Monday, February 25, 2008

2008 Oscar Awards


Did you watch, I didn't.With all the movies made during the time frame that the Oscars uses to base its decision, there was only one African American nominated this year, Ruby Dee for her work in American Gangster.
Loved the movie, I think Denzel should have gotten a Oscar for that performance.

But my red carpet, my favorite look of the night was,


Yes in deed, Keisha Whitaker. The dress is gorgeous, she in my opinion is a little thin. But anyway, a great dress indeed.

Stay Fab,
MochaMom

A Raisin in The Sun, Did you watch??

In a stellar cast, ABC presents, A Raisin in the Sun,



I did not watch the premiere tonight but I did record it for viewing tomorrow. Now, I must explain my love of The Raisin in the Sun with you. I read this book by Loraine Hansberry, the year of 93 or 94 ish, my sophomore year of college at Jackson State University. Now let me give you a little background, in junior high school my English teacher saw fit to have me enrolled in Advanced placement classes that consisted of a group of students that only read and studied poetry. I had no idea, that these classes were for a select group of students that they felt had potential to excel in American literature courses. I was enrolled in these classes up until my senior year in high school and actually did very well in them. We read everything from poetry and novels from every period of time that you could think of. We didn't have the standard grammar, spelling and sentence structure books that other English classes had, we did strictly literature and writing. The basics were expected to be learned on your own time.

So with this being said by the time I got to college,I knew how to write a paper that was college level. Anyway back to my story, my assignment was to read, A Raisin in the Sun by the late Lorraine Hansberry and interpret its meaning,give a literary synopsis of the book and how it relates to the issues that were being faced by African Americans in today's society.

I worked extremely hard in completing a paper that I was very proud of and thought in the very least I would receive a "B" for my effort. I didn't think it was my best work, I could have put a lot more effort in it had I tried, but hey the assignment was complete.

So on the day that we were to receive our graded papers back, mine was handed to me with the grade of a "F" with the word, plagiarism, copied from another source. Can you imagine the shock on my face, that I was being accused of plagiarism for my own work? This was a paper that I had to challenge a college professor to get the grade, I felt I deserved. I mean come on, All I wanted was a "B", at that time I was just glad it was over. I had to prove up my sources were correctly cited and that the words that I had submitted were my own. Well to make a long story short, I received a "A" for the paper an apology from the professor and a note indicating that my paper was one of the best she had read in her career.

That was better than I could have hoped for, and luckily on this assignment I had actually done the work myself( ya'll know college students don't always do their own work). So my point is, A Raisin in the Sun has a special place in my heart, and will always be one of my favorite books.


So if you haven't read the book, I highly suggest that you do. Although the book was written in 1959, you'd be surprised to draw so many similarities in today's' society. Lorraine Hansberry was definitely ahead of her time and this is a timeless piece, that should be shared with generations to come, because for some reason we've forgotten where we were such a short time ago.

Get the book people, oh and that clip that I saw when Phylicia Rashaad breaks it down for Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, baby is classic. Genius.


Signing off,
MochaMom

Thursday, February 21, 2008

African American NFL players take note!!!!


Vince Young, returns to the University of Texas, at Austin to complete his academic requirements and graduate.

This makes me proud, how often do we hear about someone that has made it into the NFL put the emphasis back on what really should be important to our youth, Education. Although he has had the ultimate dream come true to be playing for a NFL Team, you've got to respect Vince Young for being the ultimate role model by completing his degree. Others may say, "but if he saves his money, invests well he wont need a degree". But in hindsight, by completing it, it sends a variety of messages. One is that being a role model, kids emulate what we do, Two, you always need something to fall back on (any dream without a plan is just a dream).

So I for one am so proud of him, and hold him in a higher regard than many NFL players. Becuase in my opinion they make entirely too much money anyway (what kind of world doe we live in when doctors,teachers, professors get paid a fraction of what sport entertainers make?) Good luck to him in his endeavors and I am looking forward to seeing what he does with his degree when and if he decides that football has run its course. Hopefully, that will be long time from now becuase he has some skills on the field.


Ranting as usual,
MochaMom

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

My tools !!!

Yep, I used my two favorite tools tonight. I must say, I dont know what took me so long to get this hair dryer. ( oh, I know, it cost $100) I loooovvvvee it. I repeat, loove it. Here is my regime that I used last night, had to make it quick, too many other things to do.

One wash of Design Essentials Moisture Retention



One condition of Design Essentials Express





Comb with shower comb after a spray of Design Essentials leave in conditioner
Mold with Design Essentials Masterpiece setting lotion mixed with DE Compositions Foam
Hooded dryer for 15 min.
Blow dry using Chi Pro and a paddle brush (gets the new growth straight plus you get less hair breakage than tearing through with the comb attachment on a blow dryer)
Flat iron using Chi

The entire process took me less than a hour and half. Small price to pay for not having to pay a stylist for a shampoo and sitting in a salon for a minimum of three hours. So really my tools pay for themselves in the long run, because I do this once a week.

Good to go!!!!
To bed that is,humph, I am tired.


MochaMom

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Tools I'm Loving



Hey guys here are a few hair tools I am in love with right now. Nobody beats my beloved Chi for getting salon perfect hair at home.

Loves the Chi
MochaMom

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Makeup 101?

Do you know how to correctly apply eyeshadow, heres a quick video that gives you some idea of how makeup should be applied.



Stay Fab,
MochaMom

Miss Jackson's dress is FAB!


MochaMom likey!!

2008 All Star Weekend in the NO!!! (New Orleans)


Jay looking quite dapper for the event!


Gabrielle Union


The hosts for the evening, Jay and Lebron


B and Gabrielle chatting it up



2008 NAACP Image Awards


The Game's Tia Mowry


Sanaa killed them with the hair pulled back and beautiful makeup

Of course Venessa was one of my favorite looks (Classic Beauty)


Keisha "Rudy" Pulliaum



Not sure who this is but her makeup is FLAWLESS


Ugly Betty's America Ferrera

New Comer-Denise Boutte aka Tyler Perry's Girlfriend

Taraji P


The Brown Girls are doing already in the 2008
MochaMom

Friday, February 15, 2008

Interesting fact, Maxine Clark? Do you know her?

Maxine Clark was once a CEO for Payless Shoe Source, until one day she realized that “money alone does not translate into personal satisfaction if you’re not doing something you are passionate about” So at the age of 47,she left to start her own journey, Build A Bear Workshop.

Dream Big!

MochaMom


Source:National Institute of Business Management publication, Jan. 08-Vol 1

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Relationships!!

So today is Valentines Day, it got me to thinking about relationships. Not only with your significant other but relationships in general. Do you have any relationships that need repair or that you need to do some damage control on? Now what really got me to thinking about this was, this morning I was thinking about my brother and father and the spat they are having. See they had this little falling out, but both are so much alike that the other can’t bring themselves to talk it out, apologize or forgive the other one. My question is do you have relationships, be it family or friendships that really need some work? Because tomorrow is not promised, why do we let these things happen? It hurts my heart that my father and his only son are not speaking to one another because of issues that really need to be worked out. You have to understand that I really don’t have a big family circle. It’s only me, my brother, sister and dad. So it really hurts me to think that those two have this issue and I’m usually the one stuck in the middle passing information to the two of them.

There are things that I could really be bitter about but I chose to forgive and let the chips fall where they may, just because I think the relationship is stronger than the issue. So with this said, really look at the relationships you have in your life. Life is about living your best life; people, not possessions make this fulfilling. Think about a relationship that’s worth either repairing or making stronger, and call that person and do it. Its alright for you to be the bigger person, real friends don’t judge but will appreciate your gesture. Remember I always say, people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

……Ding, you’re free to move about the country, go and be prosperous.

MochaMom

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Happy Happy Valentines Day


Got any special plans? Hope everyone has a great Valentines' Day!!!!!

MochaMom

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Raisin in the Sun Screening



Baddest chick of the evening!!






Stay Fab,
MochaMom

After the club its the after party, Grammy Afterparty!

This is such a improvement from the original red carpet look. Loves this look.

Grammy Fashion


Me no likey for B's look.




Love these two hair cuts, very cute!!!


Beautiful gown, questionable hair.
Toccara did a better job putting her look together than the R& B Divas in my opinion.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Grammy's Baby!!!!!




Lets talk A Performances first, fashion second!!!



First of all, the show is entire too long. 3 1/2 hours long, who sits through a show for that long ? Anyway, the opening of the show was my girl Alicia Keys, it was tastefully done, I love her, she can do no wrong. Nothing to jump up and down about but for the most part, her performance was good. Next up, Carrie Underwood, moving on (My 10 year old knew all the words, though). Who's next, oh yeah, Rhihanna and The Time. Now I tolerate Rhihanna, not the best voice in the business but her performance with The Time, was less than stellar, can you say b.o.r.i.n.g. I can, boring. Next up, Kanye. Now Kanye was performing from a different place this year, after the lost of this mother, his performance have a special meaning to him now. So Bey and Tina, it was just alright for me, a little pitchy not enought uumph. It could have been so much better. Still waiting to see Amy Winehouse, at the this moment, this is the only exciting thing about this whole long show.


OK, I have to admit, I got tired around 9:30-10:00ish, the remainder of the show was just putting me to sleep. What did you guys think of the show let me know, I am ready to talk fashion. The performances were a little drab.



MochaMom

Pre-Grammy Event

Brown Girls at Pre-Grammy Events:





Stay Fab,

MochaMom

Photosource:brownsista.com

Random Photos!!

It almost Grammy time, in anticipation of the gowns, makeup, shoes and bags, here are a few random shots. Hopefully all will be bringing it tonight ladies!!






Ciao, Bellas
MochaMom

Saturday, February 9, 2008

The Lost of a Child


This weekend has been quite a weekend for me. First of all, the unspeakable happened to a person for whom I've grown to associate with over the years. This unspeakable thing, happened to be the lost of a child. Now I had heard the story on the news, and really felt bad, but upon receiving a call from a another friend of mine telling me that this child was the son of a mutual friend of ours, I felt ill.

My question is, how do you go on after the lost of a child? This little one in particular also happened to be one of twin. That really has been weighing on my mind the most,how do you begin to describe to a 7 year old, that the person they shared the wound with was no longer on this earth? Writing this just breaks my heart so I cant even imagine living through it.

The funeral services were today, but at the last minute I decided not to attend. I choose not to attend, because funerals tend to weigh heavy on mind even after they're long over. I really did not think that I could have the image of the mother, the twin and another sibling, saying their last goodbyes to their little angel. So with this said, the time of the funeral, they were in my thoughts, I said a silent prayer and thought about my two little ones. Could you really go on after the lost of a child. How long would it take you not to call their name, to not hear their voice or remember the little things that they did? Wow, a lifetime I bet...... It would take a lifetime to get used to those things.

I know this kind of thing happens on a daily basis and life is about ups and downs, but how do you over come those down times? People lose people everyday, its a shame that we have to get used to such things. But we do and time and prayers heals all. Accepting the lost of a loved one requires that you grieve, that you understand that they're in a better place, and that everyday it gets a little easier.

So with all this said, in this day and time that we're living in, just remember to cherish the times you have with loved one. Dont take experiences, even the bad ones for granted and say what you want to say to loved ones while you have them. One of the best things, I've heard is to give flowers to people you love while they're alive, dont wait for the funeral services, they cant enjoy them. This way, you never wonder if they knew you loved and cherished them, but you know they knew.

MochaMom
Photosource:Statesman.com

Friday, February 8, 2008

Grammy's On Sunday!

Cant wait. I will be giving a scene by scene overcap of the show!! Hope its a good show!!

MochaMom

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Dang, Rehab Check-In

Lets start a roster of all of Hollywood checking into rehab:
Name: Announcement date

Britney Spears -Numerous Occassions
Eva Mendes-Feb.1, 2008
Kirsten Dunst-Feb. 7, 2008
Justin Chambers (Grey's Anatomy)-Feb. 1, 2008
Amy Winehouse-Numerous Occassions
Actress Sean Young-Jan 29,2008
Lindsey Lohan-Numerous Occassions
Pat O'Brien (The Insider) -Feb. 8, 2008



Will be updated as more stars fall off the wagon. Not sure if this rehab thing are just high priced vacation spots for A-Listers or what.

Sad Situation.....sigh

At least Lane Bryant was considerate of the fact that, providing this gesture will give the families some comfort.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-biz-thu-lane-bryant-pay-funerals-tinley-feb7,0,3203573.story

MochaMom

Please, Please, Please!!


Let this be Photoshopped, and not what Fantasia chose to do to her head!!!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Hollywood Gossip!!

So, if you havent heard, JLo is having twins. Congratulations to her and Marc Anthony. In other news, a autospy confirms that Heath Ledger died from a accidental overdose. The report indicated that he had 6 drugs in his system. They were: Oxycodone, a painkiller, Hydrocodone is also known as Vicodin, Diazepam is commonly called Valium, Temazepam treats anxiety or sleeplessness, Alprazolam is known as Xanax, and Doxylamine is a sedating antihistamine often used as a sleep aid. How do you get that many drugs? So sad, almost identical to Anna Nicole but she had 9 different drugs in her system. Wow, just Wow.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Question??

Are you working to live, or living to work? My question is, are you doing what you want to do and you would do it even if there was no compensation? I guess its the time of year, (I go through this every year) when I am taking inventory of the choices that I make and the direction of my life. Do I search for another job, do I apply to graduate school? What do I want to be when I grow up? I am just not sure, and I feel like I'm wasting time, taking away from what I could and should be doing for something I feel like I have to do. What are your thoughts, are you living your best life? And if not, what would you change?


MochaMom

A Prince Among Slaves!!

Have you guys heard of this project. It is the amazing true story of 26-year-old male named Abdul Rahman Ibrahima.







Narrated by Mos Def PRINCE AMONG SLAVES is the true story of Abdul Rahman Ibrahima, brought to life in rich, dramatic detail on film, including:


his life as the son of one of the most revered and fierce kings on the African continent and the tribal battle that stripped him of his rightful heritage;
his journey from Africa to a Natchez, Mississippi, plantation where he successfully escaped—only to return in order to survive;
his role as a man whose education surpassed that of his white superiors and how he used his knowledge to sustain himself and create his master’s wealth;
his accidental reunion 25 years later with John Coates Cox, an Irish immigrant earlier rescued from certain death by Ibrahima’s father in Africa; and Cox’s negotiations to secure his friend’s freedom;
the impact of slavery on Thomas Foster's family as his adult children were saddled with drunkenness, insanity, abandonment and murder;
the colorful characters and important historical figures who peopled Ibrahima’s life, including Mississippi journalist Andrew Marschalk who popularized his story to secure his freedom, only to later turn on him with racially charged editorials;
his release from slavery and the work he would do to launch his celebrity, sparking racial tension throughout the ante-bellum South;
his return to Africa and his death there just days from his former home.


Perfect film for this time of year. Premieres tonight at 10 p.m.on PBS.

MochaMom

Happenings!!

Whats up, not much going on in my world. Typicall work week, too much to do and not enough time. We're gearing up for a Black History Program at work, so I am apart of the decorating committee. It seems to be moving along, there are alot of opinions, comments and requests. So we'll see how that goes. All in all I think it will be a great thing for the agency in building morale for all.

Fat Tuesday, in Austin Texas.

So everyone from work wants to venture out on 6th street for the Fat Tuesday, celebration. I havent decided yay or nay. Might be fun, I'll let yall know the details, might even share some photos, yep, I brought my camera baby. There are some fools on 6th street.

But anyway, thats about all that happening in my little small world, hope all is good in yours.

Take Care,
MochaMom

Sunday, February 3, 2008

How about those Giants????


Hubby was excited, Giants defeated the Patriots 17-14. Super Bowl XLII has come to an end.Until next year, hopefully the Cowboys will be there next year.


Did you guys see the commercials, I missed most of them, had too many other things going on.
MochaMom

Day 2 of Fashion Week 2008



Here are two of my favorite looks from Day 2 of Fashion Week 2008.

I could see myself in both of these.
MochaMom

Friday, February 1, 2008

Natural Look of the Week!!

YaYa from America's Next Top Model!


Loving her look
MochaMom

Reader Recommendation






¡Hóla chicas, so one of my commenters recommended a line of makeup that she says is fabulous for us brown skinned ladies. Not only brown skinned but, it actually is suppose to be a line thats great for all skin tones. Its mineral all natural make up called, Sheer Cover. So me being the makeup guru that I am, l placed my order and am patiently awaiting its arrival. I will post my results as soon as I receive and use the line.


If interested here's the link. Its actually a great price, for $29.95 you get:


Sheer Cover® Mineral Foundation SPF 15
Sheer Cover® Duo Concealer
Sheer Cover® Nourishing Moisturizer SPF 15
Sheer Cover® Conditioning Cleanser
Studio Powder Brush
All-In-One Brush
Studio Concealer Brush
Studio Contouring Brush
Extra Length Mascara
Sheer Color Compact

Lip-To-Lid Highlighter™ Sampler Card


All for $29.95, oh yeah and its 60 day money back guarantee. You cannot lose with that, so I'll be giving it a try for sure.

I'll let you know.
Buenos diás

MochaMom