Friday, July 24, 2009

Hair...and how race comes into play.


This happens to be a very HOT topic in the media today..well in my case the (TWITTER) world. The craze has ignited from Solange Knowles (AKA BEYONCE'S LIL SIS) cutting her hair. Now Solange has made her statement on twitter..very humbly saying she no longer wants to be a victim of her hair. After reading the millions of blogs, and responses I decided to give my own opinion on the matter.
(Solange's "new do")

Black women for centuries have battled back and forth about whether to keep it natural, locked, braided, weaved (sew in human hair), pressed (using a hot comb which is heated on the stove top), and the most common of them all; relaxed (a process where a heavy based cream is applied to the hair and left on for at least 30minutes to STRAIGHTEN and change the texture of the hair).

Though these may seem very harsh to a person that has not tried these different treatments..but for some Black women it is a way of life for them. Whatever side you may opt to take or whatever opinion you may have...First and foremost, "Its not your hair"! I would look completely dumb to tell a friend "girl don't perm your hair stick to your roots"...First of all who am I to pass judgement on anyone? And being "black" is not about how nappy your hair is, or how overly processed it is, or not how long your hair bought hair is...Being BLACK is about identifying with your past, remembering the struggle, and focusing on the future and building bridges with PEOPLE. Like it is often said...I am HUMAN first..And black second. Only one race..the human race...Lets break down these claustrophobic barriers that we have grown accustomed to and lets set forth a precedent that "hair" does not define me as a person..it just adds to the beauty that GOD blessed us with.


Tuesday, July 21, 2009

One Man's Perspective.....by Mr.Raymar


For most guys and girls the question that seems to always present itself would be: "What are we?" or “How would you introduce me to your friends?” Well, I have broken it down into 3 answers:
1. Dating: Alright now when youre just dating, you have options; you can go out with whoever you want (when you want to) and not have to answer the phone. This is the purest form of playing the field...you enjoy spending time with the other person but that's all it will ever be (a night out every once in awhile). This is what most people are scared to do because guy will be perceived as a player and a girl, just “out there”.
Personally I don’t think there is anything wrong taking your time, meeting new people and with figuring out exactly what you want.
2. Talking: To me this means you two aren't dating anymore an are moving toward something exclusive, you kind of have to be careful! Of course you will want to do all the cute stuff (i.e, late night calls and all of that stuff)...NOTE: but you gotta chill with the "I miss you" and "Im thinking about you" text. If youre saying it just cuz you know that's what they want to hear or youre trying to creep over late night (fine)...but after awhile people start to latch on to those calls and text and when you take them away cuz you start "dating" another girl or guy the other person will feel lost.
The most important thing is dont take the spot of a boyfriend if youre not ready to.
3. Exclusive: If youre committed to someone (it is what it is). If you go for a night out you should not be "scouting for the extras on the side" cuz if you are you playing yaself, which leads to lies and the other games we play when we want the best of both worlds. And yes, that person is allowed to ask you certain questions like "where you going?” "What are you doing tonight?" and you kind of gotta answer...so
if you not ready to answer those questions..you shouldn't be exclusive.
Basically, we lie to ourselves to protect our feelings. If youre feeling the other person that's fine you don't have to prove it by being exclusive, or string them along just so you have something to come home to, the fall back girl/guy who you know will answer ..Just chill..before you make a decision.
The most important thing is don’t act like a girlfriend or boyfriend just because you don’t want to look bad.. You can say NO; at least then they will know where you stand. If you don’t want it don’t take it cuz you can’t just put it back..Just think about it.
*If you having sex with more than one person, although its your business, if your decent you will let the other people know..just be safe..people flip when they think they the only one and you have lead them to believe just that the whole time.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Boyfrient #2??? Yeah right.

What exactly is “Boyfriend #2”?.well my definition is a distraction from the relationship that you probably don’t want to be in anyway. And here is why…

The #2 gets all of the perks that the first boyfriend should get, he doesn’t have to do much.. by the time you call him, all he needs to know is what time you want him to meet up..and ladies FYI that makes YOU the JUMPOFF!!!!

Your actual boyfriend is gonna end up figuring out something is wrong eventually, you might slip up and do something that’s NEW and he’ll be like WHOA, where did she learn that?
With all that energy that you have used hiding and keeping secrets from everyone, you could have probably made your relationship work with you actual boyfriend which happens to be kind of ironic.


Boyfriend #2 will begin to talk mess about your actual dude, and at first you will laugh it off but then you will get defensive..but the better question is..Why should he care what you think, you are the JUMPOFF!

Oh and another FYI: you don’t have control over the situation! you’ll probably get disrespected by your #2 because thats what typically happens to JUMPOFFS!

If you keep up the whole boyfriend #2 thing and keep letting a few dudes get the goods eventually you’ll be flying to New York and will be on Maury, and be “100% sure” he is the father, and if you are an INDEPENDENT WOMAN, or whatever it is that yall females claim to be..To us dudes that’s not a good look.

Now of course it goes both ways but as guys we know that if youre willing to have someone on the side your always gonna be in that position. As a female, you gotta figure out why youre with someone.. if you want to go out and date around that is fine..more power to you, but usually when the Boyfriend #1 and Boyfriend #2 meet or something of that caliber it’s all bad.. Remember the BEAUTYSHOP BRAWL THAT WAS ON CNN FROM OAKLAND, that goes both ways..but thats just my take on it. As long as your honest about who you are and what youre doing you’ll figure it out.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Easy Make Up Tips!!!!


Ladies.Ladies. Ladies. Its no longer taboo to wear make up...I personally am a fan of a long list of cosmetics ranging from the cheap ninety-nine cent products to a DIOR blush for sixty five dollars..(yes make up can break your pockets) lol...Do I need it? No. The question is: Do I like it? YES! Im all about finding ways to enhance already what is... BEAUTIFUL! Theres no need to be scared of the countless counters in department stores and aisles full of makeup you have no idea how to use.. As longer as you PRACTICE and learn the proper TECHNIQUE you will have it down in no time! From a nude lip to dramatic eyes for a dinner party these rather simple tips should help along your journey.


LOVEY DOVEY (KISS KISS KISS)


1. Pick the right shade please ladies!!! What most of us do: Swipe a possible new color on the back of our hand to see if it flatters. A better idea, Test the lipstick on your fingertip — that way, you can hold the color next to your face to see how it looks. (No mirror? Your finger is still a better gauge, since it's similar in color and texture to your lips.)


2. Get buff.For the prettiest finish, run your toothbrush over your lips to exfoliate any dry skin (a damp paper towel also can do the job). Post-scrub, lipstick will glide on without caking.


4. Extend the life of your lipstick. So you'd like your color to last through lunch, but you don't like the feel of long-wearing formulas? Apply a coat of regular lipstick, then press it with a single-ply tissue and powder lightly (over the tissue) with a puff or brush. This sets the color and prevents running and feathering.


BEAUTIFUL EYES!


1. Fight those droopy (not so sexy eyes)!!!Lightly shade the area just above the arch of your brow with a nude or white liner and blend! This will light up your face and create the illusion of higher brows and lids, which is great for droopy or tired eyes.


2. Smudge-proof your liner.Apply it with a pencil or a tiny brush, then trace over the line with a matching powder shadow. To make it last even longer: Wet your shadow brush with Visine first.



3. Make your eyes look larger.Place a lash curler at the roots of your lashes, then slowly "walk" it out to the tips, pressing as you go...Make sure



4. Outsmart your mascara. Love the waterproof kind but hate wrestling to remove it? Apply a coat of regular mascara first, the waterproof.


5. Widen your eyes.To look more refreshed, use white or nude eyeliner — but this time, below your eyes, not above. Pull down gently on your undereye and trace the line between the lower lashes and the inside rim. Stop before you reach your tear ducts.


KEEP THAT SKIN LOOKING FLAWLESS!!!


1. Conceal flaws....A full face of foundation, too much concealer,can look and feel unnatural. Use cover-up only where you need it (and, where you don't, letting your own skin shine through). Blend.

2. Try a soft touch.Your ring finger is the perfect tool for applying makeup! The more powerful index finger may apply color too boldly or tug too much on skin.

3. Look luminous.Every face has natural shadows, and you'll look better if you brighten them. To find the shady spots; just smile at yourself in the mirror. You should be able to see all of the darker areas — like your Cupid's bow, under the bottom lip and around the inner corners of your eyes. To lighten, dab on nude eye shadow. Blend if necessary.

4. Give yourself a mini face-lift!!! (for the BeautyMark "matured")Apply blush starting at your upper cheekbone (at the hairline near your ear) then brush across your cheek horizontally — not diagonally or downward — until you get to the center of your face. When your blush is darker at your hairline you appear to look younger!!!

Monday, June 29, 2009

I LOVE MY TAN...2009 MUST READ!

TAN....TAN...I LOVE MY TAN! This book should be one of your must reads for 2009...An instant page turner! I am currently reading the book and Im so impressed! The book sheds light on a rather gloomy topic. TAN which she poetically describes as a "tryflin ass nigga". Harsh in language as it can be perceived. But the idea of comparing men to a "tan"...is genious! Honey T clearly is not male bashing and she happens to voice this clearly all throughout the book. This book is very much important in Urban communities but as she mentions a TAN is any guy, color, race, etc. I can only imagine how many women after reading this will begin to make changes in their lives for the better. As you read you will recoginze the stages of different "tans" and how to recognize them and avoid getting "burned" this is a wonderful way to exhibit an unique fashion of uplifting and impowering women!

PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket


BEAUTY MARK: Where did the Concept I love my tan come from?

HONEY T: "I Love My TAN" came from my friends and I being in and out of bad relationships. I was tired of hearing the same stuff over and over from different people. I started noticing a trend and I was just like "Oh my God, niggas are so tryflin". Me and a good friend of mine, started a group called T.N.A which stands for "Tryfe Niggas Anonymous" and it's for young women who are addicted to Tryflin Ass Niggas. I'm lazy so I decided to shorten that to TANs. Next thing I know, I got helluva my potnas talkin about "My TAN this or my TAN that" it was great. I knew right then I had started something so I decided to start the book.

BEAUTYMARK: What would be your favorite chapter in the book? why?

HONEY T: My favorite chapter would probably be "Aloe Vera Cooling Gel" because I talk about how to deal with TANs and how to heal after you've been "sun burned". I think this chapter offers some valuable advice and it can really help women, especially the way that I write. I'm really honest and straight to the point...but I'm not an asshole with it. My book and that chapter specifically is like talking to your home girl....ya know?


BEAUTYMARK: If you could tell an aspiring writer one thing ; one piece of advice, what would it be and why?

HONEYT: Maaaaan all my potnas want to be writers now lol and I'm tellin all of them to DO IT! Don't let NOBODY hold you back...stay focused (REALLY FOCUSED) and just DO IT. Knowing that what you say has a chance to get heard by 100's to 1000's to MILLIONS of people...is a great feeling.

BEAUTYMARK: For all your readers, Will there be another book in the works?

HONEY T: I have a couple more books that I'm working on, as soon as I get all the promotion and marketing done for this one. My next projects are "TAN Tales" which is an anthology of stories from "Tan Victims". I also have "TAN No More" which is going to be an anthology of men who are no longer TANs. I'm going for a series lol.


H0NEY T.- PUNANY C0RRESP0NDENT!


F0LL0W ME @ www.twitter.com/honeytaylor

CHECK 0UT MY B00K SiTE @ http://www.ilovemytan.com/

ADD me on myspace and read excerpts from ILOVEMYTAN www.myspace.com/ilovemytan09

Thursday, June 25, 2009

It's a man's world....



1 Man’s Perspective:

-Raymar

This is for all of the females out there. If you are offended you are being called a female don’t, I don’t know your name, but I digress. So you want a guy to commit or at least take you more serious and try to be more exclusive..this is what you don’t do!
Don’t play the, I want to see how far I can push him role. Example: He asks what did you do today? You respond with talking about all of the guys that try to talk to you. It’s never a good look, we already know you hot, that’s why we want to talk to you duh..you making us know that is just irritating and kind of rude. If you want attention ask for it, say you wanna go on a date. It works better that way.


Don’t lie about dumb stuff, save the good lies for something else. What I mean is, if you went out with another dude don’t say you were out with friends, or you were just chilling…to us the word “friends” is another way of saying you were with another dude, because when you hang out with all of you other girl”friends” you use their name, we not dumb..be consistent if your gonna talk to other dudes, just be honest.
Making us jealous…it can have two affects none of which are good. One it can make us actually jealous, possessive, paranoid. At first you might think we are being what you want until, we asking to many questions you can’t have it both ways. The other way it works out is, sometimes we will just be like..”Fuck it, I’m out you not that hot.”
Don’t go M.I.A., after you have a deep conversation on the phone, or in person, as in, don’t say “Where do you see us?” or “ How do you feel about me?” then we tell you how we feel and all of a sudden you think it’s a good time to take some “ME TIME”, if you want to take that whole “ME TIME” thing, just say hey I need a little time to think..it makes it a lot easier once you decide to come back. By the time you come back from that, whole thought process we’re mad, and all the trust or openness we were beginning to let you in on, goes away. And you gotta do it all over again.
Keep the Drama to a minimum, tell your girlfriends about that, unless it has something to do with our relationship, most of the time it comes off as you being messy, and you can’t keep your mouth shut. That makes us really not want to be involved, if there is ALWAYS something wrong, the problem is you..not your friends, or everyone else.
Confidence is a must, if you feel as if your not the best thing out there, then why would we want to be with you..although there is a thin line of being confident and being conceited sometimes you gotta walk it.
Touching our stuff, try not to touch our stuff, as in phones, computers. Don’t go through our stuff, we have a tough enough time hiding our secret lives anyway. No but seriously, it show’s you hella insecure, if we don’t give you a reason, just don’t look for one.

Making us pay for that other guy that played you. We don’t always do the right thing, but if you always penalize us for something that reminds you of your ex-dude, i.e. he used to do this or that…it get’s old fast. We can only take so much. If you want to give it a chance keep him out of it. We know it takes time to get over stuff but try harder or just let it go, and if you not ready..it’s okay.

Giving it up to soon. Everything happens in its own time, if you think we will like you more cuz you give it up, we will for a few months but then after that runs out and we get tired of it, and look somewhere else, don’t use sex as a weapon and take it back after you gave it but it’s okay for us to chase a little. Trust me, it’s all good, we can play PS3 or XBOX while we wait, and don’t assume cuz you not giving it up we trying to get it from someone else.
Don’t accuse without proof. If you can’t prove it, just leave it alone, it’ll come out sooner or later.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

NEW MUSIC OF THE MONTH presents: FLYYY OF AFG

Hiphop is an everchanging market constantly inspiring those with a dream of one day becoming the next Tupac or B.I.G. In San Francisco, California a young man with a bright future tells stories through his music. Songs that can be enjoyed by the young teeny bopper to a middle aged man who appreciates a good beat and great verses.
I present to you: FLYYY
PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket
http://www.zshare.net/audio/60957244a5e09b66/
BEAUTYMARK: Who/What inspires you musically?

FLYYY: Quality artist and music inspire me, successful musician show inspire ideas and captivate my mind! If I had to pick an inspirational person it probably b my pops (who has nuthin to do with music)

BEAUTYMARK: What seperates you from some of the artist in the mainstream media? Artist of your generation, perhaps...

FLYYY: I think the only thing dat seperates any artist is their music, how many units they sale, and what type of swagger they carry. Although, i feel what seperates me from local/ mainstaream cats is my versatility i have not one single lane when it comes to a topic(s) or any one subject in hip hop

BEAUTYMARK: What is your favorite song off your current project? Why?

FLYYY: I haven't created an album yet, my favorite track off my upcoming project ["SFO: Flyyyport"] "Imma Show" (All You Mu%$Fu&*ka$) On that track I spoke on how imma basically show any doubters that imma get to where I wanna be.

BEAUTYMARK: In one word, how would you describe your music?

FLYYY: "Whoa"


Please Contact FLYYY at www.myspace.com/iflizi or www.twitter.com/iflizi http://www.zshare.net/audio/60957244a5e09b66/

A MALES PERSPECTIVE...




12 things that Women do that we hate!




  1. When you blow up our phone for no reason at all, granted we like that you call, but clearly we busy doing something…we got caller ID remember, then when we do call you, all you want to do is ask us what we are doing. Tip: Next Time just send a text!!!



  2. When we ask you what you want to eat, and you give us the "it doesn’t matter face" and tell us you don’t have a taste for anything, then as we pull up somewhere you say “ I don’t want to eat here”



  3. When you try to have a conversation on the phone when you know we out with the homies.. c’mon Yo, it’s a lose, lose for us. If we hang up you think we acting funny and if we start the conversation we gonna have to get off the phone anyway cuz we with the homies, which leads to us getting off the phone anyway. It’s just a viscous cycle.



  4. When you act like you don’t ever have any money. But you got a job.



  5. When you ask us, how many girls that we’ve had sex with.



  6. When you look at our phone when we get a text or a missed call, they not calling for you, they are calling my phone. Chill!



  7. when you call us at work and ask us what we are doing….duh we at work!


  8. When you kiss us with lip gloss, lip glass whatever and actually think we like that sticky stuff on our lips.smh!!!


  9. When you hit us up/ or come over during booty call times. 11pm-3am, and don’t actually give it up. Listen if you call us during this time..Most of the time you know the deal, don’t talk about how your day was..Do that from 6-9 please


  10. When you ask what we think, knowing that you just want us to agree with you. Just say don’t you agree and give us the look it saves a lot of time. Trust


  11. When you say “ I’ve never done that before”..as guys we have heard that before..So just a tip, we gonna assume that you’ve done it 3 times regardless. Haha



  12. When we tell you that your pretty, beautiful, wonderful, fine..And you like cool, but then when someone else tells you, all of a sudden it’s a wonderful compliment, Note to Females: we don’t have to say it, so when we do, it’s a compliment


Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Eating Right on a Budget!

Satisfy your hunger without going broke!

Photobucket CURRY CITRUS CHICKEN

SERVINGS: 2
CATEGORY: Lower Fat

METHOD: Microwave
TIME: Prep/Total Time: 20 min.
Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 pound)
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Directions: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish coated with cooking spray. Combine the onion, juices, soy sauce, curry powder, cumin and poultry seasoning; pour over chicken. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes; turn chicken over. Cover and microwave 2-4 minutes longer or until chicken is no longer pink and a meat thermometer reads 180°. Remove chicken and let stand for 1-2 minutes. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into cooking juices. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until thickened, stirring every 30 seconds. Serve with chicken. Yield: 2 servings.
Photobucket MEXICAN STIR FRY

SERVINGS: 2-4
CATEGORY: Main Dish

METHOD:
TIME: Prep/Total Time: 20 min.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
2 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup tomato puree
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch cayenne pepper
1-1/3 cups diced cooked chicken
2/3 cup canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions: In a large skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add peppers; saute until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in the water, tomato puree, chili powder, bouillon, salt an cayenne; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Add chicken, beans and rice; heat through. Sprinkle with cheese. Yield: 2-4 servings.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

HI THERE!!!!

This is the beginning of the world of Beauty Mark Magazine