Black Girl In this Super-Natural World

Freeing the Natural Me

2011-05-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

I'm entering the once known, but never completely understood knowing it. Does that even make any sense? Let me explain. I'm talking about my hair and how I'm ditching chemical altering on strands. I'm in the process of just letting majority of my hair be low maintained, but I still straighten certain areas weekly, which sadly enough is causing damage to my partial 6-month post BC (big chop). Partial BC I say because, a hairstylist begged to relax my edges and a smidgen section of my sides... I gave in once again, I should have just said now again. It's a fight to remain natural and happy when theres people opposing of it.

Now to the unknown that I want to be properly in a relationship with: my curls. I think in July/August, I want to ditch all extensions and see how I'd look without having long hair. Will the way people see me now see me differently? Will I still feel feminine? I'm so curious and excited to face the newly short-haired Kinky-curly natural me.

Being called beautiful

2011-03-28T00:47:00.000-07:00

For some reason this past year I've been called beautiful or sexy, so much more than I ever have before in my younger years.... It's crazy. I have the worst confidence sometimes, and then someone out of no where will call me 'beautiful', and I just don't know how to take it, I'm flattered, and shocked. I was called beautiful by adults as a kid, but not really by people my age, they were so caught up telling the next girl she was beautiful because they were the lighter of the bunch. I used to be overlooked more often than none. It damaged me. I'm not writing this for pity, I'm writing this because its just so shocking of how things can change all of a sudden. I was the little girl with low self esteem, I was the little girl who hardly got compliments. That was me. And now, I'm starting to allow myself to see my own beauty.

-Sarah

2011-03-28T00:27:00.000-07:00

I love to smile, But I hardly like to smile for photos because my cheeks are so huge, and my eyes tend to squint. But I remember this moment when I took this photo on my webcam. I was confident, I was happy.

2011-03-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

2011-03-20T12:48:00.001-07:00

Sassy Earrings

2011-01-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

Unique Braids

2011-01-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

This (above) is called Waterfall braids. What a unique twist!

Unique Updos, would you?

2011-01-15T02:19:00.000-08:00

I've recently gotten attached to the styling of unique braiding and updos. Literally about 2 weeks ago, I've been inspired to learn. The other day, and also today I was on youtube and google search engine for tutorials for styling. I learned how to finally succeed on doing a fishtail braid. I did it on myself first. I currently have some 18 inches curly installed, so it wasn't as long as I would have wanted. Then the next day I took it to school asking three girls if I could do a test trial on them, and it worked. I'll post the pictures soon. I love learning creative styles!

2011-01-04T18:50:00.001-08:00

Prom dress inspiration. I want something faiytale-like.

2011-01-04T18:49:00.001-08:00

Desert Oasis

2011-01-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

I seriously cannot wait for it to warm up a bit. It's freezing in my town. Literally in the 40's- low 50's. Give me some 75-80 degree weather, and I'll be happy.

Arlenis Sosa

2010-12-30T15:06:00.000-08:00

I adore this woman. One of my favorite models. This is so Black Senorita, I'd love to try this look

2010-12-30T12:43:00.000-08:00

Irregular Choice

1st day of Johannes Berg, Africa

2010-12-28T08:43:00.000-08:00

Made it back from America 2 Nights Ago

2010-12-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

I just come by from the UK, by way of Africa. me, the family, and the rest of the crew went to Johannes Berg, Africa and Cape Town, Africa for 8 days, and then on the way back to flying to America we got caught into the horrible UK weather. Causing our flights to be canceled, we were stuck in the UK for about another week! Crazy, right? By the grace of God we have funds to be in a hotel instead of sleeping for a week in the airports. I'll be posting tons of photos and discussing my experiences while I can!

2010-12-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

2010-12-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

The Noisettes.

2010-12-05T13:37:00.000-08:00

Wynter Gordan is my new fancy, I like her music

2010-12-05T13:15:00.001-08:00

Wynter Gordan

2010-12-03T01:29:00.000-08:00

I forgot to tell you, I shaved more of my hair off a month ago. And got exstentions for Winter Ball. I'll post the pictures later.

Taking Hold The Reigns Upon Me

2010-12-03T01:28:00.001-08:00

I once was shackled, held down without my will by the way some people wanted me to be.

I once tried to do it their way, but it back fired on me. It was discomforting, it was completely against the person I perceive myself as.

I forfeited all of it, being captive is not how I’d want to live out my life.

Now that I am confident in my passions, they’re upset that I’m certain with my decisions. Since I didn’t do it their way, now they’re new enemies, against me…

Try to tack me on a wall to be they’re poster, I’m no carbon copy and I finally realize that. I am one in a life time.This is one battle I’ll certainly give my all to win. I’ve put my boxing gloves on and laced them well, this is the fight of my life, I’m in a ring with multiple individuals against me.

I’m going to continue to fight until I’m the only one standing, even if my life slips away as soon as I succeed.

-Sarah

Dear God

2010-11-14T22:09:00.001-08:00

I haven’t been all I could be. I don’t serve you as much as I should.

When I committed sins, you didn’t turn your back on me when you could.

I thank you for that Father.

I’m trying to change, trying to progress, because without you I become emotionally drained.

I surrender. I truly do.

For it’s only you that helps me get through.

Once I was trapped in the dark, silent tears of unhappiness. Silent tears of confusion. The enemy tried to get a grip of me, but at first I don’t realize because it slowly had crept upon me.

I prayed but not hard enough at first because I was still detained. Until I shouted your name, uplifting you Lord, my sorrow had erased.

I realize that I’ve had to go through valley of hurt, and to still believe that you’d help me, that’s the true meaning of faith.

I trust in you. I know that my life isn’t over, until you say it is.

For now on, I’m going to be all I could be, for I know that Christ lives in me.

-Sarah Brooke

Little Girl Lost, where'd you go?

2010-11-14T01:46:00.000-08:00

It’s depressing when someone I know becomes a product of “sex sales” and is now intertwined into the gruesome world that promotes one must bare their bodies to be told that they are beautiful. She wants to be beautiful, wanted, the one men lust for. She forfeited all her morals, now the un-titled promiscuous girl to the moral-ed minds, but beautiful in the shallow minds.

What happened to the girl that once sat beside me and would say how sad it was about the girls exposing them selves in the magazines and television screen? Were you just saying that out of envy?

She’s lost. she’s in a ditch, but she is convinced that the ditch is the best placed to be, she doesn’t care that she sold her soul. Untamed Life’s a b*tch.

-Sarah

Why I cut my hair

2010-11-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

My opinions on hot I think I look with short hair is like a teeter-totter. Can it please just be balanced, and stay balanced? Sometimes I feel like my short hair is boyish on me.. Then sometimes I'm happy with it. Then one minute I miss having loner hair, and want to dash to the nearest beauty supply for some hair extensions. Not saying I won't do it, because I plan on adding extensions on the side of my hair for Winter Ball, but I'm trying to make myself be comfortable with the real me for now. You know, you should never leave to another home, if your home isn't happy first.. So with that said I need to learn some styling so I won't be bored with my hair. Sometimes I can regret what I did. But what ever, the reason I cut it was to face one of my biggest challenges: Shaving my hair and cutting it. I achieved it, but I have troubles accepting what I did sometimes. I hope I get over it though.

New phase hair cut!

2010-11-03T00:59:00.001-07:00

I got my hair cut off, shaved off, and dyed. I wanted to finally take a risk at the things I want to do with my hair, regardless of if its too wild looking to people. I definatlely do like my hair, but I'm not going to lie, sometimes for me it's a bit hard to style it the way I want to. But thats when I had long hair, or weaved hair. lol I find my self wasting so much time trying to find a decent shirt that'll look okay with my hair cut. Like I don't want to look too boyish or something. I know I sound crazy, but I'm trying to get over this. I know short cuts are feminine, it's still taking me time to get used to it. Heres a picture the day after I went to Paul Mitchell's beauty school and had a friend there do it.

Never Been In Love

2010-10-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

I've never been in love before.
I would like to know what it is like some day.
Even though I've never experienced it, I know it's something amazing.
I just look at my parent's marriage of 24 years the proof of it.
Love is unconditional.

2010-10-19T21:09:00.000-07:00

I dig Zoe's style.

Black and white

2010-10-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

I took these back in August.

I.

2010-10-15T00:33:00.000-07:00

I have this amazing plan, to take the industry by storm.

Ready. Set. Write.

Falling out part 2

2010-09-07T00:32:00.000-07:00

She blames my hair falling out because I'm "flat ironing my dang hair too much". I only flat iron once a week normally, and I don't even bone straight it, nor do I turn the temperature up on the flat iron on high. One some occasions I would do a run through on my roots, or I would put a waver iron quickly through my real hair. I wash my hair about every 6-9 days.

She refuses to believe my hair falling out because of the perm -__-.

Transitioning=hair fall out.

She says "its cause you haven't been getting your perms on that hair". mhm.

I see that there is 2 new patches of just new growth, no perm left there, the hair fell out.
She shakes her head in disapprovement of this.
She says "in a minute you going to be gluing tracks on your head".

I really wish she'd stop being so negative.

My hair. Transitioning pics

2010-08-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

So I washed my hair a few days ago and took pics, wanted to show you my new growth. I can't wait for my perm to grow out. Perms make my curly hair wavy and I CAN'T stand it!

My roots are so thick I can't put my hair into a ponytail good enough.

Black Pride

2010-08-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

Me with my Black pride t-shirt. It was too big when I ordered it, but it worked in my favor. So my sister (A'keiba) cut it for me, and I love off the shoulder tees alot anyways :].

my school expectations

2010-08-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

So school starts for me in less than two weeks. I'm looking forward to it, because this is my last year until I'm able to go and pursue my dreams. My plans for this school year is to stay really focused, but not stress myself out. I hope that I stay on the right track, and make the best grades ever. I was never a "popular" kid so I know that will never become an issue for me, heck I hardly have any friends

Transitioner Offically

2010-07-29T23:52:00.000-07:00

So me going natural is official. I've already had someone complain to me saying "WHY are you going natural when you wear weaves anyways?" The way this person see's is that if your NATURAL you should just wear it natural, like a fro' because thats the point of being natural. blahhh. Being natural is best because of the versitility! I can go straight, curly, fro', or even add a few tracks for flare. But no the complainer doesn't see that point at all, they just think if your wearing your hair straight or with added hair you should get a perm Point blank. - ___-

I'm so tired of the complainers on hair that has nothing to do with them. Then the complainer said "It'll take a long time for your hair to grow back". I said "I know, so its best I start now." The complainer was left mad, and I was mad as well. Like seriously, I'm so tired of this! I for one rarely straighten my hair, I twist it because I have curly extensions, but from time to time I like to wear extstentions. I can't wait to go natural. I miss it. I miss the freedom of washing my hair everyday if I wanted to and not worrying about if it breaks off from the chemicals mixed with water. I'm doing this all for me. Not for anyone else. I felt like a sell out the moment the perm was applied to my hair. I felt guilty and ashamed. I am excited for my journey.

I regret perming my hair...

2010-07-24T03:17:00.000-07:00

Ugh... I really miss my natural hair. I got permed April 9th. THE BIGGEST MISTAKE!!! I got talked into getting one, especially since I'd always rock weaves people figured I should get a perm. I was doing fine without a perm. I'm miserable. I'm weaved up right now and the last perm I got was a little over a month ago. I'm now torn between growing it out or re-perming and waiting until next year (when I grad. and move to L.A.) to grow it out. I know when transitioning your hair could break off a ton, and I fear that. I know I'll have to eventually cut it off ughhh. See this is why I should have ran out that salon chair . I shouldn't have got a perm to please someone else. I don't care for my permed hair (as in I don't like it). I shed alot. I can't stand the thinness. What do you think I should do? I'm stuck I need help...

Confused...

I miss you guys!!

2010-07-17T02:58:00.000-07:00

:[... *Sigh* I abandoned this blog world for so long. And I feared coming back on for some odd reason. I miss my readers (if there is any for that matter). I just miss this place as a whole, I l know I've missed a ton of posts on blogs that I'm subbed to. I'm back, but here's the catch. I started a tumblr yesterday. And it's really something I'm going to keep up on. I'll try my hardest to stay relevant here as well. If your on tumblr follow me, :] http://sarahbrookehammer.tumblr.com/

Will no longer be natural...

2010-04-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

As crazy as it sounds, I will be ending my 9 years of being natural. I never really thought I'd be doing this, but I am. The styles I want to do with my hair texture doesn't work, and the flat ironing constantly is too damaging for me. So I'll be getting relaxed this up coming week and I'm scared! But its okay, because like India Arie said "I am not my hair", I like to change it up, so who knows, I'll be natural again one day. :]

Big hair Affair

2010-03-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Big hair is so fierce, I Love rocking big hair, but it's probably because I have a big head! Haha But I'll wear my hair sleek & straight from time to time, but nothing better than big hair.

Photos from Model Mayhem

Deep beauty.

2010-03-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

Gosh these are breathtaking...
photos from:model mayhem.

*I do not own these pictures

Fatima Robinson

2010-03-13T10:16:00.000-08:00

This woman's style and beauty is to die for! Or is that just me? Her choreography is also to die for. She choreo'd singer Aalyiah's dance moves in Try Again I believe, and cheoreo'd in many more videos. I am digging that red lipstick I must figure out what color she's wearing!

Curvaceous ladies!

2010-03-12T17:16:00.000-08:00

Modelmayhem has everyone on there showcasing their talent rather it be modeling, wizarding, make up, hair styling, photography, etc. Gotta love it.
Now its time for my Curvaceous chicas. These ladies are often under appreciated and misrepresented, when I say that people in the fashion industry use size 6 models and call that plus size and in realization that isn't plus size, sure a size 6 woman can be curvy, but that's not the curvy I'm talking about. Most of my family members are curvaceous big and beautiful women, so I know I must REPRESENT them to the fullest. These are women that are not to be reckon' with because they are coming full force, rocking realistic body types. GO LADIES!

Before showing you these beautiful models let me give you the definition of curvaceous.

cur·va·ceous:(of a woman) having a well-shaped figure with voluptuous curves.

So anyone that doesn't agree can leave. And without further ado heres the ladies and much more to come.

Dreads to envy!

2010-03-12T16:36:00.000-08:00

And her name is m Ms Nerissa. she's a beauty isn't she? Her and her locks are a BEAUTY.

ohh wait heres another woman...

photos are from Model Mayhem I do not own these photos.

Did someone say MOB??

2010-03-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

I did! Check out their Spring collection. It is hot! I will be getting my hands on a few of those tees.

MTTB SPRING '10

I have BEEN exercising!!!!

2010-03-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

Yes you heard it! That has always been a New Years Resolution but never committed, but I'm actually doing it now yall. And its a family affair! Me, my mother, and my brothers play basketball or something. We're at the gym at least 3 days a week killing it. We've been doing it for about 3 weeks to a month, well my mother has been longer, I was lazy and kept sleeping... But now that I'm out there and its apart of our shedule I'm pushing myself, times when I want to hop off the machines and lay on the floor, but I say to myself "Sarah how bad do you wan this? Prove it". What also motivates me is watching The Biggest Loser, seeing their commitment and transformation amazes me and inspires me. Of course I won't get a big transformation which is not what I'm looking for, just improvement.
Things I'm doing:
-cardio
-leg machines
-chin ups w/ support
-lifting weights
-abdominal machine workouts
-butt blaster
-side crunches or hip crunches
-etc.
For me I have to keep myself entertained, I switch it up here and there often and kick up the gears quickly. I'm more of a fast paced person.
Goals:
-flatter stomach
-tighter glutes, rounder
-more defined thighs

Hot Flicks 1

2010-03-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

so I'm often on ModelMayhem gawking at the beautiful models, makeup, hair styling, and the photo retouching! I need to get into photo retouching, its so awesome! So for now often I'm posting flicks from there that catch mis ojos. lol

Black History Month

2010-02-03T22:53:00.000-08:00

I will celebrate this month and have been. Remember every day is black history, not just a

month. This is a month to take the time and reminisce on the people that took risks to stand up

for what's right and were willing to suffer any consequence. I'm thankful, I thank the Lord, but I

know we still have long ways to go with fighting stereotypes and generalizations brought upon

us. I am willing to fight them. I always feel like I was born in the wrong generation, I wish I was

born around the time Martin Luther King was being a voice for all people and when Josephine

Baker was standing next to him as well, trying to unite the people to take a stand. I dreamed of

being there, my oh my how far we've come and America as well.

All this month I'll be posting quotes and history.
-take care everyone.

What is beauty/ prettiness? Am I??

2010-01-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

What is beauty/prettiness? This has been on my mind for a while. Because to me it's easy to answer this question, and for others as well. What is your perception of beauty?
And the big question do you think your pretty/beautiful? In all honesty it's hard to answer this question... I've heard people tell me I am but I tend to brush it off and just simply say thanks. I find my self attractive, and I find other people beautiful it's hard for me to call myself that. Do you get where I'm coming from? It seems like it might sound like your so into yourself or cocky if you call yourself beautiful. Is it?
Here's the definition of beautiful on dictionary.com:

beau⋅ti⋅ful

–adjective

1.	having beauty; having qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear, think about, etc.; delighting the senses or mind: a beautiful dress; a beautiful speech.

2.	excellent of its kind: a beautiful putt on the seventh hole; The chef served us a beautiful roast of beef.

3.	wonderful; very pleasing or satisfying.

I see beauty in all people, in all elasticities, shades, sizes, etc. I still find it hard to find myself that. Should it be hard to say it and actually believe it? Is something wrong with me yall?

2010 Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T21:48:00.000-08:00

2010. WHere to begin?lol. I'm looking foward to it. I feel like this is my year. Changes for the better, trying harder... For New Years I', doing absolutely nothing, but watching TV and eating. I never really do anything every year. Party scenes aren't really me either, just from time to time.
well God Bless.

Day 2 fit journal

2009-12-22T12:08:00.000-08:00

I did 60 crunches, 20 middle, 20 on the sides and 20 on the other side. let me tell you!!!!! it was hard completing those side crunches. lol I need to work out more. I'm terrible. haha. I Don't want to lose weight. I just want it in all the right places, I want my little coke bottle shape more defined. lol So thats what I'm doing is, toning. I need to take before pics. I will go joggins some time today.

Day 1 Get Fit jounal

2009-12-17T23:43:00.000-08:00

I effed up yall. No I didn't work out and I ate hecka sweets. lol I'm not going to do the take it slow on the sweets until after the holidays cause its TOO hard. lol I'm a wimp I know!

That's it, it's time to get fit!!!!!!!!

2009-12-16T00:48:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to flatten my stomach for so so SO so long and never actually committed to it. When I would, it'd last for like 2 days and that little 'get fit' would go out the door. Now I'm serious. I'm tired of my little pudge on my lower abs, people think its cute (what the?) lol people poke it and laugh. Its not funny to me though. Lol I've always had a little pudge on my lower abs even in my skinny minny days. Now I know dieting isn't the thing, its all about minimizing sweets, and I know thats hard for me because sweets is all around me. To get over it I'll replavce my brownies, cookies, and more with hot chocolate. And that be my sweet. Only one cup of it a day. I will cut out eating bagels for breakfast and switch to oatmeal. I know bagels and cream cheese contains HECKA calories, its so good though! Other than that I don't really eat to bad. I know I do need to drink more h20, I personally don't really like water, I never have. The tastes is yuck and too plain to me. weird eh? I want a body like Ciara, athletic but yet curvy at the same time. She's always had killer abs. That lucky chick!.

Fitness plan: I'll be putting in a 15 minuete work out session a day. Like 60 crunches, 40 leg lifts, 50 lunges, 30 push ups (if I can lol), and the little butt/leg lifter 12-15 on each side. I'm going to try to do it every day. I'll be writing a journal on how I feel and what I ate daily on here. I hope I do well!!

I want a new hairstyle!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

hair style extra 1 hair style extra 2:

Hello everyone!! I'm bored with my hair. As many of you probably didn't know I've been working extremely big hair for sometime now, like over a month. Its tree braids with a big fro full of curls and frizz. Lol. I'm now bored. For the past few months I've been wanting to do something completely different to my hair. Something I haven't tried but wanted to, but feared that I can't pull it off or will like it on me. I've always wanted to try a short do and rock it in public, (remember my short wig I own?) Yeah well I never rocked it in public. lol I'm such a scardy cat I know! I really want to get a chin length or neck length hair due. With tons of layers, because hair that curves in on my face makes my face look fat as heck, lol even bigger. If not the short due now, especially since its cold, I'll definately be doing it when it heats up because I'm tired of being shy of people being like WOAH!! YOU CUT YOUR HAIR!. I acutally don't want to cut my actual hair, I want a sew in, and get that cut short. Other than that I've been thinking of having streaks (extensions) of gold or brownish gold in the back of my head. I want china bangs too, not the straight one cut I want it to cascade in layers. I love layers on me.

What do you think I should try??

Haur cut 1

Hair cut 2 (below):

Hairstyle 3 below:

hair style 4 below:

me singing exfactor

2009-11-24T16:37:00.000-08:00

Me singing Exfactor my Lauryn Hill

Hey everyone, I know my posting has been kinda slow... lol But I did a vid of me singing Lauryn Hill Exfactor, my voice a a bit hoarse but its still decent (I hope) lol. So without further ado here's me.

Break Outs. UGH!!!!!!!

2009-11-17T21:38:00.000-08:00

Ugh.. We all get them at one point in our lives and I can sit here and say I truly dislike it!! Ugh... For the past few months I've had this break outs and its annoying and I can't really figure out why. I honestly don't really drink water that much, but back before these few months I hardly did and my skin would be blemish free. Now its like everyday something flares up on my face. It used to be all over my cheecks of my face and chin, now its nt flaring there that much. Now its on my forhead and t-zone, UGH.... People do you know what I could use or do? I am so fed up.. I use aproicate brand scrub, neutrigena moisturizer, and neutregena face wash with beads. I also am one to pop my pimples (TMI I know lol), its a bad habit, and hard to stop.

Happy late Halloween!!

2009-11-01T16:04:00.001-08:00

Happy late Halloween!! Hey everyone so last night me and my girls got glammed up and didn't really go anywhere. Longggg story. Glammed up for the party and went there for only 3 minuetes and then left. I was a Native American Hottie (Choctaw Pride! lol) and my girls were Rocker's girlfriends. I still had fun though. We just were acting like a bunch of dorks and what not. BTW these photos were taken by my webcam, I have no digital camera anymore :[, I'll be buying another one.

UGHH no camera now what?

2009-10-29T00:52:00.000-07:00

Hola readers!! Yes I know, my blogging has been TOTALLY slacking!! UGH..Check this out... I lost my camera in a store :[[. I was so upset and hurt. Not over losing the camera because that could be replaced, but the pictures on it, memories of my 8th grade graduation (nearly 4 years ago), sammy as a young one, and photos of family memebers no longer alive... I wish I could get the pictures, I don't care about the camera. I pray about this, that someone will return it one day. I pray and pray. Ugh.... Oh well.... I'll call tomorrow and see if someone has turned it in or something. I have so much I want to take photos of and nothing to take the photos on except my webcam lol ew..

Me & my Blue pants baby

2009-10-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

Today I wanted to rock a bold color, but not look too busy with the color so what better than to match this bright blue with black? lol

Boots-H&M

Pants-F21

Sweater-F21

Neckalace:unknown

Afro Latinos The History you never knew.

2009-09-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

VIDEO LINK BELOW.

Hello blog! Its been a while. I have been thinking hard on what to blog about lately...Its been so hard for me to keep up with school work and everything else. I miss my readers. I have some information on Afro Latinos and Afro Dominicans and its about history, roots, culture, and the struggle of self acceptance. Acceptance of African Heritage. For years I felt that I MUST visit The Domini and help and just slef aware!!! Dominican republic has issues with the Afros and its really tough to quite tell you everything so I'll post the article here that I had read off of Zoe Saladana's blog that she got from a newspaper article:

Skin Deep
Current mood: optimistic

Old wounds inform clash of race and image in Dominican Republic

Candace Barbot/Miami Herald

By Frances Robles
McClatchy Newspapers
July 26, 2007

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic --Yara Matos sat still while long, shiny locks from China were fastened, bit by bit, to her coarse hair.

Not that Matos has anything against her natural curls, even though Dominicans call that pelo malo -- bad hair.

"If you're working in a bank, you don't want some barrio-looking hair. Straight hair looks elegant," the bank teller said. "It's not that as a person of color I want to look white. I want to look pretty."

And to many in the Dominican Republic, to look pretty is to look less black.

Dominican hairdressers are internationally known for the best hair-straightening techniques. Store shelves are lined with rows of skin whiteners, hair relaxers and extensions.

Racial identification here is thorny and complex, defined not so much by skin color but by the texture of your hair, the width of your nose and even the depth of your pocket. The richer, the "whiter." And, experts say, it is fueled by a rejection of anything black.

"I always associated black with ugly. I was too dark and didn't have nice hair," said Catherine de la Rosa, a dark-skinned Dominican-American college student spending a semester here. "With time passing, I see I'm not black. I'm Latina.

"At home in New York, everyone speaks of color of skin. Here, it's not about skin color. It's culture."
The only country in the Americas to break free of black colonial rule (it had been controlled by neighboring Haiti), the Dominican Republic still shows signs of racial wounds more than 200 years later. Presidents historically encouraged Dominicans to embrace Spanish Catholic roots rather than African ancestry.

Here, as in much of Latin America, the "one-drop rule" works in reverse: One drop of white blood allows even very dark-skinned people to be considered white.

As black intellectuals here try to muster a movement to embrace the nation's African roots, they acknowledge that it has been a mostly fruitless cause. Black pride organizations such as Black Woman's Identity fizzled for lack of widespread interest. There was outcry in the media when the Brotherhood of the Congos of the Holy Spirit -- a community with roots in

Africa -- was declared an oral patrimony of humanity by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

"There are many times that I think of just leaving this country because it's too hard," said Juan Rodriguez Acosta, curator of the Museum of the Dominican Man. Acosta, who is black, has pushed for the museum to include controversial exhibits that reflect many Dominicans' African background. "But then I think: Well, if I don't stay here to change things, how will things ever change?"

A walk down city streets shows a nation where black and dark-skinned people vastly outnumber white people; most estimates say 90 percent of Dominicans are black or of mixed race. Yet census figures say only 11 percent of the country's 9 million people are black.

To many Dominicans, to be black is to be Haitian. So dark-skinned Dominicans tend to describe themselves as any of the dozen or so racial categories that date back hundreds of years -- Indian, burned Indian, dirty Indian, washed Indian, dark Indian, cinnamon, moreno or mulatto, but rarely negro.

The Dominican Republic is not the only nation with so many words to describe skin color. Asked in a 1976 census survey to describe their own complexions, Brazilians came up with 136 different terms, including cafe au lait, sunburned, morena, Malaysian woman, singed and "toasted."

"The Cuban (black person) was told he was black. The Dominican (black person) was told he was Indian," said Dominican historian Celsa Albert, who is black. "I am not Indian. That color does not exist. People used to tell me, 'You are not black.' If I am not black, then I guess there are no (black people) anywhere, because I have curly hair and dark skin."

Using the word Indian to describe dark-skinned people is an attempt to distance Dominicans from any African roots, Albert and other experts said. She noted that it's not even historically accurate: The country's Taino Indians were virtually annihilated in the 1500s, shortly after Spanish colonizers arrived.

Researchers say the de-emphasizing of race in the Dominican Republic dates to the 1700s, when the sugar plantation economy collapsed and many slaves were freed and rose up in society.

Later came the rocky history with Haiti, which shares the island of Hispaniola. Haiti's slaves revolted against the French and in 1804 established their own nation. In 1822, Haitians took over the entire island, ruling the predominantly Hispanic Dominican Republic for 22 years.

To this day, the Dominican Republic celebrates its independence not from cen-turies-long colonizer Spain, but from Haiti.

"The problem is Haitians developed a policy of black-centrism and ... Dominicans don't respond to that," said scholar Manuel Nunez, who is black. "Dominican is not a color of skin, like the Haitian."

Dictator Rafael Trujillo, who ruled from 1930 to 1961, strongly promoted anti-Haitian sentiments and is blamed for creating the many racial categories that avoided the use of the word "black."

The practice continued under President Joaquin Balaguer, who often complained that Haitians were "darkening" the country. In the 1990s, he was blamed for thwarting the presidential aspirations of leading black candidate Jose Francisco Pena Gomez by spreading rumors that he was Haitian.

To some of the women who relax their hair, it's simply a way to have soft, manageable hair in the Dominican Republic's stifling humidity. But several women said the cultural rejection of African-looking hair is so strong that people often shout insults at women with natural curls.

"I cannot take the bus because people pull my hair and stick combs in it," said wavy-haired performance artist Xiomara Fortuna. "They ask me if I just got out of prison. People just don't want that image to be seen."

The hours spent on hair extensions and painful chemical straightening treatments are actually an expression of nationalism, said Ginetta Candelario, who studies the complexities of Dominican race and beauty at Smith College in Massachusetts.

"It's not self-hate," Candelario said. "Going through that is to love yourself a lot. That's someone saying, 'I am going to take care of me.' It's nationalist, it's affirmative and celebrating self."

Money, education, class -- and, of course, straight hair -- can make dark-skinned Dominicans be perceived as more "white," she said. Many black Dominicans here say they never knew they were black until they visited the United States.

"During the Trujillo regime, people who were dark skinned were rejected, so they created their own mechanism to fight it," said Ramona Hernandez, director of the Dominican Studies Institute at City College in New York. "When you ask, 'What are you?' they don't give you the answer you want ... saying we don't want to deal with our blackness is simply what you want to hear."

Hernandez, who has olive-toned skin and a long mane of hair she blows out straight, acknowledges she would "never, never, never" go to a university meeting with her natural curls.

"That's a woman trying to look cute; I'm a sociologist," she said.

Purdue University professor Dawn Stinchcomb, who is African-American, said people insulted her in the street when she traveled to the Dominican Republic in 1999 to study African influences in literature.

Waiters refused to serve her. People wouldn't help Stinchcomb with her research, saying if she wanted to study Africans, she'd have to go to Haiti.

"I had people on the streets ... yell at me to get out of the sun because I was already black enough. It was hurtful. ... I was raised in the South and thought I could handle any racial comment. I never before experienced anything like I did in the Dominican Republic.

"I don't have a problem when people who don't look like me say hurtful things. But when it's people who look just like me?"

Here's a documentary trailer that is about Afro Latinos and their hardships on what I had mentioned earlier. I'm excited for this documentary to release because it will shed light. Its releases in 2010.

YOU TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK..
http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhBGOr0ga6h4l10UZS

I've missed you too!!

2009-09-03T22:29:00.001-07:00

I'll be pdating you all on my life tomorrow lol. I've been caught up with school and everything! :]

Golden Flicks.. And short cut

2009-08-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

I told you I had an obsession for short cuts! So much that I got a short wig, lol. Still unsure on if I actually want to cut my hair that length, but until then I love this alternative short cut wig. I lve switching up hairstyles and trying something new. I remember I had such a love for long luxurious hair tresses, so I'd get extensions down to the middle of my back! Now it's all changed, I love shoulder length tresses and short dues.

Outfit:

boots- unknown

skirt- F21

Belt-F21

top-f21

Jewelry-unkown

One of the most Hottest women on the block

2009-08-11T00:24:00.000-07:00

I LOVE love LOVE THESE WOMEN!! They are such a huge inspiration to me. Most of my music on this blog is by them.

My Diva Press-on nails!!

2009-08-10T22:33:00.001-07:00

When I spotted these nails I had to get em'! They are so my style and BRIGHT. Yes they are major "snap snap" busy, but you should know I am a weird one and loves some over the top things from time to time lol. Its like this wig I just bought (yes I rock wigs from time to time) Its a really short cut wig with a bang, its hot. I can't wait to wear it when it gets colder. It's fly. I refuse to cut my real hair that short so I went the other route and got a wig to have fun and live my life like always =]. I'll post it with me wearing it soon.

SO DO YA LIKEY?

Forever 21 & Claire's Haul!

2009-08-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

Good day! Did a little shopping today like I said in my last post. I bought some cute dresses and tops. I won't be showing them because I'll be rocking them next week or so and of course I'll be posting pictures! So I'll be showing the accessories I bought:

Jeweled headband
*2 boxes of Press on nails! YAY!
*Stick on body jewels (using for nose stickers as a peircing)
*a bunch of hot earrings!
*Rings

Don't grey my day dude!

2009-08-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

Wen't shopping today! So here's what I wore today.

Jean pants by: Forever 21
Long vest : unknown
Belt by: Prestige
Shoes by: unknown
Purse (not photoed) by: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Like Father Like Daughter.Hammer Pants!

2009-08-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

I know daddy would be proud! lol haha. These pants are so comfy. I've had them for months in my closet and never wore them, so I decided to pull them out and rock em'.

Back to school Makeup & Hair Products WishList

2009-08-09T00:24:00.000-07:00

School is in 4 days! I know I won't be scoring all of these by Wednesday, but the make-up is pretty much covered because I ordered from E.L.F. 2 days ago and bought tons of makeup! This is a part 2 makeup list because I still need to buy some things.

Make up wish list:

MAC mineralized skinfinish powder
MAC Paint pot color: Dirty Chocolate (cream)
Irridescent loose powder color: Golden Bronze
Avon Gel Eye Liner color: Black
Avon Be Blushed Cheek Color: Pink Melon
Avon IDEAL SHADE Concealer Stick: Deep

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hair Products wishlist

Eco Styler gel
diffuser attachment
Silicone Mix [Dominican Product]
Neutrogena Triple Moisture silk Touch leave-in
Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor
Coconut oil
Creme of Nature Professional Detangling and Conditioning Shampoo
Elasta Feels Like Silk Liquid Styling Gel
denman brush
satin bonnet [recently lost it in my house UGH!]
thin control nozzel attachment

Upcomming videos next week: HAULS! makeup haul, hair product haul!

My first makeup video!

2009-08-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

If your not aware by now I have a makeup obsession. lol. Fell in love with it last Christmas and can't get enough of it! I'm always trying to find tips and tutorials that explain what they did so I could learn because I'm a beginner. I bought makeup books tons of them just to learn to master it and know what the brushes do, and more. lol I finally got the courage to make a video. The look was from this makeup book I have. and it explains pretty well. Theres more tutorials to come, so subscribe to my channel to watch me progress! http://www.youtube.com/user/mizzstarr510

What I used:

*N.Y.C. eyeliner in black
*Inuovi shadow in Blonde
*Wales [japense brand] 40 color pallette in Black
*N.Y.C. eye/lip pencil in dark Brown
*N.Y.C liquid eyeliner in black
*Eyelashes
*Avon lip stain gloss in dark brown

Brushes:

MAC 239
Small blender brush
Sephora crease brush
Sephora shadow brush

Heres pictures of the results,

Eyebrow Obsession! brow haul

2009-08-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

hola chicas!Lately I've been obsessed, wait let me write that in caps, OBSESSED OBSESSED OBSESSED with having good looking brows! About 2 months ago I got my brows waxed along with plucked, and it was done ridiclously thin! I don't really like thin brows on me at all, I was so upset. It took a long time for it to grow back, and it still is, I already have pretty thin brows to begin with. So I stalked makeup mavens on youtube to try to learn how to fill in and draw thicker brows in, it kinda worked but I wanted to learn it better, get the brow shadow instead of just penciling in my brows. I was browsing online and saw shadow stencils! I was so happy to find the site. I checked out sephora first and there stuff was $35 dollars which I wouldn't mind getting but I would be mad if the color was too light on me if I ordered, because it only came in one color.

So I googled and found a website called eyebrowz and its an entire site for your eyes! I bought the kit and I can't wait to recieve it. Says it comes in 3 to 5 days. Since my hair is black rinsed [temporary black dye] I ordered the soft black and soft charcol brow color. The dark brown seems like it would be too light. The kit was 36 bucks, (some where in the upper 30's) worth it to buy because you got to choose 6 brow stencils from their big collection of brow shapes, the 2 powders in colors you choose, a little eye brow bag, and 3 brow brushes.

BACK HOME!

2009-08-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hey, I'm back in California now, just came back the other day. I'm nowo back with posting what I wore everday! It's like in Canada I sorta just threw on whatever and went out. I recieved a package of 2 pairs of boots I purchased on amiclubwear, I can't wait to rock em'.

TTYL! ;]]

Oh Canada OH CanaDUH

2009-08-01T04:07:00.000-07:00

Going to Canada for two days for Dad's concert. Flights in like 8 hours. I hope I'm near some cute mom-and-pop shops! I haven't been to Canada in so long, this will be only my second time visiting there. And two days is like nothing...:[ Hope to stay longer next time.

I'm Known to Walk Alone cause I'm Alone For a Reason

2009-07-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

Today I felt like throwing on a pair of jeans and out the door, so thats what I did. Today was decent..I woke up at 1:37 PM GOODNESSS! I need to start going to bed earlier, school starting in 2 weeks and I have this habit of going to bed at 5 in the morning. I plan to go to bed at 1AM tonight. lol

The Break Down:

T-shirt: Hard Rock Cafe "Bon Jovi"

Jeans: Guess brand from the thrift store for like 10 bucks

Wedges: unkown

Shades: F21

Purse: H&M

Break Down on Hair:

I braided my hair not close to the scalp infact 5 inches from roots is where I began to braid and tied ends with rubberbands. I didn't braid all the way to ends I left 2inch unbraided hair. I then boiled water, more like luke warm boiled some water and let it cool to a warm temperater, poured water into a tall cup and dipped my hair in the cup of warm water for like 15 seconds each braid. Towel blotted braids and then blowdried the braids for 2 min, unbraided hair and blasted my roots to lift the hair and create a fluff to it.

Videos of me and my natural hairstyles

2009-07-30T01:49:00.000-07:00

Posted a video on youtube of me and my natural hairstyles!

Follow my blog with bloglovin

I spy with my little eyes...

2009-07-30T00:44:00.000-07:00

Hot inexpensive shoes with my little eyes! I was browsing on Alloy for some cute simple black heels with thick heels and some thigh high boots. I found a few heels I like:

RAPTURE LOAFER

DELPHINE GLADIATOR

GINA WEDGE

Nature at its best

2009-07-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Finally bought a camera charger! I only went to like 3 stores today. Haven't been out the house since I came back from Mississippi lol. Today was basic for me. Heres what I wore today

The Break Down:
Dress by: Poof

Shoes by: Bamboo

Neckalace from: rain forest cafe

Makeup: [very basic]

Mascara

Frost pink lip stick

berry colored lip gloss

light brown and bronze color shadow

New internet buys

2009-07-29T04:02:00.000-07:00

Did some internet shopping last night! I was doing some vintage browsing, and I was thinking of buying something off modcloth but I saw some hot clothes of Doris Apparel. Can't wait to recieve them and take pics for yall! I totally need to go buy my battery charger for my camera because I left my charger in Vegas....

Romper

Baggy pants

Teal of hearts dress

Ballet Dress

Jc Penny finds!

2009-07-29T03:33:00.000-07:00

I saw in the Seventeen magazine some hot jeans that were black striped skinnies with cuts that had pink in them but they are not on there yet!! So I saw some other things on there that I thought was cute.

Worthington® Tuxedo Ruffle ShirtOrig. $30.00Sale $14.99 (above)

Worthington® Puff Sleeve ShirtOrig. $36.00 - 46.00Now $24.99 - 31.99

Steve Madden Shoes Pre-Order

2009-07-28T14:36:00.001-07:00

Hola Chicas! I was just browsing on Steve Madden and saw that theres a pre-order of a ton of hot shoes releasing soon!! I've been looking for some cute simple black shoes that I can wear awith almost anything. Heres the ones that I'm candying on:

Caged: $129.95

(below) Wedgiee $79.95(below)

Marniah $89.95

(below) Faxxon $109.95Blondee $99.95(below)

back from mississippi!

2009-07-27T02:37:00.000-07:00

back from mississippi!! I will update yall tomorrow lol. I got some good buys I thought I'd share. its on fashion,makeup, and hair!! Haha.

Gone to MISSISSIPPI!!

2009-07-16T06:12:00.000-07:00

Hey yall! I'm gone to Missippi for 10 days :]] I'm quick typing this before I head out the door.

Peace love & blessings yall!!

My love for Afros

2009-07-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

I love afro's! Kinky,curly, wavy. I like em fluffy and big. Back when I was younger I used to want bone straight hair, I thought it was prettier and better than curls & kinks on me. I would hate to rock my hair in a puff! You know that day of your hair apppointment so you go to school with your hair freshly washed in a puff ready to go get done after school. lol. But for the past two years my views had changed drastically. I love my hair, every kink of it ya heard! I now see I wasn't ment to have bone straight hair 24/7. Its really not my cup of tea too much, I really want a huge fro. I've been picturing myself with the enormous fro and me sitting on a stool singing with a live band. Yeah its my destiny to get to that. Here's a video of Afro's.

dyed my hair and streaked it!

2009-07-13T03:51:00.000-07:00

Updates on my hair: I wanted to do something fun to my hair and dye it. I've been wanting to do that for quite some time now. I mainly wanted to do it so when I rocked my hair curly, fluffly in a fro' it'd stand out annd look so cute. I'm digging the colors, maybe next time I'll get silver/platinum streks. in the coloring in my hair is a black rinse and some chocolate red streaks. You like?

I've gotten this addiction for short cuts!!

2009-07-13T03:24:00.001-07:00

AND THE OBSESSION KEEPS ON GOING.. I keep on seeinghot short cuts that are making me want to go perm my hair and chop my hair short !!lil

A little information on my hair:I'm natural meaning no chemicals. My hair in hair langage is a 3c/4a, and is arm pit length.

I'm loving all these cuts around me! And I never EVER used to be a fan of short hair on me, but ever since I tried on some hair wigs that are short its made me want to get one. SO I DID! LOL I wouldn't cut my real hair off, ladies if you don't want to chop your hair off for a short due, do what I did, buy a short cut wig! Life's all about fun and memories ;]]. I also just ordered this really short due wig and its fire. Can't wait to get it and rock it!

I bought a wig [ i know i get im too young to have one]

2009-07-01T00:40:00.000-07:00

[i LOOK a mess in this picture lol]

I'm a fan of clairhair.com I got this interest in wigs [my mother laughs at me cause she doesn't get why I like wigs at such a young age], I think they are so cool! i like them becuase they are fun. I could be blonde hair with out dying my hair one day, and the next black haired lol. I'm digging the wig alot. . Its a little long in the back, I wish it were shorter, but its still very cute. I'm rocking it still! lol ! I get told I'm weird to like wigs now, too young, etc. Oh well hahaa.

Florals!

2009-06-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

I have this new obsession and crave for a short, floral dress. I'm so digging them! So many places are selling them. And I am really liking the ones from Urban Outfitters. Target international has hot floral dresses as well!!! Mix affordable with pricey is the best thing. :]]

$58.00

HammerTime!

2009-06-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I hope you enjoyed the show Hammertime! If not what ev...lol any ways I thank everyone for the support, and love. God bless everyone!

--Sarah Brooke`

HammerTime Show

2009-06-08T19:25:00.001-07:00

Hey yall. I have been missing yet again. But im back!!! Be sure to watch me and my family's reality show called hammertime this sunday at 9 or 10 Pm on A&E

God bless!
--Sarah

Me and the Wig!

2009-05-29T02:01:00.000-07:00

Whatssss upper!!! [lol], remember the bob wig I purchased? well it arrived a long time ago and its adorable!! I was going to post sooner but I completely was side tracked. I thought to take pictures so you could see what it looks like on!Its not fully on my head in the pics, I didn't wrap my hair under...Just put it on for yall to see what it looked like. I can't wait to rock it, lately I've been so into the short cuts and long bobs with blunt bangs. I won't cut my actual hair because I'm growing it out so with this wig I could rock the look I want without actually cutting it. Especially since its really hot where I live. Here it is. Tell me what you all think!
:D

Spotlight on Youtuber:misskrisnew

2009-05-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

Just a few minuetes ago I found this lady by the name of misskrisnew and I fell in love with her hair! Reasons why I did: She's one of the few people [so far] on Youtube that has a similar hair texture with me, and length so the styles she does could highly work for me as well. She's made this video called Natural hair:Supa Fly High Puff which I am gawking over because the puff she did is AHHHMAZZING. Yall I never knew how to do that string thing to your puff trick, I'd simply do a pony tail holder and call it a day. But I can't wait to try this on my hair. I'm still in a sew-in I have almost a month to go and I'm taking this bad boy out. Don't get me wrong I like the sew-in and how I could add heat and it doesn't mess up my actual hair and all, but I miss my natural hair! ;[[ The volume and the kinks and curls. The bananna clip fro hawk I'd do. Ain't knowthin like my real hair. 2 years ago I would have never been saying this. As I think back at it now on how I didn't like my natural hair. I didn't know how to take care of it and didn't know what I was missing out on.
Misskrisnew youtube account

Hello Everyone!

2009-05-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Que tal everyone? Lordy Lordy, been a few weeks since my last post!!!! Ugh let me tell you I've had so much to do and so much on my mind... I didn't know what to write about to be quite honest. I've been reading those books I ordered from amazon remember? They are so good.

I also started a group of friends where I let them read my books lol under two conditions, don't ruin my books and return them BACK to me. So other than reading I've been focused on school which is where my head should be right? And also my Faith and relationship with Christ, I'm working on reading the bible more often. I really want to start reading it everyday. Even if I read just one scripture I'll be happy. So I'm back and in action on here. Sorry to neglect yall.

XOXO,

Sarah

M.I.A.

2009-04-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

I know I'm missing in action but will post tommorrow! I'm busy.

Hawaii Photos

2009-04-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

The photos I promised from Hawaii. During my visit its really had a huge impact on me,I plan on going to college out there now. The weather is great, and the atmosphere is chill and calm; I just like the vibe thats there. I know theres more colleges to check out, but they definately are high on my list to attending there. I also picked up a great number of accessories and a book on how to say words in Hawiian, so now I'll start speaking Hawiianglish lol Haha.

Today is last day in Hawaii ;[[

2009-04-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

Gosh I'm so hurt.... ;[[ Today is the last day I'm in Hawaii! Man it was so much fun I tell ya. I even surfed yesterday and I'm like afraid of the ocean like CRAZY! But I prayed before I went out there with the instructor and faced my fears. Godness I hope they took photos!!

Going on to the Plane for Hawaii!

2009-04-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

Just woke up, speed typing and tired as heck.... Flight is around 9 Am so I have to leave prettty early. UGH!! I'm so tired! Well everyone pray for my flight and that I make it safe, and vacation.

I love photos like these, in the Polynesian wear. I plan to do a photo like this! I can see it now haha it'll be hot.

Light on:Bodacious Plus Size Model Crystal Renn

2009-04-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

CRYSTAL RENN

Let me first begin with saying this chick is flawless! If you don't know her, she is plus size [thick madame I shall say] Crystal Renn. She's help tear down barriers for plus size women in the model industry and definately giving the people a run for their money. She started modeling at 14 and was told at a go-see that she should lose about 50 pounds! [Crazy right?] She basically listened to what the person had told her and had low self confidence...She gained 70 pounds years down the road but had a ridiculous amount of confidence and self esteem! She returned to the modeling business as a thick madame and couldn't be any happier. She's now a size 16 and hour glassed out! That shows people you could be thinner, but doesn't mean you feel that your beautiful or that you could be told that your pretty, but you feel that your not. I respect Crystal Renn, and that she has been fighting for oppurtunities for the curvier chicas.

3 Days until Hawaii!!

2009-04-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

Exactly 3 days until I go to Hawaii for the first time! Its weird I've been to Japan before I've been to Hawaii and thats way on the other side of the world!! I'm so excited to go..The beach and the lovely weather, I hope theres hot guys there. My parents won't tell me what Island we're going ot because its a surprise. And yes the film crew is comming with. I'm hoping to get a tattoo with my mother while we're there. I'm trying to break her down to say yeah. I want us to get a very small Hawaiian flower on the left rist. If you don't know I do Tahitian/Hula [Polynesian represent!] dancing I've been doing it for a while now, but I'm still such a beginner! So maybe I could test out my dancing skills I've learned. I plan to buy so much jewelry there...

Tattoo Designs

I really like the first and the last one. What do you think everyone?

Update on me & my hairstyle

2009-04-08T22:38:00.000-07:00

So I'm sorry I haven't been on here in some days! I'm sick with broncitus, and newly discovered I have asthma... Yes its disgusting, I'm coughing all the time and you know what comes up with the coughing. But I wanted to atleast post something today, and try to get to all of what I wanted to post tommorrow. I'm excited for next week because its when I get my hair done! [woohoo] lol. I currently have tree braids in and its really about time for these babies to come out, I have a good amount of NG (new growth) from what I could see. My upcomming hairstyle: Extensions/sew-in. I want a sew-in because the weather is so fickle right now in California, one day its hot and then the next day its raining. I love rocking my natural hair, but when its cold, rainy, and the winds blowing uncontrollably Its a no-go for me. So I ordered the extensions, its Indian, not Indian remy so its high quality! I'm excited it'll be my first time with some really expensive extensions. The most I've spend is like $120 a pack, I guess thats alot as well. hmm? I got it in 1B and its slightly curly, the woman told me that it doesn't knot [she had some in her hair] I felt how soft and natural looking it was so I was sold. Best part is that its the kind that you could re-use if taken care of properly, doesn't knot, and easy to comb

QUESTION FOR READERS: now ladies have you ever re-used your extensions? For weaving/braiding etc? And how was it?

The Style I want:

Basically I want it like the bombshell J-Hud's but shorter like up to the top of her bust line and more of a bang. I love her hair color I'm guessing thats a 1 or 1b.

Love her curls! Spotlight on model amina

2009-04-06T12:55:00.001-07:00

You heard it here first, I found this beautiful German model Amina , Shes flawlessy beautiful. Thing I really couldn't take my eyes off of was her bouncy, fully of life curly tamed fro. Its nice isn't it? She's now added to my hair inspo's. She's half german, and half black.

I went to the Ellen show!

2009-04-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago I went to the Ellen show with my dad. He was on it. It was so fun! Honestly when it goes to commercials it plays all the jams! People start dancing and singing its like a party in there. Heres the photos I ment to post that week lol. Dad's in the back ground.

Make Up I bought 2 weeks ago

2009-04-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

I went to Vegas a few weeks ago, with the family. If you don't know by now I have a major obsession with makeup! It just began this year and I love it. I've been buying tons of makeup books within the last 2 months currently owning 4. I haven't done a makeup video yet because I've been busy, but I manage to purchase makeup I like. I was in the Vegas mall and came pass a mineral makeup counter that had nice shadows. It was 2 for $40, but I learned how to bargin and the kind lady gave me 3 for $3o. Woohoo! I like the makeup because it can be used for anything. From lipgloss just by adding vasilene, blush, cream eye shadow by adding water etc, its never ending of all the posibilites! I will definately be buying more of these babies, they are awesome.

Shades: Green, Red, and Blue.

Exact color numbers: #454, #406, #432

Brand: Puree & color revolution

Spotlight on: Ambrosia

2009-03-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

I love how this youtuber and blogger does her hair and makeup! When I take my tree braids out I'll definately try this style, I've done something like this differently before I've seen this video, but this is hot. I like finding new styles. Check her out
http://xoxo-brosia.blogspot.com/.
youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/xGOLDn