In an effort to do more blogging I'm trying to come up with themes that I know I can build post from.
Thrifty Tuesday are going to be post on items (makeup, skincare, clothing, food, gadgets and maybe even some toys) I that love that won't deflate your wallet.
Today we are talking about makeup (one of my first loves), specifically powder foundation.
I had been on the hunt for a new powder foundation once I realized I wasn't in love with my Sephora Collection MircoSmooth Baked Foundation Face Powder in the color #56Maghogany. First few times wearing the powder was fine but somehow it developed a hard film on top that for the life of me I could not scrap off.; making application a chore.
At $22 I don't feel I should have multiple steps that include a small knife to get product on my face. I told myself just go back to your one true love MAC StudioFix. For maybe a decade all I wore was StudioFix. Liquid or cream foundations held no interest because StudioFix did it all.
Buuuuuut, I'm a product junkie. I will try the newest thing for no other reason than...it's a novelty item...
I didn't want to shell out $27 for my beloved StudioFix. I love it, and it would last forever...eh...money is tight for me and I had just wasted $22 at Sephora I'm saving to move, I want to go on vacation...I keep doing new protective styles ;-) I looked for a cheaper alternative.
NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation in the color Tawny (SMP12) has the right price at $9.50. The powder is soft, provides great coverage yet at times will feel heavy. I have dry skin and I seem to get a nice glow once the powder settles. Downside is I have already hit pan and it has only been maybe a month and a half. I purchase this at a local beauty supply store.
Another powder that love and often forget about is Ruby Kisses No More Blemish Powder in Toasted Almond. I don't use it for blemishes. I picked it up on a whim years ago. Since then whenever I go to the BSS I think fondly of how it worked well (no heavy transferring on clothing or paperwork- sometimes MAC and NYX do) At $4.99 I really have no complaints. Picking a color might be hard. In the case they can look the same. My BSS had testers but they looked the same there too. I picked based on what I saw through the little window in the compact.
Out of the two I'm happier with my $5 powder. I would go as far as to say to is up there with my StudioFix in terms of HOLY GRAIL status.
*Sorry for the lack of photos. I did this post of on the fly and didn't have a chance to gather any.*
Do you have any thrifty products that you love?
Until next time,
xo
Showing posts with label Your Mileage May Vary (reviews). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Your Mileage May Vary (reviews). Show all posts
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Protective Style # 5- Crochet Braids
As my quest process of growing my hair out continues I decided to put in crochet braids for my 5th protective style.
If you go off of YouTube it looks simple enough.
For the most part it is...
Crochet braids are when your own hair is cornrowed and the extension is looped through the base with a crochet hook and then tied into a knot.
Simple, right?
While protective styles are great for keeping my hair...well...protected from the weather and daily manipulation they can be expensive. Braiders can charge up to $200 to install crochet braids. You can use synthetic or human hair.
Because synthetic is cheaper, last longer, and requires less maintenance I went with that.
I chose Freetress Brazilian Braid.
I wanted a curly/wavy pattern the likes of which my real hair is dreaming of being when it reaches my goal length ( chin length).
I wasn't ready to pay someone what YT swears can be done by yourself...but I don't know how to cornrow.
I went to my local beauty school and had cornrows put in for $40 bucks.
I bought 5 packs of hair for $6 each.
$80 for my style is a hell of a lot better than $200.
My hair is thick at the roots and then become fine :-(
Cornrows done on my hair don't fair well unless it is braided with extension hair.
Unfortunately the beauty school doesn't allow their students to braid with extensions.
That makes NO sense to me.
Anyway I was lucky to get a student that is not only a fantastic braider she also understands natural hair. She knew that in order to catch my hair and not cause breakage it would be best to braid while damp.
I had her braid going all the way straight back. I had to sew the ends together.
It was a BITCH trying to find good pictures of braid patterns online. I came across lots of "end results" but I needed a more detailed pic of a braid pattern.
It's like that's the golden secret to crochet braids and them looking good...it's all about the braid pattern.
So I got home Thursday night around 8p. I had taken Friday off. I was going to go in and go hard.
Chile...I consider my head to be small but fuck yeah I wasn't done till 2a. And that was ONLY because I ran out of hair.
I bought 3 packs of #2 ( a dark brown) and 2 of #27 ( a light honey).
I was going to mix the two and get me some highlights. But as I was putting in the brown I was happy with it...till I ran out and couldn't finish.
Smart thinking on taking Friday off. Because besides needing to finish the top part of my head the style was HUGE.
A common thing when installing, your end result WILL leave you looking like Mufasa.
Friday morning I went to the beauty supply store got one more #2 and some thinning shears.
I had to cut out some of the braids because thinning them with the shears kind of made the hair bigger, lol.
I'm saying this right now... I don't know shit about doing hair, lol.
No matter how many YT videos I watch.
I definitely need more practice.
Even with taking out almost half of what I put in it was still too puffy and Diana Ross ish for my taste.
I saw a YT video where a woman dipped her Brazilian crochet braids in hot water to calm down the mane.
I fucking hate YT for making people think they can do shit.
I did it and end up losing some of my curl pattern :-(
But not enough that I couldn't cut away. What I couldn't cut away blends in ok...I guess. I personally think the ends look horrible but we all know how critical I am of myself.
When installing I split some of the curls in two, causing frizz. But if I didn't do that I would end up with pieces that weren't staying knotted.
Most of the pieces look like they will come undone :-/. All I do is pull on them and they knot right back.
I think because my hair is so fine and still short the knots have nothing to hold on to. As I was pushing the the crochet hook through the braids would loosen.
All and all I'm happy with the outcome
and proud of myself for doing it.
I don't know how long I will keep this set in.
I do know I want them again and I will probably shell out the cash to have a professional do it.
*sigh*
This growing my hair out business is for the birds, lol
Have you ever had crochet braids? What were your experiences?
Unto next time
Xo
If you go off of YouTube it looks simple enough.
For the most part it is...
Crochet braids are when your own hair is cornrowed and the extension is looped through the base with a crochet hook and then tied into a knot.
Simple, right?
While protective styles are great for keeping my hair...well...protected from the weather and daily manipulation they can be expensive. Braiders can charge up to $200 to install crochet braids. You can use synthetic or human hair.
Because synthetic is cheaper, last longer, and requires less maintenance I went with that.
I chose Freetress Brazilian Braid.
I wanted a curly/wavy pattern the likes of which my real hair is dreaming of being when it reaches my goal length ( chin length).
I wasn't ready to pay someone what YT swears can be done by yourself...but I don't know how to cornrow.
I went to my local beauty school and had cornrows put in for $40 bucks.
I bought 5 packs of hair for $6 each.
$80 for my style is a hell of a lot better than $200.
My hair is thick at the roots and then become fine :-(
Cornrows done on my hair don't fair well unless it is braided with extension hair.
Unfortunately the beauty school doesn't allow their students to braid with extensions.
That makes NO sense to me.
Anyway I was lucky to get a student that is not only a fantastic braider she also understands natural hair. She knew that in order to catch my hair and not cause breakage it would be best to braid while damp.
I had her braid going all the way straight back. I had to sew the ends together.
It was a BITCH trying to find good pictures of braid patterns online. I came across lots of "end results" but I needed a more detailed pic of a braid pattern.
It's like that's the golden secret to crochet braids and them looking good...it's all about the braid pattern.
So I got home Thursday night around 8p. I had taken Friday off. I was going to go in and go hard.
Chile...I consider my head to be small but fuck yeah I wasn't done till 2a. And that was ONLY because I ran out of hair.
I bought 3 packs of #2 ( a dark brown) and 2 of #27 ( a light honey).
I was going to mix the two and get me some highlights. But as I was putting in the brown I was happy with it...till I ran out and couldn't finish.
Smart thinking on taking Friday off. Because besides needing to finish the top part of my head the style was HUGE.
A common thing when installing, your end result WILL leave you looking like Mufasa.
Friday morning I went to the beauty supply store got one more #2 and some thinning shears.
I had to cut out some of the braids because thinning them with the shears kind of made the hair bigger, lol.
I'm saying this right now... I don't know shit about doing hair, lol.
No matter how many YT videos I watch.
I definitely need more practice.
Even with taking out almost half of what I put in it was still too puffy and Diana Ross ish for my taste.
I saw a YT video where a woman dipped her Brazilian crochet braids in hot water to calm down the mane.
I fucking hate YT for making people think they can do shit.
I did it and end up losing some of my curl pattern :-(
But not enough that I couldn't cut away. What I couldn't cut away blends in ok...I guess. I personally think the ends look horrible but we all know how critical I am of myself.
When installing I split some of the curls in two, causing frizz. But if I didn't do that I would end up with pieces that weren't staying knotted.
Most of the pieces look like they will come undone :-/. All I do is pull on them and they knot right back.
I think because my hair is so fine and still short the knots have nothing to hold on to. As I was pushing the the crochet hook through the braids would loosen.
All and all I'm happy with the outcome
and proud of myself for doing it.
I don't know how long I will keep this set in.
I do know I want them again and I will probably shell out the cash to have a professional do it.
*sigh*
This growing my hair out business is for the birds, lol
Have you ever had crochet braids? What were your experiences?
Unto next time
Xo
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Less is more
Another hair post...I was asked to do this one and even if I wasn't it is still a post I want to do.
It wasn't my intention to go natural. I fell into it by deciding to
grow my hair out. For the better part of 13 years I used Dax hair
grease on my shaved head.
As long as my scalp wasn't dry I was good.
But as my hair grew my needs grew. One month into it I was on the hunt.
I knew nothing about hair so I went to Google and YouTube to find info.
Once I decided to let my hair grow I put in a relaxer thinking that would make my hair easier to maintain...but with an inch or so of growth maintenance wasn't pretty. This is when I "decided" to go natural.
My current routine is very simple. I use three to four products every time on my 4c hair.
I wash my hair daily, or at least 5 times out of the 7 days of the week. If I don't wash I spray with with water or drown it in water while in the shower.
I have used moisturizing conditioners to co-wash but none left me feeling wowed. I have found cleansing conditioner work better with my hair.
My first staple was L'Oreal EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner
I LOVE this stuff. It leaves my hair buttery soft. Can't talk on manageability because...when I was using it I didn't have much.
Note past tense because I can't find it :( Every single drugstore I go to I come up short. I refuse to order online. My product junkie tendencies dictate that I have easy access to my addictions.
My 2nd favorite is another L'Oreal cleansing conditioner. This one
is designed for curls whereas the EverCreme is all about the moisture. I like how the EverCurl leaves my hair clean but not dry.
Both conditioners I would call thick, the EverCreme has more slip. Both have the same light powdery perfume scent. I can't tell if the scent last because
(a) I'm putting other scented products in my hair after.
(b) I can't smell my hair....
Sadly the EverCurl has not been seen on shelves during my last two shopping trips :-(
Once out of the shower I pat my hair dry a few times then I apply my moisturizer. S-Curl makes my hair soft, bottom line. It does nothing to play up my curls. In fact I "think" because of the glycerine my curls are a big flop if I use this alone.
I am in the market for a new moisturizer. Always on the hunt.
Depending on what styling product I am using that day determines how much I let my hair air dry.
If I am using my Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
I will use it on slightly wet, damp hair. Gather up product and run my fingers through my hair. This product makes my curls POP. It was the first product I bought for my curls and frankly had I not seen such amazing results I doubt I would have continued letting my hair grow.
If I am using my Eco Styler with Olive Oil
I have to have wet to soaking wet hair. Again I get POPPING curls with this. But when I first tried I didn't know that my hair needed to be soaking wet. My curls weren't popping and I almost wrote it off until I used my sister's
This gel is the bees knees but it is also expensive :-( Curl Enhancing Smoothie isn't cheap when compared to Eco Styler, but it has better ingredients. Something I am learning to be more aware of as my hair grows.
Product is in, I let it set for a few while I go get ready for my day. As my hair dries I spritz with a mixture of water, castor oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil. To me the oils help soften my hair and make it less crunchy.
If I remember I put some Jamaican Black Castor oil on my edges. Relaxers and poor braiding left front edges invisible. The Jamaican Black Castor oil has helped bring them back to life.
I've read people using regular castor oil and having good results also.
To finish I might use a "finishing spray" to make my hair shine. Some days I feel I need it, some I don't.
Once a week I wash my hair with a clarifying shampoo. My fave is
I do this once I week because I put a lot of stuff in my hair. The product builds up fast. In the last month I have been adding a deep conditioner to the mix. I haven't found one that I love. So I will have to get back to you on that.
I don't have a dryer (most deep conditioners recommend that you use while sitting under a dryer) so I use my shower cap. It is made from heavier plastic (think shower curtain) and leave on my head for 30 minutes...next time I want to leave on for an hour.
When I come home I don't comb out my curls. I put on my satin bonnet or tie with a satin scarf. Any combing that is done is usually done in the shower under water.
The collage is post two months but I look the same...just more. Shrinkage is a major problem for me. When I get length I will play with techniques on stretching.
Below is me when I used a comb. I wanted to see if I had enough hair to get braids for the winter.
(I want major props for posting that photo, lol)
I'm hoping to have my protective style (i.e. braids) soon. I will do another post then on how I care for my hair and scalp.
If you are starting out on your own hair journey remember that less is more. You can always add more product(s) but you can't take away once you have applied.
What products do you use in your haircare routine?
It wasn't my intention to go natural. I fell into it by deciding to
grow my hair out. For the better part of 13 years I used Dax hair
grease on my shaved head.
As long as my scalp wasn't dry I was good.
But as my hair grew my needs grew. One month into it I was on the hunt.
I knew nothing about hair so I went to Google and YouTube to find info.
Once I decided to let my hair grow I put in a relaxer thinking that would make my hair easier to maintain...but with an inch or so of growth maintenance wasn't pretty. This is when I "decided" to go natural.
My current routine is very simple. I use three to four products every time on my 4c hair.
I wash my hair daily, or at least 5 times out of the 7 days of the week. If I don't wash I spray with with water or drown it in water while in the shower.
I have used moisturizing conditioners to co-wash but none left me feeling wowed. I have found cleansing conditioner work better with my hair.
My first staple was L'Oreal EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner
I LOVE this stuff. It leaves my hair buttery soft. Can't talk on manageability because...when I was using it I didn't have much.
Note past tense because I can't find it :( Every single drugstore I go to I come up short. I refuse to order online. My product junkie tendencies dictate that I have easy access to my addictions.
My 2nd favorite is another L'Oreal cleansing conditioner. This one
is designed for curls whereas the EverCreme is all about the moisture. I like how the EverCurl leaves my hair clean but not dry.
Both conditioners I would call thick, the EverCreme has more slip. Both have the same light powdery perfume scent. I can't tell if the scent last because
(a) I'm putting other scented products in my hair after.
(b) I can't smell my hair....
Sadly the EverCurl has not been seen on shelves during my last two shopping trips :-(
Once out of the shower I pat my hair dry a few times then I apply my moisturizer. S-Curl makes my hair soft, bottom line. It does nothing to play up my curls. In fact I "think" because of the glycerine my curls are a big flop if I use this alone.
I am in the market for a new moisturizer. Always on the hunt.
Depending on what styling product I am using that day determines how much I let my hair air dry.
If I am using my Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
I will use it on slightly wet, damp hair. Gather up product and run my fingers through my hair. This product makes my curls POP. It was the first product I bought for my curls and frankly had I not seen such amazing results I doubt I would have continued letting my hair grow.
If I am using my Eco Styler with Olive Oil
I have to have wet to soaking wet hair. Again I get POPPING curls with this. But when I first tried I didn't know that my hair needed to be soaking wet. My curls weren't popping and I almost wrote it off until I used my sister's
This gel is the bees knees but it is also expensive :-( Curl Enhancing Smoothie isn't cheap when compared to Eco Styler, but it has better ingredients. Something I am learning to be more aware of as my hair grows.
Product is in, I let it set for a few while I go get ready for my day. As my hair dries I spritz with a mixture of water, castor oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil. To me the oils help soften my hair and make it less crunchy.
If I remember I put some Jamaican Black Castor oil on my edges. Relaxers and poor braiding left front edges invisible. The Jamaican Black Castor oil has helped bring them back to life.
I've read people using regular castor oil and having good results also.
To finish I might use a "finishing spray" to make my hair shine. Some days I feel I need it, some I don't.
Once a week I wash my hair with a clarifying shampoo. My fave is
I do this once I week because I put a lot of stuff in my hair. The product builds up fast. In the last month I have been adding a deep conditioner to the mix. I haven't found one that I love. So I will have to get back to you on that.
I don't have a dryer (most deep conditioners recommend that you use while sitting under a dryer) so I use my shower cap. It is made from heavier plastic (think shower curtain) and leave on my head for 30 minutes...next time I want to leave on for an hour.
When I come home I don't comb out my curls. I put on my satin bonnet or tie with a satin scarf. Any combing that is done is usually done in the shower under water.
The collage is post two months but I look the same...just more. Shrinkage is a major problem for me. When I get length I will play with techniques on stretching.
Below is me when I used a comb. I wanted to see if I had enough hair to get braids for the winter.
(I want major props for posting that photo, lol)
I'm hoping to have my protective style (i.e. braids) soon. I will do another post then on how I care for my hair and scalp.
If you are starting out on your own hair journey remember that less is more. You can always add more product(s) but you can't take away once you have applied.
What products do you use in your haircare routine?
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
YMMV #1
*The YMMV category is about things that I've been into/obsessed with/in love/lust with for more than two days...Basically stuff/people/places that I can't get enough and want to share.*
The Civil Wars- a musical duo of singer-songwriters Joy Williams and John Paul White. They fall under the Americana, Folk, Indie folk genres. I saw a USA network "Characters Welcome" segment with the duo and their song "The One That Got Away". I was instantly hooked. With good reason...They wrote the song "If I Didn't Know Better" featured on the tv show Nashville. One of my favorite shows and songs featured on the show. The country vibe is evident the moment songs start but the sounds that follow hit me with a slight edge that have me doing more than just wanting to tap my feet.
My top pick is - Barton Hollow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODOOo-R6kg8
Next up is another musical duo- MS MR made up of vocalist Lizzy Plapinger and producer Max Hershenow. I blame Pretty Little Liars for featuring four of their songs from the album Secondhand Rapture- "Salty Sweet", "Hurricane", "This Isn't Control", and "Bones". Again I am going with an Indie Folk genre yet there are influences of Pop. There is something about Lizzy's voice that puts me under a spell. Haunting, melodious, just like the lyrics.
My top pick is- Bones- If the song sounds familiar that's because it was used in a promotional trailer for Game of Thrones Season 3,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDpdpE00rfI
Seedless Red Grapes and Pepperoni ...I know I know, hear me out though...at certain times of the month (like millions of other women) I crave something salty and sweet. This combo does it for me without spiking my blood sugar too high. I pick up a lb of red grapes and some Homel Pepperoni and I am set for the duration of my emotional rollercoster called PMS. The grapes give the right amount of sweet while the pepperoni...yeah you get the picture. I did discover this combo during a PMS juncture but since I eat this any time of the month it is a qualifies as an of obsession for me.
Stream TV is a godsend for those that do not have cable or the time to watch cable. I don't have cable. I have basic, yet most of the shows I love are on non basic channels. In an attempt to watch The White Queen I found this site. You click on the title show you want to watch and you have a choice of picking an upload site to watch from.
YES BE WARNED pops will happen, but it's free TV and the site is UPDATED DAILY.
So far I have watched The White Queen, Luther, Ray Donovan, Pretty Little Liars and Son's of Anarchy and some of Strike Back.
They have past seasons. That means they can have complete series...it's like Netflix but without the cost and with added annoyance of broken links and slow page loads, and possible virus...but it's free. So far my netbook is virus free cause of Norton.
And lastly we have a big one for me...I've been into/obsessing over my hair since I decided to let it grow out. I've had it cut low for 13 years for 3 reasons:
1- I don't like doing hair.
2- In memory of my mom who wore a short afro or TWA (teeny weeny afro).
3- I think I look sexier with short hair.
This summer I got bored. Didn't want to color my hair because it never last as new growth comes in. My sister said "just let it grow a little. Let the curls come in. It will soften you up."
The short hair CAN be a bit harsh...
Thanks to sis...I am now obsessed with that very fact...the CURLS COMING IN. I stopped cutting my hair in June...I didn't have a pixie cut to begin with. I had a low fade. Of course not much hair has grown in but enough that I see the CURLS. I can see the potential in the future.
I can play with the curls, twisting around my fingers. I have an inch...maybe 1 1/2". I spend money buying products that will enhance my "curls". (I'll do a YMMV on products next time ;-) ) I wake up an half and hour earlier so I can make sure I get my curls just right.
Below is a pic. Easy to tell what's what.
Personally I think I look smoking hot with no/less hair. Still I added my hair to YMMV because hair is my love now. I have a "Hair Crush" board on Pinterest. I visit hair care forums and I RSS to hair blogs. I marvel at curls that I never knew I had or could have. I'm using the "grow time" as time to learn how to care for my hair. However come tomorrow morning I might wake up and whip out my rusty clippers, buzzing away my curls. Sometimes my mileage only goes so far.
What are somethings that you are loving or obsessing over- food, clothing, shows, music, spots in your hometown? My mileage may vary but I want to know what's making you smile.
Until next time,
xo, Novelty
The Civil Wars- a musical duo of singer-songwriters Joy Williams and John Paul White. They fall under the Americana, Folk, Indie folk genres. I saw a USA network "Characters Welcome" segment with the duo and their song "The One That Got Away". I was instantly hooked. With good reason...They wrote the song "If I Didn't Know Better" featured on the tv show Nashville. One of my favorite shows and songs featured on the show. The country vibe is evident the moment songs start but the sounds that follow hit me with a slight edge that have me doing more than just wanting to tap my feet.
My top pick is - Barton Hollow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODOOo-R6kg8
Next up is another musical duo- MS MR made up of vocalist Lizzy Plapinger and producer Max Hershenow. I blame Pretty Little Liars for featuring four of their songs from the album Secondhand Rapture- "Salty Sweet", "Hurricane", "This Isn't Control", and "Bones". Again I am going with an Indie Folk genre yet there are influences of Pop. There is something about Lizzy's voice that puts me under a spell. Haunting, melodious, just like the lyrics.
My top pick is- Bones- If the song sounds familiar that's because it was used in a promotional trailer for Game of Thrones Season 3,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDpdpE00rfI
Seedless Red Grapes and Pepperoni ...I know I know, hear me out though...at certain times of the month (like millions of other women) I crave something salty and sweet. This combo does it for me without spiking my blood sugar too high. I pick up a lb of red grapes and some Homel Pepperoni and I am set for the duration of my emotional rollercoster called PMS. The grapes give the right amount of sweet while the pepperoni...yeah you get the picture. I did discover this combo during a PMS juncture but since I eat this any time of the month it is a qualifies as an of obsession for me.
Stream TV is a godsend for those that do not have cable or the time to watch cable. I don't have cable. I have basic, yet most of the shows I love are on non basic channels. In an attempt to watch The White Queen I found this site. You click on the title show you want to watch and you have a choice of picking an upload site to watch from.
YES BE WARNED pops will happen, but it's free TV and the site is UPDATED DAILY.
So far I have watched The White Queen, Luther, Ray Donovan, Pretty Little Liars and Son's of Anarchy and some of Strike Back.
They have past seasons. That means they can have complete series...it's like Netflix but without the cost and with added annoyance of broken links and slow page loads, and possible virus...but it's free. So far my netbook is virus free cause of Norton.
And lastly we have a big one for me...I've been into/obsessing over my hair since I decided to let it grow out. I've had it cut low for 13 years for 3 reasons:
1- I don't like doing hair.
2- In memory of my mom who wore a short afro or TWA (teeny weeny afro).
3- I think I look sexier with short hair.
This summer I got bored. Didn't want to color my hair because it never last as new growth comes in. My sister said "just let it grow a little. Let the curls come in. It will soften you up."
The short hair CAN be a bit harsh...
Thanks to sis...I am now obsessed with that very fact...the CURLS COMING IN. I stopped cutting my hair in June...I didn't have a pixie cut to begin with. I had a low fade. Of course not much hair has grown in but enough that I see the CURLS. I can see the potential in the future.
I can play with the curls, twisting around my fingers. I have an inch...maybe 1 1/2". I spend money buying products that will enhance my "curls". (I'll do a YMMV on products next time ;-) ) I wake up an half and hour earlier so I can make sure I get my curls just right.
Below is a pic. Easy to tell what's what.
Personally I think I look smoking hot with no/less hair. Still I added my hair to YMMV because hair is my love now. I have a "Hair Crush" board on Pinterest. I visit hair care forums and I RSS to hair blogs. I marvel at curls that I never knew I had or could have. I'm using the "grow time" as time to learn how to care for my hair. However come tomorrow morning I might wake up and whip out my rusty clippers, buzzing away my curls. Sometimes my mileage only goes so far.
What are somethings that you are loving or obsessing over- food, clothing, shows, music, spots in your hometown? My mileage may vary but I want to know what's making you smile.
Until next time,
xo, Novelty
Monday, August 26, 2013
Twenties half of a perfect 10...
After yesterday's post on there being no predominately black cast drama shows I felt I should showcase what is being shopped around in Hollywood and why I think it it deserves the spotlight even though I think it falls flat.
I'm always on the hunt for new content to view and draw from. I'm a writer that one day hopes to see my words come to life on the screen- big or small. It is full on inspiration to see other writers, especially African American writers making waves being seen and heard.
I came across talk about a new Lena Waithe show, that Queen Latifah's production company is trying to sell to the networks. It's called "Twenties" about an African American female in her 20's.
Twenties- Part 1
In the article written for Clutch Magazine I learned that there are 4 parts i.e. scenes taken from the pilot and edited together to give the viewers a sense of what the show is about.
Great idea. I knew of Lena Waithe from Sh*t Black Girls Say. She wrote it. I was happy and intrigued to read she was behind this.
I clicked on the videos in the article and sat back.
Twenties is NOT slated or does it want to be slated to be a WEB SERIES!!!! Lena wants this on a network. That disclaimer is in the "info box" on YouTube- with every clip.
I was a little miffed by that. An audience is an audience. To me it felt that she was saying Twenties was too good for the web...I don't know this is my opinion.
I do know that Lena partnered with Issa Rae on The Michelle Obama Diaries. I do know that Issa Rae is currently working with Shonda Rhimes on an upcoming sitcom, and is in development with HBO for a new comedy show...I do know that Issa Rae got her start with a web series... Awkward Black Girl
But I digress...
In the first clip Hattie (the protagonist) is uploading a vlog, and then exits her apartment to find an eviction notice. The last clip reveals that Hattie is gay and is staying with a friend because of said eviction. In between you are introduced to some of her friends at a birthday party where Hattie is "sitting court" as her friends flock around her listing what she is doing wrong in her life. There is a weird scene with her friends and a tampon. Nothing else caught my attention.
I wouldn't run home to watch this. The writing fell flat. I can't tell if it is a comedy or drama...both. The acting was unnatural hence unbelievable.
Learning that Hattie is gay didn't register with me because in real life I wouldn't care. I wanted to know more about how this 20 year old got evicted because she "liked to eat out a lot". So do I but I still know to check my account balances and make sure rent is paid and I knew that at her age.
I'm one potential viewer...so what I'm not able to identify with a lesbian vlogger, in her 20's, sleeping on her friend's sofa.
I'm sure other potential viewers can identify. Most in their Twenties ;-) no doubt.
Pushing aside my reasons on why I don't love it... I do like that it was created (mainstream entertainment needs more gays and lesbians on TV- yes I said it.) and I want to see what it can become with the proper backing.
Already it has been dubbed as the "black Girls". I hate that type of association. I wish newly developing shows could gain a foothold without being labeled after what came before them.
I see where it can be thought of as a "black" version of Girls. But since the protagonist is gay and openly so networks have been shying away from the show, IMHO
Hollywood is barely ready for black cast dramas...throw an openly gay character in the mix...Oh lawd...
Regardless African Americans NEED a show that isn't Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. Or a show that doesn't place them as only the sidekick.
I know that Lena doesn't want her show to be a web series. But she is using YouTube to gain interest and asking viewers to share the clips via their social networks hoping that enough talk of the show will make it easier to pitch to the networks.
We can work the internet but not be on it....another topic for another day...
Check out the clips and comment below and let me know what you think?
Is Twenties a show you would tune in to watch?
I'm always on the hunt for new content to view and draw from. I'm a writer that one day hopes to see my words come to life on the screen- big or small. It is full on inspiration to see other writers, especially African American writers making waves being seen and heard.
I came across talk about a new Lena Waithe show, that Queen Latifah's production company is trying to sell to the networks. It's called "Twenties" about an African American female in her 20's.
Twenties- Part 1
In the article written for Clutch Magazine I learned that there are 4 parts i.e. scenes taken from the pilot and edited together to give the viewers a sense of what the show is about.
Great idea. I knew of Lena Waithe from Sh*t Black Girls Say. She wrote it. I was happy and intrigued to read she was behind this.
I clicked on the videos in the article and sat back.
Twenties is NOT slated or does it want to be slated to be a WEB SERIES!!!! Lena wants this on a network. That disclaimer is in the "info box" on YouTube- with every clip.
I was a little miffed by that. An audience is an audience. To me it felt that she was saying Twenties was too good for the web...I don't know this is my opinion.
I do know that Lena partnered with Issa Rae on The Michelle Obama Diaries. I do know that Issa Rae is currently working with Shonda Rhimes on an upcoming sitcom, and is in development with HBO for a new comedy show...I do know that Issa Rae got her start with a web series... Awkward Black Girl
But I digress...
In the first clip Hattie (the protagonist) is uploading a vlog, and then exits her apartment to find an eviction notice. The last clip reveals that Hattie is gay and is staying with a friend because of said eviction. In between you are introduced to some of her friends at a birthday party where Hattie is "sitting court" as her friends flock around her listing what she is doing wrong in her life. There is a weird scene with her friends and a tampon. Nothing else caught my attention.
I wouldn't run home to watch this. The writing fell flat. I can't tell if it is a comedy or drama...both. The acting was unnatural hence unbelievable.
Learning that Hattie is gay didn't register with me because in real life I wouldn't care. I wanted to know more about how this 20 year old got evicted because she "liked to eat out a lot". So do I but I still know to check my account balances and make sure rent is paid and I knew that at her age.
I'm one potential viewer...so what I'm not able to identify with a lesbian vlogger, in her 20's, sleeping on her friend's sofa.
I'm sure other potential viewers can identify. Most in their Twenties ;-) no doubt.
Pushing aside my reasons on why I don't love it... I do like that it was created (mainstream entertainment needs more gays and lesbians on TV- yes I said it.) and I want to see what it can become with the proper backing.
Already it has been dubbed as the "black Girls". I hate that type of association. I wish newly developing shows could gain a foothold without being labeled after what came before them.
I see where it can be thought of as a "black" version of Girls. But since the protagonist is gay and openly so networks have been shying away from the show, IMHO
Hollywood is barely ready for black cast dramas...throw an openly gay character in the mix...Oh lawd...
Regardless African Americans NEED a show that isn't Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. Or a show that doesn't place them as only the sidekick.
I know that Lena doesn't want her show to be a web series. But she is using YouTube to gain interest and asking viewers to share the clips via their social networks hoping that enough talk of the show will make it easier to pitch to the networks.
We can work the internet but not be on it....another topic for another day...
Check out the clips and comment below and let me know what you think?
Is Twenties a show you would tune in to watch?
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