Rainy Day Diva™

Each January most of make a list of New Year Intentions or goals.  I can’t believe we are into March, which means the first quarter of the year is almost done.  How are those goals coming?  Most people focus on finance and weight loss, but it’s a good idea to throw in a few glamour goals as well.  There are so many ways to enhance, revamp or spice up your style.  For me it seems that I am always planning to master the elusive smokey eye.  I know I’m not alone as there are even products that promise “smokey eye” with just the wave of a wand.  I must admit, I was tempted to rush over to CVS and invest.  But it wasn’t long before the twitterverse corrected my thinking:  Smokey eye is a “technique”, not a color.  I said a silent “thank you”.  What I need to achieve the results that I want is to master the “technique”.

The same priniciple that works for our glam goals, rings true for all others.  Quick fixes are temporary and usually don’t bring us the level of satisfaction as doing the work and actually learning the skills and principles for success.  Whether it is finance, weight loss, time management, or applying false lashes, learn the techniques that will enable you to reach your goals.

In the picture above makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, created a dramatic smokey eye on Janet Jackson for her CD, Design Of A Decade.

Today’s quote:

Don’t sweat the technique. ~ Eric B. and Rakim

On one of my sleepless nights I found myself entranced by the glow of my TV set, watching one infomercial after another making all kinds of promises.  Take your pick: better health, mo’ money, perfect burgers, smoother smoothies and miracle girdles.  Well, for some reason I watch the P90X infomercial over and over again like it’s an episode of Martin.  But this time I saw a new exercise DVD I hadn’t seen before: Insanity.  Now I had seen the instructor, Shaun T from Hip Hop Abs, but this was something new.  It looked challenging, it looked fresh and new.  And since Insanity made promises of complete body training without massive weights and there was no assembly required, I found myself dialing that toll-free number.

Makeup trends, but fitness is forever, not to mention vital.  So I was psyched when I got my package.  I quickly unpacked everything and began the fitness test.  I jumped up, pushed up, and leaped from side to side, taking note of how many reps I was able to complete.  Now I can say that this is a workout like no other.  Once I saw my results from the fitness test, I realized I have a long way to go.  But I forged on.  Let’s just say that after the first workout, I don’t think they should call this, Insanity.  It should be called Delirious, because that is exactly what I was.  Now if you are familiar with Hip Hop Abs, I know what you are thinking.  But let me assure you, Shaun T is not playing this time.  I did the frog jumps and the warp speed jumping jacks and the last thing I remember was being face down on the floor, drooling and repenting for every brownie and french fry I had ever eaten without a second thought.  I saw the dog leave the room, I saw my third grade notebook, the one with all of the gold stars and I believe I heard Billy Blanks voice, “You thought you were going to leave me?  Uppercut!”

Well, I must say that I didn’t give up.  I made it through the first 3 DVDs (there are 10).  If you are reasonably in shape, Insanity just might be for you.  If you have a knee problem or a knee that wants to have a problem, skip this.  But if you are in tip top shape (that is no joint pain or leg/back injuries), Insanity is probably a go.  I think I’ll stick with Billy Blanks, punching and jabbing my way to fitness before I attempt Insanity again.  Until then, I’m going to keep it moving.

If you have a workout that works, please help a sister out.  Happy Wednesday!

You might also like:

Wii. Wee.

I had a fabulous weekend.  Not only was it Oscar weekend (I celebrate like I’m really a part of it), but I got to spend some time with family and friends, do a little shopping and have brunch at one of my favorite spots.  But the real highlight of my weekend was my highlights.  Yes, I colored my hair. Well, not me literally.  It was my stylist work.  I went to the salon armed with pictures of highlights, ready to do something different.  I didn’t want to be subtle this time.  My goal was to leave that salon a new woman.  That is exactly what I did.  In just a few hours I went from Foxy Mufasa to Ginger. No, not ginger.  More of a cinnamon.  Yes, that’s it-Cinnamon.

I am really enjoying this natural hair ride and I am so happy that I did it successfully without doing the big chop, or experiencing a lot of breakage. And that is just how I plan to keep it.  So with my newly colored tresses flowing in the faux spring breeze, I headed to Carol’s Daughter for some products.  I’ve heard that color can really dry your hair, so I’m interested in products that provide moisture and shine. Tui Hair Oil was one of the products I chose.  Not only does promise adding softness and shine for dry hair, but it also can be used for dry scalp.  That sounded like a must-have.  Then I took one whiff of this product and knew it was a winner.  It has the most amazing scent.  I smile every time I smell it.  So far, it has delivered on softness and sheen.  You may want to find a place for this one on your shelf.  Retail $8.50/2 oz.

If there are any hair products you just can’t live without, do share.

~Cinnamon

If you missed the Oscars on Sunday, there were a few touching moments.  Sandra Bullock’s acceptance speech was one of the best.  Prior to the award for Best Actress being given, someone was chosen to say a few words about each nominee.  

Oprah Winfrey spoke about Gabby Sidibe, calling her a true American Cinderella.  Adding that, “Precious” was just one of the many adjectives that would be used to describe her, all of them being great.  Not only were her words inspiring, but Oprah looked so elegant in her midnight blue gown.  She kept the glam going on her Oscar special on yesterday wearing a gold top, fitted skirt and a nude lip.  I loved that look.  And she graciously allowed Geoffrey Fletcher to re-do his Acceptance speech for Best Adapted Screenplay.  He was at such a loss for words on Oscar night.  Oprah said she was willing him to speak from her seat.  So the do-over was a nice touch.

Last night was the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.  All the creative forces joined with the beauty and fashion world to put on an elegant and entertaining event.  I for one, was not disappointed.  Last night was not only Beautiful, but history-making.  Mo’Nique won for Best Supporting Actress in Precious.  Geoffrey Fletcher won for Best Screenplay Adaptation, becoming the first African American to do so.  Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win the Best Director award for The Hurt Locker.

While I care about the artistic merits and creative genius of the film industry, I was also watching for the style, fashion and Glamour.  My three top picks for Best Gown, were Jennifer Lopez, Queen Latifah and Zoe Saldana.  Zoe was definitely serving a haute couture look with hues of purple and while it reminded me of a snow cone, I thought it was one of the most beautiful and interesting gowns of the night.

Gabby Sidibe was a delight on the red carpet.  What I loved about her presence, aside from her ground breaking nomination for Best Actress, is that she does not mete out her enthusiasm.  She is allowing herself to soak up the fun and enjoy the ride.  I’ve been watching her throughout this process and her energy and confidence is inspiring.

And yes, baby Best Actress Mo’Nique made me appreciate her all the more for honoring Hattie McDaniel, the first black woman to receive an Academy Award in 1939.  Not only did she do so by way of mentioning McDaniel in her speech, but also by wearing a flower in her hair as Ms. McDaniel did decades before when she gave her acceptance speech.  Go Mo’Nique.  I also enjoyed her interview on the Barbara Walters Oscar Special-very candid.

Sandra Bullock’s speech was so touching.  She made me want to cry.  I loved her gown and surprisingly, I was liking the Coco Chanel Paris 22 lipstick.  Good look for her.

Now what surpised me was what seemed to be the trend in hairstyle last night.  Seems like several hairstylist decided to go with a bun with whisps, and unkempt strands.  Sarah Jessica Parker, J-Lo and Miley Cirus were just a few to rock this look.  It was definitely different.  I might have been more at ease with it on a runway than at the Academy Awards.  But there was just something about that style that looked familiar.  There was something about it that made me feel uncomfortable and at ease all at once.

I kept rolling through my mental style file as I studied each actress with a variation of the style.  Then it hit me.  This is the look I was sporting in elementary school after recess or a game of hide and go seek.  Yes.  That is it!  Little did I know back then that that little bun with the fly-aways in front would one day be the latest trend on a red carpet in my adult hood.  Way back then our mothers would have told us to brush our hair down, but they still would have done so knowing we were beautiful.  I don’t know where today’s stylist get their inspiration.  I doubt seriously that any will acknowledge all the little girls that they’ve seen shopping with their moms, but that’s OK.  I remember.

What were your picks last night?  Did I miss any?

Another snow storm.  It may be beautiful, but all of this ice and slush has got me anxious for spring.  So I thought I’d deliver a bit of whimsy and sunshine to you today. A few posts back I asked what keeps you glowing in this winter weather.  Well for me, it’s the promise of Spring.  Nothing says Spring more than flowers, fragrance and makeup.  When I think flowers, I think Preston Bailey.  I’ve had my eye on Mr. Bailey since seeing his fabulous creations on The Oprah Winfrey Show.  His latest book, Celebrations, is truly a feast for the eyes.

Flowers and fragrance are like hand and glove, so for a nice fresh spring scent, I’ve spritzed a bit of Pretty, by Elizabeth Arden.  This is a floral of course, and it has top notes of Italian Mandarin Orpur, Orange Blossom, Peach Nectar, Petalia, Pink Iris and Jacaranda Wood.  Lean in.  Just a bit closer.  Ok.  Doesn’t that smell like a spring day.

A spring look would not be complete without a little color on our cheeks.  Check out this video.  Lancome makeup artist, Alex Sanchez shows you how to get chic cheeks.  A snow day is the perfect day to practice that new look.

So all winter long you’ve been wearing deep, dark nail colors: plum, chocolate, burgundy-even black.  Regardless of the weather forecast Spring is on the way and before you know it, pastels: melons, lilacs and corals, like the Essie Spring 2010 collection will be the trend.  So what do you do about nails that are stained from hibernating beneath all those dark shades of polish.  Well prevention is always the best route.  Always begin with a base coat.  But if your nails are already discolored you still have options.  In the March issue of InStyle magazine, manicurist Patricia Yankee suggest soaking nails in a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil to lighten and moisturize stained nails.  Jin Soon Choi offers another solution: whitening toothpaste.  She tells InStyle, “The whitening agents work on nails the same way they do teeth.”  Just make sure that you buff your nails after you rinse off the paste. See that extra $1 for a whiter smile pays off.

Remember base coat is an imporatant step in those quick polish changes.  Don’t skimp on it.

Essie Spring 2010 Collection: Lilacism, Neo Whimsical, Van d’ Go, Tarte Deco, Pop Art Pink and Red Nouveau

I thought it would be nice to get Monday started with a little Ooh la la from French Vogue.  The March issue features cover girl, Rose Cordero.  Ms. Cordero is Dominican and recently strutted her stuff on the catwalk during New York Fashion Week.  So nice to see fresh new faces. Congratulations to Ms. Cordero on snagging the cover.

Congratulations are also in order for L. Cox on winning the Suave giveaway basket.

The temperature is frigid and mounds of snow are still piled up outside of my window.  But there’s something about this picture that just melts those winter blues away.  Leading man, Idris Elba, covers the latest issue of Uptown magazine.  Inside he talks about his upcoming film and music projects as well as his exercise regimen.  The beach side photo shoot has really got me wanting to click my way on over to Travelocity and book a trip to any place that can deliver on sun and fun.

If a vacation is not in your plans, nothing beats back the winter blahs like a little shopping.  The editors of O Magazine are raving over Haute Look, a website that offers limited- time sales events at up to 70% off designer brands, including home and beauty products (yay!).  Click Here, you’ve been invited.

Friday is finally here and no one is more ready for two days off than yours truly.  Have some fun and let me know how your weekend went. I think I may do some power napping.

New York Times Best Selling Author, Kimberla Lawson Roby, first introduced us to Alicia Black in The Best of Everything.  After shopping her way to divorce court amongst other things, Alicia is back in Be Careful What You Pray For, and has fallen head over heels in love with and married, Pastor JT Valentine. Not only is he handsome, but he’s just as ambitious and charismatic as Alicia’s father, the Reverend Curtis Black.  I’ve been a fan of Roby since she debuted some years ago with Behind Closed Doors and she just keeps getting better. In Be Careful What You Pray For, Alicia tries to forgive herself for her mistakes in her first marriage, prove she’s worthy to others and convince herself that she deserves to be happy.  Besides, Pastor Valentine is doing quite well financially, so he must be “the one”.  As always Roby delivers an entertaining read. I always feel that I am right there with Alicia. When it comes to scandal, I don’t know how Roby does it. I always think I know where it’s going but she delivers some surprises.  It was a page turner, but I finished the final chapter with a few thoughts that made me go ‘hhmmmm’.

In the real world I’ve met an Alicia or two.  They think they’ve got everything figured out, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.  They often refuse any advice from anyone because any and everyone is not qualified to tell them anything.  You know this chic too, right?  You’ll often hear them say things like, “I don’t need so-and-so’s advice because I grew up with 5 brothers and so I know the game.”  Or, “I saw what my mother/sister/aunt went through.”  Sometimes they even admit to past mistakes, “been there done that.”  What baffles me is that most times, these women are in the same relationship gumbo as the rest of us, sometimes with extra hot sauce.  They marry a man who’s game is tighter than their wack brothers, a junior version of their father/uncle/brother-in-law or  the same guy they had before in a different package or income tax bracket.  So my question is, when it comes to love and relationships, do we learn from watching others, or is experience the best teacher? Or do we ever learn at all?  Your thoughts?