Spiced Honey

Aloe vera gel & Coconut: The REAL thing

2008-11-18T09:00:00.004-05:00

I've been trying to find aloe vera gel for quite some time now. Thanks to one of my besty's, I found it at The Vitamin Shoppe (4 oz. tube, $3.99). But now that I finally have it, I'm not really sure what to do with it! I know it can be used as a styling gel- but what else is this stuff good for? This time I need your assistance- Help a honey out if you can!

Also, in response to Bonafide Latina's question yesterday: Make sure you're actually buying pure and authentic coconut oil. You've got to read the ingredients because I've noticed that many beauty supply stores sell a "form" of coconut oil. If you read the ingredients, you'll see that it isn't so (vegetable oil scented with coconut extract in some cases). The HBH (Honey Brown Hunk aka my boyfriend ;-) made this simple mistake. He bragged to me about how he only paid $2.99 for a jar of coconut oil. I knew it sounded strange because the jar I purchased was $8.99 (also at The Vitamin Shoppe), which seems to be the typical price. Lo and behold, when I saw the DAX jar of "coconut oil" in his bathroom I nearly flipped! The ingredients? Petroleum AND mineral oil! The poor guy didn't know any better (but thats why he has me! :-)

If you're not sharp, it could very well fool you because the texture is solid and white- just like REAL coconut oil.

REAL coconut oil:
- Has a solid, white consistency
- The only listed ingredient should be coconut oil, which contains tree nuts
- It should NOT include: yeast, corn, wheat, sugar, salt, starch, dairy, citrus, soy, fish, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors
- It should also be cold-pressed

Have you ever made such an earnest mistake?

Coconut Love

2008-11-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

I know I'm extremely late catching this bus but I recently bought myself a jar of 100% organic extra virgin coconut oil and I love it! I've mostly been using it as a moisturizer for my face and body and don't plan on buying lotion again. I love the aroma of coconuts and for those of you who might not, the scent goes away. So, no- you won't end up smelling like a coconut all day!

I've also been using the coconut oil in my hair. It works well as a natural moisturizer and provides great sheen. The best thing about the coconut oil is that its non-greasy and absorbs quickly. I plan on using it as a part of my deep conditioning treatment- I'll add about a teaspoonful to about a palm-ful of conditioner. Lately, I've been experimenting with a new condish (thanks to Joi @ Anti-Hairslave for the recommendation!) called Universal Una Bomba. It's a dominican product that actually does nourish dry and damaged hair. The small jar goes for about $3.99 and the large jar is about $7.99. I first tried the small jar, and I just purchased the large one about a week ago. It has a funny smell, but it works.If you use coconut oil in any capacity, please add a tip below!

Friday's Dessert 11/14

2008-11-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Something sweet to chew on till Monday:

"There's always something to suggest that you'll never be who you wanted to be. Your choice is to take it or keep on moving." -Phylicia Rashad

The holidays are nearing- I still can't believe Thanksgiving is this month! Have a safe, blessed and fun filled weekend.

New Music: Jon B.

2008-11-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

I know you love Jon B., who doesn't? Back in high school, "They Don't Know" was one of my favorite tunes and still is, even now. Jon seems to have a sort of a cult following these days though. Most aren't privy to the fact that he has released six albums (yes, six!), with the most recent being released two weeks ago, Helpless Romantic.

Being that I don't watch a lot of television, whenever the tube does happen to be on, you can best believe I have the channel tuned to one of the Music Choice stations. This was how I came across Jon's newest single, "Ooh So Sexy". It's got a mellow, laid back sound with a cool little bass-line. It's not one of my ultimate favorites but its still comprised of the stuff good songs are made of.

Listenability? I can listen to this album without having to skip through songs (I've been listening to it every morning on my way to work!). I really like Jon B. and I wish he would get the respect he deserves, so I'm all for supporting him. I have never been disappointed by any of this man's work. I hope he continues to make good music- he's got a solid fan in me.

Do you like Jon B. too? If so, did you know about Helpless Romantic?

Lucky #200

2008-11-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday marked my 200th post! Thanks so much guys for sticking around- I promise to continue to deliver (as long as you keep reading ;-)
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I'd also like to take this opportunity to know what's on your mind- What would you like to see on HBS? Feel free to let me know below! I'm taking the rest of this day off.
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Smooches!

The New Rave: Eyelash Conditioners

2008-11-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

After reading DE from Beautylogicblog's review on the Jan Marini eyelash conditioner a few months ago, I decided to try it out for myself. Let me just be straightforward here: I am NOT easily sold. For the most part, I always think every "new" product on the market is a gimmick or fad.

With all of that said, I decided to take before, during and after photos of my progress while using the lash conditioner (Directions give the product 4 weeks for effect). For those who may not know, Marini Lash promises "...amazingly gorgeous, dense and lush eyelashes". It is an eyelash enhancer which contains propietary peptide combined with other essential factors. Once blasted for using bimatoprost (an FDA approved prostaglandin, or hormone-like substance used in treating glaucoma), Jan Marini is back with an improved and entirely new technology.

I've currently been using the Marini Lash for a little over 2 weeks now (the current pic was taken on Sunday). I do admit, I've missed about 3 days of the treatment at the end of my first week. But since then, I've been consistent.
So what do you think? I notice a very slight difference. I'll be sure to return in two weeks with the finished result.

November's Book Read: Get 'em Girls Guide to the Power of Cuisine: Perfect Recipes for Spicing up Your Love Life

2008-11-10T09:00:00.004-05:00

Love to eat? I do. And if you're a real foodie like myself, you know that food lovers must know how to cook up a superb meal. I stumbled across this book about a month ago and haven't been hungry since. I had gotten miserably bored with preparing the same meals day after day. The fact that I had gotten bored with cooking dinner caused me to spend extra money. Extra money on lunch (whenever I cook I'm able to bring lunch to work) and various snacks.

These frustrations all came to a halt when I got my hands on "The Get 'Em Girls Guide to the Power of Cuisine: Perfect Recipes for Spicing Up Your Love Life". I have already made the black bean chili and homemade tortillas TWICE, the curried chicken last week, and last night I made the brown sugar glazed salmon with baked macaroni & cheese and cheddar garlic biscuits, along with my own salad. Everything was scrumptious- this book clearly delivers. Aside from recipes, the Get 'Em Girls (check out their blog here, which I just found out about!) inform the reader which wines compliment which meals and how to properly set a table. Desserts, drinks and full four course meals are all apart of this cookbook. *Feel free to check out Jeniece's weekly recipes here.

Every woman needs to have this book as a part of her artillery- I've certainly gotten my moneys worth thus far. Most of my pages are already stained and withered!

Do you love to cook?

Friday's Dessert 11/7

2008-11-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Believe in yourself, right? If you don't, who will? I've always admired Erykah Badu and even though she remains to be misunderstood by the mainstream masses, she's always been a darling in my eye:

"I planned my success. I knew it was going to happen." -Erykah Badu

Do YOU know what's going to happen? Have a superb weekend!

Cheap vs. Expensive: Flat Irons

2008-11-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

Not too long ago someone left a comment asking about the difference between cheap and expensive flat irons. Below, I've listed the pro's and con's of what I feel the differences are:

Inexpensive flat irons: (Example: Conair Ultra Slim Straightener $25.99) I've never tried this iron but based off of my own personal experience with drug store brand flat irons they were just okay to me. I had purchased an H2Pro brand flat iron from Ricky's about 3 years ago for $45* (mid-range) and it was good, not great. However, my mother loves this flat iron. I ended up giving it to her and she still uses it. My main gripe with the lower end priced irons was that I would have to run over a section of hair numerous times before I could get the straightness I was looking for.

Expensive flat irons: (Example: Megastar Silver Nano flat iron $104.99) Those of you who follow HBS know that I absolutely LOVE this iron. I treat this thing like it's pure gold. It has adjustable heat settings and can get super hot. I also do not have to run over each section a thousand times to reach my desired level of straightness (which I just realized is probably why I can get my hair done a lot quicker... hmm)

Please keep in mind that these comparisons are solely my opinion based on what works for me. If you have a varying point of view on either of these irons please feel free to share!

*The H2Pro flat irons have since skyrocketed in price

So Proud...

2008-11-05T09:04:00.004-05:00

I'm so proud this morning! I just HAD to speak on this triumph (it would be a crime to continue with my regularly scheduled post regarding cheap vs. expensive flat irons!) I'm extremely happy for the Obama family- It's been a long journey thus far. President Obama said "Yes, we can" and yes! we did, ladies and gentlemen. With the large number of citizens who came out to vote, we truly demonstrated power in numbers.

Keep in mind however, that it isn't over yet. It's FAR from over. The newly elected president has a lot of work to do. As he indicated last night in his speech, things aren't going to change over night. This IS definitely the first positive step towards change though.

For many of us this has been a personal experience. If my grandparents were alive today they would be filled with soooo much joy as well. It's truly my duty (and pleasure) to rejoice in their name and the many others who paved this way.

May God continue to bless America.

The BIG Day!!

2008-11-04T09:00:00.003-05:00

We've arrived honeys. Today is the BIG day. I've been waiting for this day like a child waiting for Christmas. I was up at 5am to put in my vote.

I snapped the above photo on my blackberry a few weeks ago on the train after work. I've never seen such a blatantly political ad! The ad is for Manhattan Mini Storage and reads "What's more limited? Your closet space or her experience?" with a lady wearing a red blazer and button that has a red circle and cross over the name "Obama" in the background.

My fellow New Yorkers- Have you seen this ad? Either way, what are your thoughts on this?
Happy voting honeys!

A Lesson in Time Management

2008-11-03T09:00:00.001-05:00

Do you ever find yourself late to an event because of a makeup mishap or hair horror? Being a chic is hard work. For men who don't understand, there is a LOT of work that goes into being pretty beautiful. Sometimes, yes, we do give ourselves plenty of time to prepare for a night out on the town (and then there are those who don't allow much time for preparation). What ever the case may be, within this time span so many things can go wrong: the eyeshadow you purchased isn't quite working out, your false eyelashes aren't adhering properly, and/or your hair just won't LISTEN.

I'm a real stickler for lateness- I pride myself on always being early (Late for me is being on time). If you find yourself always being late, I've outlined my preparation schedule below. This past Saturday night, I went out with my friends and was twiddling my thumbs waiting for my ride to arrive. Find out how you can do the same ;-)

*Please note I had to be ready for an 8:30 pick up

6:00-6:40pm: Fussed around with my hair, until I came up with the perfect style
6:40-7:00pm: Picked out the makeup I wanted use, ate some candy
7:00-7:30pm: Showered
7:30-8:05pm: Did makeup & applied false lashes
8:06-8:20pm: Ironed, sat down and took pics on mac's Photobooth (like the one to your left) while waiting for the "come down" text to come through.

Are you always late? On time? Tell me about it.

Friday's Dessert 10/31

2008-10-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

When I'm searching for quotes, it usually takes me some time to find that right one. This week's words immediately jumped off of the screen and socked me in the eye:

"I used to want the words "She tried" on my tombstone. Now I want "She did it."
-Katherine Dunham

Have a great and safe weekend honeys!

Creeps... The Halloween Edition

2008-10-30T09:00:00.002-04:00

Ghosts, ghouls and creeps... Ever dated one? Hopefully you haven't dated a ghost or a ghoul (hopefully). Most of us have indeed, unfortunately met that one guy who was just completely creepy. Not that kind of creep that's a jerk (that's a different kind of "creep"). You know what I'm talking about honeys, the kind that just did or said something a little "off" key.

I've been on a date a few times with one.

He was a nice guy but weird as HELL. Something about eating raw RED meat and bragging about chasing down his ex-girlfriend in a "high speed car chase" didn't sit well with me. That was very short lived.
It pretty much sums up my experience: quick and to the point. After I'd told him "Thanks, but really- no thanks", I got flowers and about ten missed calls DAILY for about two weeks. He finally got the point and went on about his merry way.

Think you can top that? Tell me more.

Misikko Before & After Contest

2008-10-29T22:42:00.006-04:00

Because I just loooooooove Misikko.com so much I've decided to spread the word about their current contest (for details, click here). All you've got to do is choose a product that you've purchased from them and submit before & after photos of your progress (otherwise known as your 'do). One lucky winner will win $100 and two additional winners will win $50 each. If you're a past or current Misikko customer give it a try- I did and I'm keeping my fingers crossed! ;-)

Thin Line between Love & Hate: The Gym!

2008-10-29T09:00:00.001-04:00

Last week officially marked my return to the gym. I'd been M.I.A since August 20th (to be exact) and my return was looooong overdue. I don't know why it's such a struggle for me! I hate (yes: hate) going but once I'm there I'm proud to have made it (getting there is half the battle). After a really good workout I feel even prouder of myself. So, why is it so hard for me to drag myself there after a long day at work? Usually because I'm tired and just want to go home. I've tried going on my lunch break (which I don't like because I feel like I'm rushing my workout), still haven't done the early morning thing (there have been numerous attempts, trust me). I didn't even go Monday OR yesterday. It's an everyday struggle (Biggie said it best ;-)

But with my new regime, I plan on doing things a little differently (just a little). My aim is to get in the gym everyday for at least an hour and a half. Like I said, getting there is half the battle, once I'm in- I'm good to go. I've decided that I also want to have fun with it. If you're like me and you find yourself fighting with your daily exercise routine, be creative! Instead of hitting the treadmill and/or weights with focused dead-set determination, take one day out of the week for a class: (*If you live in or near NYC, feel free to check 'em out)
-Alvin Ailey Dance Extension Program: For just $16 per class you can experience Afro-Cuban, ballet, hip hop, even Capoeira dance rhythms.

-New Dance Group: Try a belly dance, salsa or tap class for only $15 per class.

-Exotic Dance Central: To mix things up even more, try a one hour intro to pole dancing for $25.

If you're nervous about dancing don't worry! All of the above schools offer basic beginner classes.

It seems like everyone I know is blindly in love with the gym- I can't be the only one who has this love/hate thing going on!!
Question: Do you really love the gym or do you just love it because you know it's something you need to do?

My "Calm Down Kit"

2008-10-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

I apologize for my absence yesterday, but I'm back babes! I had a busy weekend plus I wasn't feeling too great on Monday. I had a major headache- which often times (for me) comes from stress and not getting enough rest. I usually allow myself to get pretty stressed out over little things! I know it's bad but I try not to let the small stuff bother me (For instance: Someone squeezing into a tiny seat next to me on the train).

I recently had the opportunity to try Origins Peace of Mind On-the-Spot relief (Limited Edition). Its a cream lotion ($10) that promises to melt away tension and stress. All you have to do is apply two small dabs to the back of your neck, temples and earlobes. The first time I tried this I only applied it to the back of my neck (at the end of a long day, the back of my neck usually feels tight)- This was the wrong thing to do! The cream causes a slight tingling sensation, and, well, it felt like I got slapped on the back of the neck instead.
*Just FYI- Origins will donate $35,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation from sales of Peace of Mind On-the-spot relief sold in North America.

Now, what I do is apply the cream to all three pressure points and then spray my face with the Evian Brumisateur. I know, it sounds like too much drama to be going through but when I feel like my day is closing in on me, it does help to provide a refreshing and invigorating feeling (the cream has a soft peppermint-y scent).

The bottle is very tiny and so is my Evian Brumisateur spray- I keep them both at the bottom of my over-sized purse.

What's in your "kit"? What helps you stay calm, cool & collective?

Friday's Dessert 10/24

2008-10-24T08:55:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday Honeys! We made it- Another week is in the bag. I chose this weeks quote based on the volume it speaks. Short, sweet and direct to the point:

"I am, was, and always will be a catalyst for change."

-Shirley Chisholm

This one sentence means a LOT to me. I can be stubborn at times (well, most times)- especially when it comes to my personality and characteristics. I'll usually say "well, that's just me" or "that's just how I am". Whenever this occurs, one of my closest friends is always there to remind me that nothing stays the same forever, and to say such a thing is and can be considered ignorant.

I'm still a work in progress (as I'm sure we all are) but a change in order to grow is necessary and can only help to make me a better person.

Enjoy the weekend and have fun!

Still Threading...

2008-10-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Last Friday I threaded my eyebrows again. This time I was much more careful not to tear my skin. It came out really good, better than the last time. For some reason, I can do the right eyebrow much better than the left. My left brow has always given me trouble, it's just uneven. Or something.

I've always loved Kim K's eyebrows and I use hers as a guide for how I'd like mine to look. I've even used a very teeny amount of MAC's carbon eyeshadow and an eyeliner brush to fill in any sparse areas. Its getting there.

I'm just not completely sure what to use to help fill in my brows. A pencil is a definite no-no, the eyeshadow trick seems to be doing the job, but is there something better I could be using/doing? Any suggestions?

Simple & Easy Blow Drying

2008-10-22T09:00:00.001-04:00

This is for Ms. Bougieadventures and anyone else who might have trouble blow drying/straightening. I am by no means a blow drying connoisseur, I do what works for me. Its the simple of the simplest ways of drying my hair easily and effectively. I've done it the same way since I was in college, but this time around I've got much better appliances to work with!

To start:

1. I always begin at the back (near the nape of the neck), by using a rattail comb to part a section (from mid-ear to mid-ear) and clip remaining hair (A great clip to use would be the T-Rex clips, from beautychoice.com- They're completely snag proof!). Depending on how much time I have, I'll either split that bottom section in half or just blow dry the whole section.

2. I blow dry using the comb attachment to dry the section until it is thoroughly dry. I don't focus to much on the roots because I always follow that up with the flat iron.
*Always be sure to use some kind of heat protectant prior to any heat styling.

3. I continue working in sections, from the back up to the top of my head.

4. Once I'm done blow drying, I immediately begin to flat iron starting from the back. I use the rattail comb to part a smaller section, usually about from earlobe to earlobe. From that section, I use my fingers to section off a smaller section (about 1 1/2" wide) and flat iron. I run the flat iron from the roots to mid-length, stop and then continue through to the ends.

5. I repeat this process, working from the back up. When I first started doing my hair this way it would take me about 2 hours to blow dry and flat iron. But with time and much practice, I've gotten much quicker.
*Note: Don't focus too much on being "fast" because you will burn yourself, trust me I've done it ;-)

This is the easiest and quickest way for me to straighten my hair. I don't usually roller set because I suck at it and it takes me FOR.EVER.

So, tell me- How do you style your hair?

Hot Sauce and Hair?

2008-10-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

Saturday was a very busy day for me. Two dinner parties, no outfits planned and hair that was a mess. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? With little to almost no time to do something with the mop that had formed on my head I decided to straighten it for the night (and for the rest of the week). This was probably the quickest I've ever straightened my hair. I did it in about an hour and a half. 15 minutes to co-wash & detangle, 1/2 hour to blow dry and about 45 minutes to flat iron.

When straightening my hair, I usually use the Mizani Thermasmooth system. I really didn't have time to use it this time and decided to try something different. Since interviewing celebrity stylist, Ursula Stephen (think; Rihanna) I've been anxiously waiting to get my hands on this FHI Heat Hot Sauce. What I liked most about this product is that it doesn't contain silicones. It is infused with jojoba crystals that are heat-activated to help restore and moisturize the hair during the drying process.

The directions on the bottle state that after shampooing and conditioning, apply a small amount to damp hair. I applied about a dime sized amount to each section of hair I blow dried (about 5 or 6 sections). Afterwards, I proceeded to flat iron and curl (with a large barrel curling iron). Finishing off with Mizani's Spradiance High Gloss serum.

Many of you had some reservations concerning the Thermasmooth system because of the price. The FHI Heat Hot Sauce works just as well at a much lower price (2 oz. $11.95, *remember: a little goes a long way) and can be found online at beautychoice.com.

Walking For a Cause

2008-10-20T09:00:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone had a nice weekend! Mine was great, however I still need another one just to recuperate and rest. On Sunday, my friends and I (the ladies of Suite October) walked for a cause in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. With only about three hours of rest (due to a late night/early morning birthday celebration), it was hard but we did it.

We met quite a few interesting women. Most profound was a young lady who was just recently diagnosed last Wednesday (through a self exam she performed in the shower) and is due to have surgery this Tuesday. I admire her spirit and strength to have been able to come out and share her experience with strangers during such a trying time. Her age: 35
If you're currently thinking you're too young for breast cancer, please reconsider those thoughts.

As women, we are ALL at risk. Let's just be sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim.

Friday's Dessert 10/17

2008-10-17T09:00:00.003-04:00

This was a very inspirational and motivational week for me that just made me feel good and positive all over! Therefore, I present this week's dessert from the one and only Michelle Obama:

"We need to fix our souls. Our souls are broken in this nation. We have lost our way. And it begins with inspiration. It begins with leadership."
-Michelle Obama

Have a healthy, productive weekend and make someone's day!

A Taste of BeanpYe

2008-10-16T09:00:00.002-04:00

BeanpYe jewelry is bold and exclusive, as mentioned on their site. One glance at the beautifully hand painted West African stones and I knew that wasn't a lie. Bold and exclusive seems to be an understatement in this instance. Colorful, brilliant yet poignant, well thought out pieces are what struck my senses... and stuck.

I first heard of BeanpYe jewelry through the brand's CEO, Sabrina Thompson, at an inspiring WEEN (Women In Entertainment Empowerment Network) event I attended last weekend. I made it my duty to check out the site and was pleasantly surprised. I had an idea the items would be cute, but I had no idea the bracelets, earrings and necklaces would be hands down and outright HOT.

Please show Sabrina and her team at BeanpYe some love- There's nothing like a beautiful black woman doing it for herself! I plan on purchasing one of these colorful bracelets myself (soon as they re-stock!)

What do you guys think? Hit me up and let me know below.

Introducing: Suite October

2008-10-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

You're probably wondering who or what exactly IS Suite October. Well honeys, it's a site created by sisters united to inspire, teach and encourage (hence the name "Suite"). This isn't just any ol' site neither. This idea (brand rather) was created by myself and 7 of my closest friends ("Oct" for 8 & "October": We met in school in October of 2003). Not only is "Suite" an acronym, it also serves as the basis for our entire being.

Upon entering Suite October, you will find various rooms (or suites) to choose from:

The Great Room: Nina shares her views on life, politics, etc... No topic is too taboo and anything (or anyone) is fair game.

Concierge: Going on a date and need an idea? Monique (or "Mo" as we affectionately call her) has the answers.

October Lounge: Tired of eating the same dinner? Get new ideas in this food & beverage section. *If you'd like to be a "guest chef" please check the suite for more information.

Boutique: Our resident fashionista, Khaleila, will always let you know what the deal is (or isn't) in the Boutique.

Open Bar: Boyfriend issues? Job problems? Nicole is here to help. Our open bar is just that- An open forum for your "issues".

Zen Room: Get inspired, get motivated while being uplifted... T. Monte WILL help you be a better person.

The Villa: We've all watched Sweet 16 on MTV. Spoiled brats living lavishly... Find out what happens when daddy's little girl gets too "big for her britches" and learns life's lessons the hard way in my weekly fictional novel.

This is just a brief overview of all that Suite October has to offer. On the site we also feature a weekly show where we discuss various topics from relationships to current events.

Get to know us! Join us, check us out and let us know what you think!