I’ll take “self-inflicted political scandals for $800, Alex.”
Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up! Or… maybe you can? What an utterly insane campaign season this is proving to be. And I really don’t mean to needle any Clinton supporters who read Afrobella — at one time, I too admired her simply for her intelligence and capability even though she was never my candidate of choice. But as the campaign wore on, my disdain for her tactics grew stronger. And now here we are, with Sinbad of all people, at the epicenter of an unraveled, repeatedly-told lie. Comedians, bloggers, and news anchors are having a field day. I’m not wading into the campaign waters any deeper than this for right now, y’all. I’m just saying, the iron is sizzling for a Sinbad comeback! I just want to see him on like, the Colbert Report this week or something. And strangely enough, when my brother in Trinidad mentioned Sinbad during my Earth Wind and Fire music post of last week Thursday, I was like…. man, SINBAD! I haven’t thought of that brotha in FOREVER. Flash forward a week and he’s on the news every night. Strange.
My days of being “the tall girl” ended when I was oh, eleven or twelve. Then I became the average-height girl. But I was still able to identify with Life as a Tall Girl, an essay written by University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh senior Rebecca Thomas. She’s 6 foot 4, and has always attracted gasps and stares from obnoxious onlookers. “I often wish people weren’t so rude. How can they act so unabashedly shocked when they see someone who is different from them? And I’ve got it easy; I’m a minority only in the sense of height. I can only imagine how those under the burden of a group prejudice based on their race or religion must feel. I like to think that those who have insulted me didn’t intend to. I do believe that most people are basically good, but they can be insensitive,” she says. Finally, she’s wearing her height with the regal bearing it demands. “In fact, sometimes I wear heels. Just to make them look twice,” she adds.
Go ‘head, Rebecca! I found her story to be inspiring, and maybe you will too. In somewhat similar news, the world’s tallest man just got a new bicycle! Totally random, but I love to know about the lives of Guinness World Record holders.
I always welcome an opportunity to be a part of the News and Notes bloggers’ roundtable, but alas, I was sick this weekend and had to back out on Monday. Monday’s discourse focused on Obama’s marvelous speech, the website Stuff White People Like (which yes — is a classic, lazy, con-job, but an oft-hilarious one, IMO), and Kwame Kilpatrick’s indictment on perjury charges. If there could be a soundtrack to this indictment, might I suggest Radiohead’s Just? You did it to yourself, Kwame. You and no one else. Can’t blame the media for everything.
Even though I still think of this as a quote-unquote beauty blog, sometimes I get political on Afrobella. OK, often. Maybe too often. Especially recently. But sometimes I prefer to keep things light and positive, cause truth be told, too much politics makes my blood boil. So in the interest of keeping things relatively light, I’m just going to address this burning political fire in my belly real quick then get back to the calming seas of beauty and style.
This weekend, I wound up in one of those conversations where you can’t lose your cool. You know — you’re at the office, or in a doctor’s waiting room, or at a social event where you’re required to keep the polite face on… then someone goes and says the thing that just gets under your fingernails the deepest. I wound up in a doozy this weekend, filled with gems like, “I just don’t like Obama because he’s a Muslim and attended a madrassa,” and “President Bush was right to invade Iraq.” Anyone who knows me, knows how hard it must have been for me to respond to inflammatory statements such as these without raising my voice and my pressure. But I’m proud to say, I did neither. I implored with the ignorant party to educate themselves, I pointed them in the direction of the Obama Fact Check — note, not to be confused with the LOL-worthy The Obama Facts. Regarding the issue of President Bush, I wish I had told this person to see PBS Frontline’s special series, Bush’s War. Exhaustively reported. Unflinchingly examined. It should be required viewing for anyone still driving around with a W sticker on their car. Be forewarned — as this Reuters review would indicate, “the level of incompetence uncovered by “Frontline” is stunning.” And if you feel like I do, it’ll make you mad as hell.
Whew. I need to cool down with some fashion. How’s about a giveaway?
I love funky jewelry, I love indie designers, and I love shouting out blossoming businesses. So when singer, songwriter, artist, and jewelry designer Rhonda Ray contacted me about her banging earrings, I was excited. Rhonda’s taken this natural hair thing to a whole new level. She even wrote a song about it! Like to hear it? Here it goes. It’s Afrolicious!
Besides banging out beats and tunes, Rhonda weaves some magically beautiful earrings. I absolutely love them! They are meant to ideally compliment a big fabulous fro. I’ve been rocking the reggaelicious hoops, and I also got a gorgeous pair of pear earrings in her “lavender dreams” color range (which is so Pisces, so soft, so my favorite calming colors). Rhonda’s earrings cost $20, and if you buy three pairs, you can get a free Afrolicious tank top with her fetching logo on it. Or, you can enter this here giveaway and possibly win a pair of Afrolicious earrings for free!
Rhonda has graciously made these five earrings for Afrobella readers. Do you want a pair? Do you, bella? Well then, you know the drill, it’s totally random. Just leave me a comment that begins with the phrase, “I’m totally afrolicious!” And tell me (and Rhonda Ray!) why you deserve to rock these fly hand-woven earrings. And make sure to visit Rhonda Ray’s site and show her some love!
I’ll close these comments by Saturday. Good luck, my afrolicious afrobellas!
I’m totally afrolicious! No seriously I am 🙂 I just cut off my locks and I’ve been rocking the twa. I usually wear earrings to complement my new look and I think Rhonda Ray’s stuff is great!
You called him. Or rather, your brother called him.
I’m totally afrolicious! Yes, you read it. And why am I totally afrolicious? Simply because I am a NATURAL woman who is passionate, intellectual, spiritual, spontaneous, sexy and confident.
This Spring I’m going to be oh so afrolicious!
i’m totally afrolicious! yes, yes, i am. my curls are my best feature, and i LOVE to highlight them with beautiful, colorful earrings, especially those made by indie designers like rhonda ray.
hook me up, bella, please! 😀
“I’m totally afrolicious!†It is officially spring and Brooklyn, NY is showing no signs of it, but I could brighten the whole city by rockin a pair of those fab colorful big hoops! Watch out there now!
“I’m totally afrolicious!†I’ve been enjoying your site for the last six months.
How does one misspeak about being under sniper fire!! Call me crazy but I’m pretty sure I would remember someone shooting at me…or not.
I’m totally Afrolicious! Today is my one month ‘nappyversary’ and I’ve loved every minute of it! Your site has been invaluable in learning how to work with my natural hair. I love rocking my mini afro, figuring out what products my hair likes and accessorizing with headbands, hair clips and of course, cute earrings! I would love to win a pair of Rhonda Ray earrings to highlight my Afroliciousness!
oh, but NYC./Caribbean Ragazza — you forget, she’s “only human.” LOL. I honestly cackled out loud when I saw her say that. This is so ripe for the comedic picking, IMO. And did you notice her complete and total lack of eye contact during the “misspoken” comment? She normally makes very direct and deliberate contact, but there she was straight up caught in the headlights. Crazy, and she can blame nobody but herself. And if you misspoke ONCE, that’s one thing. But she’s told that story several times. They better hurry up and find some new scandal to point fingers at. Otherwise, I think the Clinton campaign might just as well be dunzo.
I’m totally afrolicious because i rock my fro ,twist,and puffs so afroliciously.I smell like chocolate,but i look like toffe now can’t you see me rockin those earrings afroliciously.
Afrobella, I am watching the Frontline episode of Bush’s war at work…(thank god for my employer..*smooches*)..all I can say is a la flavor flav…woooooooooooooooooooooooooow….Looks to me like Chainey has his hands in this from jump street. I always said there was something that I didn’t trust about him. And now recently, I was watching Keith Olberman (loves him, yum!!!) and I think they showed a clip of Chainey saying that it is now the Presidents respnsibility in regards to the war and the soldiers dying, etc…He had Bush’s ear, and I totally believe there is someone behind Chainey that is pulling the strings there too…but I digress, I could go on and on and on…..Sorry for being so political…but I just had to get that out…Now back to Frontline….
She also says that from what she could remember, though they were under danger of fire, she couldn’t just rush past the little girl with the gift and poem or whatever, and had to stop. First, that wasn’t a quick “thank you sweetie, let’s go!” thing. Second, AS IF any Bosnian mother would have her baby out there under danger of sniper fire just so she could meet the First Lady. Or any normal mother ANYwhere. My first thought at any sign of danger is my babies, and I’m sure that mother’s would have been, too. And I am so with nyc/caribbean/ragazza! LOL
I’m totally Afrolicious! I think it’s wonderful to support black-woman owned businesses, especially when they are producing a quality product. Those earrings are absolutely gorgeous and unique. I think they would look great with my twists and twistouts and I would wear them with pride.
I’m totally afrolicious!
And I DESERVE to rock these fly hand-woven earrings because they are HOT! If I win the ones in the middle with the burgandy,organe,green,white, and turqouise would be my choice! ::wink wink::
All I can say is “Where are Afrobella teeshirts?” as I would buy one for every bella in my home!
This is my first time commenting…but here goes. I’m totally Afrolicious because i’m a natural hair girl trying everyday to learn how to love my natural self. Those earings are so creative and inspiring they would look great when I rock my twists or pony tail puffs. I like the calming colours too. Not sure if a lot of Canadian bellas have ever won maybe I might be one.
“I’m totally afrolicious!†I rock my twa surrounded by 99% white folks all the way out here in Boise Idaho, I get stears everywhere I go, but Im a dedicated afrolicious afrobella lol. The other day while I was on my college campus I ran into one of the four black men here, and the brother had the nerves to tell me to go get a perm, I just looked at him and said, Im nappy but I still got the right tempreture to shelter you from the storm! He bust out laughing and told me I was cool, and awsome for loving myself enough to embrace my roots. So yes Bella I deserve a pair of those earrings. Love your Blog.
Peace and one love.
Hey Bella, I have got to be your olderst fan. Iam 57 years old with locs down my back with sprinkles of grey ihave a young spirit and look younger than my years thats why iam afrolcious. I’ve been afan for two years each day i check your site. i need those ear rings because I LOVE C O L O R.
I’m totally afrolicious! I wash my hair put some conditioner in it then off I am to school or work and I try to hide my smile when I catch others staring at my hair. Who knows what they are wondering: “She should press that out, or slap a weave on it” or they could be thinking “her hair rocks maybe its time I try going natural”. I’m always me and try not to think of the possibility of a bad hair day. Once you treat your hair right everyday is a good hair day. What I love the most is 1 week after I twistout I tease the hair even higher cuz Jeasus is my homeboy and I like to visit every now and then.
Ciao Bella I love all the designs I ain’t picky at all.
I’m afrolicious,but i would be totally afrolicious if that tank top was in my size.I’m a Big Beautiful Bella who could really advertise these earrings,and the tank top with all of my afroliciousness.
I’m totally afrolicious!I deserve to wear those fantabulous earrings because I absolutely love them. My hair would love them better!
Am I “totally Afrolicious”? I’m so totally Afrolicious!
The earrings are beautiful, delicious and unique as am I. Thus I would wear them proudly and be sure to direct them to Rhonda Ray’s site. When I see the earrings the artistry and musicality move me and I know these earrings will enhance my natural hair and brown skin.
I would be honored to wear these earrings!
I’m totally afrolicious because my twitter screen name is afrolicious! I think I’m going to buy a few pairs of those amazing earrings anyway; they are quite genius!
I’m totally afrolicious because I rock my fro and other natural styles with pride in Nigeria –> the heart of weavocity and relaxerdom. People stay asking me what’s going on with my hair and when i’m going to get it done (relaxed!)but I don’t care because I’m too afrolicious.
ps- I’m here on a year long journey “back to my (afrolicious)roots” but I will be back in US soon hopefully to claim my earrings 🙂
I am totally afrolicious because I exude FLYNESS. From my hennaed butter- soft fro to my pearly smile shown between my full, lush, GLOSSED, lips down past my lady lumps to my freakum pumps— God has truly blessed me to “like what I see when I’m looking at me when I’m walkin’ past the mirror”. It was a long time coming– and earrings brought me a long way. I feel so confident when I’m rockin’ bangin’ accessories, to the point that they have become my pick me up when life is kickin’ me down. I buy 2-5 pairs a week (not only for me but for my two afrolicious sisters) I am always on the “Ohhh, I need those” tip and I really NEED those “Rhonda Rays”. Help me to maintain the FLYNESS— bless a sista with the earrings
I am totally afrolicious Bella! I’ll be rocking my natural hair out for the first time as I go on my honeymoon to Jamaica in 2 weeks! I have been transitioning and snipping my ends for more than a year and I am finally relaxer free! I can’t wait to be worry free about what’s going to happen if I swim or sweat. When I saw Rhonda’s earrings on your page, I knew immediately that they would be the perfect accessory for me as I immerse myself in the rich culture of Jamaica. Furthermore, we all know that the only thing more fierce than a big beautiful fro, is big beautiful earrings to go with it! Loves them Bella…please hook me up!!
I’m toooootally afrolicious! Like, tooootally! (had to put my CA valley girl spin on it, hehe)
I rock my big, curly ‘fro every day in my corporate world, head held HIGH! I’d like to think I’m adding a little “roots and culcha” to an otherwise boring mix of Dockers and other semi-casual business attire.
I absolutely love hoop earrings, and these Rhonda Ray creations are no exception. So cute!!! If I win, I’ll direct anyone who asks me about them (as I’m sure many will), to Rhonda’s site. 🙂 The tank top is hella cute, too!
T
I AM TOTALLY AFROLICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WOULD LOVE TO ROCK A PAIR OF THESE TO WORK WHERE I ONCE UPON A TIME HAD TO PERM MY 12 INCH AFRO OR LOSE MY JOB..YES I SAID IT…..I SUED THE HELL OUT OF THEM, KEPT MY JOB AND AM NOW ROCKING A TWA WAITING FOR IT TO GROW BACK OUT. WHEN ALL OF THIS HAPPENED TO ME I KINDA LOST WHO I WAS..I WANTED THE JOB BAD ENOUGH TO GO AGAINST ALL OF WHAT I STOOD FOR. I WOULD SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOO LOVE TO ROCK THOSE WITH AFRICA ON THEM TO WORK EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR A WHOLE YEAR OR TWO..THOSE EARRINGS ROCK. I AM A BELLA ON A BUDGET SO I CAN’T PURCHASE THEM.
I’m totally afrolicious! I love love love love earrings and it’s fabulous that they will enhance my wonderful fro. I’m a teenager in style and I have a boring uniform at school, so I think these earrings will spice up my life and my uniform! 🙂
I’M TOTALLY AFROLICIOUS. WHY? THIS AFRO HAS DONE SOMETHING TO ME IT HAS MADE ME SEE CLEARLY. I DON’T KNOW MAYBE THE RELAXERS WHERE CLOUDING MY BRAIN AND MADE ME NOT REALIZE MY TRUE WORTH. I WAS HIDING PERSENTING SOMETHING THAT WASN’T ME. I FEEL CONFIDENT, PASSIONATE AND MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN EVER. ALTHOUGH I HAVE RECIEVED SOME CRITICISM FROM LOVED ONES I HAVEN’T LET IT GET TO ME BECAUSE I AM NOW THE WAY GOD HAS ALWAYS WANTED ME TO BE AND I’M LOVING IT. I LOVE THAT MY AFRO STARTS CONVERSATION BECAUSE. PEOPLE SEE THE REAL ME THE NATURAL ME. THOSE EARRINGS WOULD TAKE ME TO ANOTHER LEVEL. THEY ARE ATTENTION GETTERS, CONVERSATION STARTERS AND JUST ALL AROUND GORGEOUS. I NEED THOSE EARRINGS IN MY LIFE. YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE.
I’m totally afrolicious! I have a little beautiful fro. Give me a couple of years and this baby will be HUGE !!!!
I’m totally afrolicious! I have a crazy medium sized afro that I usually wear in a puff. I love earrings and these earrings are cute! ANd I’m definitely getting one of the tank tops.
As for Sen. Clinton/Sinbad, I thought it’s hilarious that when she gets caught in a lie, she simply “misspoke”. What else has she “misspoke” about that she simply hasn’t been caught? Things that make you go hmmm……
Thanks Bella and Rhonda!
I’m totally afrolicious! And I have been afrolicious for almost seven years.
My preferred style of choice an afropuff that is usually bigger than my head. I used to think this was a bit much so I kept everything else low-key, for a long time my eyeglasses were my only accessory! My accessory game is much bolder now, but it could still use some help. *wink*wink*
So here we are…Spring 2008…I’ve got my contacts in, a (still)growing fro (because bigger IS better) and now those gorgeous rainbow colored afrolicious hoops?! *cough*cough*
Thank you for your blog. I read it daily at work to de-stress and keep up with beauty, fashion, and now politics 😉 Blog on.
i’m totally afrolicious no matter the natural style I wear, be it twa,locks or close to baldy I’m afrolicoous in my heart and soul.
I’m totally afrolicious! And, I’m rockin locs. Being afrolicious means I’m intelligent, confident and totally sexy!!!!!!!
I’m totally afrolicious because these earrings are exactly what I need to start my new wardrobe off right! I am about to turn 21 and I have always struggled with my fashion sense. My whole closet consists of hoodies, jeans, and nikes. This is MY year to step my fashion game up, and I can only imagine all of the bright spring outfits that I can buy that will go amazing with those earrings!!!
I enjoyed my time here.
Best wishes.
Love those earrings.
At the moment, I make myself Afroliscious.
By tomorrow, you might make me even more Afroliscious. 🙂
Im totally afrolicious. Im 19 years old and I chopped off all my permed hair last Febuary. Mind you last Febuary, I was a senior in highschool. I got teased and talked about because I no longer rocked a perm but a natural fro. Some kids said that I looked as if I was one of those kids from the Feed the Children campaigns. But I didnt care, I loved the way I looked and knew that for the first time in a long time I was expressing my true self.
When prom season came around people wondered what I would do with my hair. Some people said I should re-perm my hair others said I should get a weave. I did neither. Instead I rocked my curls with flowers pinned to the side. And let me tell you I was named one of the best dressed girls at prom because I looked different. Its funny now that I have graduated because the same people who use to make fun of me are now asking me for hair advice lol. Its funny how far being your true self can take you. I only wish that many girls my age can know that a perm does not bring out the true essence of your beauty, it cannot enhance the beauty that already existed. That is why Im definitley afrolicious.
I’m so afrolicious!
my afro’s vicious! look good natural
even when I’m doing dishes
confident as my reflection
flyer than perfection
those beautiful earrings
are the heart of my attention ;D
ps: I wanted them enough to bust a rhyme lol
I’m totally afrolicious! And I’ve been trying to learn how to crochet and knit so I can make my own stuff – but I’m not there yet. So gimme some earrangs (yes, with an ‘a’)!!!!
I’m totally afrolicious and loving it! I know the meaning of beauty and not being held by false precepts. To walk upright and be fly, be proud, be free and not bound to a blind world’s definition of beauty! If you can rock the afro, rock the afro…be free and be who you want to be! A black, afrolicious, confident, smart, intelligent, mark defying queen, that is living life Naturally…That’s me! I can rock the earrings, so let me rock the earrings!
I AM TOTALLY ‘AFROLICIOUS’
A-African American by nature
F-Female by design
R-Regal by lineage
O-OBAMA SUPPORTER by choice
L-Loving to all
I-Inspired by HIm
C-Curvy by my momma
I-Imperfect in a perfect way
O-Original in a normal way
U-Unique in my own way
S-Sincere in all that I say