BrownGirl Speaks

Friday I attended my monthly home school group meeting and we focused on healthy eating. Our host prepared a variety of treats like fresh salad, baked brie, and homemade hummus. I brought some of my own homemade granola. After we feasted, we watched the documentary Food Inc. This documentary I implore everyone to see. I think it should  be shown not only in individual households but also, in schools and churches to educate people where and how the meat they consume gets from the farm to the grocery stores. It is not an easy film to watch but a little gagging is worth the eye-opening experience and the knowledge anyone would take away. I've already been slowly phasing out the few meats (poultry) I consume to match my son's vegetarian diet and the lasting images and stories from Food Inc. are making it easier. We all ave to know and understand that four corporations control a majority of the meat industry. We have to know and understand that because they have so little concern for consumers that they will have their meat sources bred and harvested in such deplorable conditions that they lead to massive e. coli outbreaks which can and have been deadly. We have to know that the farmers these companies employ are basically modern-day sharecroppers as some of them take on exorbitant loans that their meager salaries will never allow them to pay off in a lifetime. But don't think that this documentary is a ploy to undermine the meat industry as you'll not only see unethical farming and harvesting by some major corporations but also, ethical and humane practices by smaller indie farmers. It's simply about educating us consumers on making informed choices when we shop for meat and to use our voice-dollars-to demand change. The film also goes a bit into the use of soybeans and corn. The corn segment should shed light on why we suddenly have commercials touting the consumption of high fructose corn syrup is fine "in moderation". I call FOUL on that, but I'll let you be your own judge. So, please strongly consider viewing the documentary which is currently available at Netflix on DVD and instant stream and through the official website for hosting school viewings.

The admin. for my online coupon group sent us a message about a mom who plans her family of six's meals for an entire year. Here was my response via email:

Wow, I mean...wow. I don't know how to respond to that. Well, one problem is you're gonna be eating a lot of processed food like all that Rice-a-Roni she had stockpiled. But still that's amazing to do that with that many people to feed. There's only three of us and I can't wrap my head around meal planning for a whole year.

Now, is this really feasible for the masses? Can it be done with healthier, fresh foods without necessarily be vegetarian or vegan? What say you?

Corinne is back and she brought grown and sexy with her. Yes, there's been talk of this whole album being some sort of lament over the tragic loss of her husband, musician Jason Rae, nearly two years ago.  However, I hear more than sorrow. I definitely hear a woman who has loved and lost in a big way, but more importantly I hear a woman. The Sea has such maturity and range. Bailey Rae shows so much vulnerability on this album. She challenged herself vocally which is so refreshing and is a testament to where she is as an artist: uninhibited.

Immediate standouts/ faves for me are:
* I'd Do It All Again. She clearly expresses her unwavering love for her husband despite any shortcomings. It's beautiful and heart-breaking. This is where she shines vocally and just puts her soul on display.

* Closer. Corinne tries on some straight R&B here and she wears it well, like a sexy little black dress. The lyrics, the vocals....everything's on point. I've already played this song like two dozen times.

* Are You Here. Psychedelic and soulful. The track reminds me of the Beatles or Jefferson Airplane. She questions the lingering presence of her husband.

* Love's On Its Way. Another glorious ballad that invokes so much emotion. It verges on being anthemic.

* The Blackest Lily. Rock/ Funk tinged and featuring drummer ?uestlove of The Roots, it's that "I really shouldn't hook up with you but I kinda can't help myself" song.

 
Now let me make it clear that this entire album is bliss. I'm completely loving this new sound she's serving up. It's a beautiful blend of sweet and sultry . Fledgling and up-and-coming artists, please take note. This is how you grow and evolve.

Wanna see part two? Head over to my YouTube channel.

This is the third or fourth time-this year- that I've tried a bantu knot out. I just plain ol' don't like it. The curls came out the best they ever have, but there's no length. I'd like for styles that take an entire day of air drying to at least retain my length, not give me poodle curls. The twist n curl does it, a straight roller set does it, but this bantu knot out....uggggh. I'm not going to wash it out this time. Like I said the curls came out pretty nice so, I'm going to see how many days I get outta this and if my curls loosen up well. I'll do an update of course.

What I used and did:
Shampoo: Herbal Essence None of Your Frizzness
Rinsing Conditioner: Garnier Fructis Moisture works conditioner
Leave In Conditioner: Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner
Tool: Denman D4 brush
*Finished with my own whipped mango butter infused with essential oils.

Shampooed my scalp after about 2 months of no poo. Conditioned and rinsed. Added two blobs of the Organix and detangled with Denman. I put my hair in about 16 two strand twists then twisted those into bantu knots. I covered it with a satin scarf and left it up for about 24 hours. See the results below just after taken down on New Year's Day

First of all, I was completely shocked that I won the Feminist Review's November giveaway. I was to leave a comment on which item I'd love to win from Etsy seller, Coco's Greenhouse. Well, everything is so wearable by this jewelry artisan. My usual aesthetic is earth tones, but this time I went for more color. The Bohemian Garden necklace, with its red beads and blue flower, is bold and makes a statement. I was unable to get the cute little denim dress I really want to wear with the necklace. So, I settled for a black button-down with, yes, a high collar. I know it's a slight fashion faux pas, but I couldn't wait any longer to wear this beautiful necklace and that was my best option from the closet. Nonetheless, I was pleased with how it looks against black. My mom asked me if it was really an antique and I think that said it all. It's new vintage which the designer, Kristy Malecki, does beautifully. The quality in the craftsmanship is flawless. All of her pieces are classic and very budget friendly. I'm now such a fan...as you should be too. Check out Coco's Greenhouse for your next must-have accessory.

Teri LaFlesh is my hair idol, hair guru, whatever you wanna call her. She has the most amazing tush length tightly curly hair.  I became a student, if you will, of her website, Tightly Curly around March of this year and it rocked my world and my curls. Once I discovered her blog, Notes of a Former Mushroom Haired Child, I began following it too. So, she announced this week that her book, Curly Like Me: How to Grow Your Hair Healthy, Long, and Strong, is finished and set for release May 2010. Hell ya! I'll probably break routine and review it here instead of on my book blog. Teri is an ingredient junkie so I know to expect tons of information on what's in every naturally curly girl appropriate product. She's also a stickler for how to handle curls- tools, shampooing, etc. Did I say how I excited I am about this book finally being published? Hopefully, I won't have to wait until May to get a copy to review and pour over like a crazed woman. That was a hint to the pre-release book fairies. Alright folks remember to check for Curly Like Me in May 2010 and it's available for pre-order now-- just click the pic.

So, I've had this liquid creamer in my fridge for months. My cheap coffee maker becoming uncooperative led to an impromptu hiatus from coffee. I've never been a coffee drinker out of necessity so it wasn't a big deal. But, tossing two nearly full bottles of creamer was a big deal. Fast forward to about a month ago when I bought a bunch of Swiss Miss hot chocolate. The Mr. and The Kid have been throwing it back for weeks when I finally decided to have a cup. It was okay but I wanted some whip cream. Not available and not going to the store right now. What else? Ooh, vanilla caramel coffee creamer! It was splendid with a bit of nutmeg. Now, I still want some whip cream so it can just completely rock my world, but this will work. This is a great solution for non-coffee drinkers who are tantalized by the sound of all the delicious flavored coffees of my once favorite overpriced coffee retailer. My next cup will get a healthy splash of Gingerbread creamer. Yum-o!