The New Lady of Rap

By Miss Rikki

It amazes me that the same people who talk about the way women are portrayed in rap music today, support female artists who rely solely on their sexuality to sell records.  “That’s right,” they say.  “She’s taking control of her sexuality.  She’s defining it for herself.”  But aren’t they feeding into the stereotypes of black women as well.  Isn’t a highly sexual video vixen at the very least similar to a highly sexual female rapper in a video?  I mean clearly the wardrobe is the same.  I liken it to this metaphor: If you die because someone murdered you, or you die because you killed yourself, either way…you’re dead.

With a new lady in the rap game I was interested to see what where she was going to fit in all of this.  To be honest, from the few pictures I had seen of her here and there and her somewhat mediocre verses in various songs in radio rotation I had almost written off Nicki Minaj.  But there was so much hype around her I decided to give her a chance.  What I found is a Nicki Minaj I really like.  She’s a smart and quirky girlie girl whose flow is on the verge of sick and there is no one else in the game anywhere near her.  Her verses on other people’s records did not do her justice at all.  She’s witty, seems to have a mastery of the English language, and though something in her rhymes may occasionally be over your head if you look it up you’ll find that it made sense.  She is definitely poised to be the “Lil Wayne” of female rappers. 

Speaking of Wayne, the Harajuki Barbie recently inked a deal with Young Money Entertainment/Universal Records where she was able to keep all of her 360 rights, including merchandising, sponsorships, endorsements, touring, and publishing!  Basically it means SistaGirl is going to be PAID!  Like I said, she’s smart.  So, despite the extra sexy images, and the controversy over whether or not her backside is real (oh yes, there is controversy) she is going to be a beast in the rap game.  Don’t sleep on Nicki Minaj.  I suggest you keep your eyes peeled and your ears glued to the streets.

Miracle Drink: Coconut Water

So just a few years ago we were super psyched about sports drinks. Then came the enhanced waters, next the Acai juice and now (drum roll, please) Coconut Water. Well, in all honesty it’s been around in Brazil and other tropical locales for ages, but we’re just getting hip to the beverage and its benefits in the good old U.S. of A.

Coconut Water is NOT the milk that is found in coconuts.  It’s a clear liquid that is found in young coconuts.  As coconuts age, the water is replaced by the meat and air. And the sweetness of the water can also vary based on where the coconuts were grown.  (Amazing what you can learn from Wikipedia)

The drink has drawn lots of attention due to its health benefits, everything from aiding weight loss to controlling diabetes.  You know it has to be something if the Hollywood elite are getting hip to it! Madonna just invested $1.5 million dollars in VitaCoco,  the biggest coconut water company in the US. So are you convinced? They just shipped 12-pack to my office. I’ll keep you posted on my results! Here are a few more benefits to takin’ a swig if you’re ready:

Naturally Boost Immune System

Improves Intestinal Health

Increases Metabolism & Weight Loss

Balances Body PH

Detoxify & Fight Viruses

Stops Fatigue

Prevents Hypertension

Controls Diabetes

Aids in Circulation

Reduces Cancer Risk

Treats Kidney Stones

Eases Stomach Pain & Vomiting

Source

Let Me See that Thong…Or not

Where were you when you first heard Sisquo belt out his chart-topping hit “The Song”? I was living in St. Louis at the time, and once the song came out, everybody and their mama was running out Vickie’s Secret to get the 10 for $25 deal! LOL! The song ushered in the anti-pantyline era and the “ol skool cute regular drawers” were now banished to the far right corner of our lingerie drawer never to be seen again. Okay, well they made a quick cameo once a month.

I fancied myself a leader in the thong revolution, having been wearing them long before a blonde haired crooner made them all the rage. The thong gave most women a feeling of power over their sexuality. We felt a responsibility to sway a little harder side to side as we walked through the office or the mall and especially the club. It was freeing in more ways than one!

But not everyone loved the thong many panty purists rejected the sliver of material and opted for the comfort of full coverage.  It seems like this new decade has a lot of women on the more coverage side.  Cosmo Magazine even did a funeral for the thong in its latest issue!  The once trendy fashion must-have is now resting beside garters and stockings. Ah well. It was fun while it lasted.  So SistaGirlz, what are you wearing these days? If you’re like the rest of America, you’re dropping the dollars on boy shorts.

I’m not a fan boy shorts for daily wear, but that’s just me. Just like I was rocking the thong before the fad, I exited before it ended. Fist in the air for the new old trend: Granny Panties all day! …and a sexy thong at night! LOL

Miss America 2010: Caressa Cameron

Isn’t she lovely? Isn’t she beautiful? We have  a new SistaGirl representing us as Miss America 2010.  Twenty-two year old Caressa Cameron won the crown and a $50,000 scholarship on Jan.31st.  The reigning Miss Virginia sang “Listen”, Beyonce’s solo song from Dreamgirls. Her platform was childhood obesity. It is her desire to  encourage kids to be active and play, rather than stay in the house watching television.

The broadcast journalism major is no stranger to winning talents, she has competed in and won many in her home state of Virginia

We’re  proud of you, SistaGirl! Caressa Cameron Miss America 2010!

Daddy Issues

By Miss Rikki

What are you looking for in a relationship?  Is it companionship, love, support, or all the things you never got from your father?  SistaGirlz, in my adult life I have realized that many times we go into a relationship trying to fill the void we have from the things our father didn’t do.  I know women who have abandonment issues, need to be in love all the time, and even are super concerned with being taken care of financially all because of what their daddies didn’t do.

Now, I know that not every single one of you had a “bad dad.” I also know that even if your dad was great there is still a possibility that there is something that you felt was missing, but my point is this:  Stop using relationships to fill the void!  Why?  Because you put too much pressure on a person to behave in a specific way in order for you to feel satisfied.  Love becomes conditional and as soon as they falter in your need area you feel all out of sorts and ready to break down.

Get whole on your own.  I remember a long time ago, Tyra Banks said on her show that she spent years and years being upset with her father for what he didn’t do.  Then one day she realized the only person it was hurting was herself because he had no idea.  She was unhappy, but he was just fine.  SistaGirlz, it’s time to stop being a victim of a situation from the past.  It’s time to move past that and on to a brighter future.

If you’re single, take time to figure out where you are emotionally, where you want to be, and what it is going to take for you to get there.  I know with the recent newscast concerning Black women and marriage a lot of us, I’m including myself, are a little nervous about our chances of finding a lifetime mate.  But I can tell you that if you don’t get your mental and emotional state together, you are sure to be checking the single box on every tax form, new doctor’s paperwork, and job application from here to eternity.

If you need to go to therapy…GO.  If you need to confront your father about how you feel…DO IT.  Do whatever it takes to get whole.  Whole healthy people are more likely to have healthy relationships and healthy relationships are more likely to last.

Say Goodbye to Stilettos with Worn Heels

By Miss Rikki

Is it just me or have any of you SistaGirlz ruined one or more pairs of stilettos by wearing them while driving?  I have mats on my floor, which BTW are black, and I have noticed over the years that I have black smudges on the heels of my stilettos – like where the actual heel of my foot is, not the part of the heel that touches the ground when I walk.  Now, obviously if they are darker colored it’s not that big a deal, but I had some hot pink BCBG stilettos (BAD i know) that I recently had to get rid of because they had black smudges on the heels and on my right foot – aka the driving foot – they were actually worn!  I was outdone.  I loved those shoes…excuse me while I wipe away the tears…Ok I’m good.  Anyway, I needed a solution to this problem and fast.  See, I have some grey suede mary janes with a 3 inch heel that are FAB and I will not be victim to the black smudgies again.

Honestly, though, for the past three years or so I’ve been thinking I should invent something for this terrible issue, but alas I have come up with nothing.  So in the meantime, what’s the answer to my smudged heel woes?…It’s drivers aka driving shoes aka driving moccasins.  Basically, they are flats that have special rubber soles which - on most shoes – comes up onto the back heel of the shoe as well.  In essence, you wear these shoes while driving and you don’t have to mess up a perfectly good pair of heels or flats trying to get from point A to point B.

I scoured the internet trying to find some that I liked and was met with oodles of shoes that looked like something a woman 50 or over would wear.  Disappointing.  Don’t fret though SistaGirlz, I did find a few nice options for us fabulous fashionistas!

 

This ballet flat type driver is my absolute FAV.  Pictured here is the AK Anne Klein Sport Women’s Buttons2 Slip-On $69.95.  Isn’t it cute!  It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.  FYI the AK Anne Klein Sport Women’s Buttons Slip-On is the same shoe. 

 

 

This Circa Joan and David Monroe driving shoe also comes in black.  However, I like it best in the ivory pictured here.  The regular price is around $99, but I did find it (click the link) for $59.99.

 

 

Red, Black, Chesnut (Dark Brown), Tortoise Patent (multiple shades of brown), Luggage (Tan), and Black Patent are all the colors that the Cole Haan Wome’s Trillby Driver is available in.  The original price is $150, but I came across it for much cheaper.  My personal favorite is the Black Patent, but the Tortoise Patent – pictured here – is also kind of cute.

 

 

The AK Anne Klein Women’s Greater Slip On is another great value from the great shoe maker.  For $74.95 you can drive around in style with this navy blue slip on, which also comes in a light beige, wine, black and black with brown.

 

 

The French Sole “Stella” Driving Moccasin $155 is a very simple shoe.  No bling, very few seams, and it only comes in two colors – black patent and bronze metallic. 

 

Ecco’s Women’s Gab Flat $140 – $99 is a funky looking take on a driver.  It reminds me of a sleek European sports car for some reason.  At any rate, it comes in black patent, a buffed silver, and limestone.  Honestly, the shoe only looks good in the black patent, but then again I am partial to black shoes – if you haven’t noticed already.  One advantage of the other colors is that you can buy them cheaper than the black patent.

 

SistaGirlz, I know what you’re thinking: “These shoes are kind of pricey to only use them for driving!”  But consider how much more wear you will get out of shoes that will no longer be ruined with the black smudgies!  Think of the hundreds you’ll save replacing stilettos because they have become victims of “driving heal.”  Plus on the off chance that you’re road trippin’ it, you can still wear a cute outfit and look nice when you get to wherever you’re going.  I think that’s called a “win, win, win” situation.  Happy driving!

 

Celebrating OUR History

It’s Black History Month 2010 and it seems it’s like the same old thing. Special advertising, people posting random facts, but nothing that we haven’t head before. Yes, I am grateful to Harriet Tubman for running the underground railroad. Indeed, when I had surgery I was thankful that brother Charles Drew invented the technology for blood transfusions, or else I would have possibly died!

But can we get so caught up in the few names taught in our history that we forget to learn “new history“? Take the woman to my right, I just discovered this picture and while searching for historical Black images.  I was intrigued by her appearance and her regal posture. It made me wonder who she was, and what she did during the 1900’s.  I discovered that she was a nameless, but featured picture in a photo album compiled by W.E.B. Dubois. Ha! New Black History! Most of us only know W.E.B. Dubois for his book The Souls of Black Folk!

What about making some “new history” in your life? Are you stuck reviewing the same history of past mistakes, constantly blaming yourself for what you shoulda-coulda-woulda done? Or are you the SistaGirl replaying the dvd of when you were still single, partyin’ in Cancun thinking that the fun has ended because you’re a mom/wife/lost your job?

Girl, get a grip and get a life! The best is yet to come! Create new memories by taking a dance class, or traveling to a foreign country. Make it a goal to make some “new history” for yourself, and remember to take pictures! You never know who might be Googling you in the future wanting know YOUR story, YOUR contribution to Black History.

Kisha Mays is Just FEARLESS!

Without a vision, the people perish. Well, we don’t have to worry about with our latest feature in You Go Girl! stepped out on faith & her vision and landed in NY in 2006 to pursue her dreams.  While still in college in  Houston, Texas, Kisha traveled the world with her job for a national airline.  While she journeyed from Paris to Hong Kong on her days off, her wanderlust led to  a desire for  more in her life. When a job opportunity opened up in New York, she leaped  at the chance for a new beginning.

Working in New York is a hustle, and Kisha Mays fit right in as she worked her regular job by day and  got busy planning her first charity benefit with Dress for Success & Vanessa L. Williams by night.  Though she had only put on smaller events, Ms. Mays had the vision for an event that would get donations for Dress for Success and chose to honor Vanessa Williams for her work with the organization.  After that event turned out to be a success, Kisha realized she was on to something. In no time she was planning and executing the second event for Dress for success and working her way to major sponsorship revenue!

Kisha is proud of her success, but admits there have been failures, too. Life lessons and underhanded business dealing could have broken a weaker woman, but this southern belle is taking her tour on the road! With her company Women Empowering Women, Kisha has embarked on a international tour for women, featuring dynamic speakers performers and a swanky networking event all in one day!

I know we’ll be hearing great things from Kisha Mays in the future. She calls herself “A Mogul in the Making”.  I say she’s well on her way! For more info on the WEW Just Fearless Tour log on to www.justfearless.com.

Be Love! SistaGirlz in Love, Out of Love or Looking 4 Love….

Sign up ladies! We’ll see you there! Click Here to register!

SideHustle: Get Ya Money Up!

SistaGirlz, with the Economy on the fritz, there’s no telling if Joe Corporate will continue to keep us afloat.  This is where you turn hard times into creative times, with a side hustle.  Deja, what’s a side hustle? Glad you asked.

A side hustle is something you do to earn extra cash.  It doesn’t take the place of your regular job—at first, but it will give you gas money and help cover some of your smaller bills. Finding a side hustle could be as easy as taking stock of your life and the things in it.

Several SistaGirlz have empowered themselves by selling extra things from around the house on Ebay. Your junk could be someone else’s treasure.  Maybe you have a an old family recipe that your grandma passed down to you.  Turn that recipe to cash by selling baked goods on the job or local farmer’s market.  Did you hear about the woman in New Jersey who saved her home all from an apple cake recipe?  Angela Logan baked  filled  over 500 orders for cakes in order to make her mortgage payment! Side Hustle to the nth degreee!

Perhaps you don’t have a recipe, but you have mastered the art of selling.  Get a few pieces of jewelry and get your girls together for a jewelry party or ask your salon if you could set up a table and split the profits made  from the sales.  Are you one of those SistaGirlz that’s all about the details? Turn that anal-retentive personality into stacks by planning events for friends and family!

It’s time to stop the complaining! Woe is me! Girl, please. Woe is me, you and everybody else! Start ACTING and you’ll be surprised by what you can do and how much money you can make when you put your mind to it.

*Share your Side-Hustle with SistaGirlz.com and qualify for a free T-Shirt when you comment*

Source

Next Page »