Dear Black History Month,.... Sincerly, Middle Finga

Black is not a Race, Black is more of a Feeling

A state of mind, a euphemism for Swagg

It's something that African Americans OWN

Black is internally Beautiful, Black is a light that grows from within

Its that feeling you get when you see True Talent

The excitement u feel when your in the presence of a Genius

Black is Bold, Black is Power. Black is intelligence,

Soul, Good Loving, The sweetness of a ripe Fruit

Black isn't shameful or embarrassed. Its an Award

Radiant, a light that can not be dimmed.

Black is effortlessly Stylish.

I'm in Love with being Black.

Black is AWESOME ALL YEAR AROUND

Fuck a Month!

Working Like An Adult, Sleeping Like A Baby

Last year around this time I was faced with the same issue. I have always been a "night crawler". However, It has not been until the last two years that I find myself completely restless with the inability to sleep. It's starting to take a toll on me something seriously. Not having adequate sleep results into the break down of your immune system, you may began to hallucinate and grasp reality (mostly with lighting, and start to stare off at things), you will have issues with you're growth hormones (although, I am already tall enough), easier to attract illnesses (especially the common cold), you become irritable, tired, or your body feels weird as if you're on cloud nine due to adrenaline, also you may experience emotional delays in your response, memory lost, all TYPES OF TERRIBLE THINGS!! Puffy eyes, Dry skin, The cells don't have time to rejuvenate!! There's a lost of appetite and concentration. UGHHHHHHHH! I must have experienced all of these things. But the emotional stress far outweigh the physical issues u may have to deal with.

Feeling as if you don't have control over your life made me feel helpless. I remember around this same time last year I was faced with the issue of sleeping. There I was in college taking 18 credits, completing a case study, and basically working 24 hours as an RA, oh yeah and in a long distance relationship. Sleep was not an option, keeping my appearance up to par fell at the waist line, I was a wreck!! Everything came to an extreme climax when me and my educational Professor got into a lil verbal disagreement. I was very angry and upset, irritable. I was missing my case study because I was oversleeping. I was coming late to her class because I was oversleeping. When I entered her class one day, late, she approached me about the issue and I began to snap. Thank gosh for a very understanding professor. She pulled me to the side after class and asked me what was going on?. I explained to her how I was having trouble sleeping, up all night cleaning, eating, reading, thinking, watching television, and even talking. JUST NOT SLEEPING. That's when she expressed to me she had these same issues and had seek professional help. She gave me a few tips to use so I can have a better night sleep, and honestly they did work. But here I am a year later experiencing the same issues. I work almost 30-40 hours a week (no set schedule, sometimes working doubles), working on this blog site, mentoring on the weekends, learning/reading, and dealing with all the other issues a young black women has to face. Maybe I have too much on my plate? but honestly I just feel as if my time is mismanaged due to sleep deprivation. I have decided to share the tips I learned once ago and will put into affect starting today (Feb 23rd). I will monitor my journey via blog for everyone, including myself, to witness the transition.

Tips To Help You Sleep Better:

1st thing 1st give your self a set bed time! It is best that an adult body gets in adequate 6-8 hours of sleep, every day. 

The Bed is OFF LIMITS: Your bed is not to be used as a desk or a hangout spot. The bed is to be used for sleeping and sexing. If you want to watch television watch it in the living room on the couch. If you want to finish typing up an email. Type it at a table where you sit in a chair. Reading is also to be done anywhere else other than the bed.

Make sure you stop any extraneous (physical and mental) task 30minutes to hour before going to sleep: no eating, no drinking, no showering unless done a half hour to hour before. For example, If I am working on a posting for my blog. It is not okay to finish the posting then just lay in my bed thinking I will be able to sleep. It is best to finish the blog giving myself time to unwind. Say I finish my posting at 9:30pm because I know I would like to be asleep by 10:15pm.

Turn off your lights, and television: Lights, Sounds, Your Favorite episode of The Office will definitely keep you awake

Place your phone far far away from you: far away. put it on silent unless if you use it as an alarm. but even then try to invest in an alarm.BBM, Text Message, Emailing at your fingertips, Twitter, and Face book, and even dialing. Put your phone away an hour before going to bed no exceptions.

When getting ready to sleep you can listen to music at a low volume (2/3) and soothing music: Something without words is even better (so you won't sing along) -Try Kenny G Greatest Hits- I love this man)

My Plans:

As of now I have found myself not being able to sleep until 5 or 6am. UGHHHHH. I usually get off of work at 12am in which I find an issue unwinding.

I am running a book club, a blog. I am working. I am mentoring. I am studying to take exams for my teaching license. I also want to get back into performing poetry and panting. Oh I forgot my newly purchased gym membership! and in the mist of all this I need a Social Life.

Soooooo I decided

 MY BEDTIME is 2:45AM

It takes me an hour to get home from work, while on the bus I can write my notes/question for the book club and or read the suggested piece of literature, face book, tweet, and text my home girls.
Once entering my house place my phone on silent and it is off limits for the night.
at 1am I should be home in which I can eat and take a shower (while eating I can watch any of my fav shows I DVR or do some web surfing) at
1:40am I can then finish any work regarding my blog. (submitting post, editing, sending out emails to the Sugar Water Staff)- From my kitchen table on my laptop.
At around 2:10- 2:15am I hope to start mentally and physically unwinding.

I will follow the above steps and stay strong trying to beat my CRACKBERRY CRAVINGS!! 

Remember I will keep you posted and you can share your stories and tips as well, under the comment section

Stay Sweet.

The Bachelor Pad From Heaven

Every time I step into my babes house my body just cringes. The scenery is as depressing as depressing can get. The dark grey walls, The Navy blue curtains with matching comforters, the drawn shades so not even a peak of sunlight can hit the walls, the fluorescent lights that flicks on and off hanging on to its last watt, and them all black everything dressers. Gym socks I may stumble across and boxers that fell an inch short of the hamper just adds to my misery.  They say your home is your solitude and if you are at your babes how as much as I am, then his casa is tu casa. However, you have not received the a-Ok to move in yet. How do you turn your boyfriend/boy toy Bachelor Pad into a place where you feel apart of the equation. You don't want to be too forward; entering the house with an Extreme Home Makeover crew and a pail of Roses are Pink Paint. You have to make certain changes, that are not huge and can accommodate him and you both. Get out your wallet, and your sneaky feline ways and lets get ready to RUUUMMMBBLLLEEE.

Scent:

The Scent of a house is everything. It is nothing more horrible then to walk into a home with a lingering stench. I wont say that most men house stink, nope. But most men house either lack a scent or the one they do have is nothing to rave about. There are scents you can introduce to your man as simple as buying a plug-in and there are other scents you can create.

 A

Most men do not mind a light fresh scent. anything sweet and fruity may totally tic them off.
I say go with
Bath and Body Works WallFlowers
 Fresh Cotton: (fresh, clean blend of white jasmine petals, lemon zest and nuances of rose and spring muguet.)  or
Fresh Linen: (Crisp and clean, reminiscent of linen sheets drying in the sun, with refreshing, light hints of apple, kiwi and violets.)
These wallflowers last 6-8 weeks and contains two bulbs in each pack. The great part about them is they're usually on sale for 6 dollars. These scents also come in candles and oils.

Laundry is also a way to add fragrance to your man home. I'm not saying to get your betty homemaker on, nope no way. I am saying to suggest some tips or add some detergents when he is washing his clothes. Because men usually have a lot of white clothes; boxers, t-shirts, and socks. It is best to invest in OxiClean and Clorox Stain Fighter and Color Booster Pack. These two things combine without the harmful affect of bleach or with the harmful affect of bleach will def have your clothes whiter and brighter. Yet, There is the usage of Ultra Downy April Fresh that really adds to the scent of things. No matter if your babes uses 1.99 Trend Laundry Detergent (like my grandmother did), he must definitely invest in Ultra Downy April Fresh and make sure he adds this to the 1st cycle and the last. When Drying the socks and boxers suggest he throws in a few Gain Original Scent Dryer Sheets. But take those freshly washed White tee-shirts and hang them through the house to air- dry, this should take less than a day. The house will have such a fresh clean scent with a hint sweetness (enough that he can bare)

Sheets and comforters and those dreary curtains, UGHHHH:
Now the scent of the house is one thing. Who doesn't like to smell good? However, the changing of fabrics is something totally different. I am definitely suggesting you approach with caution when changing your love bedroom set. If you really are tired of them dark forest colors that you find are the reasons behind your nightmares day and night. I suggest that you plan a day to go house shopping. It is best you let him know that you are going shopping for your place and he should come along and go shopping for his. If he refuses; which most men may. Just tell him you will pick up a few things for him as well. When looking for bedding stick to colors that are light but not girly. White is always a neutral color for both parties. Royal blue or sky blue is an option. But a mint green or money green, and a lemon yellow is better; especially if you can find something with a hint of red. Stay away from lace and floral bedding's. I say get a solid bedding or one with stripes. Anything else may just scream "I'm taking over"
When it comes to curtain the lighter the material the better. However toooo light of material may seem too feminine. Soo If you are having problems with finding curtains Blinds are always a good look.

Last but not least,

Where do your things go: It is best to have a Drawer or a bag that can be placed in a Drawer for your things. Nothing is more invading then a man walking into his room to find your Summer Eve's Douche just a sitting pretty on his dresser. The Medicine cabinet is off limits as well, unless you have some medication to go in there. Feel free to keep your wash clothe in the bathroom, To leave a toothbrush on the sink, and even a body wash in the tub (he might even use it)
But Clothes, feminine products, perfumes, and body sprays, oh yeah nail polishes need to be placed in a more secure place. Remember you're not living together. So Respect his privacy and his space, by keeping most of your items at home or out of his way. If you feel the need to add a plant to the setting; making it more natural and relaxing. make sure it is something with out a flower/bulb a Cane Plant is a def a hitter! Open them Windows, Clear the air, Make the bed!! and get ready to be the Queen of His Palace.

Stay Sweet!

Writing Circle: Exercise 2

Recently I had a very deep and thought provoking conversation with a friend of mine. We must have talked for hours about a host of things. However, the topic of a mother's love has been replaying constantly through out my mind. I thought it would be great as young women, future mothers, or current mothers to speak on the topic of a Mother's love. This is such a broad topic, trust me I know. I felt maybe some subtopics can help guide you in your writing.

When completing this exercise try to write on the following topics:
*How deep is a mother's love?
*How deep is a child love towards it's mother?
*How have your mother love shaped who you are?
*How have the lack of love from your mother shaped who you are?
*Is a Mother love important to the success of a child?
*Why would a mother love the way she does?
*If you could create a perfect formula as a mother for loving your child what would it be? how realistic is it for you to follow this formula?

You Don't have to follow this guideline, feel free to let the pen flow. Remember if you would like to share your writing or just an excerpt post it in the comment section under this post.

Seed To Life: Book Club (UPDATES)

Hey Queens,


I know it seem as if I left all my book club members for dead, However I just have been extremely busy making bigger moves for us all. A fellow Sugar Water member brought to my attention a great idea. Shamika decided that it would be best to connect this book club with Facebook (for bigger exposure and social interaction) and I definitely agree. As of now I have finished the book Darkest Child by Delores Philips. Although, I won't get all into my thoughts, opinions, and feelings about the book until the discussion begins. Speaking of "discussion", starting March 4th we will resume the discussion and reading of the above novel. So as of now all members have until March 4th to read chapters 1-14.

If Facebook is more convenient for you in terms of staying up to date and participating in forums/discussions. Feel free to join the following group on Facebook: Coffee in My Sugar


Thanks for your participation and enthusiasm!

Stay Sweet

Black Love, and The Reasons Why....

Tis the season for love, or is it? with a Divorce Rate reaching an all time high, single parent homes, and a host of single beautiful black Women. I wondered .....

.....WHERE IS THE LOVE?

Whether its the love for a significant other, or the thought and idea of STRONG, EVERLASTING BLACK LOVE, or BETTER yet THE LOVE FOR ONESELF! I asked Sugar Water readers along with my facebook friends and my twitter followers Their reasons for love. Here is what they had to say;

"I love that when he smiles then I smile he loves when I smile and not frowning I love his figure his face I just love him" - Candac

"because he dont just tells me he loves me, he shows it" - Tae-Tae

"I'm a newlywed and let me say my husband is by no means perfect but he's pretty fucking awesome to me..." - Marquita 

"I believe Black love is beautiful N I hope that more black couples would stay together n create actual families" - @HotDog4DeseBunz

"my HOPES for black love is that little by little those that exude it will rub off on the younger hearts of our communities" -@Mangus_Mav3n

"she completes me and is strong in the areas I am not and motivates and energizes me 2 keep going and she is beautiful" -@ Pete_Wheatstraw

"I love being single because it gives me all the time I need to work on becoming a better ME. ☺"-@_RoniRon

"I love being single; because 1 heart to tend to; is better than having the ability to break someone elses"- @shecouldbamodel

"Im in love with being single for the moment because the best security is your security of self.. Letting your heart love U" - @Mangus_Mav3n

Whitney Houston- You Give Good Love

What I had to say about why I love him ;-). Why I enjoy being single. And how I feel about Black Love. In 140 Characters or less.....

"black love has to be the purest, longest lasting love of them all. overcoming obstacles. moving mountains. black love beats to our soul." - @juniesugarwater

"i love him for the sake of me. for the sake of him. because he is honest, fun, smart, handsome, understandin. and strong in himself."- @juniesugarwater

"I love being single bcus I can be selfish w/o the guilt.I can learn who I am &aspire to b.I have to be happy w/ me in order 2b happy with us" - @juniesugarwater

Your Turn: Share with the Sugar Water Staff and its Readers what you love about the person you are in a relationship/married with, your thoughts, hopes, and feelings about BLACK LOVE, or why you enjoy being single. 

Stay Sweet!

SEX 102

People talk about their sex experience with each other......

One day I was having a conversation with someone and he was explaining how he received head from that back. His mind was blow but not only his, my mind was blown as well and I didn't get any. Its just the fact of  receiving the unexpected. Like I said in my last post the

ELEMENT OF SURPRISE...  

It may seems strange reading this or difficult to complete this sexual act; but its not. I will give you the time to figure this out. Sex is similar to a game its just all about who plays it better. In any games you have to learn what to do before you win. So I would say just read up on certain things. Its all about listening to what the other persons like and dislikes. Once you figure that out it should be easy to please him/her. I believe you should spark a conversation so you are aware of what they like. I believe everyone has a kinky side to them you just have to bring it out. I know you can agree, when I state, that at one point you didn't think you would be doing half the stuff you doing now but you are. Something trigger that inner freak so why let it stay at a stand still now? JUST keep pushing.

I talk and ask questions and  I started to realize that a lot of females would like to role play in bed but never done it. But if you a female and are not willing to strip for a man or don't feel comfortable how will you ever build up the courage to role play? You have to take small steps. Some maybe be insecure about their body but just by you seducing him will overpower you not having a "nice shape". Most men have weak will power so if your body is in shape or not you still can seduce him. Just play the game right. You as a women have options you can take a pole dancing class or you just can practice in the mirror. As long as you try and have lust in your eyes, his mind will be everywhere, and he even may be eager to stop you cause he's super thirsty.. Also if you know he likes for you to talk dirty. THEN TALK DIRTY. If you have to called him daddy call him daddy. Make him feel in control but at the end of the day you are in control, play into his fantasy. The more you turn him on the more you will get turned on because anyone who works on something and see good results of their work will become happy or in this case get turned on.

Written By: Malik S. 

Music For The Mind, Body, and Soul

According to Essence.com all Black Woman should have/listened to the following albums:

"Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Anthony Hamilton - Coming From Where I'm From
Who is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol 1.
Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star
Mary J Blige - My Life
Prince - Sign of The Times
Sade- The Best of Sade
Lil Kim- Hardcore
Alicia Keys- Diary of Alicia Keys
Anita Baker- Rapture
Mariah Carey - The Emancipation of Mimi
Usher - Confessions
India Arie- Acoustic Soul
Nina Simone- Black Gold
Fantasia- Back To Me
Dangelo- Brown Sugar
Santigold- Santogold
Erykah Badu- Mama's Gun
Waiting To Exhale Soundtrack
Stevie Wonder-Song in the Key of Life
Aretha Franklin - I never loved a Man The way I love You"

I think I can speak for Sugar water staff when I say "Essence magazine hit it on the nail"

Any suggestions?? What album didn't make the list that you think should have?

Dance a Little : Night Life

Below are some events that are getting a lot of Buzz around NYC. The Crowd is young and hip and the music is def DOPE!... Let your hair down and promise to DANCE a little (or a lot).

The home of Lil Kim and Foxy Brown, BROOKLYN:

 

OR.....

CRUNCH TIME : GET IN MY BELLY

Ever wake up in the morning and think, today is going to be my cute day? So you go in your closet and pull out a pair of your dark skinny jeans, you know the ones that turns your pancake into a muffin? Then you pull out your nice button down shirt and decide that with the right accessories your outfit will be “cute”. Hmph but then something horrifying happens! As you slide your freshly lotion leg into your skinny jeans “sscccccrrrrrrrrsh” the inside of you favorite jeans rip. Its okay you say to you self as you turn your rare to the mirror, you can’t see the rip from the back.

You decide to keep it on (bad decision) next you grab your cute little button down shirt. After fastening your buttons you wonder if you boobs are getting bigger because you’re busting out of your shirt. Ahhhhh its cool, ill just wear a busy necklace that way no one realizes. Lol well if this is you, you need a diet! You are fat, busting out of your clothes and just need to accept it. You need to know this and hey at least I told you before the next person did. Anyhow, I am here to help you with a solution. That’s right. A weight loss solution called exercise! Never heard of it, well my friend its simple and if you want to fit those “cute” clothes ever again you’ll listen. First of all (in my shanaynay voice) you got to do some crunches. Every night try starting off with about 100 and then 200 a night the 300 a night. Sounds like a lot? Well its not, your stomach is the most oxygenated part of your body therefore your body can handle it. Listen to me and you will satisfied

The Big Day

So it’s finally here…graduation day. Balloons and applause decorate the sky; you’re met with a stream of smiles every which way you turn. Your mom is on it, fixing your hair in between camera flashes and telling you to smile, ‘okay turn this way.’ ‘Congratulations’ are hurled at you and for the moment your confidence is somewhere in the ozone layer.

Even so, you’re constantly brought back down to reality as everybody and their mom just have to know: what’s your next step after this?

For many of us, the answer is not so black and white, though we’ve stayed up late at night thinking about the next step, thinking about which road we should take. Everyone, from our professors to our parents, has told us it won’t be easy. They say the economy is still in the dirt, the job market is barely opening back up, and the industries are changing. Recent grads have it the worse, they say.

We say, so what. We have degrees and certifications in fields that we’ve grown to love; trust that we’ve worked damn hard too. We want adequate salaries and jobs that we enjoy, the recession says, ‘uhhh not quite, not yet.’

It’s that same recession that we barely paid attention to while in college. Now that the party is over and the lights have come on… it’s a different story. Here are some recent graduate options/opportunities that I’ve piled into my own little bag of possibilities:

Resume/web mania. Most desired jobs usually want a glimpse of a well put together, properly formatted resume before anything. Uploading your resume online with career sites like Monster jobs, and Careerbuilder is a must. Creating profiles on websites like this, specifying which field you’re interested in, and having a decent resume on file for review makes you available and visible so to speak.

The Feds

No not those Feds, well maybe, if that’s what you’re into. If you go on USAJOBS.gov, you’ll see that just about every office or government department advertises when they have job vacancies and openings state to state. Depending on the department or vacancy, there’s usually a qualification grid kept in mind and degree holders are usually placed in the ‘highly qualified’ bunch. Can’t go wrong with that, especially considering the crazy benefits that federal jobs provide!

Teaching Fellowships

I know many graduates who majored in things like English, Spanish, History, Liberal Arts, and who are now teachers through programs like ‘Teacher’s for America’ or ‘Teaching Fellows’. These programs are designed to recruit and train degree holder who do not have education backgrounds to become teachers for hard-to-staff schools.

Go Abroad

It’s easy to assume that the whole world speaks English, but you’d be surprised. I was shocked to find so many natives in Spain who were dying to learn to English and willing to pay for it. There are MAD English language schools in Europe and Asia that need employees with the basic qualifications, fluency in English being the main component!

Decisions, decisions

Surely these aren’t the only options that I or any other college graduate has, but flexibility is key. You’re not signing your dreams away by starting off with a government position, or teaching English in Spain for a year, or even going back to school. This, right here, is only the beginning…and the only way to make it count is by doing what’s best for you.

For more info:

Careerbuilder.com

USAJOBS.gov

Teachforamerica.gov

Tntp.org/teach

Craigslist.org/jobs

-- Nai.Dandy

Seed To Life: Book Club (The Darkest Child)

As many of you may know, Sugar Water Staff has decided to form a book club. The current book that we are reading is; The Darkest Child by Delores Philips.


Soooo FAR SOOOO GOOOD! I really think I'm going to surpass 14 chapters by next week.

BREAKING GROUNDS! AFRICANS IN AMERICA?

http://www.lincoln.edu/history/sos151/identity/


HOTEP, KING AND QUEENS! I lay back in disbelief at all the self hatred within our own communities. BLACKS are the first to scream the WHITE MAN did it. Well lets take a closer look at WHAT? the WHITE MAN did and WHAT "WE" are DOING?.

I was previously enrolled in a course called intro to Black Studies, upon the entrance of the class I was presented with the Hyper-link Shared above. It opened my eyes to many terminologies used to identify Africans in America. I use the identifying term Africans in America, because like Romana Edelin of the National Urban Coalition; I believe the a people must be identified from a common place of origin. EX- Irish Americans Ireland. Therefore "blacks" would credit the negro for being nothing more than a color or a shade for that matter. AFRICA is and has always been the proven fact of the origin of OUR ancestral heritage. I thereby proclaim the Africans IN America be the chosen identifying ethnic group because most of the generational lineage are NOW AMERICAN citizens. I never want to loss focus of WHERE Africans here in AMERICA originated. Now lets speak on division. While in class discussing the proper terminologies, One male approach the class with caution stating that he is AMERICAN alone. With rage, I contested that he knew nothing of the grounds her fore-parents walked and would be unable to walk until he crawled those old trails. Obviously metaphorically he glazed in utter shock at my disapproval. I combated his statement with FACTS. YOUR PEOPLE MY PEOPLE THE KINGS, QUEENS, BLACKSMITHS<>

Seed To Life: Book Club (UPDATES)

Hotep Sugar Water Readers;

Today I went to Barnes and Nobles and got my copy of The Darkest Child by Delores Philips!!!

I'm sooooo HYPE to read it. It did cost me $16.00 Siiighhhh but I thought, Hey! If I can buy 20 dollar lip gloss I can buy a $16.00 book right? RIGHT! (I hope).

Any who, Remember the reading starts February 7th. by February 13th. We all should be up to Chapter 14. (the chapters are short) And that's when the discussion will began.



Be Sweet,


Sugar Water Staff

Leather and Wool: Winter to Spring

Those who know me well. Know that I hate shopping. Ugh, it's the worst thing invented for anyone over the height 5 foot 7. However, despite the fact that I hate shopping and you can find me around town wearing something as simple as GAP jeans and a GAP Favorite Tshirt (RELAXATION) I do know a "lil sumtin sumtin" about style. I have an eye for clothing that are Chic and Oh so Fabolous. This Fall/Winter nothing is more chic than the return of LEATHER/FAUX LEATHER. However leather worn wrong can be deadly to the person wearing it, and may also lead to blinding of the eyes for the people who have to watch your ass wear it.

Soooo Here Are Two Main Pointers When Deciding To Rock Leather:

1st too much leather is always a terrible thing! A Leather overload is always cheesy and tacky. The biggest issue is that the different pieces of clothing may not even be cut from the same cloth of Leather. resulting in LEATHER CLASHES (UGHHH! currently puking).
Secondly, Faux leather is always a good choice, for us poverty stricken 20 year olds. However, to FAUXY is also TOO TACKY (stay away from rainbow/pretty girl). H and M have some Faux Leather leggings/pants that are of quality fake material (if that even exist). In all Honesty I prefer Leather pants/leggings with spandex material. Not too leathery, a bit breathable, and ultra stylish. One of my Fav. Stores Zara has a great Faux pair:



christielohr.com



Gap knitted sweater









The idea for the fall/winter weather is to mix the leather leggings with a Knitted Chunky wool sweater. The layer look and contrast of two different materials form an ultra Chic look, while keeping you warm. The good thing about this look is that this style can go from day to night with just the changing of footwear and accessories.
Both pieces of clothing are so versatile. During the spring when the weather becomes a little warmer you can def pair the wool sweater with cotton/spandex leggings and some riding boots (I prefer brown colored). Or pair the leather leggings with a vintage acid wash jean jacket (GAP.com) and striped t-shirt/or tunic. (stripes are def in for this season). You basically have 3 outfits in one. Hey! it's all about looking good, and spending less. Trust me, I KNOW!




couturemixology.com
Gap.Com

 



solevine.com
Bloomingdales.com

 

chicforcheap-mara.blogspot.com
Forever 21







BLACK BEAUTY OF THE WEEK 3

In High School I went by the name Sexy Bronze Caramel. I had this skin, that had a natural refreshing glow. After two years of college and the state of Pennsylvania's hard water, my skin has been ashier than ever. Just think, four years ago or so I was walking down the New York City streets with a Holy Glow like aura. Blinding civilians, just a blinging and a glowing with my sun kissed skin. now fast forward to today's time; After Pennsylvania's water system has turned my body into ruins and New York City "Wintry Mix" has brought the city to a stand still. Here I am cruising down the streets. never have I been so dull. I am ashamed to say I looked as if I fell in a bag of salty sunflower seeds. Just a grey Lil me, sadly. I have lost the bronze. now I may just be refer to as Sexy Caramel. *Shrugs*

After days and days of not being able to face my own skin. Hanging out in 100degree weather wearing full fledged body suits, I decided to take action. While on an unauthorized break at a job I completely hated!, I to stop into a store called Lush located 7 East 14th Street, New York. I asked the extremely happy, knowledgeable, and bubbly sales associate if there is anything that she recommends for dry ashy skin. she suggested:

EACH PEACH (AND TWO'S A PAIR ) MASSAGE BAR

The one to brighten, lighten and throw off the gloom with a concentrated citrus fix.

Made With: fruity avocado and mango kernel butters, with a cocoa butter and shea butter base . Essential oils: Persian lime, red grapefruit, sweet orange and mandarin .

Very reviving: best for early mornings and/or needing a boost before hitting the clubs!!

PROS:

luxurious massage oil

After-shower body moisturizer

Get rid of dead cells
Leaves a refreshing glow

Great citrus scent

A little go a long way

CONS:
Easy to melt. (keep at Room Temperature)
Have to rub into skin completely. (May stain silk clothes)
Pricey $9.95 2.2oz
This item gets: 4 Afro Pics

Lets Just say, I'm bringing Bronzy BACK!

Valentines Day...Hmmmm

It's February and you know what that means?! Right?! Nooooo Not Black History month (Which I'm not too fond of *Gasp* Yea I know, I'll explain later in another blog) But Valentines Day is coming up! Fun right? Exciting right? Can't wait to see what my Boyfriend got me, he better had got me something nice or Ima leave him for Rayshawn ass right? * BUZZ SOUND* WRONG! I hate Valentines day too! I know your like "Damn, what does this bitch like?" Whatever, don't judge me.

But seriously, I feel that this gimmick called Valentines day is a way for companies to sell their old chocolate candies, get rid of those ugly teddy bears holding the fake rose & the candies that say stupid love phrases. No, I'm not bitter from a fucked up relationship nor have I've had a Valentine from hell. I always thought of this day as a...how do I word this....A Crock of Shit! There it go!

In my opinion during a relationship Valentines day should be every other day or something like that. As women we should ask for more than just one day to receive a dozen red roses. I want roses from my man just because its Wednesday. Men should appreciate their significant other all year around and vise versa. To ask our boyfriend to go to the end of the earth & back for V-day is unfair & selfish. Not only because most men wont think outside the box and do the usual but because what are we giving up? Just sex? Nothing special about that. So if I am involved with someone when V-Day rolls around & he takes me out & the whole 9 yards..cool...if he comes over with Chinese food & a bootleg dvd...that's cool too.

Before you decide to call me crazy think about it like this, if you make Valentines day a big deal you can't complain for the rest of the year. Saying "You never take me out! We never go anywhere!" He gonna be like "I just took you out, bought you roses, lingerie & paid for a whole night in that expensive ass hotel...WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?" Hahahaha! Seeeeee??!!! Just leave some room in the relationship for surprises instead of sticking to the script. Trust me.

Staying Cordial Towards Aunt Flo

UGH! Sometimes I find myself a wishing, a praying, and a hoping that someone can put their "Computer-Engineering" PHD to use and invent a Time Machine. but the wishing, praying, and hoping does not stop there. I then wish that I can get in this Time Machine, turn the dial to the two weeks after God Created Adam and That BITCH EVE, and then. right there. Soon when she decides to part her lips, open her mouth wide. Saliva building up. her teeth ready to dig deep. I appear, like a bat out of hell, or like Sallie Mae. And DROP KICK HER ASS. not no ole' Jackie Chan drop kick. Ohhh nooo sister girl, I'm talking about Combat Boots, Leather Jackets, Black Panther, Rodney King Beaten, 1970s Oakland California Drop Kick! I'm talking about, Taking Earrings out your ears, Smothering Vaseline on YOUR face, 5 Corn rows, 2 Head Scarves tied extra tight. Double Plated Name Rings on all fingers, Tired of Tee-Tee from down the block Staring at You Every time you walk by Drop Kick! Yup. Full Force. Hoping that will teach her hard-headed ass a lesson. because frankly , God has punish us women sooo terribly bad with this monthly visit from the aunt we all hate, Yup my sisters. Aunt Flo.



Yum, Yum, Yum.



See Aunt Flo is a life ruiner for many of reasons. But for one reason in particular. like many Aunts we hate; she always seem to come at the worst of times. Remember when you were younger? and an adult you weren't too fond of would show up during your time of fun and just ruin everything?  Just before you can "WAX" your 6 year old sister's eyebrows with candle wax. BOOM! busting through the bathroom door is that damn Adult! ruining every damn thing!! (I mean who doesn't knock?). Well basically that is The Aunt Flo of our adult lives. Honestly, out of all the days she can ruin ones life. Such as; Thanksgiving, Easter Sunday when we are looking for any reason to dodge church, or even your 1st date back in to the dating field. That time when you are extremely desperate; but your date is extremely ugly and dry. If Aunt Flo was a decent Aunt at all She would come a flowing. Making sure no matter how many tequila shots u have or how in your intoxicated mind, he's beginning to look like Kevin Garnett, there is no way or chance in hell you can have sex with him.

BUT NO...

You remember this scene?

Aunt Flow is a miserable bitch I must say, and she will do anything to make her nieces just as miserable. So she comes unannounced. At times like,  when we are at an all white affair on a boat, miles away from land or your local Duane Reade. Or during 5th period Earth Science, when the boy we swore we would marry is sitting at the desk behind us. Or on valentines day. I mean who gives a rat ass if we're single, you just never know when we mite bump in to that one who got away. She comes on birthdays, even our 21st!! (I know this by experience) leaving no chance for that good ol birthday sex (not that I'm having sex mom :-)  Wedding days! Or a day when we have to do an important presentation related to work , just a turning and a twisting our damn uterus causing us to bend to our knees. I'm telling you guys She's messy- gooey and yucky, she stinks! she hurts us physically and emotionally. making us cry at the things we should laugh hysterically at (I once cried during a whole Dave Chappelle stand-up). Crippling us where at times we cant even move. She even makes us fat! or FATTER! ughhhhhhhh!

But SADLY....

Like all Aunts we must learn to love her, accept her, and respect her..because she is here for the long haul and in all actuality apart of us.

So to stay Cordial towards the wicked wicked Aunt. We must first find beauty in her. The ability to create life is not only beautiful, but astonishing as well. The idea that once the visits from aunt flow comes to a cease. So will our ability to continue humanity. in our womb every month our body is getting prepared to form a life. to breathe, love, cry, dance, sing, work, live. Furthermore, in that mess is the release of toxins from our body. spiritually and physically. Some say blood also holds the spirits. Aunt Flo helps empty the negative and impurities from our mind, body, and soul.

Use the instability of emotions to get in tact with yourself. If you feel extremely happy and energized use that burst of energy to clean, exercise, go out dancing, or complete some tasks on your to do list.
But most of the time we feel drained and tired. So take some "me time". Take a nice long Bubble bath (followed by shower), light candles (scented ones), drink some tea (if your anything like me and get hot during Aunt Flo, iced tea is just as good), fill the tub with rose petals. Ask your significant lover to give you a massage. Or check out Magic Fingers Nail Salon; Get a pedicure, manicure, with a 2 minute massage included.
If you feel like crying watch your favorite sappy movie (mine is What's Eating Gilbert Grape) and let them water works flow. Get out your diary and or journal. and write, write, write. you'll be surprise what hidden emotions aunt flow may help you find.
And when things are painful. Lie on your tummy to put pressure on it, or place a heating pad on it, sit on your floor or yoga mat and meditate while listening to the soothing sounds of India arie or Norah jones (or both) or do some yoga, or exercise, or go for a walk, sip a lot of tea (or ice tea), or even some wine (red). Or if things just keep hurting, Hey! FUCK IT , like weezy said! "pill popping animal" pop a Tylenol or Midol. Shiiiiitt sometimes I even give in to the pharmaceuticals.
And when that OH SO BITCHY attitude magically appears, hey don't suppress it. This is the one time a month when you have the biological right to talk shit to people, and tell them how you really feel. and then turn around and blame it on being a Woman. Also, remember to eat all the chocolate your heart desires, and the ice cream, and Mallomars (oh that's just me?) your belly can handle. Because Aunt Flow only comes once a month. and you might as well milk her for all she got. ;-)

So get out them Super Kotex Tampons (oh that's just me again?) and Them Always Infinity Pads (with wings) and....

Embrace the Woman in You.

My Kryptonite for Aunt Flo

TGO- Music Mayhem

A Mic Check 1-2. 1-2.

Born and raised in the state where Hip Hop was created, New York, this Dominican kid Johnny Swagga A.K.A. Fuego, Fueg for short loves music. Music was and is Fuego's way to escape from everyday pain and struggles, from temporarily being a foster child to becoming a parent and making sure his children have everything they need and want.

Influenced by an era of great lyrical MC's such as Biggie, 2Pac, Jay-Z and Nas, it wasn't until he heard the lyrical slick tongue of Big Pun when he felt he had a chance at becoming an MC. That's when Fueg picked up a pen and put his talent to the test, and that's when it was clear to him that music was what he was born to do. Born in the South Side of Jamaica Queens, walked the streets of the South Bronx and a quick pit stop in Brooklyn before finding the place he would call home, Harlem NY. As a young boy Fuego hated to move, but as an adult he now knows it was a blessing in disguise, because of all the moves he knows he can now bring assorted styles of New York to the music world by storm. Fuego is a true New Yorker, and he not only loves Hip Hop he is Hip Hop. Fuego is one of the most lyrical and versatile free agents out, with two kids to support, his daughter Cayla and son Julian, failure is not an option. As Fueg always says "IT'S TIME TO GET FOCUSED, IT'S TIME TO GET NOTICED!!". As Fueg continues his journey to the top, making hits after hits for the streets, the clubs and his female supporters with his lyrical talent on songs like "Now or Never" club bangers like "Gummy Yummy" and " No One Else" he is giving the music world a reason to consider him the next best MC.

Although Fueg considers music a big part of his life, he has decided to add a new venture along with his music career, with real close friends he actual considers family, they are known as The Great Ones. The Great Ones plan on taking the game by storm from having party's, modeling and helping the youth just to name a few. With the love and support from TGO, his manager Malik A.K.A. Leeky, his producer June Vortex, noramoss, BlackMagic and label mate Frito, Johnny Swagga will make his mark on the game!
You can follow Fuego on Twitter.com/FuegoBravo or be friends on Facebook/Johnnyswagga.

CHECK IT OUT:

HELLO GOOD MORNING REMIX @FUEGOBRAVO FT @1STNAME_FRITO

Written By: Malik S.