Black Gold! Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

I started buying Shea Moisture lotions and soaps a few years back after I found it at my local drug store. I loved the brown package and the story behind the company appealed to me. I became a fan after using the products. I am a big Shea Butter fan and I still buy the African Shea Butter in the tub for $4 at my African spot on Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn. I was pleased to see this shampoo available for me to smell and see recently at the Essence Street Style event in DUMBO. I adore the smell. There are hints and notes of vanilla bean that does not overwhelm or underwhelm. It’s just enough. A few of my Instagram pals have raved about the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo so naturally it has to be my next purchase.

Jamaican Black Castor oil is centuries old and is authentically used in Jamaica for restoring the hair. I’ve had versions where it was homemade in Jamaica or store bought in little glass bottles. I love the results but must report that I’m not a fan of the scent of the original and homemade castor oil. I’ve noticed more products on the market now with Jamaican Black Castor Oil as a main ingredient so when I smell something like this shampoo and the scent is phenomenal then I am pleased.

 

Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo.
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo.

 

What are your experiences with Jamaican Black Castor Oil? Are you excited to see it as the main ingredient for some of your hair products?

4

Essence Superb Brooklyn Block Party Celebrating #StreetStyle. #EssenceStyle

What better place to throw the quintessential block party than Brooklyn! Essence held it’s first annual block party in DUMBO on September the 7th and it was beautiful. The people were beautiful. The vibes were beautiful and we got a chance to see some of our favorite brands represented like, SheaMoisture and Chevrolet. SheaMoisture provided booths for kiddie face painting, make-up application, hairstyling and massages. They did this all while showcasing some of our favorite @SheaMoisture4u products. I can’t wait to try the Jamaican Black Castor Oil shampoo. We saw one of our favorites, A Tribe Called Curl, working with SheaMoisture bringing us all of the behind the scenes look from the SheaMoisture tent. Ms. Joy Layne was on the scene interviewing and bringing us all of the happenings from the event.

Chevrolet was at the #ChevyChic booth @chevrolet. You were able to take a picture for your IG and Chevy gave you a cool print of your picture after it went on your Instagram. Nice keepsake. Chevrolet also provided three wrapped cars to represent the work of three cool designers who were featured by Essence:  Melody Eshani, Ron Bass and Kimberly Goldson.

The stage was the hotspot for performances from Jazmine Sullivan, a street style fashion show (which was crashed by the ever gorgeous Tracee Ellis Ross), keynote from the First Lady of NYC Chirlane McCray and Vanessa Simmons. This was one of the best NYC free events that I have attended in some time. Brava Essence!

Checking #EssenceStyle
Checking #EssenceStyle
The Essence Street Style Red Carpet. All of the street style fashionistas had the chance to capture their own image on the carpet.
The Essence Street Style Red Carpet. All of the street style fashionistas had the chance to capture their own image on the carpet.
A cool look from featured designer and one of my favorites, Melody Ehsani.
A cool look from featured designer and one of my favorites, Melody Ehsani. @MelodyEhsani Designer and @Lunaangel Model
The elegant Kimberly Godson look.
The elegant Kimberly Goldson look.
The edgy yet casual Ron Bass man. Nice!
The edgy yet casual Ron Bass man. Nice! @BassbyRonBass
Jazmine Sullivan rocked the stage.
Jazmine Sullivan rocked the stage.
A tribe Called Curl's own jay Layne did interviews from the SheaMoisture tent.
A tribe Called Curl’s own Joy Layne did interviews from the SheaMoisture tent. @iamjoylayne @tribecalledcurl

 

Now lets get to some fierce street style!

Loved this cool retro look.
Loved this cool retro look.
Its all about the details...elegant bag.
Its all about the details…elegant bag.
scarf and shades.
scarf and shades. @nimaford
Bold color with the shoes.
Bold color with the shoes.
Fly Afro.
Fly Afro. @Onlyzipporah_
Elegant Updo.
Elegant Updo.
Casual Clutch.
Casual Clutch.
Always say, "yes" to torn denim.
Always say, “yes” to torn denim. @feliciaverna
Hair and jewels for the free spirit.
Hair and jewels for the free spirit.

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They aren't a couple just great friends. FlyLifeImages.
They aren’t a couple just great friends. @FlyLifeImages.  @feliciaverna
The guys were stylin' and profiling' too.
The guys were stylin’ and profiling’ too.

All Photos by John Ricard: http://www.johnricard.com

http://www.essence.com

http://www.essence.com/streetstyle

http://www.melodyehsani.com

http://www.iamronbass.com

http://www.kimberlygoldson.com

http://www.sheamoisture.com

http://www.tribecalledcurl.com

 

 

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Fantastic Stay at The Line Hotel. @TheLineHotelLA

This is our second stay in KoreaTown (affectionately named K-Town by LA Locals) and our first time staying at The Line Hotel. Upon entering, I was impressed by the generosity of the staff and the unique feel of this boutique hotel. It is new to the area but blends in very well with all that KTown has to offer. The New Yorker in me loved the feel of the hotel. It’s very stripped down and has a real loft feel. The walls are not painted and has a grey finish throughout the entire hotel. There is a cool store, The Pot Restaurant, a cool lounge, The Commissary Restaurant and an awesome pool and deck.

The rooms are equipped with a huge window that overlooks the city or the hills, cool art and technology for all of the tech heads out there.  A beautiful stay in a beautiful hotel with beautiful people is always a satisfying way to spend a vacation.

List of  Reasons Why We Loved The Line:

Loved the nice staff. They made you feel like they were glad that you chose The Line and tried to please you as much as they could.

Amazing pool and pool deck! 

The room feels like your personal NYC style loft.

Access to authentic Korean food at “The Pot”.

The view from our room.
The view from our room.
Work desk with interesting pieces of art displayed. You can purchase it if you'd like.
Work desk with interesting pieces of art displayed. You can purchase it if you’d like.
The remote built into the bed to control the blinds.
The remote built into the bed to control the blinds.
Outlet console that connects to your games and computer ports.
Outlet console that connects to your games and computer ports.
Cool seating nook.
Cool seating nook.
I adored this chair.
I adored this chair.
Atop a small marble table was Roy Choi's book.
Atop a small marble table was Roy Choi’s book.

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Mini bar was fully stocked in the room along with a snack bar.
Mini bar was fully stocked in the room along with a snack bar.
Luxe feeling bathroom with gold trimmed accessories.
Luxe feeling bathroom with gold trimmed accessories.

photo 5

linee201408_jr6069

 

 

Cool lighting that leads to pool.
Cool lighting that leads to pool.
The deck and location of Commissary.
The deck and location of Commissary.

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The LA weather was perfect for daytime swims.
The LA weather was perfect for daytime swims.
Perfect selfie and usie mirrors in rooms and bathroom.
Perfect selfie and usie mirrors in rooms and bathroom.

We had a fantastic stay! Did I say that already? No harm in repeating. Check out The Line for yourself.

http://www.thelinehotel.com

Twitter: @TheLineHotelLA

 

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Sun, Surf and Sand in San Diego.

I’ve been to LA a few times and we always promise ourselves that we will drive South to San Diego but it never happens. It so happens that my husband planned on shooting artist, Michael Amorillo, for his “Why We Create” project. We spent only a few days in San Diego but a trip well spent and memorable because of the sun and amazing beach!

I’ve never been to a beach where you have to descend 3 flights of stairs to get to. The Pacific Ocean was full of waves, kelp (Michael appropriately calls his project “Kelp Kids”) and the most wonderful sand and stone mixture I’ve ever seen on a beach. The sunsets are magic over on the West Coast and so is the beach.

The sky was a bright blue everyday and clouds only appeared as it got later in the evening.
The sky was a bright blue everyday and clouds only appeared as it got later in the evening.
We basked in the sun daily....and used a healthy dose of sunblock daily of course.
We basked in the sun daily….and used a healthy dose of sunblock daily of course.
A peek of the Pacific behind us.
A peek of the Pacific behind us.
I've never seen this mixture of black and brown sand before. It was stunning! I also loved the smooth rocks that appeared after the waves went back toward the ocean.
I’ve never seen this mixture of black and brown sand before. It was stunning! I also loved the smooth rocks that appeared after the waves went back toward the ocean.
She loved the waves.
She loved the waves.

 

Check out Michael Amorillo’s work at: http://www.monstrinho.com

IG: @Monstroandthekelpkids

He is a gem!

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Box Braid BossGirls. Your Favorite Celeb Rocking Box Braids Now!

Janet Jackson made this braided style immortal in the movie, “Poetic Justice”. In reality, this style was boss before Janet even rocked it and it continues to stand the test of time. Box Braids can be long and playful or short and serious (perfect office style).  These celeb beauties are currently rocking the mess out of box braids. They are using their Instagram feeds to show off and show out because these styles  are worthy of mentioning.

Some Reasons Why We Love Box Braids:

The style is versatile. It can be chic and sexy all at the same time.

It is so darn neat!

It goes with every outfit you can imagine. You can be the boho girl one day or the office head the next.

Brandy darn near grew up rocking the box braid. We loved Moesha in the box braid and we love Brady in the box braid. Here she is wearing the Marley Twist Still love it!.
Brandy darn near grew up rocking the box braid. We loved Moesha in the box braid and we love Brady in the box braid. Here she is wearing the Marley Twist Still love it!.
The Box Braids on Brandy. Find her on IG as 4everbrandy.
The Box Braids on Brandy. Find her on IG as 4everbrandy.
Estelle looks like a Nubian Goddess in a crown. Bella! IG: Estelledarlings
Estelle looks like a Nubian Goddess in a crown. Bella! IG: Estelledarlings
We are used to seeing Keke in long, flawy hair but these braids are a keeper. IG: Kekepalmer
We are used to seeing Keke in long straight hair but these braids are a keeper. IG: Kekepalmer
K Michelle is a soul singer who is not afraid to experiment with length or color. The braids are a change of pace and she looks beautiful wearing it. IG: Kmichellemusic
K Michelle is a soul singer who is not afraid to experiment with length or color. The braids are a change of pace and she looks beautiful wearing it. IG: Kmichellemusic
We love Wynter's music and style. she recently donned this chunky box braid and she made it all her own, sexy! IG: Wyntergordon
We love Wynter’s music and style. she recently donned this chunky box braid and she made it all her own, sexy! IG: Wyntergordon

So, Which one is your favorite box braid style? I wanna know.

Photos: Instagram

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International Swim Camp By: Angelique

This summer I went to International Swim Camp.  It was really fun!  Even though I had to wake up very early in the morning it was worth it.  It was only a week long but it seemed so long.  It seemed long because we did many hours of swimming each day. We swam a total of  4 hours daily but the camp was seven hours per day. When we were not swimming we were learning about perfecting our swimming and nutrition by watching videos and listen to presentations.

On different days we did different strokes.  For example, on Tuesday it was butterfly day (for all of you swimmers who know what that is). We also worked on backstroke, breaststroke, endurance, relaxing while swimming and IM swimming (swimming laps nonstop).

Since it was International Swim Camp people came from different countries all over the world to practice swimming.  Even our coaches were from different countries.  Our coaches are olympic swimmers.  One of our coaches won a gold medal doing butterfly in 1980, Sergey Fesenko. We worked a lot with our main coaches Jamie Peterkin from St.Lucia and Merle Liivland from Estonia.

What's in my bag for swim camp?
What’s in my bag for swim camp?
Group picture.
Group picture with Brooklyn’s Borough President, Mr. Eric Adams.
I wore this cap and goggles everyday for swim camp.
I wore this cap and goggles everyday for swim camp.
We had lunch together everyday and after lunch we listen to presentations.
We had lunch together everyday and after lunch we listen to presentations.
We practiced at St. Francis College and we swam mornings and afternoons.
We practiced at St. Francis College and we swam mornings and afternoons.
The Brooklyn Borough President, Mr. Eric Adams, came to the swim camp to congratulate us for being active.
The Brooklyn Borough President, Mr. Eric Adams, came to the swim camp to congratulate us for being active.
Our coaches signed a water bottle and a kick board for each camper. Exciting!
Our coaches signed a water bottle and a kick board for each camper. Exciting!

It was very sad to leave because I had a great time with my camp friends and coaches.  I hope to go again next year.

Check out some clips from the camp here done by my dad, John Ricard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1_2ra_7h6k

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/newyorkswimcamp

We had some great sponsors: Vulture Capital, Gatorade (we had drinks all day long), Trader Joe’s (provided lunch), Digicel, Hotel Indigo 

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Al Fresco Lunch In NYC At Terra Tribeca.

On our walk through Tribeca, you know the place popular for the Tribeca Film Festival, we stumbled on Terra Tribeca. We were drawn in by the red umbrellas and wooden chairs that decorated the outdoor seating. Very Euro chic. We decided to pop in for pun and dine al fresco. There is delicious Italian fare delivered by the nicest wait staff. We took a trip inside the restaurant to discover a great white tile decor and walls of wine! Yum. Maybe for a night out with the girls I may come back for some vino but for now I will settle for the delicious italian lunch with my favorite little girl. Before Summer ends, make sure you get a chance to take in some great food at a great outdoor spot.

Some reasons why I like to dine al fresco:

You get to people watch

There is nothing like the summer sun

You can converse a little louder outside than inside the restaurant

Food taste better when you eat it outdoors

Terra chooses very earthy brown awning. Appeals to me.
Terra chooses very earthy brown awning. Appeals to me.
Love the red umbrellas.
Love the red umbrellas.
Us
Us
The menu at Terra Tribeca.
The menu at Terra Tribeca.
You are first greeted with a great bread basket with olive oil/red pepper flakes.
You are first greeted with a great bread basket with olive oil/red pepper flakes.
Hot! The effect of the red pepper flakes.
Hot! The effect of the red pepper flakes.
Our food. I ordered the lemon risotto and she ordered linguine with white sauce. The food was delicious and flavorful.
Our food. I ordered the lemon risotto and she ordered linguine with white sauce. The food was delicious and flavorful.
Walked inside and discovered Terra is also a wine bar. The walls are lined with wine.
Walked inside and discovered Terra is also a wine bar. The walls are lined with wine.

 

What do you love about dining al fresco? 

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DJ Magic’s Car and Bike Show Event with Bartenura Moscato.

Coney Island is known for it’s stars, The Cyclone and Nathan’s Hot Dogs, but this Sunday cars and bikes will be guest stars. Hot 97’s, DJ Magic will be hosting a Car and Bike Show like no other. The whole family can visit and take a peek at some of the coolest custom made cars and bikes seen on the streets of New York. Publicist, Marie Theodore, hosted a party for DJ Magic with drinks served by Bartenura Moscato. I’ve seen this blue bottle everywhere but have never tried it. This was my chance to get a taste. First, I am a moscato drinker so I am sold just with the word “moscato” alone. Upon tasting, I was not disappointed. There was the right amount of sweet that hit the tastebuds and surprise, there were bubbles! Who does not like a little sparkle? It’s a super refreshing wine that is perfect for Summer fetes and outings.

A List of things we love about this Bartenura Moscato:

Just the right amount of sweet.

Its Sparkly

Crisp and Refreshing

Perfect for pairing with Summer fruits and cheese. Picnic anyone?

The Ladies of Barentura served up samples to guests.
The Ladies of Bartenura served up samples to guests.
Lovely guests enjoying Barentura.
Lovely guests enjoying Bartenura.

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On the 1s and 2s
On the 1s and 2s
The crowd loved the music.
The crowd loved the music.

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A bottle can be purchased at your local wine shop.
A bottle can be purchased at your local wine shop.
Publicist, Marie Theodore, and the Barentura Ladies.
Publicist, Marie Theodore, and the Bartenura Ladies.
Another great event done by Marie at Stella 34 Trattoria.
Another great event done by Marie at Stella 34 Trattoria.

Photos: http://www.johnricard.com

http://www.hot97.com/djmagic

http://www.bartenura.com

http://www.stella34.com

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Beyond the Drug Store: Foster Grant Sunglasses

When you browse your local drug store, be it Rite Aid or Walgreens, you might bump into this great brand of sunglasses. I don’t know about you but I love keeping a pair of not too expensive shades in my car or in the caverns of my purse just in case the paparazzi decides to crash my lunch with the ladies. Jokes! No, really, I love the sun but am not a fan of rays blasting through my pupils. I also don’t like the idea of keeping track of expensive shades. I’m busy. I’m a mom. I put things down on store counters or park benches and may never see them again.

This is why I am a fan of Foster Grant. They are celebrating 85 years of making shades and teamed up with Hollywood beauty, Kat Graham to do so. Take a peek at some behind the scenes of Kat shooting for Foster Grant below:

Here is a list of 5 of my favorite Foster Grant Shades:

The Black Cat Eye

A cat eye is classic and sexy
A cat eye is classic and sexy

The Gold Streamline

This pair is called "Gleam" for a reason. It's golden.
This pair is called “Gleam” for a reason. It’s golden.

The Brown Frame

This tortoise shell frame is a Fall necessity.
This tortoise shell frame is a Fall necessity.

Leopard Frames

For those days when you want to get "Peggy Bundy" sexy!
For those days when you want to get “Peggy Bundy” sexy!

The Silver Frame

A cool, icy, silver frame is perfect for every outfit.
A cool, icy, silver frame is perfect for every outfit.

 

http://www.fostergrant.com

Twitter: @FostergrantUSA

IG: foster_grant_sunglasses

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Summer Mani/Pedi Requirement: White Polish.

I got on this Summer trend a bit late but am I ever glad I opted to try the white nail polish. I’ve always thought white polish looked like “White Out”, yes, I’m referring to Liquid Paper. I’ve seen a few manicures done in white and I admit, I really like it. The white polish compliments a Summer tan and if you are wearing diamonds on your digits, do yourself a favor and polish your nails white. The clarity and shine of the diamonds paired with the white polish…..stunningly pretty.

I’ll be in LA soon and I plan on stopping by Melody Ehsani a wicked manicure and some rings and things for the pretty fingers.

 

melody-ehsani-blkwhiteDia

Pintrest Image
Pintrest Image
stealherstyle.com
stealherstyle.com
Melody Ehsani /NCLA Nail Wrap
Melody Ehsani /NCLA Nail Wrap
The Candy Paint Nail Bar at Melody Ehsani
The Candy Paint Nail Bar at Melody Ehsani

 

http://www.MelodyEhsani.com

IG: @MelodyEhsani

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