Nov 30, 2012

HBO "GIRLS" Season 2 Trailer (video)

I was bored a few weeks ago and decided I needed a new show to get into. I scanned my HBO OnDemand and discovered 'Bored to Death'. Fast forward 1 week and 3 seasons later... I was left heartbroken that the series has been canceled! What the fuck, man. You mean to tell me I threw myself into a show that is no more? That shit was for the birds.

Lucky for me GIRLS is returning to HBO January 13th. I'm excited for another season of shenanigans and debauchery only the way Hannah and her girls can do! Are you not counting down the days? This is the mere glimmer of light in my otherwise gloomy and smug Friday afternoon.




Nov 29, 2012

Thick Neck THORsday: Chris Hemsworth

Show me a slim dude, and I'll show you a guy just on the brink of his true thick neck potential!

Seriously... bigger is better and you can't go wrong with a thick neck. Just take actor Chris Hemsworth for example.

When preparing to take on the role of "Thor" he upped his workouts and put 220lb on his 6'4" frame. Before he looked like a model. After he looked like a God.

I know many women wouldn't kick the "before" version out of their bed, but I'm living for his neck, traps and biceps in the "after" ... and the scruffy beard!!! Yes... Goodbye Christopher. Hello Mr. Hemsworth!

Disclaimer: Playfulness aside, I've learned that maintaining a thick neck is no joke. It's pretty much a full time job of eating massive amounts of lean protein and working out... and for the regular guy that holds down a job and reasonable social life, it's not a priority. So, while the actors and professional athletes have thickness for days, I know it's because they're financially obligated to lol. I cut regular guys some slack.




Nov 27, 2012

Unrealistic Beauty Standards (video)

I'm starting to feel that the beauty standards for women nowadays are not only out of control, but disgustingly cookie cutter. A quick scan of many fashion blogs or Instagram will show you that the ideal "beauty" is exotic, long hair, caked up face, small waist, big ass, top notch fashion... and that's just the outside... on top of that she needs to be smart, successful, not a gold digging bitch, have a good family, education, like sports, and not be annoying. She should cook, pop that pussy in the bedroom, and win your mother over with her smile and grace.

** insert crickets here**

Now, having the full package has never been a bad thing... for a man or a woman... but the standards of beauty for many women are just unrealistic. Stick with me for a moment...

I love makeup and hair. It's fun to play with your look and change things up, but I think people are starting to believe their caked up, weaved out look is authentic... Nah, son...

I was at a day party on Saturday and doing a quick scan of the room I thought most chicks brought their A game... but doing that much for a casual party at 2p? lol... No wonder men have it all wrong. The "done up" beauty has become the standard and what many people think is the minimum criteria. Yes, I've heard some men say they like natural beauties with no makeup... but guess what? Those same guys stay falling for the Okey Doke chick in the club "caked up and ready to get chose." How long can you really be with a person that avoids sweating, water activities, or anything that might ruin their makeup or cause their hair to sweat out! Enjoy the facade, but trust and believe that this is NOT how women look at the end of the day.

Maybe this is a PMS driven rant, but I think it's important for women to truly embrace who they are w/out the makeup and hair tricks. Yes, take care of your appearance and be proud... but when you wash your makeup off at night, love who is looking back at you. I feel like we're almost to blame for this shit. Folks think Kim K wakes up looking like that, failing to realize she has a 24/7 Glam Squad.

Sidebar: I prefer Kimmie Cakes without the makeup and high fashion. I think she's a naturally pretty girl that doesn't need the extra pomp and circumstance.

What are your thoughts? Are the female standards for beauty out of control and unrealistic?





Nov 26, 2012

Chicago Sunrise

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There's something to be said about awaking in a quiet home, glancing out the window and seeing the new day begin.

As the sky shows the first signs of light, steadily warming up to a beautiful orange-rose color, I get excited that I've been blessed with another chance to live life.

I've grown accustomed to taking pictures of the sunrise.. literally capturing the 'crack of dawn' as it makes an appearance over the lake.

My apartment is always insanely warm, with a peaceful tranquility hard to come by. The lack of blinds has actually turned out to be a plus, allowing me to have an unobstructed Eastern view.. and I've started to not mind the "fishbowl" effect I can sometimes have at night.

It can always be challenging to come off of a holiday weekend and get back into the swing of things at work, but I hope everyone has a better Monday than they did last week.


Nov 25, 2012

How to Remove Candle Wax from Jewelry

My "Ishea" necklace is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. It's not expensive, but extremely sentimental... so when I accidentally dropped it into hot candle wax I was quite annoyed. Thank God for Google because within a few minutes I came across a 'how to' on removing candle wax from jewelry.

In case this ever happens to you, I wanted to do a transfer of knowledge. Let's be honest - - this was pretty much a freak type of accident on my part, but stranger things have happened...

You Will Need:
- Warm/Hot water
- Toothbrush
- Soft Cloth
- Mild soap or Jewelry cleaner

To Remove the Wax:
1. Fill a bowl or sink with warm to hot water.
2. Place the jewelry int the water and allow it to soak until the heat from the water softens the wax.
3. Once soft, use a cloth to wipe the wax away.
4. For smaller holes and designs, use a soft bristled toothbrush to brush the wax bits out.
5. When all of the wax is removed, dry the piece with a soft cloth.
6. Clean with jewelry cleaner to remove any residue and restore the shine


Nov 23, 2012

Thankful for Nothing?

Yesterday I woke up feeling smug, moody and ungrateful. Sometimes when you're dealing with multiple problems it's easy to have a pity party for one... going balls to the wall with an emo spazz out session. Although my Cancerian mood swings can be quite epic, they typically leave as swiftly as they came.

For anyone else out there that rides an emotional rollercoaster, rest assured that you're not alone! Life happens and you can only worry about so much. Start wherever you are. Use what you have. Do the best that you can.

I often think of a saying I heard a while back. You can choose to either pray or worry, but you can't do both. Make your choice and keep it moving! Happy Black Friday... hope you haven't raped and pillaged your bank accounts lol.

Nov 21, 2012

Change up your Treadmill Routine

Before we sit around and give thanks for everything, followed by gorging ourselves on food... then proceeding to blow all of our money on "stuff" ... take some time to analyze your body and workout routine. Yes, your waistline will be fully expanded for the most part tomorrow, but once Friday hits why not exercise something OTHER than your credit card.

If you like the treadmill but want a way to change it up, check out the below videos from Chicago Trainer Bryce Fountain. One of the top trainers in Chicago, Bryce offers 2 ways to mix up the standard treadmill workout.


Side Shuffles on Treadmill




Walking Forward Lunges on Treadmill




Nov 20, 2012

Sweated Out Natural Hair: The Struggle is Real

Every black woman can relate to having their hair sweat out at one time or another. A few days ago I fell asleep for a quick nap and awoke to this (below). I was quite amused by the quickness with which my hair sweated out and produced a fro. Even more exceptional was the fact my fro resembled that of the Bride of Frankenstein! Yes, I went to sleep looking like me and woke up looking like I was ready to wed the green beast lol. Oh lord... why does my hair sweat like the rent is due and I can pay them in salty water?

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Bloggers and Vloggers are so quick to only show you one side of themselves: caked up and every hair in place. That's not how life is. I don't wake up with the perfect twist out and my brows filled in. Shit, sometimes I wake up looking just like this lol... and that's fine! Know why? Because life happens and when I don't tie up my hair shit can get real in these natural hair streets.

Anyways, I'm no longer #TeamStruggleBun, so I was able to pick this out and throw it in a bun... hop back in the bed and get more sleep. Still, I felt the need to share my natural hair struggle #162 with the rest of the blogging community.


Nov 15, 2012

Hard Work Pays Off (via @TheRock)


Call me stubborn, but I'm not in the mood to rotate in a new piece of Thickness this week. Dwayne Johnson is hands down my absolute FAVORITE Thick Neck of all time... one that I never tire of fawning over.

Better than going to the gym myself is watching him sweat it out in a typical workout. Can I just be a fly on the wall... or a water/towel girl? Can I hand him the soap as he showers? lol...

He's the ultimate prize! Enjoy :)



Nov 14, 2012

The Best T-Shirt Bra for Large Breasts (via @Wacoal)

I've always struggled with finding an everyday t-shirt bra that wasn't ugly, had a comfortable fit, and ample support. After browsing Macy's I found just that in the Wacoal Seduction Spacer Contour Bra - Style #853255.

I recently got re-sized and my breasts are now a 34G/GG instead of the 36DD/DDD they previously were. Basically I went from hardly finding bras my size, to hardly EVER finding bras my size lol. Oh, the struggles of a chick with a huge rack.

This bra has truly been a light in my life. It's comfortable and free of lacy designs in the front that can show under certain materials. The fit is extremely comfortable and perfect for everyday wear. I've pretty much ditched the dream of having a closet full of cute Victoria Secret bras because they just don't make them in my size. Not to mention, Victoria's Secret doesn't really make quality bras. Yes, they're pretty... but in terms of actual support... not for anyone with a cup size larger than C.



I know that many women are constantly on the hunt for bras that offer support and don't make you feel like a geriatric. Thank you Wacoal for successfully doing this. If you'd like to gift me any of your bras to try out, my 36G/GG boobs are more than happy to oblige!

The bra retails for $60 and can be purchased at Macy's or Wacoal Online.



Nov 13, 2012

Is there Life after Twerking?

I have a soft spot in my heart for the Twerk Team and their hypnotic ass shaking, but what happens when the twerking comes to an end? Is it possible to have a life beyond twerking? I'm probably putting too much thought into this, but unlike strippers that hang up their clear heels in the dark abyss of a club, YouTube Twerkers have embeddable memories left on the Internet for everyone to see. Can you take a former twerker seriously?




Nov 10, 2012

Fashion Fix: Using a Belt to Define your Waist

When I found this leopard print top with leather collar/sleeve detail at F21 I was beyond thrilled. Curly Nikki was coming to Chicago that weekend and I couldn't wait to wear it with a cute pair of shorts. Fast forward to the end of the night and I was annoyed to see how terrible it looked in pictures. My eyes had deceived me and I temporarily forgot the struggles that plague those with big breasts. Sidebar: I actually just got re-fitted last week and went from a 36DDD to a 34G/GG, but I digress...

Women with large breasts take for granted the benefits of using a belt to define the waist, thus making your overall appearance neater and showing you actually have a figure. I'm a size 10/12 and not skinny nor plus size. I think I have decent proportions, but know my huge rack on a 5'2" frame cancels out a lot of fashion choices. I can easily look overwhelmed in tunic tops when my boobs push it out and my short legs get swallowed whole by the fabric. Some tops are too small and make my rack look like a porn star (and I'm not getting paid to look like that lol)... and my 2 best friends are like size 0s, so in order to not look like I've eaten them for lunch in pictures, it's necessary to dress for my body lol.

After having photographic evidence of how unflattering my top looked, I was dead set on redeeming myself. You can see the before and after of how I styled this item at the Curly Nikki event and later corrected it at a birthday party. Of course I hands down prefer the second photo with the belt. I actually was wondering why none of my friends told me at the Curly Nikki event how the top was fitting and photographing o_O

Thank God I can be honest with myself (and depend on my life force twinsie to keep it 100)... so yeah, check out the before and after and you can see the significance it makes. These pics were taken like a week or so apart.

What are your favorite fashion fixes?


Nov 9, 2012

How to wear a Satin Bonnet in Public




When I first heard that chicks were rocking black satin bonnets in public I didn't believe it. I mean, it's one thing to rock a scarf outside the house... which can be hit or miss... but a black bonnet? Like the type you sleep in? I mean, hell... nobody even really wants to sleep in them because they're so hideous! But wearing it outside, willingly? Hell no... I was extremely baffled and perplexed. My brain ached.

When I moved back to Chicago last summer and actually witnessed girls roaming the streets with their bonnets on full display, I wasn't sure whether I should laugh, tweet a pic, or stop them and ask why. Well, I've decided to do one better and show everyone the correct way to wear a satin bonnet in public - - covered THEE hell up! lol...

I totally understand that #BlackGirlHairProblems are real in these streets and as a chick with natural hair, there can be tons of prep work involved in getting a style the way you want. If I have something to do that night it's not uncommon for me to twist my hair up and allow it to "set" during the day at work. However, you will not CATCH SIGHT of my satin bonnet. Instead, I opt to wear my satin bonnet underneath a cute, black beanie. This allows for my hair to not get frizzy due to friction from the beanie, but you also don't have to see the satin bonnet because let's be real... it's ugly.

I usually pull my bonnet and beanie back just a tad so you can see the front twists, a small effort to make this look like an actual style... and then the rest is covered up. I've never been clowned for this style and it actually looks kinda cute. I feel artsy and introspective.

For all of the women out there actually wearing satin bonnets in public, please stop... Go to Forever21, H&M or even Target and snag a few beanies. I promise this will be a major fashion save for your life force.



Nov 8, 2012

Thick Neck Thursday: Daniel Craig Bond Edition

One whiff of the amazing appeal Daniel Craig exudes and you'll be hooked. Bond, James Bond or 007, whichever you prefer - - Craig is this week's Thick Neck Thursday feature.

At 5'10" and 175 lbs, Craig has regular guy stats.. and I'll admit that my face does a slight scrunch because he's a toned down version of the typical thick neck I lust after (The Rock, anyone? lol)... but when you see his body in motion you quickly realize you're getting the most 175lb bang for your buck!

In real life 44 year old men are not walking around looking like him, nor do they get to play out their bad ass fantasies on the silver screen! Craig gets to bang gorgeous women, drive the best cars, kick ass, take names, and manage to never wrinkle his suit. Come on... he deserves a round of applause!

His latest Bond film, Skyfall, opens in theaters tomorrow and I'm pretty freaking excited to see him in action. I wasn't a huge fan of the Bond franchise prior to him joining, but have been hooked ever since I saw Casino Royale. I still can't believe that movie is 6 years old! Is time flying? lol....

Will you be going to see Skyfall in theaters tomorrow?




Nov 6, 2012

History in the Making: Part II

4 years ago I wrote a post about how inspired I was by Barack Obama. 4 years later and I feel the same way...

November 4th, 2008


Unlike my ancestors, I was not around to experience slavery...nor did I come of age in the South at the height of racial tensions and discrimination, like my parents/grandparents. I have no clue what it's like to be forced to sit at the back of the bus, use "colored" facilities, or even pick cotton...all of which my relatives experienced.

I do, however, wake up everyday knowing that we need change. We must have change. The country cannot continue down the road we're on. Senator Barack Obama represents that change for me. He is in touch with our country...its people...the economy...he's realistic but optimistic! He's brilliantly intelligent but not intimidating. He has a swagger like no other but knows how to turn it off and on. He is the man that will lead our country out of the black abyss George Bush has allowed us to fall into under his "watch". Barack Obama represents the epitome of the American Dream - - the American Dream that millions of people flock to the U.S. for can be seen in Barack Obama's life story.


As I sit here, just hours away from seeing the U.S. elect their first black president...I find myself overjoyed and full of emotions. In a previous blog I wrote about my experience watching Senator Obama deliver his presidential nomination acceptance speech. It was so encouraging and motivating...and now, I am in Chicago - - in the midst of history in the making. Grant park has been transformed and will be the place history is made. Hundreds of thousands...possibly 1 million people will gather there to celebrate and rejoice in this historic moment. There are a ton of events going on tonight and I encourage everyone to get out there and celebrate...this is literally the change of a lifetime! You can check out events at metromix.

Not only does this election represent truly how far we as black people have come in the U.S., but it shows how far our country has come...that we are still able to come together, despite our differences, for a common goal - - a democratic society that has the benefit of its people in mind! A true public servant will be elected by the end of the day and I am so proud to be an American citizen!


Vote!!! (video)

Get out there and vote today, folks!




Nov 5, 2012

Why I Hate Chase Bank (Video)

Saturday night I had the chance to get out with my girlfriends and just let loose. Drank a bit too much and ended up paying for it all day Sunday. Nothing reminds you that you're getting older like realizing how much longer it takes to "bounce back" from a ratchet night out.

But on to the topic of this post - - why I hate Chase Bank!

After leaving the club we went to Bijan's, one of my favorite late night spots, and decided to grab some Pinkberry while we waited for our table. Keep in mind that I was faded by this point, so I'm just rolling with the punches. I get to the register and the dude tells me my debit card came up declined. No biggie b/c I have money in my account, but he just gave me my FroYo gratis! Mucho Gracias... I kept living my life and didn't think anything of it... until I tried to pay for my bill at Bijan's and it came up declined again.

Had to give Chase a call because I knew I had money in the account and this was ridiculous. Spoke to a rep and was told they were having a system outage and my card wouldn't be available until 8a. Umm... excuse me? It was like 3a and I was sitting in a restaurant needing to pay my bill. Chase, please do better. I didn't receive any type of email alert, or notification of ANY kind saying my account would be unavailable for X amount of hours.

I've done numerous cross country road trips and the first thought that entered my mind was what if I was driving and needed gas... I couldn't get it for 5 more hours? Fuck that. Chase is such a sham of a company. They really grind my gears. So, not only was my account with fucking money in it unavailable, she also told me that if I went to an ATM my card wouldn't work until 8a. Well, damn...

Luckily my girlfriend had some extra cash on her and was able to give me some money for my bill, but I think Chase Bank did a shitty job handling this matter.






Nov 2, 2012

Drink up Art featuring Brian Golden (@southportgrocer)

If you can't remember the last time you did something culturally enriching, fret no more.

Part wine tasting, part art party, Drink up Art is the perfect opportunity to meet local artists, lubricate your spirit with fancy wine, and nibble on delectable bites.

Next week's event features one of my favorite local artists, Brian Golden! In addition to showcasing some of his favorite pieces, Golden will be available to answer questions about his inspiration, creative process, and even help you load the work into your car if you wanna buy it lol!! 

Click here to check out more of Brian's work.



What: Drink Up Art
When: 11/8/12
Where: Southport Grocery & Cafe (3552 N. Southport)
Time: 6p - 8p
Cost: Free ($15 for the wine tasting - - 3 glasses of wine)

3552 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657




Nov 1, 2012

Thick Neck Thursday: @HulkHogan Hulkamania Edition


I'm an 80's baby and this week's Thick Neck Thursday post is dedicated to the original Thick Neck, Hulk Hogan!!! It's hard to believe Hogan is 59 y.o., but he made his wrestling debut in the late 70s... going on to have a career that spanned over 30 years! It's crazy impressive that he's still relevant, let alone how great of shape he's been able to keep his body in.

Hogan is a daunting 6'7" 302lbs of old school Thick Neck... still working the crowd with his big persona and red and yellow signature colors. Just hearing his theme music puts a smile across my face... everything Hogan screams nostalgia for me.

My brother was completely obsessed with wrestling and I ended up watching countless hours of WWF (WWE, WCW, etc... whatever the hell else they changed their name to) as a result of him. Hogan was always one of my favorites and I'd probably still go hard for him today lol.

Any fellow 80's babies out there spend their childhood completely enthralled in all things wrestling?

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