Hello all. I know it's been a long time since I tested out any new products and I know you have been patiently waiting. lol. So thank you.

Recently I tested out a couple products by Taliah Waajid. You can find her products at most Walgreen Pharmacy's. Waajid has been caring for natural hair since 1988 and her products are all made with natural ingredients. I tested the Curls, Waves and Naturals line Curly Curl cream and the Kinky, Wavy and Natural line Herbal Style and Shine. I washed and conditioned my hair and used the Curly Curl cream to twist. Here are some pics.





Overall, I liked how my curls turned out. My curls were soft and defined but my hair felt like there was something on it. You know that feeling? When you can tell there is product in your hair but it's not too overwellming? But you can still tell? That's what my hair felt like. But it looked good. lol. I think I'm going to give the products another try and see if I can get over the feel of my hair because it looks so good.

I also retwisted my hair using Dax Pomade. Curly Nikki tried it and she loves it. Read about her experience here.

Like the Taliah Waajid products, I like how my curls turned out. But the product made my scalp itch like a mother. I didn't really put any of the product on my scalp but I was scratching, and scratching all day. I know I'm not supposed to scratch but I just couldn't help it. Jamilla from College Curlies had a similar experience with another "grease-like" product. Read more here. Honestly, I'm not sure if I will continue using Dax. I don't think I can get over the itchy scalp. Here are a couple pictures of the results.




What new products have you tried lately??- azureDizzle

Hello all. By now I'm sure most of the world has heard about the break-up of Kim K. and Kris. H. I don't know about you but, I am honestly not shocked about the news. I would say that I am more disappointed than anything. I thought that the engagement and wedding was soon, when the couple began dating around 6 mo before but I wanted to give love a chance. I hoped that the marriage would work out and thought that maybe this love was for real. But low and behold, Kim and Kris proved me wrong. After 72 days, Kim files for divorce and in a statement to E! said, "I had hoped this marriage was forever, but sometimes things don't work out as planned". Now excuse me, but I don't believe a good faith effort, to make a marriage work, can happen in 72 days. I've had pairs of shoes longer than that. I would have had more respect if they would have even given the marriage a year. But 3 mo?? Get out of here.

It seems also that the idea to file for divorce was all Kim. Kris H. in a statement on monday stated "I love my wife and I am devastated to learn that she filed for divorce". Kim cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the divorce. From what I understand is that Kim and Kris had different ideas of where they would establish their marital home. Kim wanted to live in LA and Kris, Minnesota. Now call me crazy but how the hell did Kris think Kim was going to move to Minnesota? I wouldn't even move to Minnesota, and I'm from Ohio. I think that this issue could have been resolved before the wedding and they wouldn't even be in this situation. But then again, when you have Kim K money, it doesn't really matter how much you spent on the wedding right? Now I can get into issues like the sanctity of marriage and the bad image this puts in little girls heads but I'm not. I'm going to leave that for someone else. But what are your ideas and feelings?? let me know.- azureDizzle

While I was browsing around the internet for new make-up ideas, I came across an article from The Today Show style section that ranked the best blushes for your money. The article originated from Totalbeauty.com These blushes were voted on by women based on their preference for the "natural" look. Among the winers are NARS Cream Blush, Lancome Blush Subtil, and TART Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush.

Make sure you check out the article for new blush ideas: here

Recently I picked up a couple new cosmetic products: NARS Bronzer in Laguna and MAC Blush in Stunner. The bronzer gives me an amazing glow and the blush a great flush of color.

What new products have you picked up lately??

Hello all. Lately I have been on a search for the new new ish in fashion. And to my surprise I didn't have to look that far. I have discovered many new and fabulous fashions at my law school. I attend one of the most diverse law schools in the country and it definitely shows through the variety of styles at my school. So I decided to feature a "fly pick of the day" to showcase some of these styles. My first pick is my Soror Bianca. Her style is very vintage, very East Coast, very NYC. Bianca always sports fabulous vintage inspired jewelry and dresses. I absolutely love her style. This tweed suit is just one example. She definitely inspires me. Until next time.

Hello all!!! For my next installment of the Health Corner we are taking trip to Subway. Yes, good old fashioned Subway. They have some amazing low fat, delicious options that will keep you satisfied and fit. I got the foot long turkey and ham and loaded it up with veggies. I ate half and saved the rest for another day. It took everything in me but I skipped to cheese to keep it low fat and added honey mustard instead of mayo. I also added a side of fresh peaches. Jared must have got it right after all.

Hello all!!! I have a new fashion discovery to share with you by Fancy A. Yancey. She has started a new natural hair inspired tee-shirt line and this is what she had to say bout the line...

" For the past several years I notice that people enjoy wearing t-shirts
they relate to. Among them include shirts that feature pop culture
icons that have mass appeal. While I do appreciate seeing Marilyn
Monroe and Audrey Hepburn on tees, there’s a part of me that is
disappointed they have been my only option. Why aren’t more women of
color featured on tees? From those experiences, the inspiration behind
my natural hair-inspired tshirt lines, Fancy A. Yancey, were born.

“Natural Beauty” features Marsha Hunt, an American author, singer,
actress and model, drew big crowds in Europe during the 60s and 70s.
This tee is available in unisex v-neck (S-XL) or men's crewneck (S-2XL)
in colors white, tri-blend blue and organic pomegranate, $25-$28.

“Definition” defines the word "natural," a lifestyle that extends
beyond the color of one's skin. I appreciate how one can take the
word and allow themselves to define it."

Be sure to check out the line. You won't be disappointed. You can check it out and purchase at these sites.

http://fancyayancey.bigcartel.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/FancyAYancey

http://OTRfresh.com

- Posted using BlogPress

Hello all. I'm back to my school grind so I apologize that I have been neglecting you. I have been trying to be super health conscious since my stoke and I have to admit that I have not been to good at it. So this week I am making an even stronger effort to watch what I eat. I am going to post info about what healthy choices I make this week to share them with you and hopefully it will inspire you to make healthy choices also. Today for lunch I made a turkey breast sandwich on a bagel thin with turkey breast and a slice of mozzarella. I also had 2 dill pickle spears and a handful of doritoes. What healthy choices have you made lately??

So I'd like to introduce you to the newest member if the sidebar fam...His name is Charlie and he will be joining the fam once I get back to Houston. He is sooo cute!!!

In other news, I have a lot of hot topics for you guys coming up. I'm going to show you the awesome Thrift Store finds that I have picked up while home in Ohio. Also, Brie Z is going to share some of her thrifting tips with you. She is the trifting extraordinaire and I'm sure you will benefit from her knowledge. I have some cool beauty and make-up tips to share with you that you can get at the drug store. And last but not least, I have more hair tips and topics for all you naturals out there and the hottest new music out there.

Stay tuned!!

Hey all. If you remember a while ago I gave you a summer reading list. Well I have a few more for books for you to add to the list.

I picked up The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I have heard nothing but good things about this book. There is a movie adoption coming out of the book. The movie looks amazing so I know the book is going to be great. Here is the trailer from the movie and it will give you the premise for the book.



I started reading the book yesterday and I am only on the 4th chapter... and I must say I love the book already. I can hardly put it down. I have coerced my friends into starting a "book club" thing and we are reading The Help. If you world like to join us, just post your thoughts and comments about the book in the comments section of this post. I know we will have an amazing discussion.

I also picked up The Gospel According to CoCo Chanel by Karen Karbo. As a self-proclaimed lover of fashion I thought it was suiting for me to read this book. If you love fashion like I do, you should pick this up too.

Happy Reading!!!- azureDizzle

Hello all! i hope you don't think I have been neglecting you. I have been recovering from 2 small strokes. I know, you are wondering how a 25 year old, healthy woman can have a stroke. I don't know and the doctors don't either. What I do know is that I have to take aspirin and maintain a healthy diet ( I wanted to lose 20 lbs anyway, so I guess it all worked out right?). I have many new things to share with you so stay tuned. I am also going to have more posts about healthy eating and exercise. I am tracking my progress on a program called My Fitness Pal . They even have a mobile app you can get on your phone whether you have an IPhone, Andriod or Blackberry. You can track your calorie intake and your exercises to help fulfill your fitness goals. I'll keep you updated on my weight-loss progress and inform you on tips and tricks that I learn along the way. I have found myself looking at fitness mags such as Shape, Self and Women's Health for food and exercise ideas. So check these out when you can. If you find anything interesting on your fitness journey or just by browsing feel free to share.

Recently I have discovered three healthy eating and exercise options with you. I have started taking a hot yoga class at my gym. This type of yoga can also be called "Bikram" or "Ashtanga". This type of yoga is performed in a room heated to 80-105 degrees and warms your muscles which allows you to move and stretch into many different positions. The warmth also allows your body to rid itself of toxins. I always thought that yoga classes were not much of a workout but this class changed my mind. I was sweating like a slave. It was a serious work out and I am hooked. Because of the stroke I am unable to move around much and this yoga class allows me to get a good workout in and strengthen my legs and arms without much stress. This is def a workout to try. Check out your local gym for their yoga options.

I have discovered a new eatery down the street from my house called Piada Italian Street Food. It may not be new to you but I found that this place is amazing. It's like an Italian Chipotle. You can make your piada (Italian burrito), pasta, or salad as healthy or un-heathy as you want, It offers a variety of fresh veggie options that you can add to pasta or salad. You can also choose from different tomato based sauces which provides a better option, rather than a creamy based sauce. If you're ever near a Piada, stop by and try it out.

Last but not least, I have been drinking Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk. It is the best chocolate ever!!! It is a great chocolatey protin fix before a workout or whenever.

Until next time- azureDizzle

If you're like me, you like to read. And if you're even more like me, you hardly have time to do so, with all the school work, regular work and other life happenings that you have to deal with. Summer time is my time to get caught up on my "leisure" reading. There are so many books out there by so many amazing writers that it's hard to stuff them all into one summer. I love fiction books by African American authors and fiction books about shopping and fashion. If you haven't already, check out your local library. This is an awesome and cheap way to get in your literature fix this summer and for the rest of the year. The public library has pretty much any book you can ever possibly want...for the free free. And if you have an electronic reader, most libraries allow you to "rent" the books with your digital reader. You just download the soft wear on your computer and then "check out" the books on your reader. Its amazing. But if you're old fashioned like me, go a head and check out the books at your local library. Here is a list of books that I have my heart set on reading this summer.

All books by Toni Morrison- I love Toni Morrison and so I plan on getting through all of her books by the end of the summer. Morrison captures almost every aspect of African-American life in her books and brings to light many of the issues that we as a people have and continue to struggle with today. She is amazing. Last summer I read The Bluest Eye and this summer I'm starting with Sula. I've read Song of Solomon and Love in undergrad but I plan on re-reading them. Here is a list of all her novels if you want to check them out.

The Bluest Eye
Sula
Tar Baby
Song of Solomon
Beloved
Jazz
Paradise
Love
A Mercy


The Known World by Edward Jones- this novel creates a vivid depiction of slave-owning blacks before the Civil War.

Miracle at St. Anna by James McBride- This book was made into a movie and I never actually got a chance to see it. But I am extremely interested in the book. The book is set in World WarII and focuses on a group of black soldiers in Tuscany, Italy.

The Sweet Hearts of Soul by Evelyn Lambright- this is a story of 4 women, former members of a 60s R & B group, and their amazing bond.

The Bondwomans Narrative by Hannah Craft- this novel focuses on Hannah, house slave, as she narrates her life experiences.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingslover- This novel is about a family embroiled in the political turmoil of postcolonial Africa.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Cane Rive by Lalita Tademy- this piece of fiction follows a down-home creole family and explores the intricate relationships between slaves and slave owners, and provocative issues of class and racism within the black community.

Shopaholic series by Sophie Khisella- This series follows Beckey Bloomwood through her antics and love of fashion, You surly will fall in love with this fashion obsessed misfit.

I am going to start with The Known World by Edward Jones and report back to you on my thoughts and feelings. What books do you have on your book list? Please share.-azureDizzle

** UPDATE** I tried reading The Known World by Edward Jones and I almost cut myself. So I quit...Ill try to revisit later. But I'm moving on to Nappily Ever After by Trisha R. Thomas. It is a fiction novel surrounding the fictional character of Venus, who like many of us, is trapped in the world of the beauty salon and the idea of "good" hair. She finally gives it up and cuts off her hair...which sends her boyfriend packing. Check it out.

Hey all. I finally tried the Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding. And I must say I really liked it. I have heard a lot of mixed reviews about this product. Some people love it, some hate, hate, hate it. But I am glad that I tried it for myself. I did a twist out the curly pudding and it turned out great. Here are a couple comments that I have about the product.

I used a creamy leave-in conditioner under the Miss Jessie's via the Mop Top Maven. I also used a very small amount of Miss Jessie's for each twist and I mean not even covering my index finger. My twists and curls came out uber soft. It was amazing. But I would say my curls were a little too soft. When I took out my twists, they were defined but a little frizzy in some places. Next time I am going to use a little more of the product and see how it turns out. Over all, I think Miss Jessie's is a keeper.

Rating: * * * *

Sidebar...I left my camera cord in Houston like a dummy...so I'll update with the pictures I took as soon as I can.- azureDizzle

Hey all. A while ago I stumbled upon a post by the Mop Top Maven and she was blogging about M.A.C eye shadow and make up brush "dupes". If you don't know, a "dupe" is like a "knock-off". Looks and works the same as the real thing, but isn't. The make-up artist in the videos below is EnKore. He has is own youtube channel where he explains how to apply all types of make up. His videos are amazing. The eye shadows and brushes are great alternatives to the real thing. If you're like me and like to look fly on a budget, you should definitely check out these videos.

Make-up Brush "dubes": Lowel Cornell (available at Micheal's Craft)
Eye Shadow "dubes": Coastal Scents (available online at www.coastalscents.com)






Here are a couple of pics of the brushes and eye shadow palettes that I purchased after watching EnKore's videos.





Enjoy!!!-azureDizzle

Hello All!! I have some new tips and tricks to share with you. I tried my first Co-Wash this past weekend. I have read a lot about other naturals "co-washing", which is a method of cleansing hair without using shampoo. The conditioner gently cleanses the scalp while adding moisture to the hair. I tried the co-wash after wearing my hair in a poof for a couple days. I used VO5 Peaches and Cream Moisture Milk Conditioner. I used this conditioner because it is cheap ( $1.00 a bottle!!!) and I can use a lot of it without hurting my pockets. The conditioner really softened my strands and after my natural curls were extra defined. Im calling this method the "Co-Wash and Go". After I co-washed I added Oyin's Juices and Berries Leave-in Herbal conditioner and did a small hump in the front. I think that I will be doing co-washes more often. They are easy and quick and leave my hair soft and manageable. Here are some pics!





I know a lot of you have heard of Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding. It's been all the rave. But I have heard a lot of bad reviews about it. So I was kind of scared to try it...plus I didn't want to fork out $30 for a jar. However, I was watching a couple videos from The Mop Top Maven, who uses Miss Jessie's for her twist outs and braid outs. I have never uses a "butter" or "pudding" type product for my twist outs. I tend to be apprehensive also because I don't know if these types of products will work with my hair "type". But I think I'm going to give it try. Nikole of The Mop Top Maven has also used Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Butter and Komazza Care Curl Coconut Hair Pudding. She used these products by first using a leave-in conditioner on the hair and then adding Oyin's Burnt Sugar Pomade before adding the butter based products. I'm going to try these products soon and report back to you. Mean while here are a couple tutorial videos from The Mop Top Maven, showing how she uses the Miss Jessie's and Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Butter. - azureDizzle

Hello all!! oh how I've missed thee. I was a little under the weather last week and I have now entered the world of "comps", our end of the year law school exams...which is 50% of our entire grade. Scary I know. But I have not forgotten about you all. Check back on sidebar soon for some knew posts about life, style, hair and other juicy topics. Holla!