June 4, 2013 · 9:47 AM

Whipped for Men – The Beard Gang Essentials

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Often times I ponder my love for bearded men and wonder how they keep it luscious and gnarly … I came across a product called Whipped Body Goods awhile back and started using their body butters to keep my cocoa skin nice and smooth. As a sucker for lotions, oils, and smell good stuff I found their butter to work rather nicely.

With all the smell good, girly sensations, I came across their line for men. For all you beard lovin’ girls out there you should get your honey some “After Shave” and “Beard Butter” which comes in many scents such as almond, Frank & Myrrh, Kings, Sandalwood, wild lavender, vanilla, amber, and cognac (my fave!). Although I can’t review the effectiveness of the product, I have some guy friends who use Whipped Body Goods share their results:

“I like their products simply because it works better than any other equivalent products I’ve ever used” - Jon

 “It really does moisturize my dry hair. That stuff will have my whole face greasy though so I don’t use it every day” – Marcel (in other words if your beard is hella brittle it moisturizes but use sparingly)

Have any of you fellas tried Whipped for men? Thoughts? ….

p.s. possible Father’s day gift? I think so.

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· 8:57 AM

MISSSEY’s 2nd Annual Inspire Change Gala – June 15th Oakland

Hello Readers and Supporters! If you are in the Bay Area this month I encourage you to come out June 15th to MISSSEY’s 2nd Annual Inspire Change Gala at the Oakland Rotunda Building. MISSSEY (Motivating, Inspiring, Supporting, and Serving Sexually Exploited Youth) is an organization that advocates and facilitates the empowerment and inner transformation of sexually exploited youth by holistically addressing their specific needs.  They have direct services, training/workshops, mentorship programs, and even an employment programs that support at-risk youth.

This year they are celebrating their 2nd annual Inspire Change gala which will feature a live auction, feature two keynote speakers, Minh Dang, Executive Director of Don’t Sell Bodies and Jessica Midkiff recognized by Los Angeles County Probation Department and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for her work and dedication. A lot of leaders in the community have sponsored and supported this evening so the Rotunda building will be filled with nothing but positive energy.

If you’d like to attend, purchase tables, or would like to have your business/brand sponsor or donate please visit the gala website for more information. http://missseygala.weebly.com/

Make sure you follow MISSSEY on twitter @misssey_org and “Like” their Facebook page to get involved.

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April 14, 2013 · 5:29 PM

Which Demographics Use Social Media?

Hey, Reesa here! I haven’t been on my blog  in months and although I have plenty of excuses, I just don’t think there is a right answer as to why I haven’t been writing. With my budding PR career and amongst the community projects I’ve picked up on, just haven’t given me the time or desire. But after I read a few comments about missing me you know I had to give ya’ll something.  So, If you insist on my real-time commentary about what’s going on in the media or local community I’d highly suggest you stalk my Instagram or twitter. (See links below)

Speaking of Twitter and Instagram …

I read a recent article on Mashable, covering the social media demographics and it really sparked my curiosity to dive into the results.  If you look below at the infographic you will see that based on the research survey by Pew Research Center, hispanics and AFRICAN AMERICANS are in the lead as the race that uses social media the most. What does this have to do with you or I? Well, if you’re a business owner, artist, journalist, or work in any industry where you’d like to take your brand to the next level I’d highly recommend you hop on the social media band wagon. Whether we like it or not, black people are the biggest consumers of all things trendy (and then some) so of course it makes sense for you to publicize your brand, cause, company, or art through social media.  Not only do I find social media entertaining, but the way it has shaped my generation (20 somethings) is pretty remarkable. I’ve seen movements in my area, met some interesting game-changers, and I feel more in tune as a (part-time) journalist. I won’t make this a tech nerd rant,  so please let me know your thoughts, how are you using social media?

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February 6, 2013 · 1:14 PM

Celebrate Black History Month 2013! (Bay Area Events)

Hey folks! I put together a list of Black History Month events I find interesting and which I plan on attending in the Bay Area.  I’m always looking for activities to keep my mind engaged so why not go to hair show, network with young black professionals, support black film, and sip cocktails at the same da– … you get the picture!

I  post to twitter of all the happenings I find out about– but here’s what on my #BHM itinerary so far.

Mills College Back History Month – “Please Don’t Touch My Hair”

Feb 11th 7 pm, Student Union

The Black Women’s Collective presents “Please don’t touch my hair,” an exciting and engaging hair show featuring diverse representations of blackness and black hair. A woman’s hair is her crown of glory and we’ll show you why. Join us as we explore Black women’s hair as it relates to their unique sensibility and complex identities. Hear personal experiences and stories from Black women and learn about the complexities of black hair choices and maintenance.

Ernst & Young – Black History Month Roundtable

Feb 28th 6-9 pm, The Kaiser Center — Oakland

African American Executive Business Leaders will join together to share knowledge, discuss diversity and inclusion business strategies and provide insight to their career progression. Pre-event networking includes appetizers, refreshments and entertainment. This is a free community event and all are welcome.

Featured speakers: Gregory A. Adams, President of the Northern California Region, Shellye Archambeau, Chief Executive Officer at MetricStream, Gina Wolley, EVP, RBG Administration at Bank of the West …and more! Great opportunity to network and meet new people!

SF Noir Remixology (for you party-goers)

Feb 21, 2013, Otis SF

Remix•ology is a SF Noir Food & Wine event that is sponsoring an evening where top African-American Mixologists create an original cocktail menu that is influenced by our diverse American culture as well as the African Diaspora. If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this! Free admission!

Angela Y. Davis Book Signing

March 1st  6:30 PM , Marcus Books Store , Oakland

“The Meaning of Freedom and Other Difficult Dialogues”

List of other events going on at Marcus Books for BHM

Oakland Local has a list of BHM events to do for all 28 days here

Are you attending or participating in any Black History Month events this year? Share with us in the comment box below :)

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January 7, 2013 · 1:35 AM

Hairless 4 Her Awareness, Inc. “Save The Women Not The Boobies” 2013 Campaign

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Check out the new look and new models for the 2013 Hairless 4 Awareness Inc. “Save The Women Not The Boobies” campaign. Diversity and Beauty all in one creative ad campaign?! Gotta love it!

Hairless 4 Her Awareness is a non-profit organization established after founder Turquoise Johnson decided to part ways with her hair to honor a former teacher and close friend after she lost her battle to breast cancer.  The organization celebrates the lives of the women affected by the disease and provides a support system all women.

With the same familiar brand this year’s campaign features actress/model Shillae Anderson, BET’s 106 & Park producer Stasia Tomlinson and NuVoTV’s “Curvy Girl” Lornalitz. Founder and Creative Director, Turquoise Johnson managed to combine her original vision with new surprises. These lovely models are strapped up with Everlast and included their pink Pro Style Training Gloves symbolizing the beauty, strength, and confidence to combating breast cancer.

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For more information please visit  www.Hairless4HerAwarenessinc.org

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· 1:30 AM

Online Petition to Ban Shawty Lo’s “All My Babies’ Mamas”

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If you haven’t heard about the new Oxygen reality series with Shawty Lo “All My Babies’ Mamas” then you must be sleeping under a rock.  I am going to admit today, right here on this post, that I do have my share of guilty pleasures when it comes to reality shows, however, I do feel that Oxygen Media has taken it too far with this reality show that will depict stereotypes and of course give the media another reason to talk about black women and their children.

I honestly think that Oxygen Media makes their $$$ off the most ignorant stereotypes of women and a show with just a title that includes “Baby Mama” is going to get a lot of attention, whether its negative or positive and they DON’T CARE. But.. I do and hopefully you do too.   Shawty Lo should not be proud of a show like this airing his family business and issues that will more than likely make him look like a lousy father. Now, if in fact they do end up airing this in the early spring, and it’s about uplifting black women and children, providing a great example of fatherhood, and it will have a positive impact on its viewers then I will gladly take all that I said back. (…HA!)

I don’t like to see my race continue to fail so I will pass this along in hopes that you share it with your friends, family, and blog circle cause ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Sign the petition here <—–

Also, what are your thoughts on the reality series? How do you feel about the term “baby mama” used to describe these women?

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January 1, 2013 · 5:24 PM

NYE Recap – Erykah Badu @ The Fox Theatre Oakland

New Years Eve has always been a nervous feeling me. Pondering plans on how I’m going to spend my last few moments of the year gives me anxiety; hell if you’re indecisive like me making plans in general will give you anxiety. While I juggled the club idea, couch potato idea, or the secret destination idea my thoughts brought me back to music. What better way to bring in the New Year in my hometown of Oakland, California with one of my favorite artists of all time, ERYKAH BADU. It was the perfect night to celebrate, dance, reflect, and of course scream and cry tears of joy and excitement.

Photo by Reesa

My best friend and I were front row in the newly renovated Fox Theatre and stood there for hours just five feet away from a phenomenal crowd pleasure, Erykah.   She was mid “yaaaayoooo” when the clock struck midnight and I couldn’t even wish everyone blowing up my phone Happy New Year cause of the musical trance she had put us in. Balloon drop, countdown, confetti, the beat drops, but no New Years kiss this time.  Just happiness and excitement for a new beginnings and another chance to be great!

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I’ve grown to hate writing concert reviews however I couldn’t pass up on this one.  So, instead of a long drawn out description you probably won’t read, check out these moments I’ve captured:

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Photo By Reesa

photo by Reesa

Photos by Reesa

New Year, New Me, New You, New Us.  .  . .Can you say that again?

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November 23, 2012 · 7:15 AM

Shea Moisture Product Review – CVS Haul

Greetings!

I promised I’d do a quick review on my CVS Haul of the Shea Moisture products so here it goes.  About a month ago, there was a sale on Shea Moisture products at CVS for “buy one get one 50% off” and since a few of my friends have tried some of the products I couldn’t pass up on my chance to try for cheap.  I got a shampoo; Curl & Shine Shampoo and a moisturizer; Curl & style milk. Below you will find Shea Moisture’s claim and my results. Enjoy!

Curl & shine Shampoo

Claim: Gently cleanses, hydrates and detangles hair for bouncy and healthy curls. Ingredients; coconut oil, silk protein, and Neem Oil.

Results: This shampoo did the opposite of everything it said it would do. I felt like my hair was dehydrated because I had to lather three times just do get suds going.  The smell is enticing but if you have dry hair or just a lot of hair I don’t think this will do the trick in the moisture department.  I waited so long to do the review not just out of peer laziness but because I wanted to give this a couple washes – I had faith that it would deliver and it didn’t. Maybe it was better for you guys?

Style & Curl Milk

Claim:  Apply as a no-rinse protective and styling cream to damped, towel-dried or dy hair as needed. Detangles, conditions curl, while restoring body and shine. Ingredients; Coconut Oil, Silk Protein, and Neem Oil.

Results: We have a winner! I treated this product as both a conditioner and a styler to do my twist outs and two-strand twists. I used a small dollop for each twist I created mixed with natural refined shea butter of my own and sealed from root to tip. I sat under the dry for 20 minutes, woke up the next day and my results were satisfying.  I really like the smell that it left lingering on my hair for a few days and also the shine. I’m all about shine and fluffiness so I’d give this 4 afro puffs!

 

You can get these at your local CVS stores for around $11 but if you’re lucky you might catch a sale like me!

So what were your thoughts on shea moisture products?

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November 21, 2012 · 11:12 AM

Shop Indie for the Holidays – Your Favorites

I know most of you, if not all of you, are thinking about what to get your loved ones for the Holidays and if you’re anything like me, you will NOT be in the stores come black Friday morning fighting over some retail sweater that will end up under everyone’s tree.

In this time of giving, I’d like to support small businesses, local boutiques, and online stores. If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer, jewelry for yourself, or a closet staple for your guy these shops are what’s happening in the streets.  So in no particular order, these are a few of my favorite Indie shops and yours that you should look out for this chrismahanukwanzakah !

What are you some of your favorite Indie Shops?

Rachel Stewart Jewelry

Junk Prints

Peace Images

Bon Bon Vie

Oaklandish

Cre8tive Class

Dope Only

Marcus Books 

Free Your Mane (my favorite product line)

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September 26, 2012 · 9:20 AM

Young Adult Author Rita Williams-Garcia presents “One Crazy Summer” – Marcus Books Store (Oct. 12)

Thanks to my aunt ( & author Dera Williams), just got word that award winning young adult author, Rita Williams-Garcia will be presenting her new book One Crazy Summer at Marcus Books store in Oakland, October 12th.  What makes this event so special is not only will it take place in the oldest black bookstore in the country,  but rather One Crazy Summer recounts the era of 1968 during the black panther party movement.  What better place to have it in Oakland!

One Crazy Summer is about three young girls from New York, who in 1968, visit their Blank Panther affiliated mother in Oakland, California.  This story is said to be rich in heritage and African American history. The book has one various awards; Newberry Honor Book Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, and was a National Book Award Finalist.

Williams-Garcia will be reading excerpts from One Crazy Summer and will do a Q&A session.

Event Details:

October 12, 2012 at 6:30 pm, doors open at 5 pm

3900 Martin Luther King Blvd. The phone number is (510) 652-2344.

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