Lace Front Eyebrows.... or Nah?

We all know that lace front wigs exist, but lace front eyebrows? Nope, you didn't read that wrong. The Lace front eyebrow is a real thing. 

Small patches of real or synthetic hair sewn onto layers of lace to place over your eyebrows... Kinda like a lace front for your eyes. 

You apply them by using an adhesive to place them on top of your natural brows. Sounds a little agonizing if you ask me. Removal must be a pain.


As I looked deeper into this fairly recent trend,  I learned that aside from theatrical use cancer patients who have lost their hair during chemotherapy were likely wear these enhancements for a more natural eyebrow look. More than understandable.

However,  practical use as just another beauty product? I don't know... I perfectly understand wanting fuller eyebrows because I've always had sparse brows myself, but literally gluing prosthetics to my face to get that look is a bit much.

Thicker eyebrows may be in but there are very effective and less dramatic ways to achieve the look. I've found glorious eyebrows with a few good makeup/cosmetic products. A good primer, lining pencil, brow powder, spooly & angled brush. I'm not much into on camera tutorials but there are a gang of them on YouTube! 

Cara Delevigne makes the thicker brow look good but it isn't for everyone. If you think lace front eyebrows are something you'd like to try, go for it! There are a gang of YouTube videos on this topic as well.
Tried it already? Tell me about your experience!

Confessions of an Introvert...

T.D. Jakes said "get in the room" ... If there's something you wanna do and/or accomplish find the people who've done it and get in the room!

Great advice right? But that's only half the battle. For an introvert, getting in the room is actually the easy part, what comes next is the hard part. Taking advantage of being in the room is what many introverts like me struggle with.

So now you're in the room... You quickly realize you're surrounded by all of this knowledge, experience and prestige. Your feet, mouth and hands should be moving in that order but you're frozen, afraid to put your foot in your mouth.... 

This scenario has played out for me more times than I care to admit. Something has got to change and believe you me, I want nothing more. 

I have actively been working on being more outgoing socially. I've even been challenged by a close friend to actually talk with (not just speak to) at least one stranger a day. I have my moments of social brilliance BUT when I'm in the presence of notable professionals I shrink into a super-shy, non-assertive version of myself that's pretty to look at but not much else.

With all that said... I totally accept that I'm a work in progress and my best moments are still ahead of me. Eventually I'll find myself "in the room", standing tall, breathing deep and owning it!

Yep... believe you, me...

Kitchen Cupboard Beauty... Coffee Scrub

Having struggled with a plethora of skin/complexion issues for as long as I can remember and trying everything under the sun to combat these issues, I have as of late, adopted a DIY approach to my beauty regimen.

During a stint of life without cable tv the LiveWell network came to be my programming provider of choice. It was there that saw a segment informing on DIY beauty and skincare recipes. The one I was most anxious to try was the ground coffee scrub.

Back in college I did a report on obesity. In doing research I learned of the efficacy of caffeine on the destruction of adipose (fat) cells. That research described direct injection of caffeine into the cells but offered no evidence that any topical applications would have the same results.

Anywho, over the years there has been a slew of over-priced products hitting the shelves with coffee extracts making wondrous claims, again with no documented proof that it actually does work. So I was more than willing to try something that would cost me no more that what was already in my cupboards.


Ingredients:

My pink salt was very large/coarse so I ground it a little more before adding it.

I combined all ingredients in a large bowl, mixed well and stored in mason jars. 

It made for a messy shower BUT I have to admit my skin felt great afterwards! Very soft, supple and moisturized. 

It'll leave a little coffee residue on your skin so I strongly suggest a quick lather & rinse before ending your shower. I didn't want to take a chance on staining my clothes or sheets & that additional measure didn't seem to detract from the desired result.

Do You Smell What the Chef is Cooking?

Launching Spring 2014

Despite my cheesy title you really should smell what Chef Roblé Ali has cooked up! Together with Bart Schmidt of Brand with Purpose, his signature women's fragrance CLIQUE by Roblé is poised to launch.

Late last year I had the esteemed pleasure of attending the exclusive invite-only event in NYC where guests weighed in on which of two fragrance recipes would be chosen for the launch. 

Aside from the 100 invited fans in attendance there were such prestigious guests as Sidra Smith, Phillip Bloch, Chenoa Maxwell, Bevy Smith, and of course Artie Thompson and lovely assistant Dan. There was a delicious brunch buffet, and two signature drink creations sponsored by D'USSÉ. My guest/friend Charice and I had an AH-mazing time! 

with Roblé Ali  NYC 12/2013

After driving all night from Chicago to be there (because I couldn't get the time off work) we were lucky enough to get actual "face-time" with both Roblé and Bart vs a mere fan-girly picture moment. 

with Bart Schmidt;
Brands With Purpose

Although I did get a little fan-girly when I learned Roblé and I preferred the same recipe... (#TeamLeftWrist)

Bringing it back to the present... Brands with Purpose was gracious enough to send me a sample and I honestly luv it... 

My nose is not trained and I have no clue about tones, notes and things such as that. I just know what I like and I like this. I'm actually complimented often when I wear it (one some woman's poor husband was about to literally get murdered because he was so deep in my glamour telling me how good I smell #TrueStory). 

I have no inside track on the actual launch date or if the promo itinerary includes a stop in Chicago. What I can tell you is, the official launch is approaching & if the opportunity presents for you to try CLIQUE by Roblé you should. 

The custom Tee I made especially for the event...

Don Sterling Exposed as a Racist... Now What?

Don Sterling Exposed as a Racist... Now What?

I managed to refrain from chiming in on the whole Don Sterling debacle mainly because I don't like to give reprehensible behavior any more shine than it deserves. But to put things into perspective:

1st, is it really that surprising that blatant racism still exists? Is it really that surprising that some rich white man is getting richer off the sweat tears and backs of strong able bodied black people & being boisterous about it? Should we still be living this reality? I say no, but unfortunately it's the world we live in.

2nd, does it matter if he was set-up? HELL TO THE NO!!! As far as I'm concerned he's already a racist, he shouldn't get to be a coward to boot... Regardless of that chick's motives HE DESERVED TO BE EXPOSED.

Last, why should those players not play in protest? At the end of the day most of us work for large corporations owned by "old money"... If we travel far enough up the food chain I'm confident we'll find some racist butt-clot in position. So then what... you're gonna quit your job??!! Financial responsibilities be damned??!! I seriously doubt it... 

So why call for these men to jeopardize their season, livelihoods, general financial wherewithal, and ultimately their careers to satisfy social outrage?

Should they send a message that in no uncertain terms do they support his "ignant" ass? ABSOLUTELY! Should they make it known to the other owners that this scumbag needs to go? DAMN STRAIGHT! Should they walk away from their contractual obligation to do their jobs? Again, HELL TO THE NO!

The Clipper's owner may be despicable and uncouth but I believe the players are men of integrity and should remain such despite the a$$hole that they work for.

That's my commentary... Take it how you will.