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Posted:
May 1, 2012
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Hair Myths Exposed: The Series

             We’ve all grown up hearing so many myths on an array of topics, but when it comes to hair the myths continue from one generation to the next. The number one myth in my opinion that women fall for all the time is, “This product is guaranteed to GROW your hair.” Women go from one product to the next in hopes that maybe this “MAGIC POTION” will grow my hair FASTER. NO hair product is going to grow your hair or grow it at a faster rate. So Here is a list of FACTS & contributing factors on growing healthy hair and start saving your money, time and energy today. ~RaiNa =)

  • Hair grows on average 1/2 an inch each month, 6 inches a year.
  • Hair growth is also determined by genetics.On the other hand “maintaining” hair growth comes as a result of a healthy balanced diet  regular trims/using quality products specifically designed for your hair care needs & not abusing heat appliances (flat irons/blowdryers)* and combing one’s hair from ends to root to avoid breakage while wet or dry.

***Stay tuned for more “Myths Exposed.”***

Posted:
April 24, 2012
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Beauty Beignet: Video Snapshot with LaLa Banks, Putting the Artistry into Eye Shadow

I wanted to share with you guys some pictures and a tutorial by one of my beautiful friends, LaLa Banks. She loves makeup and the makeup definitely loves her. She uses a lot of wonderful colors bring so much definition and fun to her eyes! Check out her videos! More to come as she continues to share some of her makeup adventures with you!

LaLaBanks 1st makeup tutorial


Posted:
April 23, 2012
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Giveaway: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

World Book Night U.S. is an ambitious campaign to personally give out thousands of free, specially printed books across America. Volunteer book lovers like myself will help promote reading by going into our communities and handing out free copies of a book we love to new or light readers, reaching them especially in underserved places – and even some fun spots. Volunteers will be picking up the books at a local bookstore or library in order to go out and share them in locations as diverse as VA hospitals, nursing homes, ballparks, mass transit, diners, and more. From Kodiak, Alaska, to Key West, Florida, in 6,000 towns and cities across America, 25,000 volunteers will give away half a million free books on.

I am very proud to be a part of the first World Book Night in the U.S., following the impressive launch of this campaign in the UK and Ireland last year.

My chosen book is “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou. It’s a book I read for the first time when I was younger that just stuck with me. It’s a 1969 autobiography about the early years of African-American writer and poet Maya Angelou. The first in a six-volume series, it is a coming-of-age story that illustrates how strength of character and a love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma. The book begins when three-year-old Maya and her older brother are sent to Stamps, Arkansas, to live with their grandmother and ends when Maya becomes a mother at the age of 17. In the course of Caged Bird, Maya transforms from a victim of racism with an inferiority complex into a self-possessed, dignified young woman capable of responding to prejudice.

Would like a free copy of the book??? Leave a comment letting me know your favorite Maya Angelou Poem!!!! Winner will be Selected

*Please include email address and name.

Share your favorite books with someone today!

Posted:
March 21, 2012
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The Dos & Do KNOTS of Natural Hair

Many naturalistas have questions on what products they need to use. I’m going to help you all to narrow your search by telling you what ingredients you need to look for so that you won’t waste your money going thru an array of products. While some products may appear natural because they use the word “NATURAL” does not mean that it is. No two products are created equal. Here is a list of the DOs and DO NOTS when it comes to ingredients you should look for and those you should shy away from.

Natural Hair DOs

Products w/natural oils (or purchase them alone from your local natural health store)*

  • coconut
  • carrot seed oil
  • grape seed oil
  • shea butter
  • cocoa butter

Food derived proteins and essential oils *

  • lemon
  • orange
  • geranium
  • lavender
  • vegetable glycerin

Natural Hair Do NOTS (these ingredients are synthetic and prevent moisture from entering the hair shaft)*
Products that contain

  • Parabens (methyl-propyl-, butyl-paraben, etc)
  • Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate (SLS or SLES)
  • Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)
  • Propylene glycol
  • Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethalnolamine (TEA)
  • Imidazoldinyl, urea and diazolidinyl urea
  • Silicone
  • Ethxylated ingridients (those starting with PEG- or ending with -ETH

(me with my naturally curly hair)*

READING LABELS CONCERNING HAIR PRODUCTS IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS READING LABELS ON FOOD ITEMS.  PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE IS THE KEY TO HEALTHY HAIR =)

~RAINA 

 

Posted:
March 12, 2012
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Quick Special Events Look: Walgreens & Beauty

Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.discoverbeautywithin.com/

The great thing about being a lady is that we have so many options for our personal beautification projects from different colors, foundations to  cleansers  and more. It’s so much to decide on and make good decisions about.  Sometimes (such as me) we may not have the luxury of time to browse for hours online and in stores for products.   We need something now and preferably for the right price (code for cheap). Let’s say your boss told you today at 5:30pm, he needs you to represent that company at a fun event at 6:00pm. There is no time to make it home and no product but foundation and lipstick in your purse, so what do you do? You need more than those two products and this is when you need your quick solution. *Whispers*  your local drugstore will come to the rescue, yes you heard me right.  Hidden in your local drugstore (well not hidden, but outside of the pharmacy section) you can find many products to create a quick quality look for the right price.

For me, my go to drug store is Walgreens!  What I love about Walgreens there is a whole section of beauty finds usually on sale. I recently visited Walgreens to create two great event looks on the run! I walked out with four items! Wet N’ Wild Color Icon Eye Trio- I Got Good Jeans,  Rimmel London Glam Eyes HD Quad Eye Shadow- Purple Reign, Wet n’Wild  Color Icon Brow & Eye Liner Pencil- Taupe, Wet N’ Wild  Silk Finish Lipstick. These products came to approximately $10, which with these sets you can create numerous combinations of looks.

First Look

For this look I wanted to lighten Helen’s eyes, so I went with the Wet N’ Wild Color Eye Palette which comes with three colors: silver, blue, and gold. For those women needing a little more help it even tells you which color goes on each section of the eye.

 

 

Fun Outdoor Special Events

 

  1. Create a shine on your eyebrows! My Secret to make your eyebrows look freshly arched is Walgreens Aloe Vera Gel, not only is it great to soothe after a wax, but gives a great added shine. I have used this Aloe Vera Gel actually for years.
  2. Place base color of gold on the complete lid. This color gold is pretty mild and a great option for darker skin.
  3. In the crease of the eye place the silver shadow to make the color pop a little more and help blend colors together.
  4. Put the blue on the bottom lid to give a full three-dimensional look to the eyes. The blue gave the eye a sexy sultry look complimenting the colors she was wearing. Never match too much with your eyes and outfit.
  5. This look was finished off with the brow/liner pencil. I used the pencil to fill in her eyebrow a little. Note: Never get black if you have black eyebrows, stick to a dark brown to keep it from looking too fake.

Second Look

After Work Networking Event

For this look I decided to do something quick that complimented my outfit color and just create a new blended color that I could do in the bathroom at work if needed. For this look, I used the Rimmel palette to bring out my purple dress.

 

 

  1. Create a shine on your eyebrows! (Check Previous Look)
  2. For base color, dark purple placed over the complete lid.
  3. Place the Silver in the crease of the eye to bring it out a little.
  4. On the lower lip place a lighter purple.
  5. On the inner corners of the eyes place a dot of a darker purple
  6. Blend all the colors with one brush to create one new color.
Check out Walgreens.com. Many beauty finds on their website and the weekly specials!

 

Posted:
March 12, 2012
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WearSpire: Cascading Skirt

Pain is Weakness

Cascading skirts is definitely something you will see a lot of this year, if you decide to get you one do something a little upbeat that matches your personality, not just usual ones you find. For me the Cynthia Rowley Bow skirt would be perfect because Im all about pearls and bows.  You can also purchase reasonably priced skirts and alter. For example I could find a cascading skirt and actually sew or purchase clip on bow and add it to the front. For me the skirt is already a bit much so I would like to bring it down a notch with a simple statement t-shirt because that’s just how I roll.


Crop tee
$69 - amrag.com

Cynthia Rowley bow skirt
$450 - cynthiarowley.com

Posted:
March 9, 2012
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WearSpire: Markus Lupfer striped dress

Wear I live

This dress was really calling my name. Its just so gorgeous and I’m having a love affair with stripes right now so it definitely had to make a appearance on the website! These Casadei or similar pumps would be a great edition to this short dress, grow the legs as I like to call it!



Markus Lupfer striped dress
£175 - net-a-porter.com

Casadei pumps
$859 - styledrops.com

Moschino canvas handbag
$148 - forzieri.com

Posted:
March 8, 2012
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Spring Watch 2012: Fashionably Floral

Its spring time again, and among the revamped trends our there still stalks the ever-present spring time favorite–florals. To be honest, I’ve only dibbled and dabbled in florals throughout the years because many of the patterns that are made for the curvy girl’s figures, make you look like a Hawaiian mama, but I digress. As I’ve stated before, and will continue to state, the approach to plus size fashion has evolved to new heights and the offerings for fashion forward plus size clothing, are leveling with that of our standard size counterparts. I will say this though, there are a few ‘mumu’ patterns or shapes that slither their way into the mix of which you need to be careful. Just because it is made in our size ladies and looks good on the mannequin, does not mean it will look like that for us. I believe fashion not only has to fit your body type, but it also has to fit your personality. If I don’t give you any other advice, please hear me out on that small tidbit and remember that while you’re perusing the aisle of your favorite curvy friendly standard sized store.

Now, another important tidbit is, if you are going to try to incorporate florals into your wardrobe, pay attention to the structure or cut of the item..i.e. jacket, blouse, skirt, pants, dress. Pay attention as well to how the floral pattern is spread throughout the particular item. Lastly, do not layer floral patterns on a curvy body.(i.e floral shirt/pants). This is very important! Too much of a good thing is just what it is–too much. Just like with any print or pattern, never over do it.

I’ve found a couple of fashonably floral items that I think are great to work into your wardrobe this spring. Remember that fashion is all about taking risks with style trends that are already out there, just making them your own. As always, Happy Shopping!

  ASOS CURVE Midi Dress w/ Cross Back $116.38

www.asos.com

Evans Floral Print Shift Tunic 35.00 GBP

www.evans.co.uk

ALDO ’Herena’ Wedge Pump $89.95

www.nordstrom.com

American Rag Printed Jacket $52.00

www.macys.com

 

Posted:
February 27, 2012
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Tennessee Williams and His Beloved Ramos Gin Fizz

Hendrick’s Gin will bring it’s own unusual twist to the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival in New Orleans, LA fromWednesday March 21st through Sunday March 25th. Known the world over for its most unusual nature, Hendrick¹s will pay tribute to the legendary Tennessee Williams (our full activity schedule can be viewed below the fold).

Tennessee was a man with a wildly creative mind and refined taste, but also an unshakable lover of gin. Whether it was a martini or his beloved Crescent City classic, the Ramos Gin Fizz, Tennessee is remembered by many locals and historians who knew him as a man who enjoyed many an evening (or perhaps an early morning) tipple.

In honor of toasting two New Orleans originals, Hendrick¹s offers up the below libation:

 

The Hendrick¹s Ramos Gin Fizz

v  1.5 parts Hendrick¹s Gin

v  .5 part fresh strained lemon juice

v  .25 part fresh strained lime juice

v  .75 parts simple syrup

v  1 egg white

v  1 part heavy cream

v  .25 part whole milk (optional)

v  3 drops of orange flower water

 

§  Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker without ice, seal and ³dry shake² for approximately 60-90 seconds, to whip egg whites and gain correct consistency.

§  Then, re-open shaker adding ice, seal and shake vigorously until contents are well chilled.

§  Strain contents into Delmonico Cocktail Glass, top with soda water and lemon garnish.

 

HENDRICK’S GIN AT THE TENNESSE WILLIAMS LITERARY FESTIVAL
ACTIVITY SCHEDULE: MARCH 21ST ­ MARCH 25TH, 2012

Tom Sancton presents ³Song for My Fathers² at The Old U.S. Mint
Come view this unique multimedia exhibit as part of an intimate Hendrick¹s Gin cocktail reception before experiencing Sancton¹s guided musical tour in this critically acclaimed stage production that blurs the lines between personal journey and historic account. It¹s a history lesson that will have you dancing (and imbibing) in the aisles.
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 21st | 6:30 PM ­ 9:00 PM
Location: The Old U. S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Avenue

Join Hendrick¹s Gin in Raising a Glass to ³Mendacity²
Imagine Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Glass Menagerie, thrown into a blender to create a hilarious cocktail of Southern silliness. Featuring an all-star New Orleans cast, signature Hendrick¹s Gin cocktails, dessert, and a little southern decadence will sweeten the night at this don¹t-miss event.
Date/Time: Thursday, March 22nd | 6:30 PM ­ 8:30 PM
Location: Hotel Monteleone, Queen Anne Ballroom

Talking Tennessee: A Conversation with Piper Laurie and Amanda Plummer
Piper and Amanda will reminisce about the challenges of their respective roles in The Glass Menagerie and their experiences in joining Tennessee¹s sorority of fabulous, flawed, unforgettable female characters. Tennessee Williams¹ surely beloved cocktail, the Ramos Gin Fizz, shall be served fresh courtesy of Hendrick¹s Gin. Huzzah!
Date/Time: Sunday, March 25th | 1:00 PM ­ 2:15 PM
Location: Hotel Monteleone, Royal Ballroom

Stanley and Stella Shouting Contest
Contestants vie to rival Stanley Kowalski¹s shout for ³STELLAAAAA!!!² in the unforgettable scene from A Streetcar Named Desire. Female contestants are welcome to try a little role reversal and yell for ³Stanley². Hendrick¹s Gin will indeed award the worthy contest winners for their most vociferous efforts.
Date/Time: Sunday, March 25th | 4:15 PM ­ 6:00 PM
Location: Jackson Square

Posted:
February 25, 2012
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Naomi-Campbell-Hair-loss

Hair is an important factor for black women around the world. Yet so many of us are losing our hair at an alarming rate. Some of this hair loss can be attributed to genetics, a hormonal imbalance, an increase in prescription drug use in our society, stress . But, for most hair loss is brought on by self-sabotage. What I mean by “self-sabotage” is the continued abuse and over abuse of chemicals such as hair color and relaxers, not to mention the overuse and poor application and maintenance of the hair weave.Too many women are applying home relaxers and going to Sally’s or local beauty supply stores to obtain color to do their own hair. I truly believe that these products should not be readily available for consumer use because they do not

have the training or the theory behind these products in order to know how to use them properly and efficiently. Here are some tips on preventing hair breakage:

1) Consult with a licensed cosmetologist who specializes in healthy hair first and can carry out a plan to ensure that your hair is healthy, gets to a healthy state and stays there.
2) Stop self-administering chemical treatments to your hair. (relaxers/color)
3) Take breaks in between wearing braids and weaves. REMEMBER that a TIGHT weave does not insure that it will last, but it will insure hair breakage. Stay away from bonded weaves and quick weaves (uses glue &/ stocking cap)* The sew-in method is the BEST method.

4) Comb hair with a wide-toothed comb and do not comb excessively when hair is wet. Do not brush hair when it is wet. Wet hair = Fragile hair.  Comb h

air from end to root gently.

5) Follow the instructions of your personal hairstylist to ensure the health of your hair (shampoo/conditioner routine).
6) Wrap your hair at night with a satin scarf/ bonnet. ANY NATURAL FIBERS SUCH AS (cotton/silk) will rob your hair of its moisture and will cause breakage especially across the hairline.

7) Do not wear hair in tight styles such as ponytails on a regular basis.  If wearing braided styles switch it up the style and the direction of the traction. (if you get cornrows going straight back try getting them done on an angle next time)
8)If you experiencing hair breakage tht is resulting in alopecia (balding) please see your dermatologist. And if you are experiencing EXCESSIVE hair breakage visit your doctor for further testing and diagnosis.

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