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