Color Your Spring and Summer

By Miss Rikki

SistaGirlz, it’s getting warm out there.  The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and fashion of course is taking notice.  If your toes are still wiggling and squiggling in those closed toe shoes, get down to the nail shop and get those feet some love; then slide your smooth heels and freshly polished toes into one of these colorful numbers!

1. Milisent in Light Pink by Aldo $155  2. Rosenberger Gladiator Sandal in Light Blue by Aldo $55   3. Nazirra in Blue Multi by Guess $89   4.  Avo in Off White by Vince Camuto $120  5. Escape in Blue by Fergie $109   6. Prestige in Pink by Carlos by Carlos Santana $79   7. Vida in Teal by Jessica Simpson $39.99   8. Inked in Yellow by Not Rated $60   9. Rhea in Purple by Gianni Bini $89.99   10. Xcite in Rose Gold Metallic by Enzo Angiolini $89   11. Juniper in Multi by Report $230   12. Many Moons in Bright Fabric by Luichiny $89.95   13. Zigi Soho Dance Heel in Royal by Shi by Journeys $49.99   14. Fountain in Lilac by Steve Madden $79   15. Lenor in KeyLime/Black by Kensie Girl $48.95

Don’t Sweat It!

Have you ever gotten caught having too much fun? The song was just right, you were dropping it like it was hot on the dance floor all night long! Finally, when you had to run back to the restroom to freshen up you saw them. Two wet spots marked just how much fun you were having. Not only was it wet, but the dark colored dress you wore highlighted the stain. OMG! What’s a girl to do?

SistaGirlz, as the summer approaches, we gotta be ready for the heat and the drama it brings! Arm yourselves (no pun intended) with the best solution for your body type. There are several options for women who have excessive sweat situations.  Something as simple as switching up the fabrics can help keep air flowing to your body. I love the shirts with the sweat wicking material! They even have pajamas made with it!

Another option would be to use those nifty little dress shields. If you know you’ve had issues in the past with the sweat stains, they may be a worthwhile investment. I mean, really. Their under $10 bucks. Do you want to be cute your do you want to be twitpic’d by random club-goers? LOL!

If your situation persists, you can always ask your medical provider about alternatives.  They have antiperspirants and oral meds that you can get from your doctor. Other cosmetic solutions could be Botox and or Laser treatment.  Whatever the case, ladies, never let them see you sweat!

5 Tips to a More Beautiful You!

By Miss Rikki

Tip #1 for your…….EYEBROWS:  SistaGirlz are you getting your eyebrows waxed or razored?  Well stop and try out the ancient East Indian technique called “threading.”  Basically a spool of thread and a little bit of head movement is used to pluck out the hairs on your eyebrows row by row.  I know, it sounds crazy but I promise it is a must try.  Eyebrows usually stay groomed for 3-4 weeks – possibly longer with a little maintenance plucking of your own – and the cost can be anywhere from $10 to $15.  Most places will also take care of other unwanted facial hair like mustaches for a separate fee.  Yes, SistaGirlz it does hurt a little, but it won’t leave you tender and swollen like waxing and it lasts longer than both waxing and the razor.  And for some reason the end result looks so much cleaner than with any other alternative.  I started getting my eyebrows threaded back in 2004 and haven’t stopped since.  It’s wonderful.  I can’t say enough about it; so try it and let me know what you think!   

Tip #2 for your…EYELIDS:  Have you always wondered how people get that well blended smoky eye look?  Are you a novice to putting on eye shadow beyond slapping one color on your lids?  Try Maybelline’s Expert Wear Shadow Quads or Trios or L’Oreal Wear Infinite Eye Shadow Quads.  Both give you directions on for applying the shadow and creating beautiful eyes.  Maybelline puts in right in the makeup and L’Oreal comes with instructions.  I have Maybelline’s Expert Wear Shadow Quads in Charcoal Smokes and the Trios in Positively Purple and Blissfully Blue and I LOVE them.  I don’t wear makeup often, but when I do I turn to these staples so my face can look professionally BEAT!  These items can be found in any grocery store, Target, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and anywhere those brands are sold.

Tip #3 for your…FACE: If you want to give your face a finished, toned, even look without heavy foundations try tinted moisturizer.  It’s sheer lightweight coverage that won’t settle on your face and give you an unnatural made up look.  Right now, when I wear make-up, I live by Mary Kay’s tinted moisturizer in Bronze 2.  For my dark skin SistaGirlz, it is a definite win.  There are also other brands like NP Set and Boots No7 that carry tinted moisturizers with a range of colors for melanin rich skin tones.

 

Tip #4 for your…SKIN:  Spring is here and it’s getting warm fast.  So, I’m sure you will be finding all kinds of ways to how more skin.  Heaven forbid that skin be ashy…or shiny with grease.  How do you stay moisturized without the greasy look?  Baby oil.  Put it on after you shower, but before you dry off.  Rub it into your skin and then air dry (if you live alone) or pat yourself dry with a towel.  Your pores are open from the warm shower and your skin is receptive to moisture.  The oil can then help your skin hold the moisture it’s gained from the shower.  And you don’t just have to use baby oil.  Neutrogena has a wonderful sesame oil that works as well.

 

Tip #5 for your…HAIR:  If the natural state of your hair is a curl of any type then this tip is for you.  Shampoo your hair once.  Do not shampoo, rinse, and repeat as the bottle says.  Why?  Shampoo strips the hair of dirt and consequently moisture.  The more often you shampoo your hair the harder it becomes for your hair to keep moisture.  Anyone whose hair has a curl pattern to it (this is includes my SistaGirlz who get relaxers – your natural hair has a curl pattern) needs moisture.  In fact, the tighter the natural curl the more moisture the hair needs.  So, when you wash your hair at home the first thing you want to do is rinse it very well.  I mean really rinse your hair.  Then shampoo it once, rinse, and condition.  You will notice a difference in the way your hair holds moisture right away.  Plus lathering agents are just put into soaps to make consumers feel like they work.  If you’ve ever noticed, when you wash your hands and their really dirty, the soap doesn’t lather.  Still you rinse and feel confident your hands are clean.  Treat your hair the same way.

Spring Cleaning, SistaGirlz! Toss the Old MakeUp!!

Alright, SistaGirlz. If you are going to empower yourselves, you might as well play full out! Step up your game and Throw Out that old makeup. Let’s be real. How long have you had that liquid eyeliner, girl? I know, I know,  I had to throw mine out, too. I think I bought it in September. Yikes! Here is an expiration cheat sheet! Use It!

** Concealer: Up to 12 Months

**Poweder: 2 years

**Eye Shadow: Good up to 3 yrs

** Foundation: If water based, up to 12 months. Oil based, 18 months

**Lip Liner: up to 3 yrs

** Pencil Eye Liner: Sharpen regularly and it could last 3 yrs

**Lipstick: 1-2yrs. If it smells bad, toss it.

**Mascara: Expires FASTEST! Replace every 4 Months!

**Brushes: Wash them 2-3 months and they last until bristles fall out.

** Nail Polish: Up to 1yr, depending on the quality & consistency

KickBoxing….Jab, Cross, Roundhouse!

This year I am all about trying out new ways to get in shape. I actually started taking kickboxing classes last year and believe me, it is intense! My trainer Larisa begins the class with a jump rope warm up. Ha! I knew all those days jumping rope in front of Granny’s house would pay off! LOL!

Next she takes us through a series of stretching and preps us for the bag work.

Don’t be fooled by her smile folks, Larisa “ain’t no joke”. It didn’t hit me on the first class, but the second one did me in! Whew!

We use a series of combo punches with kicks and yes you do burn tons of calories! The key is to keep up the intensity. I try to think of  someone or something that has made me angry and I just attack the bag! LOL! Hey, at least I’m not attacking someone for real. It releases the negative energy!

I must admit, I get confused occasionally when my trainer calls out the punches. Contrary to popular belief, not all Black Folks have rhythm.  I have to repeat the sequence in my mind : Double Jab, Cross, uppercut. Repeat. Hey, whatever works, right? LOL! Have you ever taken a kickboxing class? Share your experiences in the comment box!

I’ll be back with more gym/fitness adventures as the weather breaks.  P.s. Can You tell I was posing in that pic?!

5 More Ways to a Healthier You

By Miss Rikki

Okay SistaGirlz, we are a good month and a half in.  How are you doing with those New Year Resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle?  Will you be bikini ready this summer?  I’m going to think positively and assume you are doing well.  So, here are a few small steps that can help you continue to be a healthier you!

1. Eat Breakfast:  Not eating is no way to lose weight.  I know what you’re saying:  “But I’m not hungry in the mornings.”  So then you really don’t get hungry til about 2pm.  You eat a huge meal because you haven’t eaten all day.  Then you may or may not eat dinner.  Shame on you SistaGirl.  Did you know that when you go long periods without eating you’re body goes into survival mode.  It becomes unsure of when it’s next meal is coming, so it holds on to the fat you have in your cells already.  Which means losing weight is out of the question!  If you eat breakfast you jump start your metabolism and set your body up for success for the rest of the day! 

2. Take Your Lunch:  Stop eating that fast food trash everyday!  Chances are if you go out for lunch, you’re eating unhealthily.  Take the time to make a lunch for yourself.  You will be more likely to plan healthier options for yourself and keep your caloric intake down.

3. Use Wheat Pasta:  I only suggest this for pasta dishes with red sauces.  Mostly, because I have not tried it with a white cream sauce.  At any rate, you will never know you didn’t use the regular stuff.  I tastes exactly the same and if you are cooking for people you don’t think will be quite so ready to make the switch TRICK THEM!  Go ahead cook the meal without letting them know you did something different.  I promise they will never know the difference.

4. Take the Stairs:  Forget the elevators and escalators.  Find a good ole fashion stairwell and use it!  In the mall, at work, in your apartment building and wherever else.  Take the stairs.  A little extra exercise never hurt anybody.

5. Walk If You Can:  Along the same lines as #4, walk to where you’re going if you can.  If the store is only a few blocks away – walk!  Why drive your car and waste gas, when you can walk and burn calories. 

Good luck SistaGirlz!  I’m cheering for you!!!!

Classy not Trashy LOVE Edition

By Danie Rae

Ok so we all felt the pressure of having someone special to celebrate a capitalistic retail driven holiday (don’t get me started on my conspiracy theory rants)!  But I digress, this edition of Classy not Trashy focuses on making sure you are ON POINT with all things fashionably LOVEable!!!

 Classy:

Go Red For Women                       

 

 

We all love the color red! It’s sexy, powerful, and unforgettable. So why not strut your stuff for a cause? The American Heart Association has developed the Go Red For Women “Wear Red Day”. Since heart disease is the number one killer of SISTAGIRLZ we need to create awareness and be education on prevention and treatment.

Trashy/Classy:

Naughty Lingerie

Don’t be afraid to be Ultra sexy not just during Valentine’s Day or the month of February, but ALL YEAR ROUND! Even if it’s just doing simple things like matching your bra and panties, you will feel confident and could care less if you have a date or not.

 

Classy:

Pampering

So if you’re feeling like you need a pick me up due to those “Valentine Blues”, treat yourself to something EXTRAVAGANT, like a spa day, or a new pair of shoes, or even a day where you do nothing.

Manolo Blahnik

Jelixa Sandal

$915.00

Available at Manolo Blahnik NYC 212.582.3007

 

Trashy:

Red Makeup

Now I know some you SistaGirlz like to match from head to toe… BIG NO NO!!!  In your efforts to coordinate, please refrain from using the rouge to accentuate your facial features. If you must have your face match your ensemble, try using pinks and plums.

That’s all for this edition!  Stay Classy!!!

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!

 

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

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

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