Erykah Badu backstage tour

I absolutely love her! Look at this hair, I need to buy some of that, lol!


Erykah Badu Backstage Tour

Curl Envy: Corinne Bailey Rae

I've been a huge fan of Corinne Bailey Rae's music since her U.S. debut back in 2006. Even though I'm a self-proclaimed hair fanatic, her hair didn't wow me at that time.  Now, Corinne's got some "hangtime" and her twist/braid/bantu-knot out is making me a little anxious (I want this hair, STAT).  Because of her and Marsha Ambrosius, I've started wearing side parts.  My goal is to achieve this look and length by December!  So far, I'm on the right track.

The Baltimore Natural Hair Expo

I attended the Baltimore Natural Haircare Expo 2011 on Saturday March 26th.  It was great to see some of my Youtube vloggers, learn about new products and natural salons in the area.  More than anything, it was great to see so many fellow naturals!!

I did enjoy myself, but next year there needs to be some changes.  First, the space was way too small.  It wasn't the sort of venue where you could maneuver a detour around this person and that person to get through.  You had to literally stop and let people walk by and jump out in to traffic at your own risk.  This aspect was a major turn off and is the sole reason why I only stayed for 35 minutes.

I'm no natural hair guru, but I'm a 9 year veteran, so there is nothing new out there that I haven't seen or haven't read about. So, I was somewhat bored.  I do think a newer natural would've appreciated the event a little more and could've stood the heavy foot traffic a little longer than me. 

Although it was all about hair, I was more intrigued by the jewelry and accessories.  So much so that I spent my entire frugal budget within 15 minutes.  I wanted to get some Ivy Charlaine jewelry, but I'd already spent all of my cash.  I knew she had a website and the prices were pretty much the same, so it was ok. 

Overall, I left with some earrings I could've made myself, another pair of earrings that looked like they were from the beauty supply store upon further inspection, and some shea butter.  Did this frugalista just waste some money?  I think so.................SMH!!  Nevertheless, I have no regrets at all; I'm glad I went and I enjoyed the little time spent with one of my dearest friends and fellow natural.

EARGASM: Eliza Doolittle "Skinny Genes"

This is one probably one of the most sexiest songs ever.  The lyrics are so cleverly masked behind the pop, folk sound that you would assume that what she is saying is "kid friendly", NOT!  The video is also visually appealing and I would've loved to be a guest at that party.  I really like what I've heard from Eliza Doolittle so far and if you're interested, her U.S. debut was March 22, 2011 per digital download via Capital Records.  Yes, it has been almost a year since the original release in her native UK (we're late).

Curl Envy: Jada Pinkett Smith

I love Jada Pinkett Smith.  No, it's not because she is from Baltimore or her acting career. Although, "Lena" was one of my favorite characters from the newer seasons of  A Different World and I love Hawthorne, I'd have to say that I'm more fascinated with her hair (even when it's straight). 

I love this style; it's so easy.

Product Review: Covergirl Lip Perfection in Hot (305)

not color 305

CoverGirl's Lip Perfection in Hot (305) is probably one of the best, cheap, matte, bright red lipsticks out right now.  Every time I wear this color, people assume that it's M.A.C.'s Ruby Woo.  Although it is similar, 305 is just a little warmer.  So, it's pretty close and for half the price, it's definitely a winner!

The pigment in this gel-based lipstick is so rich, one swipe across will give you full color.  It's staying power is ridiculous.  I'm not going to say that it stays on your lips all day at full color because it doesn't. After several hours, it fades down evenly to a beautiful stain.  This beautiful stain does stay on your lips all day and the next.  I didn't mind yesterday's lips; I just applied a clear gloss and kept it moving.  Even with a primer or a lip balm beforehand, it will stain right through.  So, if you want to remove it completely, I would suggest a lip scrub. 

I love this lipstick so much, I am going back for more shades!

This is several hours with a little gloss on top

EARGASM: MGMT "Electric Feel"

This song is no where near new; in fact, I discovered it almost 2 years ago while at work.  I've since fallen in love with MGMT and for whatever reason, I just discovered the video.  The video is just what I expected (lol).

Curl Envy: Teyana Taylor

I know this isn't all of her hair and I don't care.  I am just happy she chooses to embrace big, curly hair and separate herself from the norm.  I'm also eagerly awaiting her official debut; I hope she doesn't keep us waiting too much longer (it's already been like 4 years). 

Not the best blending technique, but the curls are still stunning

EARGASM: Bilal "Levels"

My first post, aside from my intro, was about Bilal's Airtight Revenge.  "Levels" is still my favorite song from the album and I just discovered the video, which features some of my favorite people.  An Eargasm and Eyegasm at the same time is too much for me to handle right now. 

Christina "Brave" Williams: Time to Become (Spoken Word)

Try not to be distracted by her beautiful hair, listen to her message!

Charlie Sheen, Carlos Estevez

He has seriously taken over our media airwaves for the past couple of weeks and I just don't understand the public's fascination with him and his issues.  Most of all, I feel sorry for the cast and crew of  Two and a Half Men.  I have no idea what Charlie thinks he will do next, considering his movie career is pretty much over in my eyes.  I think he's too old for a Robert Downey Jr. comeback and besides, Sheen is not even close when it comes to talent.  Aside from a few small roles and cameos, the only movie I remember him in is Young Guns and that was 1988.

Maybe he should reinvent himself and go by his birth name Carlos Estevez; just a thought

We'll always love B.I.G. Poppa! (R.I.P.)

I wasn't going to do a B.I.G. post, but I can't help but think about how Bad Boy was never the same without him.  Or how teenagers now consider him old school, HILARIOUS!  Here are some of my favorites from him and Junior M.a.f.i.a.

Reader Request: Eyebrows

I am an eyebrow fanatic.  At the tender age of 10 I decided to arch my own eyebrows with a regular razor (yes, the one used to shave legs).  I did a pretty good job considering the tool, but then tried to do the same for my cousin and took half of her brow off.

When I was thirteen I got my first waxing pot and I've been doing brows ever since.  Even when I worked in a hair salon as a stylist, my regular eyebrow clients outnumbered my hair clients.  You would think I would recognize this as talent and pursue a career in it, right?  Nope, not I.  Somebody help me!  I am the jack of all trades and I refuse to master just one.

As far as methods, I prefer waxing.  I wax my full brow (top, bottom, in between) once a month.  Sometimes I have to do the bottom twice a month, but most of the time I maintain with tweezing.   I've been threaded a few times and I liked the results, but I am a DIY girl and I just can't do that myself.  Threading is good if you want to elongate brow shape or recreate/establish the brow shape.  Regardless of your method, the right person will give you a shape to maintain for life. 

Diagram B

Diagram A

These two diagrams are great technical tools to start off with.  Even if you are not a DIY girl, it's important to have an idea about what they should be.

Brows should began at the tear duct (lines A and D).  The arch should begin at the end of your pupil (lines B and E).  Next, the tail of brow ends at lines C and F.  You can measure these points with any straight edge. Be sure to use the tip of your left or right nostril as a guide.

I naturally have thin brows and I think they do nothing for my face.  I like thick, dark Denise Richards or Brooke Shields brows.  But I know I would look crazy with brows like that, so I had to find a happy medium.  I've had to look like Groucho Marx a few times before I got it right.

Just Right

Way too thick!

I fill in my brows on a daily basis.  I start by outlining the top and bottom to create my width; I then fill in the center with short wispy strokes.  Next, blend, blend, blend.  I don't care if you have a toothbrush, a mascara wand,or brow gel, blending is key!  Sometimes I'll use concealer to clean up the area or create a highlight for that "too perfect" brow look.  Setting with a gel is optional (for me); years ago I used brow gel or clear mascara.  There are so many products I've used over the years to fill in my brows and these are my favorites.

Brows by aja1121 on Polyvore.com

Anastasia Brow Wiz Brunette
$20 - sephora.com

TheBalm TimeBalm Concealer Medium Dark
$18 - sephora.com

MAC Eye Brows in Spiked
$15 - nordstrom.com

Sephora: Clinique Superfine Liner for Brows: Eyebrow Enhancers in Deep Brown
$13 - sephora.com

MAC 266 Small Angle Brush
$20 - nordstrom.com

MAC 208 Small Angled Brow Brush
$20 - nordstrom.com

M·A·C Eye Shadow - Eyeshadow - Expresso
$15 - nordstrom.com

SEPHORA COLLECTION Professional Clear Natural Mascara
$10 - sephora.com

NYX Retractable Eyebrow Pencil :: Eyebrow :: Eyes :: Dark Brown ::...
$3.75 - cherryculture.com

EARGASM: Bruno Mars ft. Damian Marley "Liquor Store Blues"

EARGASM: Quadron "Pressure" (live)

I just discovered this Denmark-based super duo back in December and their debut has been in heavy rotation ever since. Almost all of the songs are Eargasms but the first two that immediately caught my ear were "Buster Keaton" and "Horse". However, a few days ago I found the acoustic version of "Pressure" and it is absolutely beautiful! I might have another favorite!  I wish this version was on the album.



Album Version

Curl Envy: "Sister, Sister" edition

I loved Sister, Sister.  I used to watch this show faithfully every week, but then they moved the show to the WB (Warner Bros.)  When the WB first launched, Baltimore was not in the market, so I would have to go to my Grandmother's house (no cable) and play with the antenna to pick up the WB in Washington D.C.

By this time, Tia and Tamera ditched their curls for a straight, sleek, grown-up look (I suppose).    The straight hair was just as beautiful as their curls, but once they went straight you rarely saw them with their curls again.  Over the years, I've seen Tamera's curls a few times.  Nevertheless, I miss my curly twins.

Sidenote:  Remember when the WB was dubbed the "black station", then came operation CW and all the shows disappeared...smh!

EARGASM: Marsha Ambrosius vs. Lauryn Hill "Lose Myself"

I love both versions of the song and I can't really compare. I will say that you can appreciate the lyrics more with Marsha's version because it's slower and easier to follow.

Lauryn's version


Marsha's version

EARGASM: Erykah Badu "Gone Baby, Don't Be Long"

I love when my favorite audio goes visual!


Erykah Badu - Gone Baby, Don't Be Long