Dear White People

A satire about being a black face in a very white place. Watch the trailer here!

Pomegranate Moscato Punch

The perfect sparkling beverage for your next big party or girl's night in!

Natural Hair T-Shirts

Stand tall and proud of your natural roots with these natural hair t-shirts!

Sincerely, The Universe

A simple and creative idea for paying it forward and spreading positivity!

Meet Adama Paris

Adama Paris reflects the spirit of young contemporary women. She bridges cultures and walks along all women who refuse to be defined by one limited image often controlled by one brand and one culture.

29 February 2012

Pucker Up

I have tons of reusable bags stashed about.  Sometimes I even remember to grab a couple before I go to the market.  Occasionally I'll remember to take said bags into the market as I leave my car.  Admittedly, I'm forgetful.  I'll also admit that I'm not that person who's gung-ho about recycling and saving the environment.  I mean, I do feel guilty taking a huge plastic bag for one or two tiny items but I mostly like reusable bags because they're roomy.  I live on the 3rd floor and I refuse to make more than one trip up to my apartment when I go food shopping.  They're also comfortable on the shoulders.  Even with very heavy bags they don't cut into my shoulders or hands the way plastic bags do.  Most importantly, they can be stylish.  Why can't a look great carrying my frozen peas out to my car?

This Pucker Up EZ Reusable Bag and Pouch ($10) solves all of my "problems".  The bag is stored cutely in a 3"x1.5" lipstick-shaped case which can be attached to your key ring.  No more leaving my bags at home or in the car!  The bag expands generously to 14"x16" and it's a vibrant color of red which is a statement within itself.  Can you see yourself toting this ridiculously cute pouch?






27 February 2012

Stripes & Color

Thanks to a 3-day weekend (President's Day), I had the opportunity to visit a dear friend of mine in Miami.  The city was beautiful, the weather was fabulous, and there was so much to see and do.  It was so exciting to pull out my sandals and t-shirts in February.  Unfortunately, I had some technical difficulties with my camera after the first night so I didn't capture nearly as many photos as I had planned.  Here is my outfit from Friday night for dinner and club hopping.  The view is downtown Miami.



Earrings - Forever 21
Dress - Express
Belt - Express
Bangle - Pier 1 (seriously)
Clutch - Nine West
Shoes - Steve Madden

24 February 2012

Sincerely, The Universe

A friend of mine recently shared with me a "project" a friend of hers has been working on for the past few months.  This dear friend of hers (let's call her Sandy) has a roommate (let's call him Mike).  Mike has been severely depressed for sometime now and he is questioning the purpose of life (no bueno).  Sandy started asking distant friends to send Mike postcards with positive messages and sign them: Sincerely, The Universe.  He has since gotten several postcards from "The Universe" and he's kind of enjoying it.  I thought this was an awesome idea so I'm planning to purchase a postcard and send one to Mike, too.  After all, don't we all need a pick-me-up from time to time?  Even more inspiring is a pick-me-up from a complete stranger.  Do you have a friend that may need some positive words sent their way?  Or would you like to send "Mike" a postcard?  If so, please contact me (make sure you include your email address) and I'll send you his contact info.  I can't post the info here because he may find it and discover how so many people are reaching out to him.  If you include your friend's contact info, I'll send them a postcard as well.  This is one of those "pay it forward" ideas that I love. 

Sincerely,

The Universe

22 February 2012

Synergy Designs

Synergy Designs describes itself as: creative, eclectic, funky, vibrant, colorful, bold, daring, positive, challenging & much more!  I couldn't agree more.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Synergy Designs.  If you're looking for unique, bold, afrocentric jewelry and apparel you definitely need to check out this website.  It has become one of my go-to sites when I need to get my accessory fix.  They are constantly coming up with new designs so make sure you check back regularly.  They have lots of earrings, necklaces, rings, etc. but here are just a few of their designs that I've fallen in love with: 






17 February 2012

On Vacation - MIA

That's right! I'm taking a much needed vacation to Miami, FL.  The recent chilly temperatures and high winds are too much for this Southern girl.  Stay tuned for photos from my trip.  Until then, Happy Friday!!

14 February 2012

Show Me Some Love!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to all of my lovely readers. Depending on your relationship status, Valentine's Day is either a joyous day filled with gifts and affection from your S.O. (significant other) or it's just another day.  As a single lady, it's the latter for me and ironically, all of my friends.  We used to have a tradition of all the single ladies getting together and wining and dining ourselves but seeing all of the couples, flowers, and heart shaped balloons was sometimes too much for even the strongest of us to bear.  I've since decided that as long as I'm single, I'm going to make V-Day all about me.  I'm gonna show myself some love!  I use the day to pamper myself and buy pretty things.  I mean, let's be honest, a pair of red suede pumps trumps a dozen red roses on any day LOL.  Here are a few of my favorite items this year. What are your plans for Valentine's Day?

LOVEly

LOVEly by sociallite featuring a knit shawl




13 February 2012

White Elephant

Photo courtesy of OCinSite.com
Recipe courtesty of The African Cookbook.
In a blender combine:
1 cup Moist Shredded Coconut (canned or fresh)
1 cup Milk (use coconut milk if available)
4 tbsp Sugar
6 oz. White Rum
2 oz. White Creme de Cacao
1 cup Crushed Ice

Mix until smooth.
Pour into 4-oz glasses.
Sprinkle with shredded coconut to garnish.
Serve with a straw.

Yield: 1 quart




10 February 2012

I Judge Poor Grammar

Poor grammar is a pet peeve of mine.  Status updates on Facebook make me cringe.  I won't even get started on the emails I receive from "professionals" at work.  I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar feels my pain and lets me know there is someone on my side.  Say "NO" to poor grammar, bloggers!!  Happy Friday!! Here are a few pages from the book:

09 February 2012

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

The original recording from Gil Scott-Heron's first album, Small Talk at 125th and Lenox, released in 1970 put to video. 



Bottomline is, the government will only let us see, know, and learn what THEY think its relevant and important, whether it is or not. This made me ponder: how many years was Black History taught while you were in school? For me, it was every year during the month of February. What's ironic is that we "learned" about the same historical black figures year after year.  There are so many other contributions African Americans have made to society that are overlooked and neglected.  Do you think that's by design? 

06 February 2012

Meet - Adama Paris

Meet Adama Amanda Ndiaye, the designer behind label Adama Paris.  Born in Kinshasa, Congo to Senegalese diplomat parents, the young creative made her home in several international cities allowing her to witness a great variety of cosmopolitan trends throughout the years.  This global fashion odyssey inspired the birth of the brand Adama Paris.

She currently lives between Dakar, Los Angeles, and Paris.  Large urban cities are the source of inspiration for her.  Not only a dynamic and stylish way of dressing, Adama Paris also reflects the spirit of young contemporary women. She bridges cultures and walks along all women who refuse to be defined by one limited image often controlled by one brand and one culture.

Fueled by her desire to share fashion and create multicultural bridges, she launched many events including Dakar Fashion Week and Afrika Fashion Awards.  The latest Adama Paris collection was shown at the Southern Sun Swimwear Show in October 2011.  Clothing from the Adama Paris label is available in Senegal, the US, the UK and France.  Here is a peak at some of her designs:






Make sure to visit her website to see more from her Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

02 February 2012

Business As Usual

I wish I knew when and where this photo was taken, it would probably be even more meaningful. If anyone knows, please share.  This is one of those instances where a picture is worth a thousand words.