Soldier mom refuses deployment

I copied and pasted this story. It really touched me. This war is really stressful. Not only to the soldiers but to their families as well. I'm just praying that it ends soon! This young woman was doing what she felt was best for her child. See story below:

By RUSS BYNUM, AP Military Writer Russ Bynum, Ap Military Writer – Mon Nov 16, 9:32 pm ET
SAVANNAH, Ga. – An Army cook and single mom may face criminal charges after she skipped her deployment flight to Afghanistan because, she said, no one was available to care for her infant son while she was overseas.
Spc. Alexis Hutchinson, 21, claims she had no choice but to refuse deployment orders because the only family she had to care for her 10-month-old son — her mother — was overwhelmed by the task, already caring for three other relatives with health problems.
Her civilian attorney, Rai Sue Sussman, said Monday that one of Hutchinson's superiors told her she would have to deploy anyway and place the child in foster care.
"For her it was like, 'I couldn't abandon my child,'" Sussman said. "She was really afraid of what would happen, that if she showed up they would send her to Afghanistan anyway and put her son with child protective services."
Hutchinson, who is from Oakland, Calif., remained confined Monday to the boundaries of Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, 10 days after military police arrested her for skipping her unit's flight. No charges have been filed, but a spokesman for the Army post said commanders were investigating.
Kevin Larson, a spokesman for Hunter Army Airfield, said he didn't know what Hutchinson was told by her commanders, but he said the Army would not deploy a single parent who had nobody to care for his or her child.
"I don't know what transpired and the investigation will get to the bottom of it," Larson said. "If she would have come to the deployment terminal with her child, there's no question she would not have been deployed."
Hutchinson's son, Kamani, was placed into custody overnight with a daycare provider on the Army post after she was arrested and jailed briefly, Larson said. Hutchinson's mother picked up the child a week ago and took him back to her home in California.
Hutchinson, who's assigned to the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, joined the Army in 2007 and had no previous deployments, Sussman said. She said Hutchinson is no longer in a relationship with the father.
The Army requires all single-parent soldiers to submit a care plan for dependent children before they can deploy to a combat zone.
Hutchinson had such a plan — her mother, Angelique Hughes, had agreed to care for the boy. Hughes said Monday she kept the boy for about two weeks in October before deciding she couldn't keep him for a full year.
Hughes said she's already having to care for her ailing mother and sister, as well as a daughter with special needs. She also runs a daycare center at her home, keeping about 14 children during the day.
"This is an infant, and they require 24-hour care," Hughes said. "It was very, very stressful, just too much for me to deal with."
Hughes said she returned Kamani to his mother in Georgia a few days before her scheduled deployment Nov. 5.
She said they told her daughter's commanders they needed more time to find another family member or close friend to help Hughes care for the boy, but Hutchinson was ordered to deploy on schedule.
Larson, the Army post spokesman, said officials planned to keep Hutchinson in Georgia as investigators gathered facts about the case.
"Spc. Hutchinson's deployment is halted," Larson said. "There will be no deployment while this situation is ongoing."
___
Russ Bynum has covered the military based in Georgia since 2001.

spoke to soon, Precious came to town!

I just saw Precious. Wow! It was very true to the book. Monique and Gabourey did awesome jobs. Although very vulgar and graphic it was real. Congrats ladies. Go see it if you haven't.

Not so Precious

I know they said the movie Precious would be shown in select theaters but dang I didn't think theaters in the city where I live would get skipped over! Shows how much I paid attention to details. It was only meant to be shown in 18 theaters. I'm wondering what the reasoning behind it only being shown in so few theaters. My options are to drive to the nearest city to see it or just wait until it comes out on DVD. I was so anxious to see it but I think I'll choose the latter. My friend and I had our day all planned out. We just keep seeing the previews for it too! Oh well.

Life is...Precious.

I am anxiously awaiting for the day the movie Precious comes to theaters. I read the book, PUSH (quite a few years ago), which the film is based off of. I remember the day I checked the book out from the local library. I am an avid reader and was in search of something new to read. I had not heard of the book so of course I didn't know what it was about. The appearance of the book is what got me. The book was small and red with black, bold, capital letters that said PUSH going up the side. The same day I checked it out, was the same day I completed the book, within a few hours. All 192 pages were powerful to me. From the first page to last page. PUSH is about a young, Harlem teenager who felt like she was worth "nuffin". She is illiterate, abused by her mother and father, a mother herself and HIV positive. What's so real about this story is it's written in first person, so you get to see the real Precious, a young woman searching for her voice and begging to be heard. PUSH evoked so many emotions for me. I would encourage everyone to read the book as well as see the movie.





The previews look so good. I know movies based off books don't usually include all the details found in the book, but Precious looks like it will be pretty close.

This movie is set to debut on November 6, 2009.

This Is It premiere

Michael Jackson's This Is It concert tour rehearsal footage hits theaters today.I read an article on MSN that said there was over 100 hours of rehearsal footage. It's supposed to only be in theaters for 2 weeks but due to the rave reviews it received last night at the L.A. premiere I bet it will be around for a bit longer. It's no secret that I'm an MJJ fan (since I was 4, at least as far as I remember). I am super excited about going to see this film since I never got the chance to see him perform live.

Products for the Cure Part Deux

I found this satin pillow case on comfortsilkie.com. The company has a line of prodcuts called Hope that support those going through treatment, those who are suvivors and those who want to show support by purchasing a product. The pillow cases are $20. They'd make great gifts as well because they are pretty and they protect hair from breakage.

This Bubble Gum Pink nail polish by Eyes, Lips, Face is only $1. Proceeds from sales support breast cancer research.

who knows?

So, now I'm reading that the cast of The Game may have been on their way to Atlanta just to appear on The Mo'Nique Show. Bummer (if it is indeed true). We shall see. Only time will tell. However, I will still have my DVR ready! :) Be blessed!

Could it be?

Is one of my favorite TV shows coming back for a fourth season? I'm praying so! I'm talking about The Game, you know, Tasha Mack, Malik Wright, Kelly and Jason, Melanie and Derwin (my faves! They're situation is very similar to something I went through), and let's not forget Tee Tee's silly self! Thanks to theybf.com I just read a post about how the cast of the show tweeted that they are on their way to Atlanta to begin shooting the next season. How they will incorporate moving to Atlanta into the show should be interesting. I love the authenticity of the show. Each person has their personal issues to deal with and those issues can relate to most people that watch the show. Thank God for BET and DVR because I can catch up on any episodes that I missed during the first three seasons or see/record some of my favorite episodes. My friend and I often discuss different episodes and how it relates to our lives. I truly hope that the show is coming back on the air. I will definitely be watching and recording...

Signs of Breast Cancer

Here are a few more things you should know about breast cancer. As I've stated before this disease can occur well before 40, which is the age strongly suggested for women to start getting mammograms. My father's mother was 25 when she had her masectomy. Ladies, know your body well.

Signs of breast cancer: Finding a lump. A lump or thickening of the breast is one of the most common signs of breast cancer. While it can be discovered through self examination, a lump can be detected by a mammogram much sooner than it will be felt or seen. In most cases, there is no pain associated with a lump in the breast, and in almost all cases it turns out to be benign, or non-cancerous.

Signs of breast cancer: Swelling. Breast cancer may cause swelling in the breast or armpit area. The swelling is not painful and should be observed for a time. If it doesn't go away, especially after one menstrual cycle, it is a good idea to see a doctor.

Signs of breast cancer: Tenderness. As noted above, there is rarely pain associated with breast lumps, but there may be a tenderness noticed in the breast or around the nipple. If it persists, see a doctor.

Signs of breast cancer: Changes in size or shape. Sometimes breast cancer will produce a flattening in the breast, or something that looks like an indentation. At other times there will be a noticeable change in the contour or size of one or both breasts. These changes can be an indication that there is cancer in the breast that cannot yet be felt.

Signs of breast cancer: Change in skin texture. Any change in the skin of the breast, nipple or areola can be a sign of breast cancer. These changes often appear on the surface and tend to resemble the peel of an orange, with redness, pitting or dimpling of the skin.

Signs of breast cancer: Changes in the nipple. Should the nipple appear to turn inward or become dimpled, it may be a sign of breast cancer. Any abnormal discharge from the nipple should also be watched and checked out if it persists. If the nipple or surrounding area become scaly, that can indicate a form of breast cancer known as Paget's Disease, which is a localized form of the disease.

The best way to detect any of these signs of breast cancer is to be aware of the normal appearance of the areola, breast and nipples. While the vast majority of changes in breast appearance are not cancer, it is wise to watch anything that looks different.

Nobel Peace Prize winner: Barack Obama

PRESIDENT Barack Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize today. Members of the committee said their choice was due to Obama's plan to build global support for his policies and his call for peace. They praised his pledges to reduce the world of nuclear arms, ease American conflicts with Muslim nations and strengthen the U.S. role in fighting climate change.

Despite the many criticisms about Obama's efforts to run this country, he should be recognized for this accomplishment, This is a very notable honor.

Products for the cure...

You can shop (and find some great things, cost efficient too might I add) and support breast cancer research at the same time. These products give a large dollar amount or percentage of sales to various foundations to help aid in research costs, new medicine discoveries, and events that raise awareness. For those into makeup Estee Lauder has the Pink Ribbon Collection, it offers a couple of soft shades of lipstick and lip liner. Avon offers an array of products from shirts, hats to soap and pens. I actually ordered a silver locket with the the pink ribbon symbol in pink rhinestones from Avon the same year my grandmother died and of course I keep her picture in it. Fashion designer Anne Klein's, who passed away due to breast cancer complications, line is offering a few pieces of statement jewelry to support the cure. Chi, the line that makes hair straightening tools, has a pink Breast Cancer Micro flat Iron. My beautician has one, as a matter of fact she used it on my hair today. Reebok designed a special sneaker available to purchase and/or wear to those who participate in Race/Walk for the Cure events. I have seen everything from pocket tissues, water bottles and compact mirrors at various stores...won't you support the cause?

It's All About Pink! Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2 years ago my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a naturally a tough time for the whole family. March of 2007 she was in stage 4 of the disease. The cancer rapidly spread and my grandmother passed away. Had she went to get checked out when she first discovered a lump in her right breast and the bloody discharge, there's a chance she could've still been here today. When my other grandmother was around 25 (in the 70's) she had to get a masectomy due to cancer found in her left breast. Due to these events, I wholeheartedly support breast cancer awareness. I challenge you to "think pink". Change your lifestyle to prevent cancer (and other diseases). Eat more fruits and veggies. Their fiber and antioxidants aid in prevention. Studies show that cuciferous vegetables, such as brocoli, cabbage and cauliflower, kill cancer cells. Exercise. Stop smoking. Get regular checkups every year and do self breast exams often. There are non-profit foundations such as the Susan G. Komen foundation that you can give a donation to in an effort to help find a cure for breast cancer. It's all about awareness and prevention. Be blessed and take care!

Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards men

What happened in Chicago recently to that 16 year old boy was appalling to say the least. To know that the the whole scenario was recorded and floating around the internet is disturbing. Very disturbing. Derrion Albert was hit over the head with a 2 by 4 plank in a melee in the streets of Chicago. According to Derrion's mother, he was a good kid, an honor student, definitely gone too soon. I watched the video and it made me sick, literally. I couldn't help but notice all the people who stood around spectating and not helping to alleviate the situation. Although disturbing, I hope the video aids in justice being served but more than anything I hope that the video opens people's eyes in an attempt to show them how senseless that degree of violence is. I can only imagine how the family feels whenever they get online. What happened in Chicago was not a scene from a movie where Derrion can get up after the director yells "cut!" That was real. The pain his family and friends feel is real. The sadness and turmoil surrounding that community is real. As dismal as the circumstances may seem I do know that prayer is REAL. My prayers are definitely with Derrion Albert's family as well as the guys invovled in the fight.

That Color Purple

More than just a classic movie and now a broadway play, it's actually an awesome color and just so happens to be my favorite color. I'm predicting that not only will it be the must have color of winter but various shades of it will carry over into spring and summer 2010. From fingernail polish to shoes, you better go purchase you something purple :)

Peep a few purple purchase ideas below:

these items can be found at Forver21 and Charlotte Russe, 2 of my favorite places to shop.

add these 2 to the style list!

I want to add these two women to my list of style inspirations. Keri Hilson and Ashanti. They have both been standing out to me lately with their choice of wardrobe, hair and how good their skin looks. Again, I like style fashion that's comfortable, feminine, sophisticated , attention-grabbing but not to over the top and these ladies are doing it. Their make up looks clean and pretty, their shoes are stylish (I heart shoes!) and their hair looks good. Keri and Ashanti have been sporting non-traditional semi-edgy hairstyles lately. That's always a plus. Check out their current looks:

Really? The box fade?

I am beginning to see more fellows with the late 80's early 90's box fade hair cut. I remember my brother and cousin sporting the gumbi slant with reddish orange dye at the top of the hair and a part cut on the side. Lol, they thought they were the stuff back then. All the old school rappers rocked the box fade. Everyone from Big Daddy Kane to the Fresh Prince and Bobby Brown, who was probably most known for the style. My cousin and I were hanging out one night and we laughed so hard when we saw a crew of young guys trying to emulate the 90's style when they know they were barely even thought of. Made us want to sit on the porch while eating chips, drinking "red" Kool-Aid and listen to the radio and challenge each other to a dance contest, where we did dances such as the running man, cabbage patch and the Roger Rabbit...As grandma always said, there's nothing new under the sun. Below are a few pics of the once popular style that' resurfacing slowly...

enjoy life...live it up, laugh and of course love!

I went out of town for a bit, back to my 2nd home, well actually it's my first home but I haven't lived there in a looong time. However, all my family and extended family live there. The day before I left one of my cousins passed away unexpectedly. Of course that put a damper on the visit but overall I had a great time. I laughed, cried, argued, reminisced and most importantly I got to tell my family that no matter what, I love them.

1 Corinthians 13:13...but the greatest of these is love.

Happy Birthday Mike! RIP

It's a CELEBRATION y'all! My love for Michael Jackson will never fade...I'm playing his music all day. Parrrrtaaaay!

The Sound is #1

Gospel Duo Mary Mary

According to Billboard, the Grammy Award winning duo Mary Mary recently held down both the nation's #1 Gospel Song ("God In Me") and #1 Gospel Album (The Sound) positions.

Congratulations to those lovely ladies! They are definitely not ashamed of who they are and whose they are. Might I add that they are also pretty fashion forward. The Sound is a great CD, I have had it since it debuted in 2008. I've been a fan of Mary Mary and their contemporary gospel sound since they first came on the scene around 2000/2001.

Just a few of their looks throughout the years...they've always kept it tasteful, fun and classy.

Education is key

I am very passionate about education especially for blacks...Getting the black community where we need to be education wise is long over due and I believe the Obama's can get us on track in this area. We have to change our thinking on education and start making things happen.

(via Essence Magazine and CNN.com, I only highlighted certain points from the article. For the full article visit: http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/08/17/what.matters.education/) --
In a recent conversation with reporters, President Obama easily cited education as the most important issue for the black community.


"If we close the achievement gap, then a big chunk of economic inequality in this society is diminished," Obama told a small group of journalists from black media outlets, including ESSENCE.

"Now, how do we do that? Better teachers, greater accountability, and more resources combined with more reform."

According to a recent study from the National Center for Education Statistics, African-American students continue to score significantly lower in reading and math than their white counterparts.

Although the gap narrowed slightly between 1992 and 2007 -- about 7 points on a 500-point scale -- the disparity remains wide, with black students still scoring about 28 points behind whites. Consequently, black children also have a far higher high school dropout rate and a lower rate of college enrollment.
"We're not going to transform the urban school system in a year," the president admitted. "It's going to have to be a sustained effort, including a change of attitudes about education within our own communities."

So, what is his team doing to combat these problems? The Obama administration says there are a number of policies and proposals in their agenda to get all children college-ready.
"The president has laid out a goal to provide a complete and competitive education for every child from cradle through career," said Heather Higginbottom, Deputy Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council. "That's how we look at this; we look at every piece of this pipeline, starting with early education."

With regard to the K-12 part of the pipeline, the Obama administration is using money given to states from the Recovery Act as a proverbial carrot to drive education reform in the country's worst performing schools.

"We had conditions on that money, and states had to comply with certain things," Higginbottom said, explaining that standards and improvements had to be agreed to first in order for states to access Recovery Act education funding. She also said that many states have shown enthusiasm about programs rewarding teacher performance with higher pay, an Obama-supported innovation for which the 2010 budget requested funds.

The president has also called for federal budget funds for charter schools, where he sees thriving education innovations taking place, and for proven programs focusing on dropout prevention and college enrollment.

Another Obama proposal is Promise Neighborhoods, which would make grants available to low-income communities to start comprehensive education and parenting programs similar to New York's successful Harlem Children's Zone program.
On higher education, the president is working with Congress to increase funding for the Pell grant, which is targeted to low-income students. "It's an incredibly important tool, and we've seen it underfunded and not rising with inflation," said Higginbottom.

The Recovery Act also included a $2,500 annual tax credit, which working families can use toward college tuition and which covers the full cost of tuition at most two-year community colleges. In June, Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced a major simplification of the FAFSA financial aid form, streamlining it from a complicated and intimidating form to a shorter, easier-to-complete document.

"We've got to get our kids up to speed," Obama emphasized at the black media roundtable, before asserting that he's putting his money where his mouth is. "Arne Duncan, I think, is pushing for more aggressive reforms than we've seen under any previous president. And we're putting more money into education than any previous administration."

CB and the Herringbone

Just thought I'd give Chris Brown a shout out for bringing the gold herringbone necklace back in style. ;) It's so late 80's early 90's. I remember when I first got mine for Christmas around 93 or 94. LOL, memories...

Love *sigh* Conquers All

I just love them together. To me(and many others I'm sure) they represent strength, hope, endurance, patience and most of all LOVE. They have so much on their plates individually and they're a powerhouse together.





And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13





Here's my love inspiration for the day, President and First Lady Obama, whom I need to do a fashion review on because as my grandma would say, "she stays sharp!"





spread some love today people whether it be through a kind word or a thoughtful gift, just do it without reason or without expecting anything in return!

shea and cocoa

This is my new must have product. I love it!

So, I picked up this Johnson's baby oil gel with Shea and Cocoa butter this past weekend. I put it on immediately after my showers while my skin is still damp and wow...it's not super greasy (can't stand to be too shiny) and it keeps my skin soft and moisturized all day! The scent is really light and fresh which is also a plus because I get headaches from strong scents.

Try it!

Keyshia's latest do'!

OK, so I know it seems like shaving your head is the trending thing to do these days. Honestly, I don't think everyone can pull it off but like anything else in the style world, it's what the wearer of the style makes it. I truly think that out of all the shaved, edgy, sassy and whatever other words can be thought of, I think Keyshia Cole is ROCKIN' that hairstyle. It matches her personality, sweet and sassy.

Keyshia Cole is definitely not one who is afraid to experiment with her hair. She's had so many hairstyle looks, too many to name them all. She puts me in the mind of Mary J. Blige with the various hairstyle changes. They both keep you guessing, and often times asking your beautician to recreate the look, LOL. Anyway, I am feeling this look on Ms. Keyshia. Get it girl!

Decluttering pt. 2, day 3 ;)

Well, today is just the 3rd day of my decluttering fast. This morning I really felt the effects of the change in my diet. I felt like I was in a detox program! LOL, ok, so honestly no I've never been in one but going off what I've seen in movies and on TV. I was sweating and jittery. I'm sure this feeling of withdrawal from my normal diet (of whatever I felt like eating) will continue on for a few more days until my body gets used to this new routine. I felt light-headed this afternoon but I am enjoying eating fresh fruits and fresh vegetables. I even tried Balsamic Vinaigrette for the first time on salad, as opposed to my usual Ranch and Blue Cheese, and I love it!

What's most important is the mental and spiritual growth I am experiencing. I am getting liberated from so many things...love it, love it, love it!

Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Thanks God! ;)

Fashionistas!

I'm feeling fashiony today, just doodling some ideas and decided to highlight some of my fashion inspirations. These are 3 women that I admire for not only their fashion sense but for the way they carry themselves, especially when the paparrazi's around. In my opinion they each have effortless style when it comes to clothes, shoes, accessories and it's evident that the take pride in caring for their temples.

Vanessa Simmons, co-creator of Pastry Kicks, on her 26th birthday. She looks fab in this strapless gray pant jumpsuit, gold accessories and her pumps (which aren't pictured) were blue Christian Dior peep toe pumps.


My girl Bey! I don't care what the people say she truly is fierce, effortlessly(3 snaps and a twist). She will always be a fashionista in my eyes. She's never too over the top.

Sanaa Lathan, is so poised and beautiful in everything she wears. I am totally feeling this royal blue pants suit. She kept it simple from her makeup, to her minimal use of accessories, down to her strappy black heels. Love it!

God is a God of excellence! Take care of yourselves...1 Corinthians 6:19-20

On Time

I finally got a brief moment to look through this months (August 2009) issue of Lucky Magazine.
[sidebar:I do enjoy this magazine. It's about shopping and style and it's very inexpensive (that's always a plus). ]

The accessory featured this month is pendant watches. It's like Flavor Flav's style of clock wearing around the neck, toned way down with feminine flair. They're actually really cute. I am thinking about sporting one since I have a thing for long chain pendant necklaces. Besides being cute, it's a stylish way to keep the time. Give the wrists a break from wearing watches :).

Check this one out on http://www.nixonnow.com/ It comes in several colors. Purple just so happens to be one of my favorite colors. Pair this pendant with a plain gray tank top, shredded style skinny jeans, and some flats topped off with a tan hobo bag for hanging out around your city or shopping with your friends on the weekend. Just an idea. Of course they can be worn with just about anything.

Happy Feelings Pt.1

I said I would be highlighting the good in people, so here goes my first recognition. Enjoy!





I probably should have posted this yesterday when I first read it but oh well, time got the best of me. This man is one of my favorite music artists. He has a campaign called Songz for Peace where he encourages youth to refrain from participating in violent acts. I ran across this article (see below) on his official website. I admire that he is using his voice as tool to help others. It gives me *singing* "happy feelings!" and shows his compassionate side. Which is refreshing aside from all the other stuff circulating about him.


Who is he you ask? Well, he is none other than Trey Songz. Here's the article courtesy of his website, http://www.treysongz.com/

Trey Songz In Buffalo, New York
August 7, 2009
New York State Senator Antoine M. Thompson (D-Parts of Erie & Niagara Counties), JetBlue Airways, the Town Ballroom, and Kholes Entertainment will present R&B artist Trey Songz with a proclamation from the New York State Senate during his visit to Buffalo on Friday, August 7, 2009. This event will take place in the community at the Delavan-Grider Community Center, located at 877 East Delavan Avenue at 5:00 PM. Buffalo is a wonderful city with wonderful people but we need to increase our efforts to eliminate the violence; and we need to start with our youth. Trey Songz will encourage youth to stay away from violence, said Senator Thompson. Recently, Buffalos communities have been subjected to multiple acts of violence. Trey Songz will also be in attendance to inspire inner city youth with a few words of encouragement, including a message of peace, love, and non-violence. He has traveled around the country as an anti-violence advocate.

Be a blessing, intently!

Decluttering my life!

Ok so for the month of August my church is focusing on getting rid of clutter. After this past Sunday's sermon(8/2/09) and Wednesday night (8/5/09) Bible study I realize it's time for me to come terms with the clutter in my life. People (relationships), thoughts (overthinking), material possessions *big gulp* (clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry that I don't wear but still like to know that I have), old magazines, receipts, paper work...UGH! I won't go any further. Daily I've been working on something. I realized I am a bit extreme! Why was it so hard for me to get rid of stuff that I don't use??

I watched a bit of Rod Parsley today and he just so happened to be talking about "Taking out the Trash in Your Life". I love it when God speaks. Confirmation that I need to be obedient. Rod pointed out that addiction is a form of clutter. I just learned something...

I had to ask myself, "Am I an addict?" Lord help me! God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33) and clutter(confusion) only blocks God's blessings...

Monday starts my 2 week fast. I am so READY to declutter everything! My temple could definitely use it.

Will write about it. Stay tuned...

The Scarves Have It

Looks like scarves aren't going anywhere anytime soon. There are even some cute ones being sold at Walmart! Walmart is coming up I tell ya! Every store I've been too or clothing site I frequent is pairing one with just about everything. Everyone from from the oldest member of the church choir to the youngest kid outside in the church parking lot doing the jerk (ok, I am trying to be facetious here,lol) are wearing scarves. I have even seen scarves on dogs! I since they started resurfacing about 2 years ago I have collected quite a few myself.

I wore one with a gray bubble dress when I met my favorite performer, Mr. Trey Songz!

They can truly add a little pop to most outfits. So...I decided to blog about them, lol.

Scarves, which started as a fashion item many decades ago, are still highly fashionable and very popular among men and women. I've seen pictures of just about every celebrity rocking a scarf around their neck. They're more than a fashion accessory, scarves serve functional uses of protecting against heat/cold when worn around the neck, worn as a belt, or covering up a bad hair day.

Gotta educate you a little bit...Like everything else, scarves have an extensive history behind them. The history of the scarf can be traced back to Ancient Rome, when it was known as a sweat cloth. Romans used them to wipe their faces and necks(I'm sure many still do that today). Roman men eventually made the scarf into a man’s fashion accessory, they wore them as belts or around their neck. Women soon followed the fashion trend, and eventually became the gender more known for wearing scarves. The scarf was said to be initially made of wool instead. Chinese warriors used them to classify rank. The French followed suit in this trend and are probably the ones who made them more of a fashion statement. You've seen pics of little french school girls wearing a beret and scarf around their neck.

Scarves come in a wide variety of colors, designs, and styles that will complement any outfit. You can even get a scarf custom made if you desire. The prices vary from about $375.00
for a Hermes silk scarf ( http://www.hermes.com/ ) to a $5.00 cotton one at Walmart.
The scarf has come and gone. It's been apart of every decade and has always been a must have accessory in the fashion scene.

one of my favorite inexpensive stores, XXI (Forever 21), has some cute ones http://www.forever21.com/category.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc_scarf_gloves&Page=1

I am not my hair...

When I saw the trailer for comdeian Chris Rock's upcoming documentary titled, Good Hair, I immediately thought of Spike Lee's movie School Daze. My mind replayed the scene where the "Jigga-boo's" and the "Wanna-be's" were singing about "good" or "bad" hair. The debate on black women's state of hair is an age-old topic.

Growing up I was always told that I had "good" hair. My hair has always been extremely thick and long (well past your shoulders in the black community is considered long). One Saturday morning after years of sitting in the kitchen, next to the stove getting my hair hot combed my mom stated she'd had enough. She was tired of burning her fingers and I was tired of her burning my ears, forehead and the back of my neck. She decided to purchase a PCJ relaxer from a local store. I remember watching her mix this creamy looking stuff that smelled awful. My scalp felt like it was on fire but the end result was long, silky straight "good" looking hair. That was 20 years ago and I've been hooked on relaxers ever since.

I recall everyone from kids to adults telling me,(more like commanding me) "Don't ever cut your hair because you have pretty hair." or "I would kill/love to have hair like yours." Sounds pretty extreme huh? I realized that I am caught up in the hype. I don't want to go out in public if my hair is too puffy from newgrowth and my edges aren't straight! Shoot, I never just really thought I had the best hair. To me good hair was the kind that mixed kids had, all pretty, shiny and curly. Sounds like I agreed with society. Don't misunderstand me, I am grateful for having hair period. God has blessed me with it, as a matter of fact he knows the exact number of strands on my head(see Matthew 10:30). Truth be told, due to overprocessing it with chemicals my hair became damaged. It's tough keeping it all together with overprocessed hair. Anyway....

The documentary seems like it will be full of humorous truths. It's crazy to see that after all these years people are still hung up on what's consider good hair or not. I look forward to seeing the film in its entirety, whenever that is since there was no date. The reviews should be quite interesting too. It was refreshing to see black female celebrities talking about their sew-ins(admitting that they have weave) and making light of the situation...I wonder if they will switch the game up and rock their real hair? hmmmm...

Click here to see the documentary trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m-4qxz08So

Wanna Be Startin' Something?

Yes, yes, yes I am a TRUE Michael Joe Jackson fan. My earliest recollections of him date back to 1987 when I was 4 years old. When I was 5 I wanted to marry him. I'd watch Michael Jackson: Moonwalker at least once a day. I wore that poor VHS out! I even had an MJ doll...The man kept me mesmerized. I didn't care about all the negativity swarming about him. I just knew I loved him and felt a sense of connection and understanding with him. Just standing on a stage and removing his sunglasses made millions of people scream and pass out! Amazing! When people would laugh at me and ask if I really liked him, I'd proudly say, "Yes!" Leave Me Alone is one of my favorite MJ videos. I never understood why the media wouldn't leave him alone. It was apparent the heights his fame took him too and the sadness he felt from lack of privacy and lack of a "normal" life.

Ever felt that way? To the point you want to shout/sing "Just leave me alone!"

In the event of his death so many have totally overlooked his numerous contributions to society. He was true inspiration...

Wanna Be Startin' Something? Start giving. Luke 6:38 (New International Version)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Wanna talk about Michael? Talk about how he was a giver.

Michael was intently a blessing to others.

Here's a list that highlights the positive things Michael contributed to, aside from his awesome music(I am sure he gave to plenty of others):

AIDS Project L.A.
American Cancer Society
Angel Food
Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles
BMI Foundation, Inc.
Brotherhood Crusade
Brothman Burn Center
Camp Ronald McDonald
Childhelp U.S.A.
Children's Institute International
Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund
Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)
Dakar Foundation
Dreamstreet Kids
Dreams Come True Charity
Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Love Match
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Minority Aids Project
Motown Museum
NAACP
National Rainbow Coalition
Rotary Club of Australia
Society of Singers
Starlight Foundation
The Carter Center's Atlanta Project
The Sickle Cell Research Foundation
Transafrica
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
United Negro College Fund Ladder's of Hope
Volunteers of America
Watts Summer Festival
Wish Granting
YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw

Makes me feel like taking up a collection!

*Smile, God LOVES you*

Rejoice!

This is the day that the Lord has made, REJOICE!

This morning I took a walk and just communed with God and nature. Amazing! I took notice and admired all the things God created. You would've thought I was in some tropical paradise the way I was admiring (oohing and ahhing) everything. All I did was walk around the neighborhood!

My days can be so busy at times which cause me to have serious tunnel vision. It felt good to notice how God intricately designed the trees, birds, grass, air, clouds, etc. What really puts me in awe is that all He created has a purpose. All I could do was praise Him for his works. What other God can be called Elohim(Creator, Genesis 1:1)? None! No one else can take credit for earth's creation.

If you ever get a chance get out and get you some fresh air, take note of creation. Then read Revelation 14:7 which talks about how we should praise the One who created earth, seas, etc.

Will You Count Me In?

In the past couple of years I haven't had much time to watch 106th and Park but for some reason I was led to watch it today with my niece. The episode was about body image issues, in case you didn't see it. The highlight of the show for me was when co-host Rocsi Diaz opened up about her battle with anorexia. It was so real and forced me to come to terms with my own image issues. I felt her pain because I know how daunting my insecurities are.

It makes me think twice about laughing at someone because they have big lips or big ears even if they are a celebrity. Who am I to point out someone's flaws when I have my own to deal with? For a while it was hard for me to hold my head up and look people in the eye for fear they'd stare at my flaws. I was constantly comparing the size of my breasts to those of others. I would always fold my arms across my chest and always hoped I come across someone with less than me. Shame...the silly lengths we go through to make ourselves feel better.

I totally commend Rocsi and all the other young ladies who had the courage to stand up in front of a live audience full of strangers and admit their issues. Rocsi also raised awareness about anorexia not just being something white girls deal with. I was relieved to know I wasn't the only one covering up things...Now it's time to be free! ;)

Releasing those insecurities and accepting yourself are major steps to authentic confidence. We were all created different for a reason. Look in the mirror and see past your flaws, that's what I'll be doing!

The bottom line is God loves us how we are. Here's proof that you can count on, check it out for yourself...Genesis 1:27 (NIV) God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Psalm 139:14 let's us know that we can praise God because we are fearfully and wonderfully made. See yourself they way your creator sees you.