Just like Music

First post of February and I thought it was only fair to write about MUSIC.

February is not only Black History Month its also the moth of Love and I think Music is completely relevant to both celebrations of the Month.

If you're like me, you don't just listen to the mainstream and what's playing on the radios you search around facebook, noisetrade, twitter, google, live mixtapes and even myspace for the next new artist and the newest music to drop.

While on my search I found something and someone WONDERFUL, a new South Carolina artist with a concious sound named Ace Nation.

This artist is more concerned about the lyricism, fun and the roots of hip hop rather than the gimmick.

AceNation even gives you a casual look into his rap life by not taking hisself too seriously while doing his first photo shoot. A new artist giving you his all.

A couple things I also pay attention to are the sound and video quality and Ace Nation really put some money into is work.  I couldn't help but notice his photographer was the same photographer in the Trey Songz video that shot his new album cover and ad photos and Lil Wayne's travelling photographer Clevis Harrison.

So is this artist signed already? This photographer, I can imagine, doesn't come cheap. Could the photographer have been provide by Trey Songz or cash money? Makes me think.

I found out everything there was to know about him. He even has a website. I bought his whole mixtape and left $3 USD in his tip jar.

So far. So good. I love Ace Nation. He has a big fan in me.

Stalking moment:
Okay I really didn't stalk Ace Nation all of this info can be found on his website including booking info and photos. It would behoove you to check this new artist out. You  don't want to miss the new "Drake" train.

His twitter is www.twitter.com/RealAceNation

His website is http://www.TheRealAceNation.com

His noisetrade where you can download his mixtape for free or leave money in his tip jar is http://www.noisetrade.com/acenation

His Facebook is www.FaceBook.com/pages/Ace-Nation

Aaaaaaand here's the link for Ace Nation's YouTube video.

Please go check out this artist. Hmmmm.... I'm thinking the next Drake, Nicki Minaj or Wiz Khalifa, I really love it. Psst. I think we should be looking out for this artist very soon!

Today's a Better Day

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."
                                      -Emerson


     Ever been told you can't do something today because of something you did yesterday?  Well sometimes our mistakes from yesterdays can cause harms to our todays. However, for the most part our yesterdays only haunt us in our minds. This post is about regaining your sanity about EVERYTHING you did yesterday.


Handling Today
    Every night I lay my head down with a bible scripture and every morning I wake up trying to hold on to all of the good things and good people God has bestowed upon me.

     My advice is to wake up EVERY morning with positive affirmations. God, the atmosphere, the universe, and your friends have already forgiven you for yesterday. So why not wake up, speak peace and positivity and forgive yourself.

Changing your Yesterdays
      Never hold on to the old you and NEVER throw away an opportunity for growth just because people can't forgive your past.

      My advice, a change for a new tomorrow starts today. Even if your past is only 1-day in your past, it is still your past. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. But that doesn't mean people will just accept the new you.

     Remember, You will get called fake before you get thanks. You will be shunned before you're accepted. Be strong and find a new positive friend or group, or hold on to your old faithful friend. But make sure these people are good for you and you're not returning to the "you" that held you back in life.

    Never let your yesterdays negatively affect the new you and NEVER go back.


Friends not accepting of your todays?
      THEN THEY'RE NOT YOUR FRIENDS. People that love you put your needs before theirs. Endulge in your success because they help you get there. Only want better for you. Never want to see you hurt. Never allow you to FAIL.

    My advice, find new friends. How you do this, find a new positive outlet or hobby to put all of your old negative energy into. You'll find new friend with your new hobby.  However, don't be hasty and be picky.

      Remember, that friendship is about quality and not quantity. The number of years a person knows you doesn't constitute how good they are for you.

     Always remember when it comes to friends more is less and less is more. Keep your circle small and loving!

What Have You Done for YOU lately?
     Reward yourself.

     If you're on a diet, every time you have a good food week buy yourself a non food present.
   
     If you're in school, every-time you make a great score on your test or homework or have a great disciplined study week, buy yourself something small. Treat yourself to a weekend out or something small that you've wanted.

     Remember only treat yourself when you REALLY deserve it. When you're having  a really rough week or when you're doing really well in your academics, work, or health-wise. If you treat yourself when you REALLY deserve it you'll really feel it, feel more accomplished and feel more resolved with yourself in your spending.

     Also, if you treat yourself only when you deserve it and not all day and every week, you'll be able to save in between the times when you don't deserve it so when you do deserve it, you'll REEEEEALLY be able to enjoy yourself.

    I've purchased several huge items and done several big things for me and my friends when I've only spent money when I or my friends REALLY did something great to better ourselves or better the community. You don't have to have a lot of money to treat yourself. Save your money. This REALLY works if you stick to it!

     You remember, all hopes holds for a better you tomorrow. Enjoy your today. I love you for reading!!!! Keep up the good work!





 

Stop SOPA and PIPA

I believe there are 4 things that should be private; politics, religion, finances and what happens behind closed doors.

However, on January 24 the Senate will begin voting on the SOPA act, the first of the acts that will censor the internet in the United States and impose strict regulations on the many music and film industries. 

There are currently two bills before Congress, known as the Protect IP Act (PIPA), which is currently in the Senate, and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), which is currently in the House. 

At the end of this post there is a link that will lead you to a petition to sign. Your signature will represent that you are against SOPA and PIPA being passed. 

Why would the US do this?

The bills were introduced  into Congress on the grounds, when in place, it would strengthen protections against copyright infringement and intellectual property theft.

These Acts protects us right?

This is the first thought that came to my mind, being that I am against most acts of piracy. Well this act, after much research seems to do more harm than good. 

However, The bills would give the Justice Department the power to go after foreign websites that willfully commit or facilitate intellectual property theft.  

The government would also be able to force companies based in the US to end business with those sites. This would affect, Internet service providers, credit card companies and online advertisers from ever dealing with these sites. 

Stopping business between these US-based businesses and foreign websites severely affect the monies earned from these foreign sources used to help the US. 

And Remember...

There are anti piracy laws that are already in place that protect our copyrighted material, including the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). 

However, while the DMCA focuses on removing specific, unauthorized content from the Internet, SOPA and PIPA instead target sites that host unauthorized content which affects income brought in by American businesses. 

Here's the Link! Click here to show your support! 

Can't click? Copy and Paste this link into your browser https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/ .

Remember, Live Healthy, and Protect Your Freedom!

Better Skin, Good Hair!!!

Ever been told you don't have good hair or ever wish you had better skin? As fabulous as I am, I know I've had those day where everything was just ALL WRONG!!! But for the most part I live life fabulous because I eat and live fabulously.

Well, ladies and gents, I have some great tips to keep those tresses lovely and that skin FLAWLESS.

These are my personal tips straight from the Vanity of Milk and Butta, and I'm going to start from the bottom up!



The Feet!
I was a professional-pedicure-weekly type of girl for as long as I could remember but I still dealt with a little dryness if I skipped a week. Well how did I fix this?

What you need:

• Tube Socks
• I prefer the socks that cover your ankles or higher
• Facial or Body Exfoliant Lotion/Cream
• I prefer the Exfoliant they provide in Mary Kay's Satin Hands Collection
• Petroleum Jelly or a Really Thick Cream
• I prefer Vaseline Petroleum Jelly or Eucerin Original Moisturizing Creme

How it Works:

• After your shower, make sure your feet are still damp, and massage your feet for about 5 minutes, each foot, with your facial or body exfoliant cream. 
• Rinse off all of the exfoliant and pat feet dry. 
• Cover both feet with Petroleum Jelly or Body Cream
• Put on tubesocks
• Enjoy a good night sleep or Enjoy your day off. I don't recommend this regimen right before school or work. 

Your feet will stay supple for WEEKS!

Your Ankles, Knees and Elbows

Ever been teased for your dry or ashy knees? Well I haven't and I'll tell you why... I moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! But if your daily moisture regimen leaves your ankles, knees and elbows dry by midday here's my tip. 

What you'll need:

• Ace Bandage or Plastic Wrap
• Eucerin Original Moisturizing Creme

How it Works:

Now this is going to sound a bit insane and koo-key

• Put the Eucerin Creme on your elbows, knees and ankles.
• Wrap the Plastic Wrap or Ace Bandages around your elbows, knees, and ankles. 
• Enjoy running errands or doing housework! Remember not to wrap too tight! (my first mistake, lesson learned)

Your Face

This regimen is for occasional breakouts and either dry or oily skin. For any major skin issues please refer to a dermatologist or keep up your personal daily regimen. Good luck!!!

When dealing with skin issues, my personal belief is, start within.

• Cut down on greasy foods or foods that contain lots of bad fats and oils
• Cut down of foods high in salts
• Eat foods high in antioxidants
• Pomegranate, Berries, Kale, Red Cabbage, Lemon, Pinto Beans, Pecan, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Barley, Oats, Corn, Cloves, Cinnamon, Oregano, Etc.
• Take your Vitamins!!! Well why can't I get my vitamins from foods? Well, after a certain time period the vitamin in certain foods start to dwindle and sometimes we need a little help to make sure our bodies get all the vitamins and nutrition you need. Also, if you're like me you're always eating on the go or skipping meals.

          Not getting the right nutrition can make us look older, can cause acne, and reduce collagin and elastin.

• My favorite vitamins which I know to work if your favor are B-Complex, B12 or B6, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Folate and Pantothenic Acids. 
• If you take these vitamins daily, you will have flawless skin if you follow the regimen that's coming next.

While you're fixing the inside let me tell you what you can do for the outside:

• Find out your skin type. 
• There are all types of online quizzes to help you with this.
• Pay attention to your skin type beforehand and remember to answer all questions honestly
• Only buy facial lotions that are specific to your skin type and use daily. 
• Remember to exfoliate only as needed. 
• I do not recommend daily exfoliation for any body part. 
• Too much exfoliation can lead to you scratching the surface of your skin and cause drying. 
• Pat your face dry or air dry only. 
• Do not rub your face dry
• Rubbing your face can also lead to ashing or drying your skin. Please limit rubbing.

Ready for Hair tips? I am!

Hair is like fingerprints, no two heads of hair is alike. But one thing I know is, whether you have long or short hair, male or female, every one wants good hair and I'm here to tell you how. 

• Determine what type of hair you have and only buy the conditioners that match. 
• It doesn't matter what type of shampoo you buy if your conditioner isn't doing its job. 
• I don't recommend using the conditioner with the shampoo built in unless you are still going to use an additional conditioner. 
• In skin and hair you'll never have too much moisture
• Don't shampoo, rinse, repeat.
• If you wash your hair weekly there is no reason to double up on shampooing your scalp.
• Over stimulation can cause the drying of the scalp and may ruin follicles, Don't be too ROUGH!
• Don't shampoo your ends
• Only shampoo at the scalp
• The shampoo will rinse down to the ends while you are rinsing it out and give your ends all of the cleansing that your ends need. 
• Buy a hooded dryer.
• You can do your deep conditioning at home if you have your own hooded dryer.
• Always use heat protection for your hair, even when you blow dry. 
• Keep your ends clean.
• If your ends are trimmed you hair will look healthy, grow healthy, and be healthy. 
• Limit your hair to the natural element.
• If you're just sitting around the house, running errands, or working out, wrap your hair up into a bun or braid it. 
• Change your scarves and pillowcases. 
• Never use a cotton scarf only use satin or silk.
• Cotton is very rough on the hair, it dries the hair out and leads to breakage. 
• Change your cotton pillowcases to satin pillowcases.

How to Deep Condition at Home:

What you need:

• Hooded Dryer
• I prefer the hooded dryers with the soft cap
• Your favorite deep conditioning creme
• Plastic Cap or Plastic Wrap

How it Works:

• After you finish washing your hair, towel dry
• While hair is still damp, heavily cover hair with conditioner
• Wrap hair with plastic wrap or cover with plastic cap
• Sit under dryer from 15 minutes to an hour.
• Rinse hair, Blow Dry.

Well ladies and gentlemen, these are tips! Live Healthy! Don't forget to subscribe to my blog to enter the Urban Decay Urban Bride Giveaway!!!

Self Worth < Self Hate? or Vice Versa?

I was always told, "when people are mean to you they're just jealous."

As a child through your teenage years this concept usually feels more like a myth, rather than fact. But as you grow older you realize this may be true, and you mature, feel better, and go on with life.... Right?

Well, some people do let the echoes of high school horrors play softly in the background, get over certain body, skin, hair, color, attire issues, and let former words be a learning lesson.

But how many of these words live past high school and seep into our daily lives and from people that look just. like. you???

In life we are taught about, racists, misogynistic men, misandrous women, bigots, homophobic people, the list goes on and on but what if that same hate came from people just like you?

Men that hate men, women that hate women, lighter skin people of a race hating darker skin people of a race....

When I posted this question through different venues of Social Media it ignited a fire with bigger flames than I had imagined and it made me wonder if this type of hate was a form of self hate or lack of self worth.

Many issues arose when I asked the question "What types of hate do you deal with within your own race or sex?" In this post I'll only be addressing a few I found the most perplexing, there will be several more posts addressing some of the other issues I came across. These including, "the dangers of interracial marriage",  "Gays Hating Gays" and there were several issues dealing with "baby momma" or "baby daddy" drama.



Lighter Skin vs. Darker Skin

Racism is a well known, very hurtful, and slowly dwindling type of ignorance that is not a priori knowledge but an empirical or postiori knowledge, a knowledge that is learned or taught and proves very useless in the growth of any human being. Unfortunately this is not the only type of prejudice that is taught in some homes.

Apparently in just about all racial communities there arises issues when it come to things as menial as different tones of skin.

In the Black community there seems to be a stereotype that lighter skinned people are better accepted in America and in the Black community. It is believed that the light African Americans are "stuck up", "treated better", "have hygiene problems", the list goes on and on.

In the Hispanic/Latino community the darker skinned people of the community are immediately classified as "black", are rarely picked to play Latino roles, and in some communities aren't held to as high of a "standard" as lighter Latinos.

In the Middle Eastern community it is "better" to have "lighter eyes an skin".

The topic of different skin tones didn't seem to be a topic/issue amongst my Asian friends .

The topic of different skin-tones seem to strike a very hurtful chord within all of my friends, especially the women. I heard things like "Even though I was proud of my race 'I just never fully felt accepted" but is this taught in the home or by society? Is this an issue of self hate? and How many people actually believe these stereotypes?



Do Women Want Other Women to Fail?

I have several female friends and we all love each other very much and if I thought for a second the secretly hated my success, they would be out the door and out of my life. However, the common theme among women  is they don't "trust" other women, they believe that other women can "truly be happy" for them, and women just want to see other women fail?

I can't deny that, from the millions of women that have passed through my life via work, family or school, I've always hope the best for them. Because if I denied that I've ever been jealous I'd be admitting that I'm not human. However, I'd like to think that I'm above hating a woman just because she's a... woman. It would be more feasible for me to just not like her out of a reaction to a prior illicit action not solely on the amount of estrogen embedded in her DNA



Dating within your race a "no go"... But just for Blacks?

According to www.grabstats.com, There are 86 single men to every 100 single women in America. However, over 70 % of women in the Black community are single. According to the Census Bureau statistics, a Black man is two and a half times mores likely to marry outside of the Black community than a Black woman. While in the Caucasian race this doesn't seem to be such an issue. While the number of men marrying outside is higher that women marrying outside of the marriage ratio is menial.

When I asked my Black female and male friends about dating or marrying outside of their race the men, from my observance, seemed more receptive to the idea than Black women. Some Black women said they simply were not attracted to other races or thought this notion was unacceptable while some believed men of other races weren't physically attracted to them.

Do Black women have a irrational loyalty to Black men that Black men don't necessarily have for Black women? Have Black women been taught their physical attributes weren't accepted in other racial communities? Have the stereotypes of what is to be Black woman exceeded the Black woman herself? Why is it Taboo for Black women but not Black men to date or marry outside of their race?




I guess the question I end with is... "Is inter-community hate, self hate or lack of self worth and why teach your youth these things unnecessarily?"

I guess we all have to remember, all hate is either taught or learned and not a part of what forms us in the womb. Even though you can't close the little ones off in bubbles try your best to protects their head and hearts from from all hate.

Urban Decay Urban Bride Giveaway

So, I've been a big fan of Urban Decay since before I heard it mentioned on MTV's hit show, Awkward.

For months I have been purchasing it for a discount and in multiples and selling it on eBay for profit if I really liked it and wanted to share or didn't like it and had to get rid of it.

Well, I fell in love with Urban Decay's "Urban Bride" gift box (retail $48.00+ Tax) and purchased four more boxes!!!

I've already sold 3 gift boxes on eBay, have 1 more left, and as a way to gain popularity to my new blog.... *drum roll* I've decided to have a GIVEAWAY!!!

Why, you ask?

Well I see a lot of people are reading my blog since its been up but I only have one subscriber so in order to gain subscribers, I will be giving away the last box of the Urban Decay Urban Bride to a lucky winner!!!

I'm trying to get up to 50 subscribers! I must get up to 50 to do the giveaway! So SHARE SHARE SHARE and encourage your friends too!!!

The giveaway will end February 14, 2012


What's inside "the Box"?

1. Razor Sharp Ultra-Definition Finishing Powder to diffuse lines for a flawless airbrushed look. 
2. Urban Decay’s best-selling original formula Eyeshadow Primer Potion and Supercurl Curling Mascara to keep her eyes looking fresh. 
3. Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Midnight Cowboy to give bare and lightly colored lips a sensual, come-hither shine or electrify darker lipcolor with more texture. 
4. All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray to ensure her look stays put for 16 incredible hours. 
5. Marshmallow Sparkling EDIBLE Body Powder to keep the party going long after the guests have left.

Here are the rules:

1. Read my blog.
2. Subscribe to my blog.
3. Share one of my articles on any Social Media site (Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, etc).
4. Share my article with at least 3 of your friends
5. Email me at 803Promotions@gmail.com. 
1. Let me know where you posted my article and who you shared with.
2. Email me your name, age, and address where you would like your prize to be sent if you win.
6. Let me know if you joined my blog by an invite from a friend or if you were the one to share the blog!

Good luck you guys!!! I can't wait to send you your prize!!!

Things I own and So SHOULD YOU!

Hi again! My fabulous friends and I love to stay on top of trends and often create trends by just being ourselves. In this posting, I will tell you what I have, how to rock it and where to get it!!! ... Well maybe I'll just tell you how to find it!!! Also, leave me comment about your body issues, I'd love to give you some advice!!!

This new year is going to have a tough time creating new trends trying to follow up the great trends of 2011. Although, everyone knows that fall and winter bring out the BEST trends of the year!!!

Ladies! Don't you just love layers? As the year goes on I'll tell you how to do this properly but as for now....

Well here are my must haves:

1.  My favorite purchase of the year has to be my BeBe wedges these range from $129.00 to $160.00, depends on where you get them. I got these wedge pumps for $60.00 thanks to a gift card from my sister, Nikki. Thanks SIS!!! These pumps come in Black and Gold and are super comfy. 

2. My second is a MUST have! A clutch! However, my pet peeve is the non-functional clutch and this one is VERY functional. This clutch by BCBG was $100.00 not sure how they range in price but this was one of the mid-range priced ones and I love it. My friend tries to steal it every time we go out! This clutch is SUPER functional and very fashionable! The one I currently own is pewter but this is my next steal! $98.00 and all things PINK!

3. A def Must MUST MUST have is a men's blazer! You can get a men's blazer for women just about anywhere or any site. I own several blazers and always have! With a blazer you can turn that late night club dress into a fuctional mid-day outfit. You can also turn a tank top and skinny jeans into a GREAT snazzy business wear in seconds!

4. My last Must have for the night is the wrap dress! A wrap dress is super comfortable! Super slimming! and SUPER VERSATILE! The wrap dress is my best friend!!! I purchased my wrap dress from Ralph Lauren for about half of the original price!!! How'd I do this? With my first couple of purchases they send you great promos! Also, with your first purchase if you fill out a short survey they send you a 10% off promo code! 

Tips!!!

Find a Tailor

Ladies!!! Taloring your clothes isn't just for men! Find a good tailor and get those old outfits to fit every curve of your body just right!!!  I love my tailor! She is absolutely the best! 

I know you're probably thinking, I don't want to spend even MORE on my outfit but ladies, you can get your dress completely tailored for as low as $15.00 and leave out in a MUCH better outfit!

If you don't have the money...

I'm not a millionaire and don't think many of you are either, right? Well, if you don't have bottomless funds here are some tips. 

• Shop clearance.
• Every store, including, Ralph Lauren, Coach, BCBG, etc. either has a clearance or an outlet store! Utilize these niceties! I do! Whether its 10% or 90% off I'm all for it!!!
• Make sure, when shopping clearance, you still shop in fashion, go for the basics. When in doubt pass it up until a later date or until you can research it on your phone!

• Put the money in your shoes!
• Your outfit doesn't have to cost a million dollars if you have a GREAT shoe!
• Again with this tip you want to make sure you still stay stylish and in season. 
• Sweat suits and Louboutins NEVER go together. However, a $10 little black dress and a GREAT pump will ALWAYS go together. 

Don't be afraid of color! But BE CAREFUL!

• I'm known for a neon yellow tank top with a black blazer and neutral/black pump or a hot pink cardigan and a leopard print skinny waist belt!
• You don't want to wear the hot pink, neon yellow, leopard print, and all of the other colors of the rainbow all together. Unless you're in the clown profession or just want to be seen.

Have a great night ladies!!!! Hopefully all of these things helped you! Happy Shopping!!!