I Enjoy Being A Girl: Nails

So nails are my new obsession. I've always been into basic nail care, you know weekly manicures and of course pedicures every two weeks in the summer. But recently, I've been really into nails...new polishes, designs, techniques, etc. I guess it all started with my desire to try Minx. While watching an episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, in which a group of them went to get Minxed. I'd been wanting to go for a while, but I'd forgotten, so while watching RHOA, I set a Blackberry reminder to call the next day for an appointment. The next day I called, and made my appointment with the Minx specialist, and the rest is history.



My first Minx manicure, September 2010
Manicurist: Shabela C.





My second Minx manicure, April 2010
Manicurist: Shabela C.





OPI Axxium gel laquer in Bubble Bath.Bubble Bath used to be my shade of choice a few years ago. When I say shade of choice, I mean I got that color EVERY week!
Manicurist: Shabela C.




Mint Candy Apple (Essie) and pearl nail design, June 2010
Manicurist: Shabela C.



My manicurist is the best! She stays abreast of all of the new trends, and colors, and because of that, I usually end up getting whatever color she recommends. As a result, my favorite colors of 2009-2010 are: OPI's Russian Navy, Essie's Mint Candy Apple and OPI's You Dont Know Jacques. As I said earlier, I used to get OPI's Bubble Bath EVERY week! After I got tired of Bubble Bath, I moved on to Essie's Waltz, which is a little more white, but I love it, too. More recently, though, I've embraced color. So much so, in fact, that it's weird to look down at my nails and not see color. I just love being versatile!

While I'm shouting out my nail technicians, I also need to tell you about my pedicurist, Helen. Helen does the best pedicure ever! She takes her time, and really pampers your feet. The polish selection at her salon, Hollywood II Nails is pretty much only OPI and Essie (I'm a polish snob, so you know I love that), and she has just about every color.

So yeah, I thought I'd share. I'd love to hear from my readers about their favorite colors, techniques, etc.

Who Really Cares?

So everyone is up in arms about a rapper who will remain unnamed's comments about how he prefers white women over black women*. Big freaking deal! He's entitled to like what and who he likes - so is everyone else.

Does he sound ignorant? Of course. But why is everyone surprised? This man isn't a well respected scholar. He's not a theologian who's been charged with the task of enlightening the public or educating children. He's a semi-famous rapper. I mean really, his claims to fame are:

I don't take 'em out to eat
I ain't here to trick or treat
I ain't trying to fix your weave
I ain't heard of that
I'm just here to train ho's
Put 'em on the main road
Teach 'em how to 'Change Clothes'
I know you heard of that

and

...To keep my hands in my pants, I need to glue 'em with glue

*insert side-eye here*

The reality is this, sistas wouldn't even be checking for said rapper if he was not just that, a semi-famous rapper. Nobody would even care about his comments. I,for one, wouldn't give him a second look if I passed him on the street. He’s not my type. I’m educated, I work everyday, and I’m not trying to settle down with, marry and raise a family with a man who thinks, sounds or looks like him.

This situation is not a loss for us. News flash - said rapper's girl probably isn't with him for any reason other than his semi-successful (and I mean that in a nice way) rap career. If he prefers women who'll do whatever he says, and who treat him like the bejeweled trout-mouthed king he aspires to be, so be it. Not a loss! Get over it!

Having said that, I'd like to know what exactly black women need to do to stand by our men. I'll tell you one thing, I'm not gonna stand by a guy who is clearly misogynistic. Respect me, and you'll get the same in return. And this really isn't a black or white issue - it's a common sense vs. sheer ignorance issue. Why is it only women who are told our standards are too high? If I've worked hard, and if I'm taking care of my business, why shouldn't I want someone with the same values? I think that's just an excuse for piss poor dudes to express their sense of entitlement. I believe in giving credit where it's due. I also believe in telling it like it is.

* If you're unfamiliar with the rapper's comments, check them out here, courtesy of Vibe.com. http://www.vibe.com/posts/slim-thug-black-women-need-stand-their-man-more

Let's Try This Again

Hi Lovelies! I know it's been a while, and I'm sorry. I've been busy! I'm going to try (key word "try") to update my blog regularly. People always tell me that I should blog, which is flattering, but also a bit discouraging because I DO blog! I just don't do it like I should. I'm a very opinionated person, and I have a comment for just about everything, so why not share them with everyone?

Let's see. Life is pretty busy right now, work is cool (both my 9-5, and my baby...Blush Bleu Events), church is great, family is great. I'm just in a place where I'm trying to figure out my next move. I don't have anything to complain about per se, but I feel like my life is lacking excitement. I have a good social life, but part of me feels like I should be utterly fabulous by this point...and I'm just not there. I'm not complaining; don't get me wrong, it's just that I'm not the "fake it till you make it" type. I'm not gonna sit up here and act like I'm not trying to keep myself on a budget, cause I am. I'm almost 30 (I'm holding on to that year and a half for dear life, lol), and I have to make responsible decisions. Having said that, I try to do what I can do, when I can do it. And it normally turns out pretty well. :-)

Sidebar: Why do people lie about little things? We both know you aren't doing it like that...I'm just too nice to call you out. Lol, see, I told you I have a comment about everything. Being humble really is the way to go. People will like you better if you're humble. Ok, enough with the PSAs (for now).

Random thought: Where is my Emily King CD? I bought it a few years back, and it fits me perfectly. I need to find it, so I can put it in my iTunes! Also, Frank McComb needs to do a show in the United States SOON...preferably in New Jersey or Philadelphia so I can go. Mellow, soulful singing from REAL singers warms my soul!

Ok, that's enough for this post! I'm trying to go to bed earlier, so I can actually get eight hours of sleep. Until next time! :-)

- C

Follow me: twitter.com/NJ_BAP

Rants and Raves - September 2009

1. Why is it that I always spend more at M.A.C. than I intend to?

2. Is it just me, or are the flight attendants on U.S. Airways flights becoming increasingly rude? Don't blame me because you hate your job!

3. Please do NOT go through unethical means to get somebody's phone number! Guys (or girls), just because have access to a lady's (or guy's) phone number because you work together, are in the same organization, etc., it doesn't give you permission to use it without their consent. Trust if he or she wanted you to have it, they'd have given it to you!

4. I just can't watch "Jon & Kate Plus 8" anymore. It's not the same :-(

5. People who constantly complain about Tyler Perry and his movies need to take a seat! If you want to make "better" movies, do so! This make makes movies that are aimed at the Black community, period. Some of the characters can be a bit much at times, but they're nothing if they aren't realistic! Even the most bougie people out there have/had at least one family member who acts/acted like Madea. Get over it! I don't see you selling out any box offices...

6. Why do people volunteer lies? If I've never asked you for anything, why would you lie to me about what you plan to do? OFF!

7. Tyra Banks just needs to stop. She tries so hard to remain relevant...it's not working! I stopped watching ANTM like two years ago.

8. I miss "Girlfriends." I was watching a rerun on BET the other night, and got a little sad. Same with "The Game."

9. Nail salons in the hood do great designs! Suburban salons do great French manis/pedis, but if you want a fab design, you have to go to the city.

10. Yelp.com gives GREAT restaurant reviews. Real reviews, by real people (including yours truly!) - check it out!

New Attitude!

Hey there fellow B.A.P.s! Miss me? I've missed y'all!

As the summer comes to a close (I refuse to believe it's over), I can honestly say that I had the best summer I've had in years! I was up and down 95 a few times (between NY and DC), went to NC, Tennessee and Puerto Rico - all in all, I had a ball. Because I work in government, my summer doesn't really begin until July 1, but I had an action-packed July and August.

Oh, and I cut my hair. Now anyone who knows me (and most of you don't) know that cutting my hair was a BIG deal! Don't get me wrong, I never had waist-length locs, but my hair has always been on the longer side (shoulder length and longer) and well taken care of. I've been natural for the past 4 years, but after a mishap with a prescription shampoo (e-mail me for the details), I suffered severe texture damage, which left me unable to wear my natural curls. I pressed my hair once a week for about six months, and then alternated between salon presses and twist sets. Once summer hit, I was ready for a change, and I'd been warning my hairstylist for months that it was coming. I'm pleased to say that my stylist gave me the PERFECT cut - I love it! I'd never considered myself to be a short-hair girl, and other than my asymmetrical (Rihanna) bob two years ago, I'd never really had short hair. But now all of that has changed! I don't know, short hair just makes me feel different...sexy and more mature. Lol, my father has even taken to singing Patti Labelle's "New Attitude" to me, because he says he can tell a difference. Whatever it is, I'm embracing it! My experience has taught me to be confident in me, and nothing else. For years I feel like I hid behind my hair...I was always "the one with the hair." And while that was flattering, I feel like I fell prey to "being" my hair. Ladies, we have to be comfortable with ourselves and know that we are beautiful regardless! Of course we all have our days when we'll feel less than fabulous (who doesn't?), but just know that you make or break your look and your attitude!

Rants and Raves - June 2009

1. When will people who have NEVER watched "Jon & Kate Plus 8" stop trying to act like they know what they're talking about now that the family is all over the news?

2. Whoever wrote "Birthday Sex" needs to be tarred, feathered, banished to a room with Damon from "Friday After Next."

3. Why do some bloggers take themselves so seriously? You write and gossip about other people's lives for a living, but get mad when a celebrity calls you out - what kind of sense does that make? Just because someone is famous, it doesn't make EVERYTHING they do our business!

4. I hate it when I get a Facebook friend request from somebody I don't like, who I know doesn't like me. If we can't stand each other normally, why would I want to be your Facebook friend? Stop being nosey!

5. I can't stand people who always feel the need to "one-up" others. If you don't sit your "Penelope" (from SNL) tail down...you sound just as foolish as she does! For those of you who aren't familiar...meet "Penelope."

6. I'm sure I've said this before, but I'm gonna say it again. If you're gonna ride in the left lane, you need to MOVE! There is no reason why you should be driving 65 in the left lane on 295 or the Turnpike!

7. Why do movies seem to be getting more and more Satanic? Seriously, who even wants or needs to see all of that!?! Jesus, please be a fence!

8. TruVibe is fabulous! Check them out! http://www.myspace.com/truvibeproductions

9. Why don't I get WEtv? This is what I'm missing, and I'm NOT pleased!

10. Who chose Ashanti to play Dorothy in The Wiz? And is that person aware that you have to sing, dance AND act simultaneously? This should be interesting!

Jon & Kate Plus 8

As a long-time and faithful fan of TLC's "Jon & Kate Plus 8" it is only fitting that I devote a post to the controversy surrounding the show. While the couple's separation is public, and as the divorce rumors grow, the media seems to be forgetting about the feelings of eight very special little people - Cara, Mady, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah and Joel. While these kids have been on TV since they were in diapers, they do not deserve to have their family's business dragged through the mud. Whatever their parents' issues are, the kids deserve their privacy. I can't sit here and even begin to act like I know how it feels to have my parents separate (they've been married for 30 years), but I can only imagine that it would be 100 times worse knowing that the entire world was talking about it.

Now, don't get me wrong - it's obvious that this couple has issues. And it seems like America saw these issues before Jon and Kate did. They're two very different people, with two very different personalities. However, I've said from the beginning that I don't believe that Jon cheated on Kate - mainly because he's just not that stupid. I think he's just tired of having his family's business and dirty laundry aired on national television once a week, and all day long on holidays. They have very different personalities, and I think they got tired of butting heads. I'm not here to pass judgment or blame. Instead, I just hope and pray that they get it together for their kids. This is a Christian couple, a couple who just renewed their vows last year and promised their children that they would be together forever. What better testimony would this couple have, than to have weathered this storm and come out better and stronger because of it? Instead of passing judgment and assigning blame, we need to pray for the Gosselin family.

Guess Who's Coming to Scranton?

I *heart* NBC and its writers! Seriously, they found a way to make an already perfect show even more perfect. Enter Idris Elba! *swoon* Elba made his The Office debut last night as Charles Minor, the new Jan/Ryan. He came to Dunder Mifflin, ready to work, but it seems like his character sees himself as the only one who really takes company time seriously.

Of course he would show up on the one day that Jim (John Krasinski) takes his torment of Dwight (Rainn Wilson)one step higher by actually donning a tuxedo and bowtie for work. I'm hoping that Elba's character won't turn out to be another "angry black man" - we all love Stanley (Leslie David Baker), but one angry brotha is enough! I am very interested to see how Elba's character will progress on the show, especially considering his character's struggles with Jim and Michael (Steve Carell).

Ooh, how could I forget?? The hands-down, funniest moment of last night's show was Kelly (Mindy Kaling) discussing the struggles that her children with Minor (wishful thinking at its best!) would have being the children of a Black-Indian couple, literally knocking down the camera guy in her attempt to find Minor before he left so he could ask her out. Just as funny was Angela's (Angela Kinsey) progression as one who finds Minor "not unattractive" to one who seems to fancy him (she stole his scarf).

Hooray for Idris and The Office!