Spiced Honey

Camouflage

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:35:00 +0000

On Friday, I washed and used Aussie Moist as my leave-in, as usual. Now normally I make a middle part- this time I didn't make a part at all (to help camouflage some of the less-than-curly sections in the front). I simply used my fingers and Denman brush to simply place the hair straight back.
I think it worked out well because I didn't need any clips or pins...

What do you do to help camouflage your less than favorable section of hair?
Wesley B.
www.honeybrownsugar.com

Love it or Leave it? Rihanna

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:00:00 +0000

I almost didn't post this but I just had to know your thoughts... Do we love this new look on Rihanna?
Seems like this shave craze is really becoming a serious trend. What's next?

*PS- I'm really LOVING the earrings though!

Friday's Dessert 7/17

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:31:00 +0000

With herstory in the making this past week, I felt it was more than appropriate to have today's quote come from Supreme Court Justice nominee, Judge Sonia Sotomayor:

Although I grew up in very modest and challenging circumstances, I consider my life to be immeasurably rich.
-Judge Sonia Sotomayor

Have a great weekend!

J-Lo's back!

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:58:00 +0000

I was deep in the city on Franklin street this morning attempting to cross the street when a geek with glasses and a headset informed me that I would have to wait several minutes. A movie was being filmed. Once I was finally "allowed" to cross the street, I noticed Jennifer Lopez crossing the cross street right ahead of me. She looked great- a little on the thin side though. Her booty isn't as big as most would think yet her face was beautiful (too much makeup though, but for film I assumed it was necessary).

I stopped to watch the happenings for a few moments then continued on my way.

Just gotta love living in the city sometimes... You never know who or what you're gonna run into!

Reconsidering: Henna!

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Since about February or March, I have been henna-ing my hair once a month. My last henna process was done the first weekend in May. I love the results that henna gives my hair, however, I've been holding off on my next application. The reason why, you ask? Well...

I have a small section of hair on the front left side of my hair that is not handling the henna too well. It has literally straightened that section out. Because my hair is different textures all around, the section in the front is the most loosely curled. When it is wet, it hangs down-- it almost looks as if it is relaxed! I have to use my hands to scrunch, scrunch, scrunch in order to get some type of wave going on.

A friend of mine suggested that I don't apply the henna to that section in my next application. I've tried the amla powder already and I don't want to use cassia.

This just might be the answer. I'll keep ya posted!

What would you do?

Love it or Leave it? Beyonce

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Ok I've been seeing B rocking this style for a while now and I can't continue to ignore it...

So tell me, is the frizzy bed-head look hot or not?

Dr. Miracle's Celebrity Look-a-like Contest Winner: Manaya Latrice

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Manaya Latrice was the winner of the Dr. Miracle's Celebrity look-a-like contest- Her striking resemblance to songstress Mary J. Blige afforded her a trip to the 2009 BET Awards. Below, she shares her winning experience and tells HBS a little about the woman behind the familiar face.

You've been pegged the official Mary J. Blige look-a-like. Have you ever met her?
Unfortunately, I have never had the pleasure of meeting Mary face to face. The day that happens will be one of the best days of my life! Not only am I a look-a-like, but I also sing as well. I occasionally sing at night clubs in the Richmond area and I sing at weddings and funerals.

Tell us about your experience at the BET awards.
My experience at the BET awards certainly exceeded my expectations. Winning this competition as a whole went far beyond my wildest dreams. From my stay in LA on Sunset Blvd., to me recording the commercial in the Celebrity Gift Lounge amongst some of the most notable celebrities, to me actually being on the Red Carpet the day of the awards was something I had NEVER dreamed of. I was standing side by side with celebs such as Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Tyra Banks, Ray J., Tyrese, John Singleton, members of the Housewives of Atlanta, Tocarra, Ginuwine, Lisa Leslie, the list goes on and on!

Let's get on the subject of hair, because yours is pretty dope! What is your normal routine? What are some of your favorite products?
Of course Dr. Miracle's is on the top of my list. For those that haven't tried it please don't waste another day. Once you've used it once you're going to wish you started using it sooner.
I actually have my own personal hair stylist, Mrs. Yvonne Poindexter, stylist and owner of Beyond Beauty Salon and Spa, located at 4 E. Grace St in downtown Richmond, VA (804) 780-0167. She knows whatever Mary is rocking at the time is what I want to rock! I do a lot of lace wigs as well as sew-ins. My natural hair is cared for and managed with Dr. Miracle's products. Their shampoo and leave-in conditioners are the best!

You're also a talented MAC makeup artist- How did you get into that?
I actually got my opportunity at MAC because I was a regular customer at one of the counters and every time I stepped foot in there my makeup was on point..(as it is everyday..lol) The manager at the time offered me a freelance/on-call position and my career flourished from there.

Being a Makeup Artist is a passion of mine. There's no feeling like being able to make someone else feel good, from the inside out. My motto is- "Let Me Enhance The Beauty In You!". The face is my canvas, my foundation. I'm just enhancing what's already there.

I've been doing makeup since 2005. I taught myself the basics and go to school to stay up on the latest techniques and makeup trends. I travel up and down the East Coast doing makeup for weddings, portraits, pamper parties...you name it!!

Stay tuned as I am currently working on launching my own cosmetics line!! Offering high quality natural organic products at an affordable price.

For my services please feel free to contact me at 804-523-0155 (www.facebook.com/manayalatrice). My travel is NOT limited!!

*Manaya would like to send an extra special thanks to the Almighty, her mom, Rondell, Joelle, Shanon, Mr. & Mrs. Johnson at Dr. Miracle's, BET, her fashion designer, Kourtney Renee (www.kourtneyrenee.com), and to the lovely HBS community!

Alicia Keys Inspired Hair...

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Quick, cute and cool for these faux summer months (I say faux because I'm still waiting for summer in NY to officially kick in! What's up with these 59-62 degree nights?!). Any-who, below is a video from one of my favorite stylists, Johnny Lavoy. This is definitely a style I'm gonna have to try on my 3 and 4 day old hair (when its big and fluffy) minus the headband (not much of a fan).

*Although he uses pieces to enhance thickness, its not really necessary.

Tuesday's Trouble: Worst than an Ego Booster

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:31:00 +0000

I'm not too sure how to handle this one guys (*rolling up my sleeves*)...

Dear HBS,

Thank you for leaving a spot opened for twisted sisters like me!
Here's my problem: There's this guy that lives a couple of apartments away from mine and though I never had the chance to talk to him, I've been in love (?) for close to 5 years now (yes, I know way too much). How do I go about pretending I don't care about him anymore or better yet that nothing ever happened?

Let me give you more details on the whole thing:
When I first met him, I was ugly because I felt ugly. I had no confidence at all! I used to see him parading with his girl in my face. He would hold her tighter at my sight to make me feel bad (?) I can't even blame him for that; I was the stupid fool who peeped at his window everyday, would stare at him forever and look so desperate. And I know it showed a lot that I was hurting because everybody tells me I'm too expressive and they read me like an open book!

Now I feel a lot more confident, but still... I tried to convince myself that he's not a good person but I've been on his Facebook many times (he has no clue about that) and he actually seems to be a very laid back person. Egocentric but friendly, nothing wrong with that!
I was told to expose my feelings to him but I NEVER will because I have already embarrassed myself in so many ways. He's not into me at all and I'm not even contemplating any kind of friendship or relationship with him anymore. I just feel so guilty for giving him so much power. I also feel ashamed because I left my pride at his feet without him even having to budge for that.

How do I save face when he sings really loud to get my attention or just smile to make me fall again?

Sincerely,
Lost & Confused

For those TWA's out there...

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Teeny weeny afro's! This is for you... HBS has been kind of neglectful towards those short haired honeys but today's post is dedicated to YOU. Last Thursday my mom asked me to come over and do her hair for her. She is one of those women who doesn't like to spend time on her hair (at all). If she can't literally shake and go in the morning, she doesn't want any part of it.
Typically, she wears her hair straight, yes-- her hair is RELAXED (wash & set from the Dominican salon). However, in the summer time she wants to wear it curly.

I used Pantene's Relaxed & Natural conditioner as the leave in. The following two pics are when it was in the drying process (still damp). I used my fingers to form each curl into place.

This photo was taken once it was about 95% dry. I used my fingers to separate and fluff each curl.

*It took me about 15 minutes to distribute the conditioner evenly around her head. The curls lasted long for her! I did this on a Thursday night and on Sunday in church it still looked good.

*Now, if you're like my mom and don't like to spend too much time on your hair, you don't have to single out, form and separate each curl. I told her that she could liberally apply the conditioner and use her hands to scrunch but don't touch until dry. (I actually didn't have problems with frizz on her hair. Some parts were still slightly damp as I began to separate the curls and there was no FRIZZ, anywhere!)

2009 Black Weblog Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:00:00 +0000

This is the first time HBS has been nominated for, well, anything. Please show your support and put in your vote honeys! Thanks big time :-)

Nominated for the following categories:
-Best style/fashion blog
-Best writing in a blog
-Blog to watch

Friday's Dessert 7/10

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:50:00 +0000

I apologize if I may have inundated you with my Michael Jackson posts but you guys have NO idea how much this man meant to me and my childhood. Any-who, I've always loved this song from MJ (Will You Be There), and the words spoken at the end really touched me during J-Hud's performance at Tuesday's Memorial...

In our darkest hour In my deepest despair
Will you still care?
Will you still be there?
In my trials Any my tribulations
Through our doubts
And frustrations
In my violence
In my turbulence
Through my fear
And my confessions
In my anguish and my pain
Through my joy and my sorrow
In the promise of another tomorrow
I'll never let you part
For you're always in my heart
-From "Will You Be There", (Free Willy Soundtrack)

RIP Mike

Have a joyous weekend!

Want to Be a Pantene Model?

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:00:00 +0000

You guys know I've been a huge fan of Pantene's Relaxed & Natural conditioner for some time now. However, if you use Pantene and have a beautiful head of hair you could possibly be the next shining star for Pantene Relaxed & Natural.

For more information and to join the next casting call, go to www.relaxedandnatural.com

Good luck!

The 5 Minute Bun

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:39:00 +0000

It's the fourth day of your wash & go, what do you do?
A. Wash & go again
B. Ponytail it
C. Bun it

Based on how I feel that day, either one of those options will be explored. Since I like wearing my hair down, I'm more than likely to just wash it again. However, when I'm pinched for time, I opt for my quick, 5 minute bun.

*The following was done on a four day old knot-out

Step 1: Gather hair in a high ponytail

Step 2: Using a large hair donut, pull the hair through

Step 3: Spread hair evenly around and over the donut
Step 4: Use an ouchless ponytail holder...

Step 5: Secure hair over and around the hair donut (using the ponytail holder), allow the ends to curl out, creating a "messy" look
The finished result

Goodbye, Mike...

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:37:00 +0000

If there was one thing I had to do today it was to view MJ's Memorial Service (and DVR'd it too)- I sat down front of my TV at exactly 1pm. I've never, ever wept over any celebrity figure's death, but to me, Mike wasn't just any ol' celebrity. As soon as J-Hud began singing, the floodgates opened wide. Usher also had me bawling like a baby, then with the closing of little Paris on the mic, I was just overwhelmed with emotion. I even had a headache!

It all just made me realize how through his music, Michael touched us all. His music has been the soundtrack of my life and so many others. I can literally chronicle my life thus far based on his music alone. The passing of MJ has brought the world together, even if only for a moment.

My dear Mike will truly be missed.

Tuesday's Trouble: Scaredy Cat

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:38:00 +0000

The last two TT posts have been about relationships... Today's post is about that awkward period right before a possible relationship blooms, see below:

Dear HBS,

I've had my eye on this guy that works in the same office building I work in for about 6 months now. He's tall, dark and extremely handsome, dresses like he just stepped out of GQ (think Lamman Rucker). We've been on the elevator together a few times, I didn't see a wedding band so I'm assuming he may be available. My problem is that I don't know how to approach him! I feel so intimidated by his good looks. Don't get me wrong though, I'm a cute girl I just feel like he might be out of my league if that makes sense (I'm 23, a recent college grad and I'm pretty sure he's well into his 30's). I've never been intimidated by a man before, so this is a weird feeling (never even thought it was possible).

My question is, how can I approach him without seeming desperate, over-anxious and/or immature?
I never imagined a man could have me doubting my own level of confidence!

Sincerely,
Scaredy Cat

PS- Here's a pic of Lamman (in case you don't know!)...

Love it or Leave it: Amber Rose

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:39:00 +0000

I don't know about you guys but I LOVE bright colors and just about anything different from the norm. Life is all about being YOU, and Amber does that well.

*Photo courtesy of Necolebitchie.com

But I want to know what you think: Are you feeling the turq hair or not?

Virtual Vacay?

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:05:00 +0000

*Above pics taken in Cancun last summer... Ohhh what I wouldn't give to be back there!

I apologize for not posting yesterday but I couldn't think of anything to write about! As of lately, the only thing thats been on my mind is SUN and SAND! I am in desperate need of a serious vacation... Under normal circumstances I would've certainly been planning a trip by now but since I'm not working, a trip at this time would pretty much be considered a luxury.
However, with everything thats unfolded in the past week, I'm sure we could all appreciate and luxuriate on the sand by the shore with a pina colada.

So, lets pretend...

- You're headed to the airport, it's a lovely day and you've got on your cute travel outfit.
- Your flight is smooth and arrives on time! Exiting the airport you step into balmy 90 degree weather. The palm trees are waving, welcoming you to the island. You've located your ride.
- You check in to your all inclusive resort and receive a glass of champagne as you and your luggage are escorted to your temporary home.
- After changing from your travel gear into your beachwear, you rush onto the hot powdery sand to finally be at peace...
- Everything in the world finally feels right...

Voila: You're in Aruba!

...You've just experienced a virtual vacation!

Now let's get back to real life :-/

Is it raining where you are?

Say It Ain't So... Vibe Magazine Closes Down

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:26:00 +0000

*Photo courtesy of Concreteloop.com

First, my dear Michael and now this... Seems like everything from my adolescent years are slowly fading away. I know the times change but man, this SUCKS. Vibe magazine officially closed it doors today, June 30, 2009 (click here to read a letter from CEO Steve Aaron).

Back down memory lane (again!): I remember I used to buy EVERY copy of Vibe back in my high school days. When Bad Boy and Death Row had covers... I had the copy of Biggie and Faith in the car, the one with Tupac and the other Death Row rappers, amongst many others. To be completely honest, Vibe is the ONLY magazine I still read TODAY. I generally browse blogs now to quench my entertainment thirst.

RIP Vibe... You will truly be missed.

Tuesday's Trouble: Ex Games

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:40:00 +0000

Today's trouble seems to be a little tricky, take a peep....

Dear HBS,

I'm 24 years old and I was in a relationship with a guy in 2007. We broke up because I did something stupid (I didn't cheat); we were going to get married and have kids- the whole nine. After we broke up, I tried my hardest to get him back for 2 years. Since that time, we've talked over Facebook, going on 3 years now. Sometimes he's so nice to me and says I'm beautiful- then the next time he'll say something very cruel. All the while I'm begging and pleading for him to be cool with me, I know I'm boosting his ego and kinda putting myself down.

So, a while ago I told him I'm going to stop speaking to him altogether because I was getting sick of it and then I got a message saying all these nice things and then I fall back right into his trap... Now, not too long ago he thought it would be funny to say on his Facebook that he's getting married. I sent a message congratulating him and his fiance, and he decides to speak his mind and tell me what he really thinks of me (at this point I got real DC on him!). Three days later I found out it was just a joke, he just wanted to see what I would do. We now live in the same area (which I just found out through one of my friends), which he doesn't know yet.

I don't even know if he likes me or what I should do... Can someone please give me some advice?

*Update:
-I deleted him and some how he found me on Twitter and asked if I was mad at him or something ...and the engagement was a "joke" so he says
-And DC means Washington DC
-I happen to see him walking home and he drove over the curb just to say hi so I threw him the peace sign and walked away. He followed me for 3 blocks to talk to me...

Sincerely,

One More Chance?

BET & that Award show...

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:12:00 +0000

If you're a Twittizen, then you know Twitter was overflowing with an influx of BET Awards tweets ALL weekend. I even had to sign off after awhile because I was BET Awards'd out! The show hadn't even aired yet and I was being inundated with useless information. Twitter can sometimes be great but at other times it can be a tad bit overbearing.
Anywho, did you watch the awards? If so, I want to know what you think. I chose several scenes I thought were rathering interesting, to say the least. Check it out...

Exhibit A:
I thought the Jody & Yvette bit was cute but when Ving Rhames came on the scene I thought it was a bit much and really unnecessary. His role in Baby Boy wasn't even like that if I'm not mistaken. Not sure what they were trying to prove with this one.... Any thoughts?

Exhibit B:
All I have to say is that I'm sooooo glad Ne-yo came to help them out!! Whew!
Exhibit C:
I really love the "Every Girl" beat, but the song is extremely crass. I don't know if this was really appropriate for the awards (and aren't the girls underage?)

Exhibit D:
Jamie! He did a great job at hosting- he kept the audience laughing and I think that the Sheneneh and Wanda movie REALLY needs to hit the theaters soon. For real.

Please feel free to share any other outstanding moments- whether you loved it or hated it!

Locks of Love for Ethnic Textured Hair?

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Curly Nikki and I received the same email not too long ago regarding Locks of Love and donating hair:

Hi Nikki and Wes,

Hope you're doing well! I have a question that I was hoping you could post to the CN and HBS community. The more exposure, the better as I don't know if many kinky-curlies have done this. I have been wanting to donate my hair to Locs of Love or some similar organization for a while now, and I finally think that I have enough length to be able to do it. So I wanted to know,

(1) Have any other afro-textured kinky-curlies out there done this before? If so, what organization did you go through?

(2) Do you know for sure that your hair was utilized? I ask this because I don't want to cut my hair for no good reason, and when I see the type of hair that is being donated on the websites, it is usually straight or more loosely curly/wavy. I have a nice tight curl pattern (lots of 4a and some 3c).

(3) For those who have done it, please offer any advice you may have.

Guess that was more than one question... =0)

Thanks a bunch ladies!

Remember the time... Michael Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:07:00 +0000

The sudden news of Michael Jackson's passing broke my heart. For as long as I can remember I knew and loved MJ. I can remember my mother getting me ready for pre-school in the morning and playing "Beat It" for me to dance around to. I had two MJ dolls to accompany my Barbies. I remember the mouse he loved in the movie about his life. I remember the world premiere of "Remember the Time" on Fox 5. And I remember talking about it in my sixth grade math class the next day, all the girls thought he was a cutie pie. I remember my sister and I comically emulating the "Rock with You" choreography. In high school, we both practiced dropping on our knees as him and Janet did in the "Scream" video.... Good times indeed.

I can remember nothing but good ol' times attached to those MJ songs... Even in college, in my very first car- a 2 door Chevy Cavalier, I was bumping "You Rock My World"...

But I won't be sad, I will be celebrating a life WELL lived instead.

Which songs trigger "good time" memories for you? I wanna know!

Critique'D: Q-Tip Vanity Packs

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000

What do you do with yours? Q-tips are a necessity in my bathroom- I use them to clean my ears, remove eyeliner, remove nail polish slip ups when I've done a manicure, and a host of other things I can't think of at the moment. Q-tips are just handy to have around.

But aren't you tired of the boring blue box? I've seen this blue box since I was a child! These super cute little vanity packs (which hold 285 Q-tips) will sit nicely in your bathroom or on the dresser in your bedroom.

No more boring blue!

Kissable Couture Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Wes) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:48:00 +0000

As a token of our appreciation, Kissable Couture and HBS have teamed up to bring YOU (my marvelous readers) the ultimate giveaway, see details below!

Entry Details:

When submitting, be sure to put "Honey Brown Sugar" in the subject box!
Winner will be announced JULY 15 randomly from the entries received at kissablecouture.com.
Those who make purchases using the HONEY promo code at checkout will automatically be entered. This is for US and Canada only. Not valid with any other promotion, and only online.