Blushblog

Bargain Replacement + A year already?

Hello All

Yes, I know that we've been gone for a while.  Things have been so crazy for the both of us.  It hasn't stopped the usual discussions and debates, so we'll spend the next couple of days getting you caught up on our wonderful finds and discussions that we'd like to share with our favorite friends, YOU!

I got a great little mag in the mail the other day called Rouge.  It's put out by Proctor and Gamble.  The recent money crunch has encouraged me to experiment with more drug store make-up than department store make-up. 

There are some things that i'll never part with, like my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.  But now, I'm trying more drugstore concealers, lipsticks, and shadows.  And most drugstores, like Rite-Aid, will let you return them if you don't like them.

Well, Cover Girl has a "Make Up Match" site.
    

This site allows you to put in your department store brand and shade, and it'll give you a comparable Cover Girl Shade.  Everything is not loaded, but give it a try, you may just find a new brand, and save a load of money in the process. 

I recommend purchasing it at a store where you can return it if you don't like it.  In fact, I recommend that for all new things.  Let me know how you like it.

 

A Year Already?

Today is the 1st birthday of Nadia's youngest child.  The birthing process was humorous, wonderful, and unforgettable.  Re-live this experience with us by clicking here

 

Phytospecific Product Review + Make Christmas Cookies with the Kids

OK, you all know that I love finding good hair care products.  I can't help myself.  To me, there is nothing like a good product that makes your hair feel good and you feel good about your hair.  Over the course of my adult life, I have tried numerous product lines, includes Pantene, Optimum, Motions, At One, and the list goes on. 

For some time now, I have heard of the greatness of Phyto but I never took the time to seek it out.  I mean, its not at Target or my local Sally's Beauty Supply.  Once I heard that Oprah and Michelle Obama use it, I figured that if it is good enough for the Queen of Media and my First Lady then certainly I can give it a whirl.  After reading about the levels of Phyto treatment on the Phyto website, I decided that the Phytospecific Level Two Intense Nutrition was the best match for me.  I bought the Intense Nutrition Shampoo and the Intense Nutrition Mask.  I love and love these products.  My hair was soft and clean and tangle free.  Most importantly, it did not strip my hair.  My hair behaved very very well after blow drying and styling.  I only added Moroccan Argan Oil and my hair was perfect.

I also washed my daughter's hair with the shampoo and conditioner and adored the way it made her hair feel.  Her hair is sandy brown and dries out very easily.  Phytospecific did not dry out her hair like pretty much every other product I have tried.  I have to say this is by far the best and most successful shampoo and conditioner products I have used on her hair.  Trust me, I have all kinds and sorts of unfinished products under our bathroom sink.

Phytospecific offers several styling products that I am looking forward to trying, including the Moisturizing Styling Balm, Beauty Styling Creme, Integral Hair Care, and Extreme Shine Spray.  Stay tuned for those reviews.  Phytospecific hair products can be purchased at salons and online at www.sephora.com and other sites.  Visit www.phyto.com for a list of salons carrying Phytospecific products in your area.

Another tip = Moroccan Argan Oil is the truth.  It is a dry oil (meaning that it is not oily) derived from the argan tree.  It is full of Vitamin E and fatty acids.  Great for your hair and skin.  Add a cap full to your conditioner or apply it to dry hair.  I am now a Argan Oil groupie.

MAKE CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY COOKIES WITH THE KIDS

Candy Cane Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint hard candies
• 1/2 cup white sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine butter, confectioners' sugar, egg, almond extract and vanilla extract. beat until smooth. Mix in flour and salt.
3. Roll into 4 inch strips, place on baking sheet. Curve top down to form handle of cane.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes. While still warm, remove from pan and sprinkle with candy and sugar mixture.

Sugar Cookie Cutouts

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup colored sugar for decoration

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Sift together the flour and baking powder, stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the heavy cream. Cover dough, and chill for 2 to 3 hours, until firm.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired.
4. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes in the preheated oven, until bottoms and edges of cookies are light brown. Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire racks. Store in an airtight container.

Don't feel like dealing with the black Friday crowd? Me Either!

Black Friday is Coming!  Black Friday is Coming!

Guess where i'll be.  Under the covers nice and cozy.  I'm not one to get up super early on the day after thanksgiving. I'll still be recovering from my food coma and rum punch.Here are some online deals for those like me who like to stay home.

 Apple is having a secret black friday sale.  The ribbon and wrapping doesn't come off until Friday morning.  I'll be curious to see what they pull out of their bag.

Leap Frog has Leapster gifts, accessories, and books on sale.  Some are under $5.

Lane Bryant is having a 40% off sale online until midnight on 11/29.  It does not include Spanx or intimates.

Rosa Mexicano Restaurants is offering a 30% bonus when you purchase a $100 gift card.  So if you make it out to the stores and don't feel like going to home to heat up thanksgiving leftovers, split the gift card with friends and have some guac and pomegranate margaritas for me!

Red Envelope is offering 15% Off Store-wide.  They have the BEST gifts.  

Sephora is offering the above bag, free with a $25 purchase.  The code offer is TOTE09.  It Begins on Friday.

New York & Company's black friday sale is going on NOW online.  It doesn't start in stores until friday

 Sony is offering a free Blu-Ray player or PS3 player.  This sale is going on NOW.

Gap is offering 50% off of Mens and Womens Sweaters and Kids and Baby Fleece styles.

To Thine Own Self Be True

So I was lying in bed this morning trying to convince myself to get up, hit the shower, and hustle to work, when I caught an interesting segment on the Today Show. 

My friends and I have been talking about this Sammy Sosa thing since it hit the news last week.  I'm sure that everyone has seen the picture of his new "lightened" appearance.  His official statement was that "It's a cream that I have, that I use to soften [my skin], but has bleached me some. I'm not a racist, I live my life happily."  He also said, "What happened was that I had been using the cream for a long time and that, combined with the bright TV lights, made my face look whiter than it really is. I don't think I look like Michael Jackson."

 
From  May 2009 &   Nov 2009

Now.  To each it's own.  I've learned from friends of various ethnic backgrounds that skin bleaching in both indian and latin cultures is very common.  The U.S. isn't the only place that has had color issues. 

While talking about this at work a few points were brought up that I had to think about.  How is this any different than women who wear foundation or false lashes to enhance certain features on their face?  Or women who wear Spanx and Body Miracle suits to appear thinner?  As a sidebar, it was a man who said this and he doesn't practice nor understand why we go through any of it.  When it comes to Spanx and other foundation garments, I'm a fan for life!  But I guess he has a point.

My biggest issue is why he doesn't just admit it and bring the issue to light.  I mean really.  To say that you use a cream to soften your skin and it just "happens" to have a bleaching agent in it.  Give me a break.  I can hook him up with some great estheticians that can make his skin look like butta.  He can talk to Halle and Diddy.  Their skin is always smooth.

It always reminds me of one of my favorite movies, Imitation of Life.  It has to be a horrible feeling, not being comfortable in your own skin.  I can't imagine what that feels like.  I wonder what his family thinks.  If it's a culture thing, maybe they are all for it.  But I wonder if there are some that feel like he's ashamed of them.  I don't think that it makes him a racist.  Just insecure.

I love my caramel skin and am often amused when people of different shades or ethnicities walk up and put their arm next to mine to compare and say "wow, i'm almost your complexion."  Yeah, ok.  Get back in the sun.

I think that these people need better PR reps.  Haven't they learned that the public can't easily be fooled.  Things go away a lot quicker when you just own what you do.  Or just say "It's none of your d**n business." In my opinion, it's not even the actual bleaching that makes him seem weak and insecure.  It's his need to hide it and offer such a lame explanation.  Again, either tell me the truth, tell me it's none of my business, or work on a great lie.  Don't give me a lame one that just popped in your head.  Put some effort into it.  Show me you care.

What do you think?

In other news, the dress his wife wore below was fabulous!

 
 

Of course I had to seek out black lace looks that I love.  Take a peek

Mom Discovers Parallel Universe, Becomes Fashion Pleasurist

Today, aliens in sweatpants, red socks, and an old T-shirt have taken over my body and are forcing me to clean carpets and change diapers but in my parallel universe I am wearing...

Miss Jessie's Grow Out Challenge Update: Does Your Significant Other's Opinion Matter?

The Miss Jessie's Grow Out Challenge is right on time.  I have finally fully committed to transitioning my hair from relaxed to natural.  I have long thought about saying farewell to my relaxer, especially after I have decided to live a more organic lifestyle;  however, I never truly committed to the transition until recently.

I have never been celebrated as a patient person.  By nature and design, I am just the opposite, so I am ever the impulsive, impetuous, impatient Aries who becomes bored very easily.  At times, this temperament has been reflected in my hairstyles.  I have had long hair, mid-lenght hair, short hair, very short hair, black hair, reddish hair, blondish hair and everything in between.  Although it has been quite some time since I have experimented with color, my husband has been entertained by my occasional hair impulsion.  He prefers my short hair to the mid-length look I am rolling with now.  

I guess every man has his limits.  When I vocalized my intent to go natural he said little, however, when I told him I was considering the "Big Chop" (BC) so early in the transition process,  I was met with flat out, eye to eye, stong "no".  This actually surprised me.  He said a short crop is one thing but having a "Meshell Ndegeocello" is something all together different. Now, my intent is not to keep my hair that short but instead of waiting months for my relaxed hair to grow out I was considering just cutting off all the relaxed hair.  If I were single, I would not be thinking twice.  The reality is I am a married woman who must consider her husband's feelings.  If he were the kind of man who always had an opinion about my hair, I would take him less seriously.  Since he has so vehemently bulked at this, I feel I must be sensitive to his feelings.  Though I am eager to see what my natural hair will do, I will wait at least until January for more new growth before I get to chopping.

Since having my daughter, I have tried numerous products on her hair in an attempt to find something that complements her textures. Yes, I said textures.  (Much like my sister, my daughter's hair texture varies in the front, middle, and back.)  I know you mom's out there can relate, especially those of you (who, like me) have always gone to the salon and relied on other people to care for your hair and have no particular knowledge of how to care for a child's natural hair.  I have found some hits and misses. Now, that I have committed to the challenge I have been stalking various sites for reviews.  There is a whole world of products out there I knew nothing about.  How exciting!  After watching several youtube demonstrations and reading various and many blogs, I made a dash to Whole Foods and bought the Kinky Curly Curling Custard.  I gave her a bath and a co-wash (cleansed her hair with conditioner only) and applied the Kinky Curly Curling Custard.  When her hair dried, it looked great!!!  I am super and super excited.  The KCCC brought out her natural curl beautifully.  Now she can wear her curly fro without it drying out and looking frizzy.  I can't wait to use this stuff when I transition to my natural hair.

Kinky Curly Curling Custard gets a mega thumbs up from me.  I still want to try the Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo, the Knot Today, and the Tiny Twirls.  I'll keep you posted.

A special shout out to the ladies in the Natural Hair chat on Twitter.  Thanks for the great info.  The group meets on Sunday nights at 10pm on Twitter.  Type #naturalhair in the search bar and you are in.

Blushing Ladies Speak:

Have you experienced a similar reaction from your significant other?  How did you handle it?

 

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Product of the Week

In honor and support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and those fighting the good fight, Blushblog endorses Save The TaTas and all things pink.  

At www.savethetatas.com, you can purchase T-shirts, hoodies, and shorts to show your support for breasts around the world.  A portion of all sales goes to the fight against Breast Cancer.  Men, there are Ts for you too!

     

     

Looking for something a little more subtle...

Needham Lane pink pajamas are $58 at www.needhamlane.com.  10% of every sale goes to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

This White and Warren pink scarf is $150.  50% of all proceeds will be donated to the Women at Risk program.

Bobbi Brown Pink Ribbon Makeup is available at BobbiBrown.com.  The company has pledged $35k to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

This bracelet is just one of the jewelry items in Pandora Jewelry Breast Cancer Awareness line.  Pandora has pledged $100k of sales to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  Visit PandoraJewelry.com

Kitchen Aid offers a beautiful pink knife set for $50 at shopkitchenaid.com.  The Susan G. Komen Foundation will benefit from sales.

The Tumi Pouch, Hobo and Jewelry can be found at Tumi.com.  20% of sales go to The Susan G. Komen Foundation.

These are just a few things that designers are offering to raise money for a cure for Breast Cancer.  The options are endless so find what you like and support the cure.

Blushing Ladies:

Let us know what else you find.  

  
  
  

The Grow Out Challenge

I am constantly changing my hair.  One minute I want it long, then I get frustrated with the in-between stage, so I cut it all off again.  I've been cutting my hair since the 11th grade.  I had a fly asymmetrical cut.  Then the Toni Braxton cut.  The Nia Long-Best Man cut.  And the list goes on and on.  I've had braids, and weaves, and wigs.  I've had almost everything.

Well.  I've decided to do what many think I can't.  I'm going to grow it out natural.  And I've even forged into an agreement with Nadia, not to relax our hair and to grow out our natural strands.  Kendall has been trying to get us to do it for ages. 

Neither of us are brave enough to do the big chop, but we are going to go through the big transition.  So we decided to take you along with us.  We will have updates as we go through the trials, tribulations, and temptations.

I'd planned to have a few pictures to share today, but didn't have a chance to take any, so they will be coming in the near future.

There are a ton of sites out there that offer product advice and helpful information.  In the process of looking for a few, Nadia came across a fabulous challenge (we LOVE challenges).

It's the Miss Jessie's Grow Out Challenge.  I've met several people who love Miss Jessie's products.  I haven't tried any yet, but plan to.  I'll let you know how it works out. 

If you're interested, more info on the challenge can be obtained below. 

Wish us luck!

The Hair God Gave Me

As many of you are aware, Chris Rock is coming out with a new movie, Good Hair, which I cannot not wait to see.  He is presenting a light-hearted documentary about the treatment and perception of black hair.  The trailer looks quite funny but there is truth in every joke.  

    Whether you call it a relaxer, a process, or a conk, a chemical hair straightener has been used by black women (and some men) for decades.  It consists of strong chemical ingredients designed to take the natural curl out of hair.  I have used a relaxer for years.  At different times in my adult life, I have considered "going natural" and for one reason or another have talked myself out of it.  The excuses are many..."I don't have time to deal with my natural hair...",  "Natural hair is too hard to maintain..."  etc.  Perhaps the truth of it all is that I am not comfortable with my natural hair.  I am rather ashamed to admit that I don't remember what my natural hair looks like.  I have had a chemical relaxer in my hair since childhood.  My mother took me to the hair salon for a relaxer when I was in elementary school because I think with three active kids it was just easier for her to deal with my hair if it was relaxed.  She always taught me to take good care of my hair and I have followed that example.  I have always gone to the hair salon pretty regularly.  I spend the money on good products.  I get it trimmed regularly.  Despite the care I give my hair, perhaps the best thing to do for my hair would be to just stop relaxing it and just let it be what God gave me.  There are a zillion ways to wear natural hair.

     For umpteen years, black women have been told that their beauty, including hair, skin, physique and features, is less than and that the standard of beauty does not include us, so we shuffle and hustle trying to obtain what beauty dictates.  Unfortunately, many of us have bought into that over the span of these many decades.  I admire those women who do not internalize that madness.  I need to be one of them.  At the end of the day, you alone are responsible for how you perceive yourself.  A young lady in the movie trailer said that she is addicted to the "creamy crack."  I couldn't help but think that "damn that's me".  Every three to four months like clockwork I walk into the salon and endure the smell and burn while the stylist "touches up my roots".  Common sense should tell you that if if stinks and burns then you should not be using it.  Another segment of the movie trailer shows an Asian wig vendor who is appauled by the thought of selling black hair.  Chris Rock then replies, "So my nappy hair is not worth anything?"  I suppose the lesson here is that if we do not treasure our hair (ourselves) why would anyone else.

     Aside from the obvious implications on perceptions of beauty, relaxers contain chemicals that may have health ramifications.  While a recent study said that breast cancer is not linked to chemical relaxers, the FDA does not fully monitor relaxer products and manufactures are not required to list all ingredients.  (See Hair Relaxers: No Link to Breast Cancer by Jennifer Warner, WebMd Health News)  So, who the hell knows what else is being used.  This alone should  be enough for you to give your natural hair the consideration it deserves.

Are you thinking of going natural?  Here are a few things to consider...

1. Consider slowing growing out the relaxer by decreasing the strength of the relaxer.  For example, if you use a regular strength relaxer consider going to a mild or a texturizer while you adjust to a more natural look.

2.  Find a hair stylist that specializes in natural hair.

3. Consider the look you think best fits you  etc. dreads, short fro, or simply blowing your hair out.

4. Trim your hair regularly.

5. Use quality products

Blushing Ladies Speak:  What are your beauty or hair issues/insecurities/revelations?  Have you gone natural?  Are you thinking about going natural?

Weekend Happenings - Atlanta

Well, it is the first weekend of fall.  How are you going to spend it?  Will you be trying to cling to some remaining summer heat or will you be seeking out an early fall breeze?  If you are going to be in the Atlanta area this weekend, here are a few things popping off in this peachy city.

Love your Organ...

Free Kidney Health Screening

Georgia World Congress Center

285 Andrew Young International Blvd, NW

Atlanta, GA  30313

Friday, September 25th, 10:00am to 4:00pm

Looking for a good home show?

2009 Fall Atlanta Home Show

Cobb Galleria Centre

2 Galleria Parkway

Atlanta, GA  30339

Friday, September 25th, 10:00am to 8:00pm

For business owners...

New Media Atlanta:  Social Media for Business

Georgia Tech Research Institute

250 14th Street, NW

Atlanta, GA  30332

Friday, September 25th, 8:00am to 5:00pm

Ladies, get your empowerment and makeover on at...

A Day of Reinvention

Saks Fifth Avenue

3440 Peachtree Road, NE

Atlanta, GA  30326

Saturday, September 26th, 10:00am to 5:00pm

Sweat, Flirt, and/or Laugh (in that order)

Body Design Flag Football Tournament

Piedmont Park Conservancy Community Center

1071 Piedmont Avenue, NE

Atlanta, GA  30309

Saturday, September 26th, 1:00pm to 3:00pm

(Register by today to be guaranteed a spot)

Have a happy Saturday at...

WestFest

Home Park

455 14th Street, NW

Atlanta, GA  30318

Saturday, September 26th, 1:00pm to 10:00pm 

Celebrate the power of dance (for free)

Project Dance

Centennial Olympic Park

265 Park Avenue West, NW

Atlanta, GA  30313

Saturday, September 26th, 10:00am to 7:00pm

End the weekend with a great Sunday brunch

Loca Luna

550C Amsterdam Avenue

Atlanta, GA  30306