Spider Webs, Dust & Cobwebs Oh My!

At least that's what I felt when I got on blogger.

I'm not going to lie....I've been having an affair with Tumblr.

It's SO easy, just to reblog everything and not use all the codes or what not. Readers if I lost you I understand and if you still read my posts I'm SO sorry. I can't guarantee that I'll be posting more but I won't neglect Kabuki Queen as much as I have.

But if you do Tumblr follow me and my random postings at emella.tumblr.com.

A Soulful Masterpiece

"Diamonds in the Back"

You ever just look at a painting and said "Dang, I feel that"? No? Okay maybe just me. Well when you look at Dawn Okoro's work if you don't feel that...well now there's just something wrong with you.

I stumbled upon her work from a natural hair site praising her for featuring natural hair and afro beauties. And since then I've been hooked. Her artwork has graced my phone wallpaper and is currently my wallpaper on my computer...okay okay I know I may sound like a total groupie but the girl is fierce with these paintings!

Never have I seen art that I feel paints a picture of how I feel or who I am. As a newly natural hair beauty (yes I chopped it off...updates coming soon!) I look at her Crown and Glory pictures and just get inspired and love all the crown and glory that I have. Hey I could talk about her stuff for days but let the art speak for itself!

"Turned Away"

"Shine 1"

"Saturday's Best"

"Shine 2"

And once I get my place (soon Jesus! Please?) Dawn's art will definitely be adorning my walls.

And check out more of her work (and her new project called 'Selfsploitation'-think Rihanna, Cassie and naked pics) at: www.dawnokoro.com

Her blog at: www.dawnokoro.blogspot.com

Annnd follow her on Twitter: twitter.com/dawnokoro

Love All Over Me

My, my, my...what else can I say about Shannon Brown. The end of the video did tick me off a bit, but I think it's obvious who she should choose. By the way, Monica=FABULOUS!

Grrr...

While this process of transitioning to natural hasn't been as bad as I thought, there is only one thing that is really grinding my gears....

SINGLE STRAND KNOTS!

I HATE them! They are especially all in my kitchen area (since 3 of my twists came out in the back).

So I'm always messing with it, which in turn is causing breakage which of course is the opposite of what I want to happen back there. I'm moisture in the AM and PM and use Mega-Tek every other day to continue to help with the growth.

Do any of my natural hair Queens have any suggestions? If so PUH-LEEZE let a girl know!

Retail Therapy

More like clean house therapy. Since I didn't have to work today I got up and decided to clean out my closet. Got rid of old things, found shirts that I could wear for work and even hung up my belts (this is big).

(Now to you this may not seem organized but to me...this is really really good for me).

And I couldn't have clean house therapy without some Target therapy...duh!

First I needed some new house shoes with a little pizazz...I think I scored. (Hello footsies!)

What I also really needed were shoes for work...cute FLAT shoes. And Xhilration and Mossimo never let me down.

I also adore Target's notebook selection. I'm definitely feeling their greenroom collection which uses recylced paper. (I feel like I'm doing my part to my planet)

A pen/pencil organizer from Real Simple.

And lastly a purple corkboard to but all my motivational quotes and bible verses. And I finally hung up my saying for life.

That's all for now Queens!

Back To The Regularly Scheduled Program

First off I'm truly thankful that I went from no work to so much work that I can't even contain it. No literally I can't. I barely have time for anything, even eating dinner. Yes when I'm on the grind, I grind...hard. (That sounded slightly...gross lol).

Good thing is I've had so many posts in my head so I'm using this marvelous Independence Day weekend to get it all out and then some. So I hope you queens are have a fantabulous weekend, enjoy the fireworks tonight, oh and please be sure to follow me on Twitter. Yes, yes I'm back on there, Facebook particularly isn't my cup of tea anymore.

But nonetheless follow me HERE!.

(Singing Usher's "Follow Me"...come follow me come follow me now...right noooow)

Because You Told Your Boo To Come On Over

You know my iPod does what it wants when it's on shuffle and I couldn't help but jam (old school word I know) to two of my favs I haven't heard in a loooong time while on the way home.

This first one you know you sang about at least one of your boo's...shoot I still do.

And last but not least Miss Christina who just release a new album Tuesday. I haven't had a listen but I wasn't much of a fan of her new video, but the girl has pipes...no denying that. This video makes me think of the Britney/Christina beef...how we loved to make a big thing outta nothing. LOL.

Changes

I really wanted to do a beauty post today, but I just got home from a 14-hour day and I'm just not feeling it. Why 14 hours you ask? Oh that's just because I finally GOT A JOB! TWO ACTUALLY!

Yes God has been so good that I have two internships this summer working for the City of Los Angeles. Although politics is not my forte, I'm looking forward to the experiences and definitely the networking. So I'm just a little pooped. I went from having nothing to do to not having enough time to do anything. But what's the funniest part is that the more busy I am, the more I wanna blog...I don't get it but I'll run with it.

Anyhoo catch you queens on the flipside!

Alright Then Kelly Girl

Here's a few snapshots of Kelly Rowland for South Africa's Cosmo and she is clearly WERKING it! And congrats to her getting signed with Universal Motown. I think she definitely survive as a solo artist, well at least I hope so.

And check her new video "Commander"....

Kelly Rowland & David Guetta Commander | video.mynet.com

She. Better. Work.

Ooo I Like!

Awhile back I was given a gift certificate to LUSH Cosmetics for my birthday. It was a nice amount so you know I didn't hold back. But I must say after all the things I've been using this baby right here...

Flying Fox $9.95-$26.95

It's GOLDEN. Well Flying Fox actually. With the main ingredient being honey, it has a very sweet smell with a hint of jasmine. They said it's good for PMS and a bit of a aphrodisiac (say what now?). You know those days where you're just tired out of your mind, stressed etc. or extremely emotional and just had a good cry and wanna take a shower? Use this...trust it'll make it all go away. At least for a few minutes.

Real Talk

I've been saved since I was 8 years old but I didn't start living for Christ until my sophomore year in college. And even then I wasn't walking as upright as I should have been. Guys and relationships have always been a stumbling block for me. My desire for attention and affection can result in me making a phone call to someone I know good and well I need to leave alone. As women, we've always been told to guard our hearts. And as much as I heard it, I never put it into practice.

But at the moment I'm starting to make some changes in my life, my walk with Christ and how I deal with male relationships...friendships and beyond. I here I find Pastor Justin of The Passion 4 Christ Movement and many of his videos talk about how we should maintain healthy Godly relationships. It was such an eye-opener to me I had to share.

So....

Get up, get out and do something!

Helloooo Transition!

I figured I probably better keep track of my transitioning phase. So here are the first two wigs I was wearing....

"Renee"

"Celtic Girl"

And the two-strands...

Stats:

-22 weeks post-relaxer

-14 weeks till my BC (at least for now lol)

I'm gonna try some new styles with my two-stands so I can get outta this boring stage so more pics to come next week!

Going Down The Tube

I think all of America and pretty much the world has realized the face of television has changed. We're now in a time where people would rather see meltdowns and catfights rather than genuine comedy and edge-of-your-seat drama. Reality TV has truly taken over. 20 shows have been cancelled between ABC, NBC and CBS.

Although some of these shows maybe weren't the best, here are struggling actors trying to make a name for themselves while they are overshadowed by the next reality star that gets their 15 minutes of fame. You almost ask...what's the need for real actors anymore? For goodness sakes they have a new show coming on called 'Jersey Couture'....do we have to continue to make shows about being who are from Jersey?? #justsayin'. Now I won't lie there's some reality shows I can't get away from (Basketball Wives, Keeping Up With The Joneses, Bad Girls Club) but I'm ready for better dramas, real (not corny) comedy, and a show that will hold my interest.

I do still have faith in my favorites; Glee, Law & Order: SUV...and I just got hip to Grey's Anatomy again after that CRAZY season finale. If you didn't see it YOU. ARE. MISSING. OUT. But I have a glimmer of hope for the fall season. NBC has stepped up their game and will be having a new show called 'The Undercovers' starring Boris Kodjoe. Finally black main characters not in the typical roles...right on!

Even though I felt like the preview gave almost everything away, it still looks like it's gonna be a good

one. And my hope is definitely renewed after hearing Tia Mowry confirm 'The Game' WILL have new

episodes on BET starting this fall.

Yeah TV may be going down the tube but hopefully it'll get some support to last a little longer

No Sir Not My Parade

This song is the epitome of how I feel today

The Hair Debate (once again)

If you've been following this blog for sometime it's no secret that I change my hair far too often. But you're only young once right? So last summer I was technically transitioning from relaxed to natural by wearing weaves.

All was well until I took the thing out and did not enjoy taking care of two textures of hair. Although I did enjoy my rod set.

So I said "f-it" and got a relaxer. And boy oh boy was that thing silky smooth perfection.

But I got the weave itch again and had two sew-ins back to back. I got my last sew-in in December which I relaxed the day before I got it so my edges would sit nicely. But after 4 months it was time to take it out. And to my surprise my hair grew like CRAZY!

This is the longest it's ever been. So I came to face a decision of again dealing with two textures (I had at least 3-4 inches of new growth), relax or go back to weaves. Well my bank account said no to weaves. I considered relaxing again because I had gained so much growth I thought why not try to keep it up, but I knew it could be more damaging later on. And now natural is knocking at my door and you know what? I'm letting it in!

I've made the conscious decision to go natural. For the summer I have two-strand twists but come August/September and maybe sooner, I'm doing the big chop and not looking back. I'm getting some great tips and gawking at naturals on Black Girl With Long Hair....and I still read Black Hair Care Forum from time to time (these websites are addictive I tell you!). So I will most definitely be documenting this journey. There is finally no more debate!

Bravo Alicia!

I finally watched Alicia Keys' new video "Unthinkable" and all I can say is BRAVO! The song itself is beautiful....wasn't a big fan of her album but the song is the business. And having Chad Michael Murray is a good look...love the story line, love it all!

Did you catch her playing Snake on the old Nokia phone...classic!!

Absolutely Delicious

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I look forward to this holiday because it gives me a reason to eat mexican food ALLL day long. I might throw in a few margaritas but dang they're so full of calories!! Maybe half of one though. Anyhoo, enjoy the day KabQueens!

Fear. We loathe it but yet we sometimes embrace it. I chose to talk about fear as a way to usher in writing/blogging again.

Fear can paralyze us from doing our greatest deeds and committing our deepest passions in life. The world of the unknown can hold back the blessings that God desires to give. I say this because I know it.

I can’t give a concrete fact on why I started blogging, I just did. I read so many others blogs on a daily basis, I just though I’d give it a shot. And I did and wanted to quit more than once. Why? Fear, plain and simple. Fear of no one wanting to listen to what I had to say. Fear of my blog being overshadowed and unknown. Fear of failing at such a simple thing as blogging. A lot of thought into something so little huh?

It’s what fear and especially jealousy and envy can do. Today I heard envy is basically resenting what God has blessed someone else with. That right there shut me up. After I set up Kabuki Queen my enjoyment for reading other blogs slowly became competition in my head. I’d question why they had so many followers, or such a great design or good topics. I started to forget what God had begun in me and an outlet of enjoyment became, well, not enjoyable. I stayed away from KabQueen and reading other blogs because I didn’t feel up to par with mine and reading others would only magnify what I wasn’t doing or felt that I couldn't do. Also adding to the fact that I was sulking in my current situation of being jobless, school-less and living with my parents again, no friends or boyfriend around.

I let my circumstances shape my attitude. I know this makes me sound so ugly, bitter and juvenile. But I’ve had a turning point. I’m not gonna promise a new Kabuki Queen. I’m gonna promise to be honest at all times, to share what’s on my mind whether you agree or don’t and most of all let this blog be a reflection of me, embracing me and loving me in spite of any circumstances. No fear.

For the readers who know I follow their blogs and to future readers whose blogs I’ll discover and start to follow: I support you a 110%. You’re expressing who you are and I applaud and admire it! We are our own community of people who want to share thoughts, feelings and whatever else comes to mind; to me it’s a beautiful thing. No jealousy, no envy. Just love and support.

So hopefully you understand where I’m coming from, if not well I feel better that I got it all out and that’s what counts. Whether you’re at work, home, Starbucks or wherever raise your water, coffee, drink or even food to being you with NO FEAR!

P.S. Thank you to all who have supported Kabuki Queen with comments or even just reading, I appreciate it, truly.

Golden Days

We won't even discuss how long I've been gone, yes indeed too long.

However Happy Friday! I'm going to keep this post short and shiny because yours truly is packing for Vegas as I type. Why? It's my birthday! Well tomorrow. Yes the big 2-4 has arrived and why not do it Vegas style?

Speaking of birthdays and style our own Ms. Nels will be celebrating a birthday as well next week. As we all wanna do each birthday dripped in fab, Ms. Nels wanted to go gold for her 23rd. Here's a few ideas to dazzle the special day.

Nicole Miller Gold Trimmed Gathered Sateen Halter Dress-$238.99

Mobile City Dress in Taupe-$46.00



Metallic Bubble Dress-$39.80

Nicole Miller Copper Stretched Metal Ruched Dress-$226.99

Scatter Sequin Open Back Dress-$67.64

Classic Thursday's

Now I have to preface before you watch the video that I used to be SO jealous of these little girls in the video. I wanted to dace next to Whitney and throw my Just For Me permed hair everywhere and wear a cool motorcycle jacket. Ah...childhood dreams. Anyhoo, this is definitely a classic...enjoy!



But I most certainly cannot let this post go by without giving the true props to the original song and songstress. Gotta love Chaka.

Feeling This Flavor

I always enjoy seeing new online publications geared towards African American females, since we barely see it in print publications. With that said, there is new magazine that hit the net yesterday that you definitely need to add to your favorites, it's Salt Magazine.



So I'm sure your thinking in your head, "why salt?". Well I could paraphrase it in my own words but it won't do it justice, so here's their mission straight from source:

From the Publisher::
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Salt Magazine is the place to taste the good life.

Our belief is that the good life is NOT the unachievable life that you die wishing you could have lived up to. Rather, we believe
that the good life is one where you dream big, face reality,
embrace life’s challenges, conquer circumstances and develop
wholeness in every aspect of your life.

As we all grow and mature, we realize that this good life
doesn’t just fall into our laps; and THAT'S what makes it all
worthwhile.

If your life represented one grain of salt, how would it taste?
Would it enhance the flavor of everything it came in contact
with?

Salt is committed to delivering practical solutions to help you
enhance the flavor of your greatest gift of all: Life.

There’s a gift that God has given you, and in each issue of
Salt we will encourage you to tap into it and share it with the
world. After all, what is the purpose of salt but to enhance flavor?

So, enjoy our launch issue! We hope it brings renewal and
refreshment to the ingredients of your life that need it most; and
we look forward to sharing our Salt with you in the many issues
to come.


From one grain of Salt to another,


Carline R. Léger
Publisher, Salt Magazine


Sounds amazing doesn't it? It is! I'm so happy to see a publication dedicated to empower women using the gifts that God has given them while also giving praise to Him. Uber fabulous. I couldn't help but love it too since my friend Dominique is one of the contributors. So do two things check out www.salt-mag.com and Dominique's blog, turnyalifeup.blogspot.com ...both will encourage and uplift!

Vogue Black & Vogue Curvy: Step Up or Step Down?

I'm sure you're well aware that Vogue Italia has launched two new sites dedicated to black women and curvy women and there's definitely been some praise and backlash.

I was very proud when Vogue Italia premiered "A Black Issue" in July 2008 with nothing but black models throughout the whole magazine.

That's something that isn't common in fashion magazines today, my only problem was (and still is) that US Vogue wasn't doing anything of that nature to embrace black fashion and models. Fast forward to July 2009 they issued the "Black Barbie". Loved it.

Now I'm happy to see that they are taking initiative and creating sites for women that are seen as a minority in fashion. Yet people believe that this isn't making any progress, only further separating us. While I see that viewpoint, I feel that we need to start somewhere. Yes we want to see black and full-figured models adorn the pages of Vogue, Elle, Glamour and don't get me started on Vanity Fair, but I honestly don't feel that the US versions of these magazines will catch the vibe the Vogue Italia is feeling.

I'd rather see a Vogue Black than nothing at all. Which brings me to the point of having a black fashion magazine in print. Remember Suede Magazine? Now that was my ish. I wish I would have appreciated it more when it was around.







So do you think Vogue Black is a step down? And is black fashion and models dying a slow death in America?

And if you haven't already check out Vogue Black and Vogue Curvy

Classic Thursday's

I don't like using the terms 'Throwback Thursday's' or "Way Back Wednesday's' because I feel like they get used SO much, so I'm gonna settle on Classic Thursday's to share some of my fav classics.

Nonetheless I had these two songs on my mind. Don't you miss Groove Theory?? A little birdie named YBF said they're supposedly getting back together...awesome!




And you don't know how much I miss Faith Evans. This song always puts a little shine in my day. Maybe it's the disco balls that get me.

Chills

Call me lame or whatever but this version of the Star Spangled Banner absolutely gives me chills when Whitney performed it.

Talent shown at it's greatest and makes me proud to be an American just a little bit more.



SANG WOMAN, SANG!

Don't You Wish That....

there was a decent male r&b group
i know there are a few of them out there, but i miss boyz II men, blackstreet, guy...that could SANG.

girlfriends had a proper final episode
the CW was just downright wrong.

people who have beef with you would be adults and say something
i don't understand the ignoring of calls, silent treatment...how am i supposed to know your mad if you don't say anything?!

BET would bring planet groove back
that show was my ish...got my first taste of maxwell on there

when other people stare at you to at least say something
i mean just say "hi", headnod, whatever and if i have something on my face...be nice and say something, i don't care but don't just stare at me!

that shar jackson would stop talking about kfed
okay you can only say so much and the dude isn't even with britney! come on son!

purses wouldn't get so messy so easily


everytime i clean out my purse it seems to get worse before. and don't let my phone ring it's like i'm digging for gold


that's all i had to say...happy monday!

Can You Get It Up?

Now y'all know I used to love me some Rihanna but the girl has been getting on my nerves....she's everywhere! Just when I was about to give up on her she came out Rude Boy and gosh darnit...I like it! And I like the video too!





Dang you Rihanna for your catchy tunes and bright colored video.

We All Got Them

Okay I'm stealing this from Birdie at
Peanut Butter Delight(check it out btw!) who stole this from Amy at As For Amy (which by the way I just started reading and I loves it!)

So we all have them. Flaws. Beyonce probably described it in the prettiest way but we know they can get pretty ugly. The challenge is to list all the reasons a guy would not want to date you. Sounds harsh doesn't it, anyways here we go:

1. I'm An Affection Addict

I just want to be held, whether its hands, hug or whatever. Kiss on the forehead, stroke my hair...I want it all. I don't need it to be heavy in public but I realize I do like to at least hold hands. I'm probably this way because I slept in my parents bed till I was 4.

2. I Can Be A Sour Puss

I admit when I have a bad attitude...it's bad, really bad. When I'm in that phase it's hard to shake and sometimes I'll take it out on other people but it's never my intention. But what's even worse is that my words become venom. I feel so bad afterwards!

3. I Never Want To Make The Decisions

I hate it when me and a guy are trying to figure out something to eat and he says "you decide". No, you be the man and choose!

4. I Analyze Too Much

Call it reading between the lines but sometimes I'll look into actions to much to think they mean something else when in reality I'm way off chart.

5. I Like To Fight

No not the dramatic "I hate you Jody!" but I like getting in heated debates. Maybe it's because I like making-up *tee-hee!*

Model City...you feelin' it?

Yesterday BET's Centric Network premiered their newest show, Model City. Now I was just interested in looking at some fine specimens and you know what, Centric did not fail!

Honestly I'm digging the whole vibe of the show. Although I'm sure it has to be fabricated a little to make for good TV it's nice to see black male models get some spotlight. I had no idea only 2% of modeling jobs are set aside for black male models...crazy right?


The only thing that broke my heart was that one of my favorites Zerick (below) was one of the kids....snap in a circle 3 times. And he surely wasn't afraid to call his man-boo his shorty, can't hate on that.

In case you missed the episodes or want to find more info about the models head over to Centric Tv's Website