Twice As Nice;)

Share the Holiday Cheer!
Now until November 21 Starbucks is giving you an extra cup of your favorite drink FREE!
Between the hours of 2p-5p.
Thanks Starbucks!;)

Mixed Chicks

Dolls,

Have you been searching for a shampoo or condition that is just right for your Natural, Curly, Frizzy, or dry hair? This product has gotten major reviews from all races and backgrounds. Although at first thought, the name Mixed Chicks might leave you thinking that this product is only for bi-racial textured hair. Don't let the name fool you, Mixed Chicks is for anyone with unmanageable curlz.

The reasonably priced system consists of shampoo, deep conditioner, and a leave-in. One review says: I have to admit, I am especially partial to this leave-in conditioner because it left my hair soft, manageable, and light. When used on dry hair, it instantly rejuvenated my curls and tamed my frizz allowing me to wear my hair down a few extra days. I also liked the shampoo and deep conditioner. The only downside to the shampoo is that it made my hair feel like it was stripping all of the oil out of it. But once I put the deep conditioner in, it softened beautifully. My curls loved it! The best part its alcohol free.

Chicks try it. With over 3,000 fans on Facebook there's got to be something behind the product. This is surely going on my "to-get" list! Happy Hair Makes a Happy You!

Fall into COLOR!

Is nail polish the new lipstick? I think so. How better to accessorize the season’s velvet, camel, utility chic, and rock ’n’ roll looks? Where last year was dominated by pale, pavement-colored tones, this winter has us loving a wide range of uncommonly rich statement shades, from lustrous metallics in graphite and burnished bronze to smoky purples and steely blues. And while it may have once seemed wild and crazy to consider color—You Should try something new! Chanel, Nars’, OPI have a hawt line this fall. Enjoy a pop of color and give those neutral tones a rest!

Oh NO! Not Kendra & Hank....

Kendra Wilkinson's life has been turned upside down ever since husband Hank Baskett was dropped by the Philadelphia Eagles and signed to the Minnesota Vikings. Now, Kendra sits down with Life & Style, to discuss her heart breaking decision to take son, 11-month-old Hank, back to LA--alone.

"Not having Hank around hurts," Kendra tells Life & Style. "Moving across the country by myself makes me think of my own mom who raised me and my brother alone. Hank's not going to be there forever, but with him not physically here, I'm a single parent now."

With Hank so far away, Kendra felt most at home on the West Coast. "I fit in well in Philly, and I could relate to all the people, but the West Coast is my home. This is where all my family and friends are."

Hank's decision to sign with the Minnesota Vikings -- and spend time away from his family-- resulted in a screaming match with his exasperated wife. "It hurt a lot," Kendra tells Life & Style. "When Hank left I felt lonely. He's my everything. Nobody else can really fill that loneliness." She admits there's been a lot of tears throughout this time. "We cry. It's hard, and we aren't ashamed to cry."

But thanks to her family and Hank's, she has a big support system to turn to for help. Still, there's no substitute for being together with her husband. "I'm going to go back to the minus-2-degree weather to spend Thanksgiving, baby Hank's 1st birthday and Christmas in a small one bedroom hotel room with my husband and son. That's all that matters to me."



-Life & Style Mag

Phaedra on "Why I married an Ex-Con"...

The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Phaedra Parks is firing back after her co-stars slammed her for marrying an ex-convict.

"It's easy to criticize when you don't know someone," Phaedra tells Life & Style. "He's my soul mate." The successful lawyer married Apollo Nida on Nov. 1, 2009, six months after he was released from jail -- he served almost five years for racketeering. "I know his character," says Phaedra about the man she's known since 1995.

"I knew he truly loved me for who I was and not for anything else. I respect him for the person I know he is -- and not for who the judge thought he was." The pair welcomed their first child, a son, over the summer. His birth will air during this season of RHWATL.

Phaedra is still somethin' else. Just over the top Ghetto. Yea yea yea, she wants to be classy with it but it comes off as Ghetto classy (with a lowercase c in classy). She's just not "Crisp" Enough to be labeled as Classy. Sorry Phaedra. But that Southern Belle thing is not you darling.

Tia & Tamera's City Guide

Actresses Tia and Tamera Mowry are all grown up, but they're still as sprightly as their TV characters from the classic sitcom, "Sister, Sister." By now the twins are the quintessential LA girls, so who better to guide us through their city.

Tia prefers her low-key San Fernando Valley neighborhood, while Tamera lives in less subdued West Los Angeles where all the action (and paparazzi) is. Find out what what these two would have us do were we to visit their city.



Best for breakfast and lunch
Tamera: My sister and I go to Clementine when we want to catch up. They have great organic homemade food and an in-house bakery. Their lemon meringue pie is amazing. I love their chicken pesto salad.

Tia: Lots of celebrities hang out at Hugo's Restaurant . We've run into Robert Downey, Jr., Keenan "Ivory" Wayans and Matthew Perry and they're usually without an entourage. Hugo's makes very tasty organic food and we love that you can eat on the patio.

Nailing the Mani/Pedi
Tia: I get my nails done at Mailan Nail Salon in Studio City. They give you a massage the whole time they're doing your manicure or pedicure. Not a lot of people go there so I enjoy the privacy. I have run into Kimora Lee-Simmons in there.

Tamera: I love The Paint Shop in Beverly Hills because, first of all, it's Black-owned, and it's amazing. The owner, Julie, serves you a glass of wine, champagne, or a martini while you're getting manicure or pedicure done.

Best beauty break
Tia: There are suddenly all these places where you can get a Thai massage in the Valley. They're amazing. What happens is you're laying down on the ground and these women put you into yoga poses while giving you a massage. You can choose to get deep tissue or relaxation massage, all for $45! I love it.

Hair story
Tamera: I love organic products because I don't like to use a lot of product in my hair. I go to Umberto when I want to feel more natural because they believe in the health of your hair so instead of blow-drying, hot combing or pressing, you sit under the dryer or you roller set your hair. I also go to Nikki Wright Salon when I want to vamp up my style and be different like putting some extensions in my hair or coloring it.

Boutique smart
Tia: I'm really more of a boutique girl more than a mall. I love Belle Gray boutique, which is owned by actress Lisa Rinna because it's a one-stop shop for style. They have everything from jewelry to scarves and purses.

Tamera: I describe my style as bohemian chic, so I go to a place called Elli in the Century City mall. Halle Berry shops there as well. It's where I get my ballet flats and gladiator sandals. They have a great selection for girls who, like Halle, like to be comfortable in their everyday life.

Cocktails in the city
Tamera: When you and the girls are going to get a cocktail you want the place to be relaxing and inviting and private. Culina, a restaurant inside the Four Seasons Hotel, is just that. It's modern Italian and they serve great cocktails as well.

Dance the night away
Tamera: My sister and I went through this phase where we just wanted to dance, dance, dance. For that we go to Drais inside the W Hotel because it's where you go if you want to have "the experience" and see a celebrity or two. For a different ambience "V" Lounge is where you go if you just want to feel like you're in your best friend's backyard getting down.

Tame It Down

Summer may be winding down, but humidity is turned all the way up--which is a nightmare for hair. Whether you rock a curly natural (a 'la Solange) or a sleek blowout, frizz and flyaways just aren't cute especially when you weren't going for extra volume. Tame your strands with Ouidad's Climate Control Gel, a product that shields hair from humidity, leaving strands smooth, defined and controlled. To use, simply apply a dime-size amount to towel-dried hair, and style.

Ouidad's Climate Control, $22, available at ouidad.com

Read more: @ essence.com/hair

Look of the Week

Kate Walsh promoted the premiere of Private Practice in a sleek toffee brown minidress paired with a crisp white blazer, nude stilettos and paired with Anita Ko jewelry.

LUV LUV LUV a Great Blazer and a Cute Dress!!

Jennifer Hudson Lost a HUGE Part of Herself

Jennifer Hudson deserves waaay more than just a makeover of the year award: The Grammy and Oscar winner not only went from a 16 to a size 6 (WOW WOW WOW), she also had a baby, planned a wedding and cut a new album! In addition to a self-confessed shopping problem, she told In-Style Mag. that: “I’m actually thinking about shaving my head. I am! Because I feel I’ve got a good structure now [gingerly feels cheekbones]. My cousin’s a beautician, and she always tells me, ‘You could wear any hairdo.’ So I’m thinking, What if I shave my hair? Not completely off, but low. I think that would be so hot.” And while reaching her goal weight hasn’t been a piece of cake, she’s confident that she got it just right.

My Advice to Jennifer... Losing the Weight is One thing but Your Hair "weave" is a Totally different thing!
Lookin' GUD Just the way You Are!! :)

Alicia Keys has Opened the Door to Married Life

Alicia Keys rep confirmed her marriage to Swizz Beatz!

The singer, 29, who is pregnant, and the producer, 31, exchanged vows in front of close family and friends in a private home on the Mediterranean Sea.

Their friend Dr. Deepak Chopra presided over the intimate ceremony.

Keys wore an ivory silk, georgette-draped Vera Wang goddess gown with jewel detail on the back shoulder.

She carried a bouquet of purple calla lilies. The groom donned a classic Tom Ford tuxedo.

"Wowwwwwwwwww," Beatz (real name: Kasseem Dean) Twittered Saturday. He later wrote, "It's a brand new day :) I feel like Nas and Diddy song :) love y’all and blessing!"

Alicia Keys is expected to deliver in late May.

Go-Go Gadget

I recently dropped by Sephora to check out this pro-quality, double-duty pore purifying device, which gets skin squeaky clean and massages in moisturizer using sonic vibrations very similar to the Clarisonic at an average price tag of about $185. Thanks to the employee at a local boutique for the advise but my Clarisonic is Pore-rific! Gotta Luv clean skin:)

Bethenny & Baby Bryn

Bethenny Frankel's Painful Past

Bethenny Frankel is happily focused on pampering her new baby, 8-week-old Bryn. But the reality TV star says her own childhood was far less loving.

"I never had a true childhood," Frankel, 39 – the only child of legendary horse trainer Bobby Frankel and his first wife, Bernadette – tells PEOPLE in this week's cover story. "There was a lot of destruction: alcohol abuse, eating disorders and violent fights."

The Real Housewives star – whose new Bravo reality series, Bethenny Getting Married? chronicles her whirlwind romance with businessman Jason Hoppy and the birth of Bryn – says she has long been estranged from her mom, whom she describes as "extremely volatile. She was never a mother to me."

Read more in this week's issue of People mag.

WEN with these :)

Shopping QVC can become addicting. If you haven't had a chance to check out the WEN skin and hair care line. YOU should! Refresh your hair and skin in equal measure, a spritz of this all-in-one mist, $32, revives your hair by adding shine and light-weight moisture or gives face or body an instant, skin-soothing pick-me-up.

Lip Action

Estee Lauder

Recently, I checked out the Estee Lauder counter in Dillards. And the stars of Estee Lauder's new gloss collection are six beautiful creamy, runway-inspired shades are perfect for summer. Dress your lips in shimmer, shine or sparkle finishes, at $20 each.

A Bronzer You're Sure to Love

BRONZE BEAUTY

It summer time and there's nothing like a Bronze Glow to top off your look. This go-everywhere wristlet proves to be more than its cute-as-can-be packaging with the perfect subtle-shimmer-bronzer inside. Add to that an ingenious pop-up brush and blissful $15 price tag – and we've found our summer love.

"Nene Nose Best"

The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Nene Leakes was photographed out and about in LA on Monday afternoon....something looks different girlfriend? but I can't put my finger on it....hmmm. Is that a New Nose Nene?
Well, there have been recent speculations that the reality Star has had a nose job but what do you think?...

"Dreams Do Come True"

Recently I had a chance to chat with one of My College dolls who is the Owner of Imperfect Concepts. This doll is just on FIRE ,,, Watch out World :)


Describe for us who Tasha Robinson is and what you do for a living.
Tasha: I am my father's child. Lol but no really I am really goofy, geeky and beyond obsessed with fashion. My 9-5 is my company, Imperfect Concepts. Well, its not really a 9-5 it's more of a 24/7/365 since I get no days off. I live, breath and eat my company. Imperfect Concepts is an online high end women's resale boutique.


You own your own store, how did it all get started?
Tasha: It started out at Southern University, if you want to go way back to the origins LOL. But no really, I have always wanted my own store. From a very young age, I knew I wanted to run my own business and not work for someone else. The store actually came to fruition 'cause I was frustrated with my life and where I was and where I actually wanted to be. I embarked on opening my store in March of 2009 by doing research and consluting with friends and family. Finally, on 7/11/2009 my store opened for business. So, the store's 1 year anniversary is around the corner, and I am extremely proud to say I have realized one of my life long goals!


Where do you see yourself in five years?
Tasha: I honestly don't think about the future. I live in the present and marvel at the presents the universe has given me. But to answer the question I would love to move to another state (I currently reside in Texas), still be running my store, and be married an awesome guy.


Any advise you'd give young girls to pursue their dreams?
Tasha: Follow your dreams; don’t let negative energy bother you. Do what makes you happy, and never settle when you deserve better. In the words of Amy DuBois Barnett "Get Yours."


Name one thing that you don't ever leave the house without having first.
Tasha: My iphone, it handles my personal life and my business world... LOL.


Any advise when it comes to shopping on a budget?
Tasha: First, go through your closet and see what you actually need. Then make a list of those things. Have a budget for each item on the list. Then I would say shop online. I personally use Shop Style when hunting for merchandise before I hit the stores. They show you the item you want with hundereds of stores who carry it so you can get the best
price. Also, shop during the week. The store is more likely to give you discounts because there are fewer shoppers. Finally shop ALONE. When shopping with friends we are more keen to buy items we don't need or that are out of our budget.


Lastly, what quote/proverb do you live by?
Tasha: I have several quotes around my house along with positive affirmations. My role model, Kimora Lee Simmons, taught me to say them
(positive affirmations) daily and strategically place them around the house so I can see them to motivate me.
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole
staircase." - MLK Jr. (on my desk)
"Not one ounce of myself worth depends on your acceptance of me."
Quincy Jones (Screen Saver on my iphone)
The Mantra I live by is: Live. Laugh. Love
I have hundrerds but those are the 3 I live by and love =)

REMEMBERING THE "KING OF POP"

It was the moment that had kids everywhere trying to walk backwards: Jackson, in cropped pants and loafers, debuted the smooth-sliding "moonwalk," one of the most iconic dance moves ever choreographed, during the 1983 primetime special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. Singing with his brothers and solo, he performed his hit "Billie Jean" – and left the audience screaming for more. He later reprised the moment at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards.
REST IN PEACE MICHAEL JACKSON! YOU ROCK :)

Music Mailbox: SOLEFRESH!

Happy Thursday!

Its time we take a listen inside our Music Mailbox Review.....

Inside, to my surprise, is Mannie Fresh at it again. He recently produced a fresh group of talent from round his hometown in New Orleans known as SoleFresh. The talented duo debuted their album, “Peace, Love & Overweight Babies” and their first single “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up.” These dudes are so funky (hawt)! I'd totally rock this track!

The full album will be released this summer.

INTRODUCING SOLEFRESH AND THEIR DEBUT SINGLE “I DONT WANNA GROW UP” PRODUCED BY MULTI-PLATINUM PRODUCER MANNIE FRESH. THE DEBUT CD ENTITLED “PEACE, LOVE & OVERWEIGHT BABIES” IN STORES THIS SUMMER WWW.MYSPACE.COM/WEARESOLEFRESH

Until Nexttime, Share and a Smile, Blow a Kiss or Give a Hug!

Simple Steps to Glowing Skin

Know your Skin Type...

You can spend a fortune on a high-tech cream or cleanser, but it won’t do the job unless it’s right for You. “The biggest mistake many women make when it comes to skin care is not using products that are right for their skin type,” says Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer, whose clients include Victoria Beckham and Beyoncé. If your skin is dry, rich and creamy textures will give you the right amount of moisture. If you tend to be oily, look for products that are oil-free to avoid excess shine.

Applying Sunscreen

Yeah, you’ve heard it before (probably from your mom), but it’s worth repeating:

Don’t leave the house without sunscreen. No matter what your skin tone, apply SPF 30 or higher daily to prevent sun damage. It’s a routine that’ll keep pesky little lines to a minimum—without requiring going under the needle.

Exfoliating

A quick remedy for dullness: Using a circular motion, rub a facial scrub over your face and neck. It’ll slough off dead skin cells and make your complexion look more rad

iant. Be sure to scrub gently—too much pressure can cause irritation.

Moisturize

Put a blob of moisturizer on the back of your hand, add a bit of highlighter or liquid bronzer, then mix it up before rubbing it onto your face. You’ll get an instant island-vacation glow without leaving home:)

DIY Facial

Just try Dr. Lancer’s recipe for glowiness: Fill a bowl with water and add 10 drops of lemon juice. Wash your face with baby shampoo, then rinse with the lemon water. Finish with a light application of grapeseed oil (you can find it at the grocery store) or your own moisturizer. Guess what: You don’t have to splurge on a pricey facial!

Halle Berry & Daughter Nahla

Halle Berry and beautiful Daughter Nahla spent the day in Beverly Hills, Ca., O-the joys of quality time!

Currently, Ms. Berry is working on her upcoming role in the movie Nappily Ever After, based on the novel.

Its a story of a young woman, Venus Johnson, who has grown weary of her four-year relationship with her boyfriend, and having to maintain her long, dark hair. Resolving to create a new, independent life for herself.

And the novel goes on.

Wonder if any wedding bells are in her "near" future. Hmmm :) Best of Luck doll!

Trendy Summer Styles

Summer Tees

Beyonce has fun with her summer basics, showing off the latest in T-shirt trends with a patterned top from Wildfox Couture. Dressing up a simple tee never looked so easy.

Fedora Fun

Shield your face from the sun with an on-trend raffia fedora. As seen on Khole Kardashian, this summer must-have makes the perfect topper for a sweet skirt, skinny jeans or day at the beach.

Summer Dress Trend

If You seen the Movie, I'm sure you saw Carrie strutting in this dress:)

So go ahead and Get Carrie'd away in the SATC2Carrie Dress by Halston Heritage.

Take A Walk on your Wild Side

Heidi Klum stood out in the streets of LA as she wore a leopard print tee. Animal Prints are hawt right now and don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. You can catch this jungle fever at just abt any trendy store in your area.

Gladiator Sandals

Put some bling in your summer style by adding a pair of Gladiator Sandals. Aldo's - Caressa sandals are a must have this summer. They come in a variety of colors; red, blue, black and white with chain detail. Check out Kim Kardashian who was recently spotted during a shopping trip in L.A.

Dangling Earrings

Jessica Alba shined on the red carpet at New York City's Met Gala in a one-shoulder Sophie Theallet for Gap gown dazzled by Lavande drop earrings. For a similar nightout style, pick up the color enhanced black diamond sparklers from One Kiss, exclusively at JCPenney.

Jada Pinkett-Smith is totally rockin the cover of the July Issue of Essence mag....but not like you're used to seeing her. She's traded her buttoned up shirts, jeans, and high heels for ....Nothing at all...She's nude and looking Fabulous! Jada said that she wanted to do it for her daughter. In the July issue, she further expressed her desire to actually follow through with it and "why she wanted to do it for her daughter".

Guess she had some major motivation, I've never seen this side of her other than Jason's Lyric (1994) which was waaay way back in the day:) Jada also dishes about raising a blended family of artists, being a wife, a mother of 3 and a businesswoman all at once. Wow, this doll's got it going on...geesh, how does she find balance? Any guess. My guess...is to read on(;

Gotta luv her!