or so I'm told. Let me tell you of my experience with this idea. It this concept I do believe I had it better being raised by a black family. I say this because only in my home life and in my black community am I told that my hair is good. I believe I hear this because the majority of black women are experience in working with a coarse texture so with my hair being less coarse it's something "easier" to work with. In comparison, when I go to school in a majority white community I've never heard that my hair was anything close to good. Why, because it's in my opinion that white hair isn't coarse, so when dealing with coarse hair it's a struggle.

But I try to find that one piece of sensible argumentation in corrupted ideas. I will say that my hair has the ability to blend more with the white race but that is only through chemical processing (founded by a black woman... self hate?). I've been natural before, I loved my curly hair texture, so that's not why I decided to relax. I decided to relax because I'm lazy. It has nothing to do with not wanting to take pride in my heritage.

"At the turn of the century, Its time for us to redefine who we be. You can shave it off Like a South African beauty, Or get in on lock Like Bob Marley. You can rock it straight Like Oprah Winfrey. Its not what's on your head. Its what's underneath." -India Arie

And it's what's underneath that is separating us. Come on now, yes my hair is curly, yours may be a fro. But damn we're both black.

It just pisses me off that this is something that is argued. When other matters that are encouraged by society aren't. (IE:) Women feeling the need to shave. Women feeling the need to wear makeup. Women feeling the need to paint their nails.... damn society.

"Don't be offended, this is all my opinion, ain't nothing that I'm saying law. This is the true confession of a life learned lesson, I was sent here to share with y'all. So get in where you fit in, go on and shine, free your mind, now is the time." India Arie

a Summer Outfit for under $55

This casual, bohemian chic outfit is from Forever 21 of course.

Outfit:

Concave Feather Earrings $3.80

H81 Heather Slub Cardigan $15.90

Long Length Ribbed Tank $3.50

Roll Waist Geo Skirt $14.90

Broadway Cage Sandals $14.80

***Finish your look off with a messy bun, 3 coats of black mascara and chapstick

Summer Beauty Routine! Living beautifully on a budget.

Hey everyone!
Okay, summer for me is one of the most rushed times of my life. It's funny though because I'm always really busy with school and I don't even care.... Senoritis kicked in 2nd semester freshman year. Anyway, I like to look cute, even at all the camps I'll be counseling and the Leadership Institutes I'll be attending. Trust me this works, I do it every summer, because it's fast, easy, and a very exotic/tropical/summer time look.


FOR THE HAIR:
-I only do my hair once a week

-I never wash my hair with shampoo in the summer (I rarely use shampoo anyway), Instead I use warm water to soak my hair. It melts out all the product..... trust me, it works.

-Once a month I do a deep condition treatment mixing equal parts of these ingredients, I leave it on for a full day, putting on in the morning and washing out that night, put a plastic cap on to prevent leaving the greasy goop everywhere. You hair will be kind of greasy for that week, but it will be really shiny and it makes the hair really strong. Some times I'll use it as a conditioner and a product, and leave it in all week, its such a great deep conditioner. Especially when out it the heat.
1. pure coconut wax (2.99 at most beauty supply stores)
2. pure honey (99 cents at "deals")
3. Grape seed oil (2 for a 1 at "deals")

-Once a week (usually a weekend) I'll use "Motions: Deep Penetrating Treatment" it cost me $5.99 from walgreens, I put it on and leave it on for 30 minutes then gently rinse and comb hair (I only comb hair when it is wet in the shower, I comb it all straight to the back with no part [it's so chic and exotic looking!])

-I then use "Jamaican Mango and Lime Locking creme wax" $4.99 at walgreens. It's ment to be used for dred loc twisting but I like it more than mousse because mousse has alcohol in it. Lately I've discovered that my hair grows alot faster when I cut out the products with alcohol. It holds curls perfectly and smells great

SKIN:
-For the Face: I use AcneFree Oil Free purifying Cleanser $5.99 at walgreens, I use it with a facial cleaning brush
-I use witch hazel as a toner 99 cents at walgreens
-I use Neutrogena oil free mosturizer for my face $4.99 walmart
-I use White rain body wash, it cost a $1 at walgreens.
-I use Petroleum Jelly as a skin mosturizer for the body

Maybe I'm just growing up or maybe I'm finding myself...

So Today, I cut 5 inches off my hair. For the longest I thought that long hair was attractive (long being below the shoulder). I would hold on to my hair and split ends till they all broke off just to have the length. Cutting off the dead ends made me smile, and let me tell you something, I love the look of my medium length hair. Now I'm actually considering going even shorter, maybe a bob for the summer.

Maybe a little something like this.

Heck, maybe next I'll go totally natural... only time will tell.

Is it possible to "redo" a room with $75

So, I may sound crazy but I want to redo my room. Yes, I know, I have one more year left in this house. That's the reason why I set my budget so low. I really just want to enjoy my last year, and I've always hated my room.

So here is the budget breakdown: Total budget =$100

Bedroom =$75

Bathroom =$10

"Office" =$15

...... how crazy. Alot will be DIYed.

So currently I'm scanning through sites. I guess this goes with being obsessed with bohemian chic style.... currently.

I'm in love with this color family by dutch boy called "Sunny"

-http://www.dutchboy.com/colors/families/oranges/sunny/index.jsp

I'm not even in college, But I'm already obsessing on my life's path

As my high school career comes to a close (well in a year), I've found myself fighting mentally over what I may possibly want of my life. I have so many Hopes and ambitions, it scares me. I know the type of person I am, Intellectual, Caring, Helping, Giving, Motivational and Reachable. Yet for some reason, I'm obsessed with the old "american dream". I know that part of me only wants that lifestyle because I wasnt raised with it. Another part of me, loves the stability it has to offer. Every since taking the PLAN test, where it said I should be a Lawyer I've been stuck on that idea. Dont get me wrong, I love the idea of the Law, and the opportunities for improvement in our Criminal Justice System, but the idea of being a Defense Attorney makes me sick. The corruptiong in it, defending those people that I morally know should be found guility, the idea of people wanting to kill me because I got off the person who killed their daughter scares the living christ out of me. Literally. I would be selling my soul to rack in about $500,000 yearly. That's what gets me, on average a really well sought out Defense Attorney can bring in on average [on average, some make more!] $500,000 yearly! That annoys the hell out of me, Teachers make about $45,000 yearly, and the education they offer keeps people out of jails..... You would think, If the government paid more on Educators, there may possibly be less people to take through the Criminal Justice System. I'm at the point of my life where I'm trying to get around these money driven factors, but I'm so drawn to them. I know that I wont be happy making only $50,000 yearly, and I'm far too smart to be making that little. I know my potential, and I think that $50,000 is a joke for what I have to offer. My top two career choices would be Humanitarian Law and teaching, I may decide to potentially do both. Oh yeah, did I forget to say, I want to join the peace corps at some point in this craziness. I'm excited for what my future brings.

In closing... Something that someone sent to me:

God won’t ask which car you drive, but will ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.
God won’t ask how big is your house, but will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won’t ask about the fancy clothes in your wardrobe, but will ask how many of those clothes helped the needy.
God won’t ask about your social status, but will ask what kind of class you displayed with others.
God won’t ask how many material possessions you had, but will ask if they dictated your life.

God won’t ask what your highest salary was, but will ask if you compromised your character to obtain that salary.
God won’t ask how much overtime you worked, but will ask if you worked overtime for your family and loved ones.
God won’t ask how many promotions you received, but will ask how you promoted others.
God won’t ask what your job title was, but will ask if you reformed your job to the best of your ability.
God won’t ask what you did to help yourself, but will ask what you did to help others.

God won’t ask how many friends you had, but will ask how many people to whom you were a true friend.
God won’t ask what you did to protect your rights, but will ask what you did to protect the rights of others.
God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived, but will ask how you treated your neighbors.
God won’t ask about the color of your skin, but will ask about the content of your character.
God won’t ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but will ask how many times they didnt.

Style Change!!!

So I'm loving the bohemian look, and really interested in doing a re-do on my wardrobe for next year :) .
I'll keep you posted

Beauty Routine and Products. Curly and Straight

As a biracial individual, my hair type is very unique. Currently I'm trying to grow out my hair, so I've been wearing my hair natural for a while. I really like my curls; I like wearing it straight too, and through much product testing I've found the perfect hair care line up for my very low budget.

Through much mixing and matching, I've come up with this. I do my hair once a week.

Products that I love: When wearing hair straight

-Organic root stimulator "Olive Oil anti-breakage relaxer" $9.99 (on average)

-This is by far my favorite relaxer kit. I do at home relaxers but this has a

professional out-come. It leaves hair strong, straight, soft, and shiny.

-Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine shampoo $3.99

-This shampoo is amazing, I was my hair with shampoo only once a week.

-Garnier Fructis Haircare Fortifying Deep Conditioner 3 Minute Masque, Sleek & Shine $7.79

-I use this once a week when I shampoo, I leave it on for 30 minutes though

-Garnier Fructis Style Length & Strength Weightless Anti-Split Ends Treatment $6.20

-I mainly focus on my ends but put some all over hair

-Garnier Fructis Haircare Leave-In Conditioning Cream, Sleek & Shine $3.99

-This is the next step. It smooths hair and provides protection for hair.

-Hot and Hotter Blow Dryer with attachments $21.99

-I love this blow dryer, its flat instead of the normal type, making it much easier

to dry and straighten hair.

-Garnier Fructis Haircare Weightless Leave-In Anti-Frizz Serum, Sleek & Shine $5.99

-After blow-drying I apply a very small amount of this to my hair.

-Tool Science Nano-Silver Ionic Ceramic Styling Iron $69.99

-This is my favorite flat iron of all time! It keeps my hair straight all week! I have

very thick, curly hair. With this, you'd never know it.

For a quick fix:

-Africa's Best Rinse-out & Leave-in Conditioner $2.99

-I use this when I'm having a bad hair day, and need a quick hair fix.

I wet my hair, put some in and comb through while in the shower, then rinse.

Then I put more in as a leave-in conditioner and styling product.

(Keeps curls looking amazing)

End of the school year, realizing that I have a year left...

So, as my Junior year completes I'm coming to terms with the fact that very soon I will have to begin my college application process. Over this dramatic year, (internally), my life goals have changed various times. So, this post will contain a barf effect of everything that I've considered over the year.

I'm a very realistic person; I'm not classist but I recognize that in order to achieve the life that I want for my self I will need to bring in atleast $75,000 independently. Many of the careers that interest me bring in about $50,000. I would love, absolutely love, to be any or all of these careers. Some more than others.

-Defense Attorney and social justice activist for NCCJSTL
-Corporate Attorney
-Secondary school Teacher (History or English), Local Magazine editor, and wedding consultant
-News Broadcast -Anchor, Telecommunications
-Social Worker
-Marketing speacialist and Public Communications
-Public Relations

So Basically, I have many goals.

Adrienne Bailon French Connection Dress remake for under $50

Forever 21 Strapless Pleat Front Dress -in coral $13.50

Forever 21 Zipper Trim Patent Pumps $28.80

Forever 21 Kiesha Rhinestone Earrings $5.80

Dress Too Cute for Words -under $25

Rocker Plaid Dress w/ Belt $24.80

Dress Too Cute for Words -under $25

Forever21 "Enchanted Cocktail Dress" $24.80

A perfect dress for a summer afternoon tea :)

My beauty product must haves! -Top 20

1. Organic root stimulator "Olive Oil anti-breakage relaxer"

2."Hot N Silky" Professional Styler dryer

3."Tool Science" digital tourmaline styling iron

4."Beyond the zone" last call natural balance moisturizing shampoo

5."Beyond the zone" last call hair masque

6."Beyond the zone" last call leave-in conditioner

7."Beyond the zone" split mender

8."Beyond the zone" protein cocktail

9."Beyond the zone" Turn up the heat protection spray

10."Beyond the zone" noodle head curling cream

11."Beauty secrets" blackhead & whitehead remover

12."Neutrogena" oil-free acne wash

13."Neutrogena" oil free acne stress control triple-action toner

14."Neutrogena" rapid clear fight & fade 2-in-1 gel

15."Neutrogena" ageless intensives firming moisture spf 20 (It's never too early to fight wrinkles!)

16."Neutrogena" ageless intensives lip plumping treatment

17."Maybelline" define-a-brow eyebrow gel in clear

18."Maybelline" define-a-lash waterproof lenghtening mascara in very black

19."Maybelline" lash discovery mini-brush waterproof mascara in very black

20.Covergirl smoothers spf 15 tinted moisture in medium-dark

I'm going to lose my mind in trying to lose weight.

I'm mad. Why? I'm sick of dieting. For some reason, I have skinny friends (literally skinny) who think they're fat. We started a diet together, but darn, they've already met there perfect weight. I have another year. ANOTHER YEAR!! So I've learned my lesson, I need to find a diet buddy who has more than 10 pounds to lose.

Michelle Obama Inspired -Under $65

Forever 21 Sleeveless Linen Dress in Coral $24.80

Forever 21 Nora Platform Pumps in Cream $24.80

Forever 21 Filigree Flowers Necklace $7.80

Forever 21 Evening Earring Set (comes with all, wear the pearls) $3.80

Today is April 30, you know what that means? Weigh in!

So, if you remember a few post back, April 1st I started my diet. This diet is to get me to my goal weight and size by the time I leave for college in August of 2010. If you need to be refreshed, I started with the goal of losing 110 pounds. Crazy right? So one month in, I've lost 14 pounds. 96 more pounds to go! I really havent been doing a "real" diet just eating healthier. No fryed food, no soda, no candy, only whole grain wheat bread, and only drink water (no juice). Just a dash of motivation, I lost those 14 pounds by eating on kind of healthy and exercise twice a week for 30 minutes. You can do it too!!

College vs. University

So, as my junior year comes to an end, this summer will be full of college research.
(I may also be looking into the National Guard)
So I guess the first step is to make a list of the schools I'm interested in.

The top 10.

1. Howard University
2. Spelman College
3. Shaw University
4. Webster University
5. Missouri Baptist University
6. Ball State University
7. California Baptist University
8. South Carolina State University
9. Baylor University
10. Avila University

Fab look of the week. Simple and Chic under $75 -Nicole Richie inspired

All Items from Forever21

Marisella Dangling Earrings $7.80
Tribal Paisley Scarf $6.80

Veronica Floral Ring $6.80

Long Length ribbed tank $3.50

Gisselle Linen Skirt $17.80

Faux Reptile Gladiator Sandal $20.80

Joni Faux Leather Handbag $28.80

Total: $71.50

December 21, 2012

Okay, so I've been trying to avoid this topic for a while now but today it came across my computer screen and made me wonder. Well, wonder enough to debate it with my self. The topic is the world coming to some form of an end on December 21, 2012. Before entering this debate with myself, I'll share this information with you just so you can understand my view points. Also, I will add, you don't have to believe what I believe (although I will encourage), because this is America.

-I believe in Jesus. More so in detail, I believe he was sent to earth by God (the father), to save us from our sins (the son), so that we can have everlasting life in his kingdom (the spirit). I also believe in the Holy Trinity.
-I believe in the Bible, meaning, if the world were to come to a end it is because it's in God's plan and not the sworn fate set forth by the Mayan people.
-I kind-of hope the world doesn't come to an end on this date, because I wouldn't have the opportunity to experience many things that I look forward to (becoming a defense attorney, getting married, having kids... you know the works.)

So on to this "Hot Topic":
The world is said to be coming to an end on December 21, 2012. Many sources have tried to justify these claims. Some people who believe so strongly have stopped working and are living out of their savings to enjoy these last years. There are even entire websites associated with this "dooms day". (Don't believe me, "google me baby")
(I will be using various sources, please don't credit me to the reliability).

1. The Mayan Calendar:
-For those of you who some how avoided World History in 10th grade, The Mayan Tribe is a tribe popularly known for "predicting" events (many have been accurate) and for the scarification of virgins. [yes I know 2 very contrasting things]
*Now these Mayan people predicted this to occur over 2,000 years ago, not to question their intelligence, but many of the "accurate" timings they have predicted were pretty vague, and could be left for interpretation. So really, the world "coming to a end" could mean various things on such a day. With the popularity of the topic I wouldn't be surprised (though I pray not) that some idiot in there mom's basement decides to "scare" people on this day.

***my interpretation: maybe, just maybe, the Mayans thought the world would end for them in some sense, maybe a change in faith, or a calling from the "Gods" they believed in.

2. Now scientist, have to get their noisy selves in on the mix and do some interpretation.
-Solar Storms:
According to some "unknown identified" scientist, Solar storms will peak in 2012, although no exact date was identified.

3. Some "Crazy Cults" have tried to manipulate the bible into fitting this hypothesis, saying:
"that the date for Armageddon, the final battle between Good an Evil, has been set down for 2012."
*I will try to look this up in my bible, and keep you posted; but like I said, it God really planned it, I'm down to ride.

4. A "Super Volcano" [okay, this one kind of scares me].
"The Yellowstone volcano has a pattern of erupting every 650,000 years or so, and we're many years overdue for an explosion that will fill the atmosphere with ash, blocking the sun and plunging the Earth into a frozen winter that could last up to 15,000 years. The pressure under the Yellowstone is building steadily, and geologists have set 2012 as a likely date for the big bang."

Source for the previous 4 argument was http://www.msghelp.net/showthread.php?tid=74463
From the writer of that blog, a special note saying. Note: "This was posted just for a general chit chat. The thread was not meant to scare anyone and I personally believe that the world is not going to end in 2012."

Next source..
[**my notes or comments are identified by the use of 2 stars **]
http://www.survive2012.com/
-This source argues that the world may not exactly come to an end, however, something big is going to happen. Through the possible ways:
Being because of the effects of:

Humans will lead to:
Flu Pandemic
Nuclear War / WW3 / Biological War
Large Hadron Collider
Nanotechnology
Religious Apocalypse [**and what is you website?**]
Nuclear Accident
Rise of the Machines
Genetic Modification
Time Travel Error [**ha ha really**]

From Space:
Nearby Supernova [**you have my attention**]
Explosion from the black hole at the center of our galaxy [**....... really**]
Gamma Ray Burst (GRB)
Asteroid/Meteor/Comet
Coronal Mass Ejection (CRE) from our Sun
Cosmic Rays
Solar System Falls Apart (butterfly effect)
Alien Invasion [**really?**]

From Earth:
Magnetic Pole Shift
Crustal Pole Shift
Supervolcano - ie Yellowstone
Ice Age
Global Warming [**duh**]



[**I'm done for now, but tell me what you think**]

And The Winner Is... _________!!!

I won a "Choice Award"; a "Choice Award" is a honor in my school's community along with Renaissance (I finally got my tag).

5 pounds down!!

So, I started this whole weight-loss thing last monday, today's weigh in: 5 POUNDS DOWN!!!

First Lady Obama is Fierce!!

I love this OUTFIT!!

So, I'm glad to see rihanna is out and about, but her outfits give my closet the best type of motivation.

Babe in the making, Part one.

So, I've started this diet. Basically before I head off to college (in about 15 months) I want to be a lovely 110 pounds. This diet, isnt anything speacial just trying to drop the pounds. This month I'm determined to lose 15 pounds. I have a good amount of weight to drop (I wont say the starting weight however it's the heaviest I've ever been). Lets get this thing rolling, I'll keep you updated.

Fashion under $100 is cool, But Fashion under $50 is even better!

Not to toot my own horn, but I'm kind of in love with picking out outfits and I'm pretty good at it too. This outfit would be perfect for hanging out at a coffee houses, at the park for a picnic, shopping downtown, or a casual out-and-about. Oh and did I forget to mention, it can work for both Spring and Summer! I'm all about multi seasonal clothing.

PS: Everything is from Forever21 in this look, and I love the contrast of of the soft floral and pearls, and the harsher metallic. Even though this look has minimal pieces it has an amazing impact!

The dress: Forever21 "Watercolor Floral Chiffon Dress" $24.80
The Shoes: Forever21 "Isabella Metallic Sandals" in Gold $15.80
The Earrings: Forever21 "Pearlescent Stud Earrings" $2.80!
Total: $43.40

I even included a great matching hairstyle, If you would like a tutorial let me know :)

Step Into Spring!

So, I've been looking for the perfect Spring/Summer and heck even Fall jewlery piece. I've found it! Its a Braided Satin Cord Bracelet by Ettika for $24... You can pick the charm of your choice! Personally I think the peace charm and the feather are best, but be unique.. switch it up :) .

Check it out at http://www.ettika.com/

The First Post!!

Hey Everyone!

Welcome to my blog, follow me as I adventure into adult-hood, with a more than just a physical makeover. Check back in for more information, details, reviews, ideas, DIYs, and tutorials.