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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Mocha Beauti Celebs & Their Products: Erykah Badu, Halle Berry & Serena Williams

Erykah Badu & Kiehl's teamed up to create Limited Edition Superbly Restorative Body Lotion, Cost-$55.00. This body lotion is power-packed with Argan Oil, Squalane, and Vitamin E. One-hundred percent of the proceeds up to $100,000 will support the Waterkeeper Alliance, an organization that promotes safe drinking water world-wide.

Halle Berry is teaming up with Charity Buzz to auction off a replica of the bracelet she wore in her ad campaign for Halle Perfume. The bracelet was designed by Gara Danielle and was specifically made for Ms. Berry. Proceeds from the auction will be given to the Jenesse Center, a non-profit organization that was founded in 1980 and provides help to victims of domestic violence through support facilities, education and health programs, among others. Serena Williams & Mission Skincare created, Pomegranate Lip Balmer SPF 15, Cost-$3.99. The lip balmer contains vitamins, antioxidants, and moisturizing oils that leave lips smooth and soft. Flavored with pomegranate. Proceeds from the lip balm go to Serena Williams Foundation, which aims to create an atmosphere that fosters education and provides the resources and financing kids need to continue their education past high school.

Serena is also the latest celebrity to join the HSN (Home Shopping Network). She will premiere her line Serena's Signature Statement Collection, which features a line of jewelry, handbags, and fashion pieces. Go..... Serena!! Tune into HSNtv on April 30 for this exciting premiere, check your local listings!

Later Mochas!!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Pump Me

Well it's just about that time of the year where you start getting your pedicures done on a weekly basis; so that they can compliment your Spring/Summer shoes. I'm all about the pumps. There's nothing like a good pair of pumps to add a little sex-appeal to your fab. I'm currently in the midst of stocking up and had to share some of my favorite finds. Mochas....feast your eyes on these.......

BCBGGirls Amir Black Raw Leather, $109.95

Fergie Pepper Grape Soda Palatino Leather, $128.95

BCBGGirls Ariel Mulberry Painted Splash, $89.95 BCBGGirls Callya Brown Sugar Yellow/Snake, $110.00
Jessica Simpson Josette – Graphite Perfect Liquid, $78.95
Jessica Simpson Josette – Rust Degrade Patent, $78.95

Jessica Simpson Josette – Carbon Splatter Metallic, $78.95
Jessica Simpson Parigi – Shell/Burnt Pewter Studded Leather, $88.95
Johnathan Kanye Chareleston - Clear, $80.95

Dyeables Very Special Silver, $77.45

Johnathan Kayne Austrisa Taupe, $157.95
Sizzle Atlantis - $80.95

Shoes feautured are available at:Shop Shoebuy.com
Later Mochas!!

Monday, April 20, 2009

What Men Really Think – I Would Never Marry Her

So the other day I’m in conversation with one of my male friends, who is African-American and in his early thirties. He is moderately successful in several business endeavors including film and television, and he loves to trick & treat. Ever since I have known him, he has exclusively dated Latinas (preferably Puerto Ricans & Dominicans), and even has a child with one. Keep note - He likes them young; if your over 26 that’s a little too long in the tubes for him. The nerve!!

So deep into our conversation, I’m like - “When are you gonna grow up, settle down, and find you a nice Spanish girl? He retorts. Yeah, I plan on getting married, but I would never marry a Spanish girl. I said, huh? What do you mean? That’s all you date. He stated, I would never marry a Spanish woman because, they don’t age well. Their looks start to fade by age 25 and after they have a kid or two it’s definitely a wrap, because their bodies be out of shape. Who ever I marry would have to be black, because they age gracefully and still look good into their forties & fifties. All I could say was – WOW. Isn’t that some sh*t, Mochas?!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Keeping Your Mocha Beautiful: Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation process that uses crystals to remove dead, damaged skin cells in an effort to reveal new rejuvenated skin. Dermatologist use different types of crystals (aluminum oxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, magnesium oxide to name a few) so if you have sensitive skin you definitely want to do your research further to see which crystal would best suit your skin. For those concerned about potential health hazards with crystals, another microdermabrasion option is the diamond process (same price range) which uses a microdermabrasion tip covered with tiny diamonds that loosens the dead skin cells and removes them into a cotton filter where you can view the removed cells.

The microdermabrasion process reduces pores, diminishes acne scars, fades discoloration, and makes your skin look glowingly fresh & vibrant. Microdermabrasion can be used on other body parts and is also great for fading stretch marks. The cost for microdermabrasion ranges from $100-$200 dollars. For those on a budget microdermabrasion home kits are readily available online (DERMAdoctor.com) or at your local beauty supply. The home-kits are definitely not as potent as visiting a dermatologist or local spa, but a good exfoliation is beneficial to your skin on any level.
Some consumer favorites include:
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Rejuvenator $35.00
DermaNew Microdermabrasion Acne & Oily Clarifying System $70.00


Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion System $25.99

Later, Mochas!!!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Check Out - American Violet Movie Trailer (In Theaters This Weekend)

Support Black Cinemas!!! Click The Link Below To Watch....

Monday, April 13, 2009

A Healthy Twist on an American Classic

Since becoming a Pesce-vegetarian (meaning I still eat fish), it has been a challenge trying to replace some of my favorite meals. Cheeseburgers and french fries being one of them, I recently came across a delicious alternative:


The Shrimp Burger

If you ever made a crab cake it’s pretty similar and you can play around with the ingredients to suit your taste. But you can start with the following:


Ingredients


-One pound medium shrimp
-One onion finely chopped
-A handful of parsley
-One cup of seasoned bread crumbs
-Three tablespoons of mayo
-One egg
-Two sprinkles of salt, pepper, and Old Bay
-One-eighth of a teaspoon of Cajun seasonings
-One eighth of a teaspoon of hot sauce or jerk sauce
-Two tablespoons of olive oil
-And hamburger buns

Topping Suggestions: Lettuce, tomatoes & tatar sauce

Preparation
Clean & devein shrimp, than chop into pieces.
Combine shrimps with chopped onions & parsley, and mix in a bowl.
Add seasoned bread crumbs and the next 5 ingredients – stir or use blender.
Shape into patties, place olive into large nonstick skillet and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serve on buns with desired toppings.


The Shrimp Burger is 190 calories vs. A beef hamburger at 350 calories.


Sweet Potato French Fries



Ingredients

-Two large sweet potatoes
-One teaspoon of white or brown sugar
-A pinch of cinnamon

Preparation
Cut potatoes into "thick-cut french fries" and soak in cold water for thirty minutes. Pre-heat oven to 350. Place french fries in single layer on cooking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper, grease with olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes than turn around, and bake addtl 15 minutes or until light brown. Place sugar, cinnamon, and french fries in ziplock bag, and shake to coat. Yummy!


The Baked Sweet Potato French Fries is 170 vs. Regular French Fries at 250.

Monday, April 6, 2009

The B Grown Files: Examine Your Relationships

The people that you choose to interact with on a regularly basis really make a significant impact on you, whether you realize it or not. Your current relationships speak volumes about you and where you’re heading in life. Continuous conflict, confusion, and drama are counter-productive to your progress and growth. So if you feel you have a bunch of two-faced, back-stabbing girlfriends, who are constantly hating (please don’t get constructive criticism confused with hating) & a bunch of trifling, good for nothing dudes -you really need to examine yourself, because in some cases you attract who you are (so, check yourself).

Stop trying to save damaged, strained relationships that really serve you nothing and just add stress to your life. Recognize when relationships need to be severed or downgraded. Subscribe to the good old-fashion three strikes and you’re out rule. Think about it, are you really going to give someone more than three chances to sh*t on you. A quick and fun way to examine your relationship is:

List your most significant relationship and answer the following for each relationship:
Examples:

Friend: Kim
The (+):
Kim is fun, resourceful, trustworthy, and encouraging
The (-): Kim is selfish, needy, drains my energy, unreliable, and inconsistent
Kim’s purpose in my life: Now if you can’t answer this question……you already know!

Friend: Bret
The (+):
Bret is sexy, funny, engaging, and romantic
The (-): Bret is busy, a playboy, and a weed-head,
Bret’s purpose in my life: Now if you can’t answer this question……you already know!
B Grown Tip: If you’re like me, you probably have a diverse group of friends from ghetto-hood to straight snobbish and everything in between. Wouldn’t it be nice if they all got along? But never try to force your friends to like each other; it usually turns out to be a disaster.
Later, Mochas!