@LEVIS Curve ID Jeans to the Rescue

Shopping for jeans is always a pain in the ass. I'm short (5'2"), curvy (size 10/12), and seem to be on a never ending quest to find a flattering pair of jeans. Not just flattering, but quality jeans that don't break the bank or bust it all the way open lol.

This past weekend I was walking around the city enjoying a beautiful Fall day, you know... taking my usual cuffing activities outdoors when the boo and I decided to check out the Levi's store. I had heard consistently positive reviews on the quality of their denim and the Curve ID line.

Glancing down at my Forever21 Skinny Jeans I was just a tad bit embarrassed. It was clear the $10.80 jeans had long overstayed their welcome. They were stretched out in the knees (strange) and looking faded. Yes, the jeans had been a decent purchase. I mean, being able to wear such cheap jeans for nearly a year is pretty awesome, but I came to the realization that I can't have fashion struggles this close to 30.

I entered the Levi's store on Michigan Ave. with an open mind and patience... I knew it would take a little time to get measured, try different fits, and see what worked the best for my body. After 90 mins and a ton of help from sales associate Juliet, I emerged from the store with 2 pairs in hand and a big smile.

Levi's Demi Curve Skinny Jeans 

I measured on the cusp of 2 curves: Demi and Bold. I tried both styles on and ended up picking the Demi curve as it fit a tad bit more comfortable on my hips/waist. I opted for 2 pairs of Demi Curve Modern Rise Skinny leg jeans in dark denim. I also loved the 30" inseam option - - perfect for shorter ladies.

The jeans retail for $78 (not much more than the $69.50 I would pay at The Gap), but Levi's had a great 30% off sale going on... might still have it... so I walked out of there with 2 exquisitely fitting jeans for just over $100. If you're still searching for a nice pair of jeans I suggest going in a store and getting fitted. You'll be happy.

@CurlyNikki Chicago Meet-Up

Chicago naturals - - get your hair ready because Curly Nikki is finally gracing the Windy City with her presence! CurlyNikki.com founder and natural hair favorite Nikki Walton, will be hosting the meetup on Saturday, October 20th from 2p-5p @ Japonais. Space is limited so hurry up and get your RSVP in today by clicking here.

Attendees will be treated to live demos from Motions stylist Ursula Stephen, natural hair product samples, tips and educational info compliments of Motions, and complimentary Motions cocktails for the first 200 people. Hors d'oeuvres will be available along with a cash bar.

Keeping things social, the hashtag for the night will be #curlynikkimotions on twitter!

Thick Neck Thursday: Bloody Bite Edition featuring @joemanganiello

The reclusive werewolf from Mississippi, Joe Manganiello is the epitome of a Thick Neck that packs a big bite. Everyone knows him from the HBO series "True Blood," but what they might not know is that Manganiello had to tone down his thickness for the role.

Prior to snagging the part of Alcide Herveaux, Manganiello was 6'5" 240lbs of drool worthy thickness. After joining the cast, trainers whipped him into even better shape and sculpted his down to an impressive 225 lbs.

I typically go harder for Vampires, but Manganiello just might peak my curiosity for the hairy beasts. His body is pretty freaking epic! I mean, I can't even count the amount of "packs" on his stomach... it's just like an eternal cluster of squares. Do people even have that many muscles in their body? Sheesh... allow me to wipe the drool from my mouth.

This past season was my first time really watching "True Blood," but I became an instant fan. I can't wait for next season. If you've never given the show a chance, crawl from underneath your rock and check it out on Netflix/OnDemand. It's really entertaining and easy to follow.

Thick Necks on Pinterest

Ever find yourself craving a thick neck, but it's not Thursday? Well, don't worry your pretty little head... I have a Pinterest board that can give you a hefty dose of 'Thick Neck' any day of the week! Check out my board: Thick Necks: The Thicker the Neck, The bigger the Heart!

Review: @Ouidad Mongongo Oil results on Natural Hair

NaturallyCurly.com sent me another gem from Ouidad to try and this time my socks have been knocked off... Well, Aztec print house shoes if we're being technically correct, but I digress...

Part of the Salon Series by Ouidad line, the Mongongo Oil is marketed as a multi-use hair treatment offering strands deep nourishment, protection, smoothed out frizz and boosted shine. It has no silicones, sulfates, parabens or waxes... what does that all mean? It's pretty freaking awesome without tons of bad stuff. And like we all know, good stuff doesn't come cheap. The oil is sold in 2 sizes: $36 for 2 oz and $58 for 4 oz.

Before you start to have an epic meltdown over the price to size correlation, let me say that NaturallyCurly.com sent me a 2 oz. bottle to try and though it may seem on the small side, a few sprays of this oil goes an extremely long way. I've average about 2-3 sprays for my entire head... meaning I spray 2-3 sprays into my hand, rub together, then distribute. Donzo. That's it. My results typically last a few days... think 3 or 4 on average. So, I won't use more than 6 sprays a week. Looking at the rate I've been using this oil I could easily see it lasting 3-4 months. When you put that into perspective it doesn't make the sticker shock so bad.

What the site claims the product does:

This super-concentrated, multi-tasking serum is infused with Mongongo Oil, known as “hair food” in Zambia for its high vitamin E content and superb regenerating and antioxidant properties. With American Palm Seed Oil and Broccoli Seed Oil, the formula restructures hair as it deeply repairs damage to restore a healthy appearance to even the dullest locks. By forming a protective film over the hair fibers, hair is instantly more manageable and has a natural, healthy-looking luster. It coats hair to protect against UV rays and environmental aggressors to help defend against damage. Further, it protects hair from aggressive heat styling and helps speed up drying time.

My experience:

I could immediately tell my strands were coated and feeling shinier and smoother. My drying time was noticeably shorter... it shaved off drying time similar to how my Brazilian Blowouts do (cutting it by like 50%), and heat styling with my flat iron took only 1 pass. I honestly didn't want to like this stuff because it's expensive. I'm being 100% honest lol. The last thing I needed was to become hooked on a product that didn't cost $5-$10. I'm not really cheap, but you know... I don't want to drop $36 for an oil. However, after using this oil the past few weeks I've definitely changed my mind. It yields consistent results, and the results are unique enough to not be duplicated with a cheaper product. I honestly haven't found anything that gives me these types of results other than the Brazilian Blowout... which is expensive, but of course is a chemical treatment (though temporary). So, in terms of an at-home DIY hair treatment, Ouidad knocked it out of the park! I'm completely smitten with the Mongongo oil. It makes my strands happy and heart smile.

If you'd like to learn more about the Mongongo Oil or buy it, click here.

Raising Money for Room Service Atlanta (via @NikiMcNeill)

Home is where the heart is, but the sad reality is that many young men and women don't have a place to call home. My blogging buddy Niki @ SingleBubblePop is raising money for her latest endeavor: Room Service Atlanta. She's an extremely talented designer that will be designing a room for the United Methodist Children's Home in Decatur, GA. All designers are charged with raising funds to decorate the rooms, which house young men ages 18-21 looking to get on their feet. Anything, even $5 is greatly appreciated as she works to raise money and help these young men have an inviting, warm sanctuary to regroup and call their own. Everyone can attest to how nice a well-designed space can feel... so please take a look at the below post from her site and hit the pay pal link to donate!

From SingleBubblePop:

Last year I was so fortunate to be one of a group of fabulous designers who made over rooms for deserving residents of the Nicholas House. This year, Room Service Atlanta is at it again, but this time we are working with the United Methodist Children's Home in Decatur, GA.




Here is my room:

The United Methodist Children's Home has a campus that houses children from various background and stages of life to aid in their growth and betterment.


Room Service Atlanta has been challenged to make over the young men's dorm which houses 18-21 year olds who have aged out of the foster system.


The great thing about this home is that they provide the young men with a safe place to live while giving them access to education, jobs, and life skills that will help them ease into an independent adult life that they have not been previously prepared for.


I am honored to be able to work alongside such a giving group of designers and humbled to be able to give back at this stage in my career.



Obviously, I'm starting from scratch. The good news is, the room has GREAT bones to work with: high ceilings, double closets, crown molding and decent floors! Also, Room Service has garnered some very generous sponsors in Award Fabrics, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and Room & Board. I have received a bed from Room & Board already! So thankful for their support.

The bad news is, the room still needs a LOT of work! It needs to be painted from top to bottom because the walls are in pretty bad shape. Despite that, I'm confident that I, along with my awesome team of volunteers, can transform this space into something really special for a young man transitioning into independent adulthood.

BUT I NEED YOUR HELP! Every designer is responsible for raising her own funds for materials and labor in this makeover process, and for me that means soliciting donations. For a designer like myself just starting out, this type of work is so fulfilling to complete but almost impossible to finance on my own. Last year I was blessed to have several great donations to make my room makeover happen, but I still had to come up with my own funds. This year, I'm hoping that I can do an even better job for this charity by raising more than enough money to not just make the room beautiful but "over the top"!

WHAT CAN YOU DO? You can click the button below to make a monetary donation of any size. I will make a donation to United Methodist Children's Home in your name so that you can receive a tax-deductible receipt for it. If you are a small business owner that has product that you believe would be a great fit in this room, you can email me about sending your goods to be included! Any business that donates either money or product will receive 1 year of free advertising on this blog sidebar.

THANK YOU in advance for any contributions you may give toward this project, even if it's simply your thoughts and prayers that ALL the designers make a difference for these young boys!