Damome Roberts 1968

So I was at the nail spa when I got a compliment on an unknown shade of blue polish I was wearing.  Turns out, there was a woman of a certain age next to me who really liked the bold shade of blue that was being erased from my nails.  She started talking about how she would love to be able to wear polishes like that. After a few minutes of chatting, she was reconsidering that murky frosted beige she had picked out.  Honestly, it looked more like a condition than a nail color.

On the other side of me there was a woman admiring my chosen color - Cute As A Button by Essie.  It’s a bright, eye-catching almost watermelon hue, that screams spring, even if it doesn’t quite feel like it. She, too wanted to amp up her manicure with something different. … (Read More)

Style & Order: Lo & Sons

The O.G. Bag by Lo & Sons

The O.G. bag by Lo & Sons has changed my travel style and life.  I was turned on to this great find by Monica of Blue Print For Style last fall.  This is my Style & Order testimony.  The O.G. bag by Lo & Sons is not only stylish, but it can hold everything I need and want.  When I travel, be it on vacation or a long commute, I like to have a variety of things at my disposal.  Journal, magazines (digital doesn’t always work for me), an extra pair of shoes, sweater, snacks, iPad-the list goes on.  This usually means that I have to be uber creative to get all that I need on the plane and then I have to struggle to get my carry-on under the seat.  You know my pain, right?

With the O.G. bag (overnight, gym bag) it has space for all of those things.  The great thing is that the inside is reasonably structured. There’s a compartment for everything with ample size.  Not to mention that there are pockets that allow it to slide right over the handles of my rolling luggage.

I also use it for long days and commutes.  I would not substitute it for my hand bag, it comes in handy for those long conferences and road trips as well. It comes in red, olive, and lavender.  Now, Lo & Sons has introduced the O.M.G. bag, which is a medium version of the original O. G.   At $275 the O.G. is a little pricey, but it’s worth every penny.

What’s your favorite travel accessory?

Everything In It's Place - The O.G. Bag

Versatile - The O.G. Bag by Lo & Sons

Just Add Water

Hair gets dry in the winter. But even with the warm days, we’re still turning up the heat at night which can dry out your locks.  Deep conditioners are great but there are a few things you can do to make sure your hair gets the moisture it needs 24/7.

  • Having moisture in the air helps.  Create humidity by boiling a pot of water.  Or create your own humidifier by wetting a towel and hang it on your bedroom door while you sleep.  In the morning the towel will be dry and your hair won’t.
  • Drinking water won’t just help your skin and internal organs, it helps moisturize your entire body including your hair, so drink up.
  • The last thing you need is more hot air.  Skip the hair dryer and let your hair air dry.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta Arrive in South Africa

Ok, I know I’m a little late to the party on this one, but I finally caught the Safari episodes of RHOA.  I had slacked off in watching after Ridiculous made his cameo on the show.  But there was so much ado about the ladies trip to Africa, that I had to tune in for a repeat.

I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it.  First of all, let me just assure you that going on a safari is a wonderful experience.  You don’t have to be an animal lover to appreciate beauty of that magnitude.  I went once, and if I ever had the chance to do it again, I’d jump at it. They should have been filled with enthusiasm the opportunity.  To hear some of them refer to it as a “zoo” was disappointing.  Their behavior, attire, and attitude was just like that stripper…ridiculous.

So if you’re thinking about some adventurous travel like going on a safari, let me offer a few helpful hints from me, a RBOS –  Real Blogger On Safari. … (Read More)

Words Of Wisdom


Actress Condola Rashad For InStyle, March 2012

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” – Maya Angelou

As dainty as butterflies appear, it is when they are struggling to emerge from their cocoon that their wings develop their strength.  In a way, many of us are like butterflies.  We may start off grounded, with seemingly limited possibilities.  As we go through life’s struggles we change, growing through adversity until one day we transform.  Emerging beautiful, strong, and able to take ourselves farther than we ever imagined. … (Read More)

Hollywood, Hollywood!

Solange Goes Retro For London Evening Standard

Playing dress up isn’t a past time, it’s an art form and Solange Knowles is the master.  In her photo shoot for the London Evening Standard, she manages to make bowling look sexy.  There’s nothing like a little retro glamour to remind you that some things never go out of style, like big curls, high heels, and a bold red lip. … (Read More)

Naomi Campbell As Tina Turner for V Magazine

Don’t be afraid to step into your greatness!

Rozanda "Chilli" Thomas

It’s hard to believe music fans have been following RozandaChilli” Thomas’ career with TLC for more than two decades. We’ve listened to her music and watched her on television, but what she really wants is for fans to focus on box tops.  That is, Box Tops For Education, a program that provides has helped schools earn over $400 million dollars by clipping box tops coupons from participating products.

On March 15, 2012, Chilli will participate in a Box Tops For Education town hall discussion, hosted by Steve Harvey, to bring attention to the state of education and how parents and communities can help promote academic success and receive school funding.  I recently had the chance to sit down with Chilli Thomas to discuss her involvement with the project, and a few other things.

Denise: How did you become involved with Box Tops For Education?

… (Read More)

Skin Perfecting Kit, RX For Brown Skin

This year, I’ve really been making skin care a priority. I mean, finding “the” regimen that is realistic and that works. One of the issues for me and countless others is hyper-pigmentation. Basically, hyper- pigmentation is when your skin darkens due to an increase in melanin, causing an uneven skin tone. There are various causes but most commonly, it can be due to acne scars, eczema, or sun damage. There are many products that claim to improve the condition. I’ve tried them all, from Hydroquinone to over the counter products.

So I was intrigued about Rx For Brown Skin. Founded by dermatologist, Dr. Susan Taylor, it’s supposed to show improved results within four weeks, which is a nanosecond in the world skin lightening. A little jaded from infomercials and promises of miraculous results I decided to give it a try. … (Read More)

Shut Your Mouth Contest

Eddie Murphy, Kerry Washington Star in A Thousand Words

There’s nothing worse than that awkward moment when you realize you’ve gone on a bit too long about something.  Or you feel the familiar pain of having stuck your foot in your mouth-again!   With so many ways to “communicate” and the never- ending need to multi-task, it’s no wonder we just keep talking and talking and talking. If we’re all talking, who’s listening? Everyone from talk show guru’s to sage grandmothers have touted the benefits of being quiet, listening more, and even setting aside days or weekends to just stop talking.

This Friday, March 9th, Eddie Murphy’s latest movie, A Thousand Words, explores this very subject.  In the film Murphy’s character has to zip it up or else.  Yes, his life depends on it!  Kerry Washington co-stars with Murphy and it seems the harder he tries to stop talking the more questions she has.  Have you ever consciously made a decision to live a hushed life. Well, I have and I only made it a half day. (See Trailer Below, Contest Details)

… (Read More)