Throwback Thursday Presents

Here's an oldie, but goodie. "You Outta Know" is an anthem for those of us that have ever had the pleasure of sleeping with a broken heart. Alanis Morissette ladies and gentleman is simply the truth. Her lyrics are amazing! This song is a head banger and I fell in love with her music even more when I heard "Ironic". If you've never heard this song, you're about to witness one of the most talented, slept on artists. Enjoy. Happy Thursday!

Trick or Treat

This time of year always creeps up on me and I’m almost never prepared. Growing up, we didn’t celebrate Halloween due to parental control. L Perhaps that’s why I don’t really think about it until the week of or even the day before. Living vicariously through my friends at a young age wasn’t my idea of fun or fair, but I managed to get by with a homemade costume every now and again. I had no intentions of dressing up this year. At the request of one of my BF's, I shopped my closet and made it work.

Can you guess what look I was going for?

The old and young are out today in rare form. Please be safe if you’re going to a party or candy hunting from door to door with the little ones. Beware of the candy bags thieves, egg bombers and heavy juice drinkers. People have an excuse to act a little crazy today so be observant of your surroundings and have a good time.

Hope your night is full of more treats than tricks!

Peace & Love

Giving Back

Last month, I had the pleasure of working with my fellow H.S. alum and students to restore "The Pride of Chicago". The Alumni Association of Chicago Vocational High School reached out to former band members in hopes of giving the students a real homecoming experience. For years, the school's music program has been neglected and the reputation dramatically declined. So we showed up and showed out and the response was overwhelming. We were mentioned on V103, WGCI and  Power 92.3 radio stations. The word spread like a wildfire and now our rival high school band alum are inspired by our idea. What I'm most proud of is the impact that the homecoming performance had on the students. Now the music program has been reinstated as a major! Kudos to everyone who invested their time and effort into making this happen. Teamwork really does make the dream work!

8.10.11

I've always been super excited about my birthday, but turning 30 has me on cloud nine! As a little girl, I remember saying when I turn 30 I'll be rich, have my own business and I'll be married with kids. Let's just say I'm making progress with meeting those expectations. Lol. However, I'm at the point in my life that I can honestly say I'm happy. Give or take the challenges life may bring, I know that I'm tremendously blessed.

I am humbly grateful for everything and everyone in my life. My prime has arrived and I'm just glad to still be in the mix. I'm very proud of how far I've come. From being a little tomboy who was only interested in riding my bike, jumping double dutch rope and terrorizing my brother, to an intelligent business woman and even someone's wife. (who knew) Momma and Daddy's youngest born is all grown up. And this year, I'll dance until my feet go on strike.

Throwback Thursday Presents...

Our British sista took the world by storm and yes I got caught up in it. I fell in love with this song and followed her the remainder of her career. Lisa Stansfield was the shhhhh... Wherever you are, we miss you. Get Will I Am to drop you a track and so you can make a comeback. Whitney did it and you can too! Lbvs. 

Happy Thursday! Enjoy your weekend.

Natural Hair Sermon

Many have said that African-American women that choose to wear their natural hair are arrogant, extreme or self-righteous. This may hold some truth one way or the other. Allow me to introduce myself, shall I? My name is Chrishelle, most people call me Coco. Don't ask. My favorite fruit is a strawberry and my skin color is, well you know. The hair on my head has been chemical free for a total of 10 months. Before I chose to undo what my wonderful aunt did to my hair, I experimented with just about every hair style you could think of. As long as my hair was fried, dyed (okay really rinsed) or laid to the side, I was a happy camper.

I've always had hair past my shoulders, but I'd always change it up. I used to rock french rolls, rodded ponytails (you know the ones that went in the microwave, uh huh...lol) a layered bob, Rihanna inspired mohawk, 18 inch yaki or deep wave extentions, microbraids, crocheted extentions, fingerwaves, layered, pincurl and stacked ponytails and the list goes on. Out of all the hairstyles I've had, I must say that my hair is it's healthiest in it's natural state. No more pump it up spritz, oil sheen or hair relaxer for me. Believe me when I say that those days are over. Being natural is quite the liberating experience. Let me tell you why. I no longer have to run for cover when it rains. I can go all day not to worry about combing my hair to keep it in place. I can swim or get wet without the headache of putting on a swimming cap. Lastly, I am confident knowing that THIS is how God made me and I am beautiful no matter what!

With that, I must say that just because my hair is natural doesn't make me believe for a minute that I'm better than someone who isn't. This is a decision that I made and I'm proud of it, but I will not judge anyone who chooses to walk a different walk. I get so sick and tired of those women who say that natural hair women think they all that and so forth. Pluhleez stop that madness!!!! First it was light skinned women against dark and now this? Is the new hype of hate that's brewing: Relaxed Hair vs. Naturals? Let's quit all this nonsense and get free. We're all beautiful in our own right. Even the chick you swear up and down is ugly as hell is a star in someone's eyes. Believe that. So let's work on encouraging each other instead of ripping each other to shreads. I mean really...when are we gonna get enough? Being positive is the way to go. So if you see somebody that looks nice, instead of being nasty towards them, just let them know.

Sprung Poetry

I am in love with his heartbeat

I am in love with his toes

With his sun kissed complexion

I love the shape of his nose

I am in love with his mustache

That enhances his lips

I am in love with his shoulders

right down to his fingertips

I am in love with his walk

and his bright sexy smile

His kisses make me blush

as if I am a child

I am in love with his eyebrows

so thick and untamed

I love the shade of his eyes

for mine are just the same

I am in love with his affection

so warm and sincere

he is in love with his woman

and has made that crystal clear

I am in love with our synergy

as hand is to a glove

How far HE has brought us

I gratefully thank the Lord above

I am in love with our friendship

I am in love with our future

I am in love