Tribute:: Mona WHO?!

Mona WHO?! (aka WE ARE BEAUTIFUL!)

Mona Lisa frowns with envy and shamefully bows her head, humbling herself in the sight of these beautiful queens. They should be an artist's greatest inspiration. In other words, Mona ain't got NOTHIN' on them.

God started His wheel turning as He molded them from clay and the heavens must've been silent in awe. The angels gasp at the sight of their faces, each one a remarkable beauty. Inspired by the earth's color palette, each hue custom-blended by His loving hand, we are as the midnight sky or the sandy beaches. Features so distinct, only a TRUE artist can appreciate and recognize the passion, dedication, effortless skill, and craftsmanship of the MAKER.

Who says we aren't beautiful? From the crowns of our kinky or smoothe heads, to the soles of our fat or narrow feet, we ARE beautiful. Sculpted from God's imagination, an image of Himself. In all His beauty, all His glory. We are each individual, showing the diversity of His character. His greatest MASTERpieces, not to be on display in some stuffy museum, but showcased for the world to see. The sun (SON) as our spotlight and the world as our platform, we don't HAVE to demand attention when it's freely given.....because...

WE
ARE
BEAUTIFUL!!!

---------------------------------
written by a.strayhan aka buttafly kisses. copyright 2003

To see more of my writings, please go to: http://buttaflybaby.blogspot.com/

Nightmares...

My past keeps coming back to haunt me... i had a flashback of something traumatic that happened to me when i was younger. i thought i was over it, but as this event played in my head all i could do was cry, then i began to freeze up and fear started to creep back in..

seems like everytime i try to take this step in what seems like the right direction, my past drags me back in, i feel like it happened yesterday. and i seem to be set back further than where i was. killing my progress and my esteem. what i feel about myself or thought i felt about myself seems like a lie, because it's gotten me NOWHERE no matter how hard i pushed! is this my life? or am i in some kinda twilight zone?! can i get out of this place?! is there another ME somewhere, the REAL me..and i'm just a carbon copy or a memory of my former self stuck here in some crazy 3-dimension or a MATRIX? the REAL ME must be having a BALL on an island, drinking little fruity drinks with the colorful umbrellas and getting a massage by a handsome gentleman with a gorgeous accent and smile!

on the FLIPSIDE..i'm having all of these WONDERFUL dreams about my friends, some of which have come to reality in a short amount of time. while i'm still waiting on somethings...MANY THINGS..smh..and it's going on YEARS now! maybe i only have myself to blame for that one!

i'm tried of these bad memories! they need to die! so i'm going to be a on a mission from now on! everything that comes up will get squashed and destroyed! kill or be killed!

seems like i have a fight on my hands! like the whole world is against me! but if GOD is on my side, does anything else matter?

I'm going to DIG through this site..

I found it by accident!

http://www.temptalia.com/illamasqua-muse-nail-varnish-review-photos-swatches

seems like they have a bit of EVERYTHING!

Makeup product reviews
Swatches
How to mix foundations
Dupe list! ha! that sounds excited!

I'm going to go through this site and let ya all know what i find..

Incase you're wondering..

Verne' is pronounced VER-NAYE [thus the accent mark :)]

The origin..It's my middle name.

thank you! come again! lol

Oh yeah..while I'm in a 'writing' mood, I guess I'll give you the run down on how VERNE' COUTURE started.

I've always been a creative person. Even as a little girl I would make up stories, win drawing competitions, and got recognition for my writing skills. All of which I need to brush up on..shame on me, huh? I've always had a passion for music. Mom said I could sing before I could talk.

I remember my paternal grandmother showing me how to work a sewing machine at 8 or 9, also watched her sketch designs for my wardrobe, it was a blessing in disguise for me. I also remember sitting in my room with boxes full of beads and I would spend HOURS creating jewelry for friends and family in my early teens. I still have beads my maternal grandmother gave me and use them to create pieces to this very day.

I have a dream to create a PLUS SIZE clothing line. That will come, I believe it. I'm saving my sketches and ideas. For now I'm starting with jewelry and accessories and I want to thank EVERYONE for their support so far!

So how did I come up with the name VERNE' COUTURE?

I was talking with a dear friend of mine, she's always been the type of person that causes me to think on another level and in a different way. We were telling our ideas and dreams since we both love fashion. I started out saying how I wanted to create my own clothing line along with my own beauty and fragrances as well. And was trying to come up with a name. So she suggested I call it Verne'. I was quite embarrassed because I was always teased about my middle name. Remember that guy EARNEST? He did all of those crazy movies and had this homie named VERN.. He was always like 'KNOW WHAT I MEANNNNN, VERN??' And so just imagine how this irked my nerves when all the kids imitated this! ha! BUT, since my paternal granmother blessed me with that middle name, I became more comfortable with it. And now it just sticks!

Later, around 2005, new in my natural journey [natural since '03], I started again with creating. Earrings and hair accessories. I got frustrated that I didn't find anything that I liked so I started painting and that was pretty much all she wrote!

I'm planning my next step and I'll be needing a little help from you all. I'll be creating a survey/questionnaire soon to assist me with my creation process so please be on the look out!

Also, I'll be adding more to this website as far as creativity is concerned..

I'm creating new pieces right now, but PLEASE check my STORE if you haven't!

http://verne.trendyindie.c​om/

I've been back to writing a lil bit..

check my other blog out. it will be more directed towards, music, poetry, thoughts..etc

[click the link below]

http://buttaflybaby.blogspot.com/

i'll be back to this blog with new goodness soon! :)

bless!

Who are you?! And where did you come from?!

And do you know where I can find more like you? I know a few people who could benefit as well! lol

I can't complain too much about there being no more good people in the world. I've met and reconnected with some AWESOME people in the past few days and months.

Not at all saying ANYONE is perfect, but for someone to have the same values and levels of respect and thinking as you. It takes you back because at times you've kinda felt like the WEIRDO when it seems like you're the only one that has a certain belief or way of thinking. I thank God for allowing these people to shine their lights on me! And for showing their hearts in one way or another.

I pray nothing but much success and happiness to you all!

Things are happening all around me..I see it, I feel it. Things are in MOTION..and I'm so happy because I see what God is doing in other people's lives and even in my own. He's setting a platform, doing some remodeling, shifting somethings around..breaking up ground..and I can't wait to see the finished product.

I really wish i could go into more detail about how I feel right now and some other things He's doing in my life right now, but I'll just stop here! lol My eyes are being opened to somethings, I'm being blown away and my faith has been elevated! I'm shaking like a LEAF right now with excitement!

Bless!

Charlotte's Avenue: Choca's Faux-Hawk REVAMPED (FRO HAWK TIME)

Check it out yall too cute for words!!!

Charlotte's Avenue: Choca's Faux-Hawk REVAMPED (FRO HAWK TIME): "Hey all, So... I figured I'd revamp Choca's Faux-Hawk and jazz it up a bit for our Sunday family gathering. Choca's Twist-Out Fro Hawk..."

the GLORIOUS Twist-out

It usually takes me 30 minutes or so to un-twist my hair depending on their size..

I love the pic below. The faded red growing out is really beautifully and it shows off the twist-out pattern. Also, it looks lovely against my skin..

I DESPERATELY need to fix that choppiness in the back!

And I need to recolor my hair..it's just time! I need a CHANGE. Why not spice things up AGAIN?! :) I want to do something a little DARING!

To be continued... *evil laugh*

Sidenote: my hair does not look real in the last few pix. Many people say my hair looks like a wig or a weave and ask what brand. SOMETIMES I wonder if that's a compliment..lmbo.

Again using the trust EVOO for shine when needed.

When styling, I spray my edges with WATER [or style right out of the shower because they are soaked from not having a SHOWER CAP LARGE ENOUGH TO FIT THIS MELON AND ALL OF THIS HAIR..lol]

Then applying my new favorite..

and brushing them down with a mixed boar/synthetic brush.. I'll get a pic of my edges next time.. OOPS!


I've even found this product to be favorable when I wear my puffs. It provides decent hold without feeling extra sticky like gel, makes my waves pop a little bit, and I can easily switch to another style without so much hassle. YAY!

Co-washed the twists..

the pictures below are after a co-wash. shrinkage and all.

my technique for a co-wash are as follows:::


i used apple cider vinegar and baking soda mixed in a large, plastic container and poured it over my hair that was already wet with water [i'll have to get the measurements next time]. i found this allows the mixture to go through better when my hair is already saturated.

i know it's kinda EWWWW..but i can see all of that dirt going down the drain. i even do this sometimes before i do my shampoos. this prevents me from using so much product.





i used a conditioner and scrubbed vigorously [not too rough, don't want to lose hair..lol]..my scalp LOVED it! and my hair felt moisturized! then i RINSED!






i usually used a leave-in conditioner afterwards but i wanted to try MISS JESSIE's w/o any assistance or hinderance from any other product to get the FULL EFFECT.

i really liked how it defined my curls on the ends of the twists. the shrinkage wasn't TOO 'bad'..and the frizz was minimal. it had a nice smell and wasn't VERY sticky. it did make my hair slightly crunchy but not too unbearable. i only used it once..so i want to use it a few more times before i can give it a fair judgment. after i applied it to sections of my hair, still in twists, i let it air-dry.

[sidenote: i WON an 8 oz jar along with Jill Scott's latest cd in a MISS JESSE's contest that was held recently. i was SOOO HAPPY!]

Like in the last blog post where i explained my twist method, i used the Healthy Hair Butter on my edges. this has become a staple for me and my good ole edges! haha..

when my hair needed a little bit of shine..i used my trusty EVOO..

also, i used a satin bonnet to tie it down at night. when i used styling accessories, i made sure not to pull the bands too tight to prevent hair loss..

and that was all she wrote! :)

In the MEANTIME, stay tuned to http://www.youtube.com/profile/herFLYness79 for video updates and don't forget to tell a friend! :)

Verne' Couture REVIEW!

Verne' Couture Pt 1.




Verne' Couture Pt 2.




STORE::: http://verne.trendyindie.com

FOLLOW ME::: @yaGURL_vFLY

'LIKE' my fashion page::: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Verne-Couture/152796204769135

My Twists...

I know many have been asking how I achieve my mini-twists style. It took me three days to complete with, starts and stops of course, but I feel that it was well worth it.

This style is so convenient for me though they can be a hassle to remove, but I'm in the process of working on new techniques for take-down. I still dream of loc'ing from time to time though..

***DREAMING...****


So here's what I did...

After my hair had been shampooed and braided for a few days, I started the twist process on DRY HAIR. This caused my hair to appear longer due to being stretched previously by the medium plaits [box braids]. Using the plaited sections as a guide, this made twisting ALOT easier for me.

[This is how they look stretched. I'll get the back next time.]

I parted the un-plaited sections into subsections using the tail END of a rat-tail comb [plastic, not metal so the scalp will not be scraped or damaged.]. Then, I pinned back the sections of hair I was not using with hair clips and large bands. I used a decent amount of Blue Magic Indian Hemp on the hair and GENTLY detangled with a WIDE TOOTH comb, then smoothed the ends with a MIXED NYLON/BOAR HAIR brush..
Since the Blue Magic I had were SAMPLE packets [can't remember where I got them because it was a good while back], I used the Castor Oil Packet. They are both light [imo..I guess as long as you don't use a WHOLE lot] and smell VERY nice. They kept my hair shiny for a good while and frizz wasn't much of a factor..
At night, I made sure to tie my hair down with a piece of rayon cloth i have [I think it came from a lining of a skirt], or a satin bonnet..though it is getting too small and a little worn. And I always use a SHOWER CAP, though it's getting a little snug as well! HA! This causes my edges to get wet, so to get that in order i use Carol's Daughter's Healthy Hair Butter. It was my mom's but she HATED the smell. Plus her hair is changing alot so she can't really Use Carol's Daughter much anymore so..YAY MORE FOR ME! lol

Lastly, when my hair begins to lose it's sheen, I use some good OLE EVOO [that stands for extra virgin olive oil in case you're wondering.]! and that's about it!

And that's about it! if I missed anything, please hit the COMMENT box! thanks. :)


In the MEANTIME, stay tuned to http://www.youtube.com/profile/herFLYness79 for video updates and don't forget to tell a friend! :)

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After this message..

i'll be back soon. i'm taking a break. working on some very important things. thanks so much for your support. i wont be gone too long.

also everyone who has submitted an interview for the DIVAS AND GENTS SPOTLIGHT, you haven't been forgotten.

bless! :)

Diva Spotlight of the MONTH: The Red Glasses Sisters!

Kim and Keyondra are sisters making moves in the fashion industry with their very own label Red Glasses Sisters. The one-of-a kind designs won me over! I could also tell by their individual styles that they have a LOVE for fashion like I do, not just sell fashionable items because it seems like the thing to do at the moment. So I HAD to get them here so you all could check out these fly ladies if you havent already.




-Can you tell a little bit about yourselves?

Hi I'm Kimberly S. Lockett :), Sup everybody I'm Keyondra. We were both born and raised in Shreveport, La.

My (Keyondra) field is in Telecommunications. I graduated with my Associates Degree in the Summer of ‘09 and will be attending the Art Institute-Atlanta in the Spring of 2011 to obtain my Bachelors in Advertisement!

I (Kim) just recently graduated (Spring 2010) with my BS of Psychology! I'm going back to school to get my MA of Community Counseling w/ a Concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling! The only counseling experience that I have is the summers that I was a peer counselor for a Summer camp! I'm currently looking for social service jobs in the Atlanta area.


-What type of items do you sell?

We specialize in crystallized eyewear but we also offer non-crystallized eyewear and other accessories such as feather earrings (ChariD) and RGS handmade shoulder pads!





-What are your favorite/best selling items from your line?

Well my (Kim) favorite pair are a unisex pair, the Frankies.

And my (Keyondra) favorite are a male pair, the Zekes.

We don't have a BEST seller because its kind of random. People have picks and chooses all across the board!


-Who are your favorite designers?

We happen to have the same favorite designers! We absolutely love Betsey Johnson and Juicy Couture. They are so chic and classic, they are our inspirations!


-What entertainers would you LOVE to see rocking your designs?

I'd (Kim) love to see the Disney Channel stars rocking RGS eyewear! lol Crazy but true... Put those babies in something and all of their fans will want them too! Namely HM (Miley Cyrus) and Demi Lovato!

And I'd (Keyondra) like to see Soulja Boy in a pair of the crystallized frames. To see him running across the stage blinging from eye to chest (crystallized medallion) would be hilarious!





-Name at least 5 things a diva should have in her wardrobe at ALL TIMES [including accessories and cosmetic products].

**Keyondra's List**
Pair of pumps! Duh lol
Skinny Jeans (Dark Denim)
Oversized bag
Great insurance (Spanx)
Anything Bath and Body Works

**Kim's Top 5**
Dang, we can only name 5?! lol
Yes, pumps (bold color)
Black power dress
Oversized bag... Agreed
Chunky bangles
Lip/Eye primer (for eye shadows and lip colors)


-Name least 5 things a diva should NEVER leave the house with.

Lip gloss / Conditioning lip balm
Sunglasses (RGS lol)
Handbag
Since its winter we'll say a scarf
Communication device (iPhone!!! Anything else is bogus! lol j/k)






-Outside of the fashion world, what else are you passionate about?

I (Keyondra) am very passionate about my faith in God, which is one of the reasons why we're doing this is to reach the masses. When the world sees that you can look good, be in the family of faith, and you can live according to God's standards they'll follow after Him. They feel like in order to live the "good" life you can't be associated with Christianity. We're here to show them that they can.

I (Kim) am also very passionate about the Lord and people! I'm no tree hugger by the stretch of any imagination, but get me some people with some problems and I'll talk with them and minister to them with the love of God! I have a heart for His people and His will and I plan to keep it that way. That's another reason that RGS is so great for this time because so many people feel like they can't go on or do greater things. But we're going to be the examples and true living testimonies that through God all things are possible!





-Where do you see yourselves 5 years from now?

I (Kim) see myself being a successful psychologist, married and having at least one child! lol I also see RGS being a household brand!

I (Keyondra) will have my B.A. in Advertising, working successfully in my field, and definitely married... well, I better be! lol And RGS shall be flourished and well known in all industries!

If someone wants check out your line, how can they contact you?

Well they can always find our product on the website http://www.TheRedGlassesSisters.com. If they have any other needs our email address is rgsisters@aol.com.





Where can we find you on the web?

You can find us on http://www.twitter.com/rgsisters and Facebook Fan Page for The Red Glasses Sisters Online Boutique http://www.facebook.com/rgsisters!

You can find me (Kim) on http://www.facebook.com/KimLockett. I also have a fashion blog http://rgs-fashionology.blogspot.com/. I have some great changes coming up for the new year! :D

And you can find me (Keyondra) on http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1420536729



Thank you SO MUCH ladies for taking time out of your hectic schedules to do this interview. I’m more than honored! Blessings to the both of you, grand success, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

relationship thoughts / 'advice' concerns / why is she saying ANYTHING?!

i know i hear ppl say 'how can someone single tell me how to get and keep a man?' haha same thing with a virgin teaching sex ed right? haha but yeah i've been in a few relationships, believe it or not, and from my experiences i've formed a mental [and sometimes physical] list of what i DO and DONT want! which is constantly being modified. even after looking at other people's relationships. dont act like you dont do that too! haha GOOD and BAD!

and i admit i havent always been perfect in my decisions on going forward in relationships and i'm going to take that into consideration as well when choosing someone in my future. now THAT could be another blog within itself! wooo! HOPE ME, JESSE! [insider] haha!

with that being said, i'm not going to say THIS is the magic formula or THAT. i'm just telling how i feel and what i've heard others say that actually makes a bit of sense to me, because i've seen things work in many other relationships. so SOMETIMES it's a 'majority rules' or 'common knowledge' type situation when it comes to dating and relationships. somethings you just have to feel with your gutt. and tweak SOMEthings that will fit into your relationship [things arent the same as when our folx grew up but many have WISDOM! DONT TAKE IT FOR GRANTED! cuz aint NOTHING new under the sun and aint no dogs doin new tricks! lmbo. old sayings right?! hehe..]. and that's what you have to remember, it's YOUR relationship. so if nothing i say flows well with you, you dont have to agree or try to get into it. but if you just get a lil nugget, hey...i'm glad i could be a lil help to you.

[sidenote: no one is perfect. ok continue!]

i know for ONE BIG THING i want, and i'm sure we ALLLLL can agree on this one: RESPECT. so i shouldn't have to be MARRIED or BOO'd up to tell you that should be on your list as well.

and with ALL relationships, there has to be some open flow of communication. that goes for business and personal.

hopefully you can understand other things are just my POV's [what i feel in my heart and soul based on my experiences, surroundings, and beliefs/spirituality], so please take that as such, respecfully. now as i've said before if you find something helpful and/or reassuring, BY GOLLY take it and run with it!

this is a growing/learning experience for me. i'll also be sharing my process as well. and as it is revealed to me layer by layer, the REAL ME. i want to be able to express how i feel about this whole development of me and i'm EXCITED.

that's where PROJECT TAKING DIVA BACK is in full effect. every blog on this spot right here is about that! but the MAIN FOCUS:: i want to get back to who i am and was destined to be [removing every layer of what was added that doesnt have a purpose in my destiny]. and a big part of me is concerned with / interested in relationships.

i want to be the BEST ME i can be before i cross paths with the ONE GOD HAS FOR ME! and yes i believe in that! i believe in DESTINY. i believe in the DIVINE HAND! so it wont be an accident, even if we happen to bump into each other..especially since i'm a clumsy lil dreamer! ha [this also goes for ANYTHING i do. i KNOW i shouldn't have to wait on a man to want to be the BEST me. but remember, i am speaking on relationships at the moment.]

soon i shall post more of my 'fantasies' [i cant help it i'm a HOPEFUL romantic], so please forgive me in advance if you disagree with my views since i'm SINGLE and all, BY CHOICE [trust me]! lmbo but please RESPECT my POV's! infact, you dont even have to read my blogs at all..ha!

thank you COME AGAIN!

just thought i'd get that off my chest!

NOW BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM....beeeep!