Along Mod Avenue

Merry Christmas: Holiday Giveaway Winner!!

2011-12-25T10:11:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all! I hope all of you are enjoying time spent with loved ones.

I wanted to take a quick moment and announce the lucky winner of the Gold Coast Necklace by PeaceImages. Thanks to all who submitted entries and who support my blog. I wish I could give a necklace to you all. I had to redraw a new winner since I didn't get a response from the initial winner. Here is a new screenshot of the results.

The winner is Jacqueline (#104) and she has claimed her prize!!!! Congrats!

Natural Skin Care Remedies: Oil Cleansing Method

2011-12-13T19:38:00.000-08:00

The oil cleansing method is a great way to naturally cleanse your skin. It really has worked for me for the last year especially during the winter months. I have very minimal breakouts and my face no longer feels tight and dry. The oil cleansing method (OCM) is a blend of oils that rids your pores of the sebum produced by your skin that traps dirt, makeup, and dead skin causing acne, whiteheads, and other skin impurities. This exposes a more radiant and natural glow. Since I have oily/combination skin, my oil mixture consists of 60% castor oil, 20% grapeseed oil, and 20% jojoba oil. Castor oil works to clean out pores and has anti-inflammatory effects. Grapeseed oil is a light moisturizer that has an astringent effect on the skin and jojoba oil is a natural moisturizer that mimics the skin's natural sebum. I add about 5 drops of tea tree oil for antiseptic properties. There are many variations of OCM depending on your skin type. I use the OCM once or twice a day.

Ingredients

My Facial Oil Cleanser

Here is how I use OCM:

Pour about a quarter-size amount of oil to palm of hand and massage onto face for about a minute or two
Take a washcloth and run under steamy hot water. Wring washcloth for excess water and apply hot cloth to face until it cools.
Wipe excess dirt and makeup
Repeat second and third step one or two more times
Then rinse washcloth with cool water and apply to face to close pores.
Apply a facial moisturizer such as a drop or two of grape seed or jojoba oil. Sometimes I use Cetaphil lotion.

Oil mixes with oil; therefore the OCM works by drawing out oil, dirt, and make-up from your pores. Many commercial products have to chemically combine ingredients in order to work as a facial cleanser. A lot of times this can be drying to the face causing our skin to produce more sebum which can lead to more breakouts. Let me know if you have tried OCM and how it worked or didn't work for you!

Delicate Shades: New Ankara Fabrics by Vlisco

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

Vlisco, the premier source of quality Ankara/Dutch Wax fabrics, launched its fourth 2011 collection last month, entitled "Delicate Shades". These prints really do have a unique quality compared to previous collections. I really wish Vlisco would come out with a line of ready-to-wear clothing. These dresses are fabulous. Prints like these make me want to sign up for a sewing class ASAP!

source

Love, Love, Love!!!

Check the video of Vlisco's Delicate Shades Collection

Vlisco Delicate Shades 2011 from Orfixmedia on Vimeo.

Holiday Party Attire: A Royal (Blue) Affair

2011-12-04T07:38:00.001-08:00

(Dress: Esley; Opera gloves: Ebay; Stockings: The Limited, Booties: Zara, Necklace: OohBoutique, Purse: vintage Chanel)

I've been on a little hiatus since Thanksgiving. I think all the turkey, candied yams, collards, dressing, mac and cheese, cornbread, potato salad, and sweets i ate just wore me out! So Im back now...fully charged!!

Last night, I attended a holiday party for work and I had such a nice time. I decided to wear royal blue as opposed to the usual red and green. To give the outfit a little zest, I wore a shimmery gold/ivory linked chain necklace which really worked as a statement piece. The opera gloves and up-do hairstyle gave a classic touch!

An eye-catching necklace to make the outfit more interesting

These gloves are so comfy and timeless!

Stocking/booties gave the outfit a little edge to counteract the classy look

Thanksgiving: Be Grateful

2011-11-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

"I had no shoes and complained, until I met a man who had no feet" -an Indian proverb

source

Each day I wake up with a spirit of gratitude because I know someone else woke up with tears of sorrow. Be content in all you have....there is someone praying right now to be in your shoes. Everything you possibly need, you already have!! Just fill your heart with sincere gratitude and I can attest a grateful heart will open the doors for more blessings to flow. Happy Thanksgiving!

Holiday Giveaway:Win a Gold Coast Necklace by PeaceImages

2011-11-23T22:15:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, while doing some cyber window shopping on PeaceImages, I became inspired to do a Holiday giveaway. I bought two Gold Coast Necklaces (seen below)...one for my sister (surprise sis!) and the other for one special reader. (Fellas you should enter too...its one less gift you have to buy this Christmas). Now some of you may not be familiar with Peace Images Jewelry....so check out her online store here. These exquisite pieces speak for themselves and are definitely not for the meek at heart. I purchased the Fandango earrings last month and they are definitely a statement piece!

How To Enter:
Its very simple....just complete the Rafflecopter form below! You can submit as many entries as you like to increase your chances of winning. All entries will be verified and any fabrications will be deleted. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Christmas day. Best wishes to all!!

Valued at $40
See description here

Zara's Plaited Shopper: A Staple Handbag for the Winter

2011-11-22T19:09:00.001-08:00

This evening while watching "Reed Between The Lines," I found my eyes hooked on the handbag Tracee Ellis Ross was wearing. Once I saw this bag, I knew "we" had met before! During one of my many cyber window shopping escapades, I spotted this bag and knew it was a winter must-have. Check it out ladies at Zara. It comes in various colors. This bag is timeless and its definitely on my Christmas list!

Nigerian Designers Revealed: Folake Folarin-Coker

2011-11-18T16:43:00.001-08:00

Folake Folarin-Coker is the creative mind behind Tiffany Amber based in Lagos, Nigeria. She has been stamping her footprints in the fashion world for the last 13 years. I was checking out her S/S 2012 line from London Fashion Week and it is fabulous! Check out photos from the show here. Her designs are bold, yet very light and feminine. I love the versatility in the fabrics. She actually made velvet look appealing to me. Check out her Autumn/Winter 2011 line below.

images from the fancy hub

Bon Appetit: Cajun Crab Cakes

2011-11-15T19:14:00.001-08:00

Tonight I prepared crab cakes for dinner with a side of veggies and it was de-lish!!! Very flavorful and if you like spicy foods, then you'll love this recipe. I've made a few changes to the original recipe to give it a little more kick. If you don't like your food too spicy, then scale back on the pepper or eliminate the Habanero pepper altogether.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoon olive oil
6 green onion, chopped
1/2 of one Habanero pepper, chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
16 oz can of canned crabmeat, drained (no imitation)
1 egg
2 teaspoon mayo
2 teaspoon horseradish mustard
1 teaspoon dry mustard
8 oz buttery round crackers, crushed
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
a pinch or two of Old Bay Seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of regular dry bread crumbs

Directions:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute green onions and Habanero pepper together until soft. Allow to cool, then pick out Habanero pepper and throw away.

Combine crabmeat, sautéed green onions, egg, mayo, dry mustard, horseradish mustard, crushed crackers, garlic powder, Old Bay Seasoning, salt and pepper into a large bowl, then mix very well. Form into 1/2 inch thick patties and coat the patties with bread crumbs

Heat 1/2 cup olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook cakes until golden brown on each side. Drain excess oil on paper towel. Serve hot with a side of veggies and ....Bon Appetit!!

Crab Cakes for days!!

Very meaty and full of flavor!!! Yummy....Now time for bed

GIVEAWAY CONTEST!!

2011-11-13T16:01:00.000-08:00

Guess what today is???!!! ( I'll give you two seconds to guess.....1......2).......Okay, do you give up?!?! Well today marks my thirty day anniversary of blogging!! Whoohoo, yes!!!!! I made it a complete thirty days. I thought this was going to be a one week venture, but it lasted a LOT longer than I thought. To commemorate this day, I decided to have a contest. The prize is a $25 gift certificate for Carol's Daughter. This will be mailed to the lucky winner on Tuesday November 15th.

The first one to email me the answers to the following questions...WINS!! Email me @ alongmodavenue@gmail.com. ALL answers are found on my blog...good luck :)

1.) When did I first launch my blog? (easy question, I know!)
2.) Who is the couture designer that designed Halle Berry's gown for the 2002 Academy Awards?
3.) Name one of the two water-based moisturizers I use primarily during the winter.
4.) What is the name of the London-based shoe designer who created Finsk?
5.) Who wrote the excerpt "Let It Go"?
6.) Fill in the blank ________+__________=Hair Growth! (two answers)
7.) Who sung the duet "Til The End of Time" with Timothy Bloom?
8.) Eric Roberson's video to the song "Still" was in honor of what disease that affects many women?

Check back later. The winner will be announced on this post!

Thanks so much to all who have visited my blog and for all your positive feedback!

ADDENDUM: WE HAVE A WINNER!!!! A big CONGRATS to Chyami! She is the winner of this contest for a Carol's Daughter gift card. Thanks to all who entered. Look out for more contests in the future!

Vintage Point: A Quick Protective Hairstyle

2011-11-11T19:22:00.001-08:00

A lot of my up-dos are inspired by hairstyles from the 1940's. Here is a quick pictorial of a vintage protective style that only takes minutes!

Eric Roberson: Mister Nice Guy

2011-11-08T18:59:00.000-08:00

If you have an appreciation for delicately-crafted soul music, then you will love independent artist, Eric Roberson aka ERRO! He always delivers great music and I cant wait to listen to his new album, "Mister Nice Guy", I just purchased five minutes ago. I've never been disappointed in any of his eight albums. "Still", a single from his last album, was Grammy-nominated and you will absolutely see why after checking out this video. Please support this musical genius!

Opera Gloves: A Fashion Comeback!

2011-11-06T13:45:00.000-08:00

Opera gloves have been making a fashion comeback in recent years. I love this vintage accessory which was adorn by many women and represented a high level of class and elegance in the 17th century. Yesterday, I ordered my first pair of black leather opera gloves and I can't wait to rock them with a 3/4 sleeve blazer or coat this winter!

Big Hair Don't Care: A Braid Out Tutorial

2011-11-06T12:43:00.000-08:00

Braid outs are my go to hairstyle when I want to keep it wild and funky. It fits my personality and I totally love the untamed look. Im not an hair expert by no means. However over the last three years, I have found some things that work and don't work for my hair. Here is how i do my braid outs. I like to keep it pretty simple so let me know if you have any questions.

6 day old twist/braid out

Materials

small spray bottle with water
Shea butter based moisturizer such as Jane Carter's Nourish and Shine. If on a budget (like me) use Shea butter mixed with a little jojoba oil. It works just as well!
Stain Scarf
Hair clamps (optional)

Directions

Make sure your hair is washed and well conditioned. It may not turn out nice on hair that hasn't been washed in over a week. Also hair should be well detangled and smooth (no knots).
Decide if you want a side part or middle part. Then, section hair into 8-10 parts (use hair clamps if it helps).
Start with one section and dampen with water using your spray bottle. Hair should not be dripping wet, just damp.
Then apply a dime-sized amount of a shea-butter based moisturizer. If using shea butter, then blend about a dime-sized amount of shea butter and a drop of Jojoba oil with the palm of your hands. (Shea butter really helps to give weight to your hair so that it can hang down)
Smooth onto section of hair.
Braid hair. While braiding if you find that you run out of hair from one of the three parts before completing braid, then just borrow some hair from the one of the other parts...(hope that makes sense :/ )
Continue the same process with all sections and then tie hair up with scarf.
In the morning, take a drop of grapeseed or jojoba oil onto palm of hands and unbraid hair. The oil helps reduce frizz. Make sure your hair is at least 95% dry or it will loose the pattern.
Take your hands and run it through scalp to ensure that parts aren't showing. Try not to disturb the hair pattern itself.
Keep in mind that braid outs become more untamed looking as the days go along. I usually rebraid my hair each night but use larger sections (about 4) in order to stretch it out more. In the following pics, I was a bit lazy and didn't rebraid so it was a little dry, but I loved it all the same. I definitely wouldn't go two nights without braiding (or twisting).
Rock your braid out with a fly outfit and you're ready to go!! Enjoy.

ILOVEMYHAIR.COM

2011-11-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

This evening while I was on my way out the door, I was quickly distracted when I saw a package sent from my lovely sister. There's almost nothing better than opening your front door to find a package just for you.....even if you sent it to yourself, lol. It just makes you feel so warm and fuzzy inside. Anyways, I opened the package to find this BEAUTIFUL artwork created by Andrea Pippins (check out her bio here).

My sister introduced me to her artwork last year and I never got around to making any purchases. I absolutely love the simplicity of the design and the vivid color scheme incorporated with African print . Of course, the hairstyle speaks volume and serves as the focal point of the design. It is reminiscent of natural hairstyles from the past and present. Check out her online shop at www.ilovemyhair.com .

Fun Times: Ledisi feat. Timothy Bloom Concert

2011-10-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes we put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down" -Unknown

One of the best moments in life are created when great friends come together and just BE! I am truly fortunate to have people in my life who allow me to be me without reason. One thing that stands true is once you liberate yourself of all fears and let your light shine, you subconsciously allow others around you to do the same.

Yesterday, my friends, Shay and Nikki, and I went to the "Pieces of Me" Concert with four time Grammy-nominated artist, Ledisi and Grammy awarding-winning songwriter/singer, Timothy Bloom performing. The concert was EXTRAORDINARY to say the least...Ledisi is a true inspiration and I truly see the passion within her when she sings. She was real! For a moment, I felt like one of her homegirls from around the way. I loved it.

Timothy Bloom opened for Ledisi and he REALLY did his thing! He has the hit single entitled "Til The End of Time" featuring V. Bozeman (this girl is bad!) Here is the clean version of the video.

I am soooo proud of Tim especially since I went to high school with him and we always knew his voice would take him far. I remember him performing in talent shows and serenading us with his voice on the bus. Seeing him perform last night was surreal.

However, what really made the night were the unforgettable moments that sprinkled throughout the evening. Everything from catching up with one of my dearest friends while sipping Mai Tai, trying on leotards at American Apparel, spotting 30 bucks on the floor at Belk's (cha ching!), to sneaking backstage to check out our old high school buddy Tim! Sneaking backstage seems to be a hidden talent that Shay is well-versed in. We're definitely NOT groupies, lol...its just exciting sneaking into places where bodyguards and laminate badges can't hinder you! I truly believe life is what you make of it...You have a choice to either live your dreams or dream your life!

Let IT GO!!!

2011-10-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

(

Excerpt written by T.D Jakes...

There are people who can walk away from you.And hear me when I tell you this!
When people can walk away from you: let them walk. I don't want you to try to
talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about
you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.When
people can walk away from you let them walk.

Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.The bible said that, they came
out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had
they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]People
leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you,
you can't make them stay.Let them go.

And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in
the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is
over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead.You've got to know when
it's dead.You've got to know when it's over.

Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth
spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm
faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And
if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay.Let them
go!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never
intended for your life, then you need to......LET IT GO!!!If you are holding on
to past hurts and pains............LET IT GO!!!If someone can't treat you right,
love you back, and see your worth.....LET IT GO!!!If someone has angered you.LET
IT GO!!!If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge......LET IT
GO!!!If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction......LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talentsLET IT
GO!!!If you have a bad attitude.....LET IT GO!!!If you keep judging others to
make yourself feel better......LET IT GO!!!If you're stuck in the past and God
is trying to take you to a new level in Him........LET IT GO!!!If you are
struggling with the healing of a broken relationship.......LET IT GO!!!If you
keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves......LET IT
GO!!!If you're feeling depressed and stressed..................LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and
God is saying 'take your hands off of it,' then you need to.....LET IT GO!!!Let
the past be the past. Forget the former things. GOD is doing a new thing for
this season!!LET IT GO!!!Get Right or Get Left ... think about it, and then..LET IT G
O!!!'The Battle is the Lord's!

Contemporary Furniture for Your Feet: Its All About Finsk!!

2011-10-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

6 1/2 inch heel with 4inch platform

7 1/2 inch heel with 2 1/2 inch platform

Lately, I have been attracted to shoes that have a more edgy and architectural appeal. That's why I absolutely adore Finsk created by London based designer Julia Lundsten. She seemingly created contemporary furniture for your feet! Im curious to know how comfortable they are. ASOS sells the less dramatic styles and the styles seen above (which I might say are a little pricey) are sold on Solestruck.com. So for now, I'll have to stick with my Jeffrey Campbells, but Im totally adoring these shoes from afar.

One of my many loves include interior design and furniture. So of course, I couldn't help but notice the striking similarities between the shoes above and the beautiful designer chairs below. Both exemplify well-crafted styles that are rarely seen in your local shopping malls. Its obvious great thought and time was invested into a creation only meant to support the less glamourous parts of our bodies....our feet and bums! Yet both styles are eye-catching, they don't appear to be very comfortable. They seem to serve as a piece of artwork that should sit in a corner to never be touched by human flesh :) To say the least, I love the originality and artistic detail...

(source)

(The Janus Chairs by Ryder Architecture)

(La Roche Chairs by Milla Rezonova)

Then & Now: Hair Length Comparisons

2011-10-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

Thought this would be a good time to post hair comparison pics, since I just had my hair blown out yesterday. I am not "anti-straight hair" by no means and enjoy the occasional break from my nightly routine. However, I love to wear my hair in its natural state more so, therefore you won't catch me rocking this look very often . These are 10-month comparison shots of my hair. The pictures above were taken in October 2011 and the pictures below were taken January 2011. Sorry....not the best comparison shots, but it will have to do for now! :)

Winter-Prepping Your Hair

2011-10-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

(source)

Ladies!!! The winter months are slowing creeping along and will not shed mercy on our hair, especially if you wear your hair in its natural state....so lets visit some DOs and DONTs in order to preserve our beautiful tresses!

1.) DO use Moisture, Moisture, Moisture!!! Beef up the length of time you leave in your deep conditioner. I use Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner. After applying this product, put on a plastic cap and wrap a towel around your head to promote heat! After one hour, rinse product out with cold water and then make sure to use a quality leave-in conditioner.

2.) DON'T go to bed with your hair "out"! Every night I section my hair into 6-8 parts, lightly dampen each section with water, then apply a water based moisturizer to seal in moisture. During winter, I use Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream or Carol's Daughter Hair Milk: The Original Curl Definer (this works great for curl definition and moisture). I braid or twist each section and then tie it up with a satin scarf. This method locks in moisture at night, so that in the morning your hair is well moisturized.

3.) DO stay well hydrated! What you put inside your body is just as important as what you put on the outside. My diet includes drinking a gallon of water a day...(and yes, I drink it straight from the container, lol). The composition of our hair strands consists 25-30% of water. Therefore, lack of water consumption can leave your hair dry and brittle no matter what you apply to the outside.

4.) DON'T allow scarves, sweaters, and wool coats to rub against your fragile hair strands! When wool fabrics rub against our hair, it leaves the cuticles of our hair open which inadvertently leaves our hair prone to dryness. It also snags at our hair causing breakage which impedes hair growth. Instead, put your hair up and away from your coat collar/scarf or line the collar of your coat with a fashionable silk/satin scarf.

5.) DO use protective styles! Contrary to what some may think, protective hairstyles can be very mod and trendy! Ninety percent of the time, my hair is kept in protective hairstyles. I save the more dramatic/big hairstyles for nights I go out :) Braids, two-strand twists, and vintage buns and rolls (check out this link here for retro protective hairstyles) are the way to go this winter! The goal is not to leave the ends of your hair exposed to the harsh elements. Remember this very simple equation (see below) which preserves hair and promotes hair growth during those cold winter days!

MOISTURE + PROTECTIVE STYLES= HAIR GROWTH!!!

I absolutely love Janlle Monae inspired hairstyles...so classic, yet edgy and funky! Great style alternative for the winter.

RANDOMNESS ALERT!!!!

Speaking of Letting Go yesterday....check out one of my favorite songs from Ms. Monae

Le Parfum Elie Saab: A Ultra-Feminine Scent You'll Love!!

2011-10-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

Last week, I picked up this very captivating fragrance! This is the first fragrance from couture designer Elie Saab who is well known for designing Halle Berry's gown for the 2002 Academy Awards (the one where she won Best Actress...Go Ms Berry!). It blends orange blossom, jasmine, cedar, rose honey and patchouli creating a pleasant woody and flowery scent. The scent is very pretty and feminine, yet commands attention without causing others around you to pass out! Go to your local Nordstrom or Bloomingdale to sniff for yourself....you'll love it!

india.arie privateparty

2011-10-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

Guess Who Turns___ Today!!

2011-10-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I hosted my very first birthday soiree at one of my fav lounges. Everything came together beautifully. The food, music, and venue created a very warm and eclectic environment. I was so happy to share this experience with friends and acquaintances alike!

One thing I have learned is that its OK to celebrate yourself. I mean why not??? After you reflect on how God has helped you conquer many hardships, loses, and disappointments and then find yourself still standing and smiling at the end...you find a lot of reasons to celebrate! Ive learned how to see my glass as half-full instead of half-empty and to let GO of dead weight in my life. Dead weight only slows me down and honey...I have a loooong journey ahead! So best believe, I prefer to travel light!

Cut Out Dress by Aqua by Aqua Couture
Shoes by Jeffrey Campbell
Clutch French Connection

Im very grateful to see another year because I honestly know of those who didn't. Celebrate yourself even if no one joins the party!! Happy Birthday to me....Now time for a private party!

My First Entry: Lets Take a Stroll Along Mod Avenue!!!

2011-10-13T04:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings and welcome to my blog! Wow, my first blog!!! I was an hour into my sleep when I woke up and had this epiphany to start my own blog. So here I am on the couch (4am) trying to make this happen....wish me well ;) My hope is that who ever reads this blog will gain inspiration, laughter, and enjoyment as we travel "Along Mod Avenue" where many topics are visited from beauty/fashion, relationships, spiritual empowerment, and much more... I have come a long way strolling down this avenue and Im excited to share what life's journey has taught me!