Shave Em Down, Make Em Smooth

Every day I come home from work to an inbox overflowing with e mails, most of which are comments about the most recent post. But sprinkled in between, I get comments from classic posts — stuff I’ve written a while ago and totally forgotten about. Just last week I got a comment about Excuse Me Mo, an irreverent open letter to Monique that I wrote in 2006. I figure my post ranks high up in a Google search for Monique or hairy legs or something — either way, wow did that prove to be a divisive topic! What a difference two years has made. Now I completely see where it’s apparently hypocritical of me to be so pro-natural hair growing out of my head, and so anti-hair growing out of the rest of my body.

We’ve become an overplucked society, obsessed with manscaping and accepting of hair removal on children who are too young to even grow pubes. I don’t mean to add to the insistent hair removal drumbeats that grow louder every summer. Apologies to those of you I may have offended, that certainly wasn’t my intent. I’ve always loved the look of endlessly smooth, sexy legs a la Tina Turner, but I respect your right to remain hirsute.

I’ve been mulling over my reasons for being a proud afrobella and simultaneously an avowed body hair remover — both things definitely go back to my childhood. I remember a family friend who unabashedly sported a wild tangle of armpit hair. She was definitely an object of ridicule, and that negative connotation lingered with me. It was reinforced tenfold in high school. Back in the day I had a teacher who had extremely hairy legs and a penchant for knee-length skirts. Add to the fact that her last name contained the word “ram” — it didn’t take long for high school comediennes to dub her “ram goat,” “goat legs,” and assorted nicknames to that effect.

We wore knee-length skirts as part of our school uniform, so I got into shaving my legs from back then. I came to realize that waxing was preferable to bleaching when it came to dealing with facial hair. That came after a classmate was informed bluntly that her growing-out bleached mustache made her “look like a bumblebee.” Ouch! We had some sharp tongues back then!

It was from that point that I started paying closer attention to my own body hair situation, and I’ve never looked back. It’s a beauty regimen I don’t particularly relish — I don’t know any woman who actually is like, “yay, shaving!” I do sometimes get lazy and let things lapse for a week or sometimes more. The upkeep can be a PITA. But IMO, it’s worth it. Here’s why. Keeping my eyebrows neat and upper lip waxed definitely makes my face look cleaner and brighter, and my features more defined. It really does make a notable difference to my overall look. Waxing my armpits helps to keep my skin uni-toned — years of shaving left my armpits discolored, and waxing helps to alleviate that. And I choose to shave my legs for three simple reasons.

1. Personal preference — I think a smooth, stubble-free leg is beautiful. Give me a gam-revealing skirt, a pair of kitten heels, and freshly shaven legs, and I feel oh-so-ladylike. And sexy.

2. Shaving makes my legs feel touchable and smooth. I absolutely adore how soft my legs feel post-shave.

Which brings me to 3 — So does my husband. Bonus.

If you’re not down with shaving, waxing, or other forms of hair removal, that’s cool. You do you, I’ma do me. For me, that means stepping out into summertime with a big, crazy fro on the top of my head, paired with smooth, hairless legs. Call me crazy. Either way, there are some newish products on the market that are helping me keep my situation as smooth as possible.

Continue reading »

How To Support Charity (And Still Buy The Stuff You Want)

I always like to tell myself, if I were rich, I would live in a relatively modern and plush home, but instead of cars and Hummercopters, I’d spend my money on traveling and donating to charity. As it is right now in my check-to-check state of this-ain’t-livin’, I wish I could donate to charities more. But I can’t afford to give a lot, or to promise a regular donation to any organization right now. So I try my best to do what I can when I can by donating small amounts (hello, Barack Obama car magnet!), and by buying products that I yearn for that also support organizations I can get behind. Here’s a few I’ve been checking out.

For product junkie bellas like myself who are always looking for the most amazing hair stuff on the market, but also want that feeling of self-satisfaction that comes from making a donation, I definitely recommend investing in some Ojon. I’m a new believer, bellas. If you’ve been on a hunt for THE product that will nourish and strengthen your thirsty curls, and you’ve been wondering, is this stuff worth shelling out $55 for a tub of Restorative Hair Treatment? I’d say yes, it’s worth it. Especially when you consider that the purchase of items from this incredible hair product line directly supports the Tawira tribe in Honduras.

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment absorbed easily and made my hair super strong — this may have been the toughest comb-through hair conditioning product I’ve tried yet. But by the end of the Ojon ritual — restorative treatment, ultra moisturizing shampoo, and ultra hydrating conditioner — I was ready to preach the gospel. Ojon left my hair shiny, defined, and strong. If your hair is breaking or damaged, I think this could definitely make a difference — but click here to read The Beauty Brains breakdown first, if you don’t have deep pockets. Ojon rocks, but it ain’t cheap. If you want to wade into the brand without shelling out $100 for a full size range of products, I recommend the Try Me Kit. It comes with everything you need to figure out whether or not the line is for you or not, and knowing that you’re simultaneously donating to the scholarship fund of underprivileged youths is definitely a reassuring incentive.

After you’ve pampered and nourished your tresses, you can continue the charity supporting trend when you style your hair. Bellas, allow me to introduce you to Kudu Klips, a collection of gorgeous, beaded hair clips that are produced in South Africa, mostly by single mothers.

I was lucky enough to meet the owner of the company last week at the super fun Shop Miami event, and I was very impressed by the quality and beauty of these clips. I was pretty damn skeptical about them though — the sweetheart of a lady at the booth was white with long, straight hair, like the women used in the online demos. The clip looked gorgeous on her, but I instantly assumed the Kudu Klip wouldn’t work as neatly or easily in my thick, short mop of kinks and coils that only touches the top of the back of my neck. “Of course it will!” she assured me, before slipping the long metal spikes through my hair, close to the scalp. “Because of the way it clips in, it’ll actually make your hair look longer,” she said. And lo and behold, she was right. I wish I had a photo — I was already sipping cocktails at this crowded social event at this point, so that didn’t occur to me. But the illusion of an updo with a few escaping tendrils around the clip at the back, did indeed make it appear as though my hair was longer than it actually is. This will work even better for you bellas with hair that touches the middle of your neck, or longer. Kudu Klips retail for $35, and these are some of the poor and physically disabled folks who proudly make them.

Continue reading »

Worth a Click

You know how much I love an inspiring story about bellas making their way in the world…

Meet Window Snyder, head afrobella in charge of security at Mozilla Firefox. Her Kenyan-born mother, Wayua Muasa, taught her to program the early computer programming language Basic, when she was five years old. When I was five, I was all about Smurfs and Fraggle Rock. Go figure.

I love that Window is doing great work for my internet browser of choice, and knocking down doors within her field. That’s my kinda lady. (Thanks to Nichelle, by way of Talking Stuff for that one!)

Did your high school have a debate team? Mine did not, but I’ve always been fascinated by the art form — it’s a world that I simply don’t understand, where speed speaking and conviction are necessary tools for victory. HBO is screening an incredible array of documentaries every Monday this summer, and last week’s screening, Resolved, gave amazing insight to the stories of two debate teams — Matt and Sam from a rich Texas burb, versus Richard and Louis, two inner-city debaters from Long Beach, California with crazy skills. This documentary made me laugh, cry, and admire the discipline debate requires from its contestants. All of the debaters were great, but Richard and Louis are especially amazing to watch. I sincerely hope they take the opportunities they’ve been given, and go far in life.

I haven’t yet watched this week’s doc, Hard Times at Douglass High: A No Child Left Behind Report Card, which I know will just break my heart. The series continues through August, and I’m already setting my DVR for The Black List, which includes insightful interviews with Toni Morrison, Suzan-Lori Parks, and Thelma Golden, among others.

Even if you don’t have premium cable, you too can get an excellent documentary fix this week when CNN’s Black in America hits the screen. Soledad O’Brien’s six-hour television event promises to examine the issues, successes and struggles of black men, women and families.

I’m definitely looking forward to that. It premieres in a month — Monday July 23rd and Tuesday July 24th at 9pmET/PT.

I find it kind of interesting that there’s this recent uptick in multifaceted documentaries about African American life, and such a dismal lack of diversity on television sitcoms and dramas. Click here to read an interesting piece about the lack of black people on TV for the upcoming schedule of new network programs, and what the NAACP is trying to do about it. I find it extremely disconcerting that Cleveland Brown is being described as “television’s great black hope for the 2008-09 season,” and I agree with Racialicious– my WTF-o-meter went wayyyyy off when I heard that news and saw the photo of the cast. But maybe that’s just because deep down, I’m a South Park fan.

I say, meh. What say you, bellas and fellas?

Goodnight, George Carlin

Wow. 2008 is shaping up to be a terrible year for celebrity deaths. The last thing I expected when I turned on the news this morning, was to learn that legendary comedian George Carlin was dead.

Carlin, age 71, succumbed to heart failure on Sunday evening.

Angry, biting, but always funny — the man who hosted the very first episode of Saturday Night Live in 1975 was the consummate counterculture touring comedian. It’s one of my regrets that I never saw him perform live, although his 14 HBO comedy specials took his profane performances into homes throughout the US and around the world — including my own in Trinidad, where our family always enjoyed his work. I admired his dazzling wordplay, his outspoken opinions, and his take-no-prisoners, tell it like it is attitude to life (although he would probably take umbrage with my no-cursing policy… the man who dared to utter the seven words you can’t say on television didn’t take kindly to censorship of any form).

There’s a surfeit of stellar George Carlin clips on YouTube to enjoy, so click here for a great mix of his classic and more recent material.

George Carlin wasn’t known for holding any kind of religious belief — he was actually pretty anti-religion, so his attitude towards death was as curmudgeonly as you might expect… but as he said, he didn’t believe in an “up there,” where people could smile down on living people. Wherever he winds up — if there is in fact an afterlife — I hope Mr. Carlin can relax and take a harp lesson.

Blog Sister Love

Afrobella really just started out as a whimsical avenue for self expression. I didn’t expect to develop such a vibrant, wonderful readership, and I definitely didn’t expect to discover a kind of sisterhood in blogging. In my earliest days, I found inspiration and support in some blogs, and an online friendship with some others. Now that I’m approaching my two year anniversary (August, baby!), it’s kind of wonderful to see where we’ve all come.

My amiga Nichelle of Anovelista and 55 Secret Street recently celebrated her two year blog anniversary, and after a hiatus, is back to blogging about things lighthearted (WORD on the Prescriptives foundations!) and less so (her post On First Ladies Named Michelle is the kind of blogging I aspire to). Go ‘head, Nichelle! Congrats on the anniversary.

Congratulations are also in order to the brilliantly talented Andrea of Fly — the bella who blogs about design and fashion and always features amazing patterns is celebrating her two year anniversary with a party TODAY, Friday June 20 from 5 to 8 p.m.! If you live in Philly, go be fly with Andrea for me, will ya? She’s selling Fly bags, and has made all kinds of cool party favors. I wish I could go!

One of the first blogs that really inspired Afrobella and supported me from jump, was Concrete Loop. When Angel started the Loop, there were very few black celebrity entertainment blogs on the scene. Now there’s so many others competing for the same scoop on Usher, Chris Brown, Kanye, and Beyonce, but Concrete Loop has remained fresh by adding new ingredients to their already successful formula. I love that Concrete Loop features high school and college graduates, and a diverse and engaging Black History Spotlight alongside the latest dish on Rihanna’s new shoes. That’s edutainment, and they do it well.

The blog that helped me realize, “hey, I can do this too!” has just been honored big time — Time Magazine just named Concrete Loop one of their Best Sites of 08! That is HUGE, and big congratulations to Angel, Brian, and Tianna for doing the damn thing and making a name for themselves. I feel like a proud little sister!

I find continual inspiration at Clutch, an online magazine that features the kind of interviews I aspire to. Thanks to Clutch, I discovered the hilarious Stuff Black People Hate, and their interview with natural hairstyling guru and author Diane DaCosta was a great read for afrobellas seeking hair advice and information. And I am so sorry for only posting this now — Diana’s American Beauty Tour is about to hit Austin TX in one of her final stops, so naturally textured beauties in that region should check her out.

I’ve had some wonderful big sisters in blogging who have linked me and given me shout outs and encouragement along the way, and it’s wonderful to reciprocate in kind. It feels good to be recognized as the “hey, I can do that too!” inspiration for newer bloggers on the scene. I was so honored and psyched when Wes, the creator of Honey Brown Sugar, wanted to feature me in an interview on her site. And she called me her inspiration! Awww, Wes! That makes me so happy and proud. And I love what you’re doing. Click here to read the interview, which features a little spoiler about my next big hair product rave review. (a hint - it starts with a vowel and is very popular with natural haired bellas).

This post features some, but not all of the blog girlfriends I’ve made along the way, and definitely not all of the fabulous new blogs I’ve learned about recently. If you’re a blogger on the scene and you want me to add you to my links or just check you out, tell me about your blog in the comments below. I know how it feels to be just starting out and looking to make friends on the big scary internet. There’s room out here for all of us. Starting a blog is easy, keeping it going is hard work. So big respect to all of you who are out there doing your thing! And if you’re thinking about starting a blog of your own, that’s a whole ‘nother post. I promise to write more about that soon.

What are your favorite, must-read-daily blogs, bellas? Tell me, I’m always looking for new fresh reading material.

Happy Friday!

** edited Saturday, round 6:30 p.m. — Bellas, your comments are so amazing as always, I’m discovering all kinds of amazing blogs. Some of your comments with links are getting stuck in my spam folder. So worry not — I’m looking especially for your comments to fish them out. If you post it twice, I’ll definitely find it and de-spam for ya.

Why Not Gwen?

Today a public wake for Tim Russert will be held in Washington DC, yesterday his son Luke made an utterly remarkable appearance on the Today show, sharing memories of his dad along with Matt Lauer. I could NOT have been as thoughtful and together under the circumstances. I extend my deepest sympathies to the Russert family in their time of loss.

As a great man passes, the grief now turns into questions. How can NBC fill such enormous shoes, particularly at this significant time? In suggesting possible Meet the Press hosts, Gawker’s list includes such suggestions as Andrea Mitchell, Katie Couric, Chris Matthews, Joe Scarborough, and Keith Olbermann. The person who takes that seat every Sunday morning needs to be a calm, collected, experienced interviewer, a journalist who is unafraid to steer a conversation into uncomfortable territory. And I think they also need to hire someone who isn’t blatantly partisan, which eliminates some of the aforementioned. Tom Brokaw will likely take the helm for a while, and I think Brian Williams makes a likely, excellent choice… but what about Gwen Ifill? I’m a longtime admirer of hers, particularly as the host of PBS’s Washington Week.

Ifill’s first love was print journalism, but Russert helped her transition into the world of television, as she recalls in this touching tribute, “Farewell to a Standup Brother,” featured on The Root (love that site, BTW).

“There is quite a line of people who, at various times, have taken credit for my career. I usually let them do it, even if I remember events quite differently. But Tim deserves the credit. He not only talked me into switching to TV against my first instincts, but — five years later — he engineered a way for me to leave NBC when I was offered the chance to become the first African American to host a weekly public affairs program, Washington Week, over on PBS. He not only talked NBC executives into getting me out of my contract, but he also looked me in the eye and told me this was something I absolutely, positively had to do.”

Gwen also remembered her experiences with Russert on NPR with Farai Chideya and Michele Norris yesterday, in an interview that illuminated Russert’s role in mentoring several black journalists of note. In that vein, I think appointing Gwen Ifill as a moderator of Meet the Press would not only be a historic and significant decision by NBC, but I think it would make Russert tremendously pleased. At the end of that interview, Chideya invites the two esteemed journalists to consider how the election will be covered now, in light of Russert’s passing. Ifill expresses concern for the future of journalism — the industry truly is in terrifying times. There were significant layoffs at the daily in my own city just yesterday, so it’s hitting me all quite close to home.

“I think that it’s possible that Tim - I don’t think he’ll be replaced — but somebody will step in and we will ask the right questions. This campaign is too consequential, there are too many important issues to get to, for the questions not to be asked. They will be asked, but not quite in the same way.”

Too true. As someone who enjoys Ifill’s interview style — like Salon describes, she truly does exhibit “an external sense of cool and serenity, while underneath lie serious smarts, smooth execution and a healthy dose of skepticism” — I think she’d be a great choice. At any rate, I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of Gwen Ifill on NBC in the days to come, because as she said, this election is too significant. She can certainly be relied upon to ask the right questions, to bring a fresh perspective to this history in the making.

For this past Sunday’s Meet the Press, Gwen Ifill sat in a semicircle before that familiar table, alongside many Meet the Press regulars — Mike Barnicle, Maria Shriver, Doris Kearns Goodwin, James Carville and Mary Matalin (for some truly touching photos from the episode, click here. That one of Carville and Matalin made me weep too).

What are your thoughts, bellas? Is there any particular journalist who you’d like to see as the next host of the longest-running television show in worldwide broadcasting history?

Wild, Wacky Body Washes

Sometimes, being a beauty blogger is about trying the hottest new beautifying thing on the market. Other times, it involves feeling like a guinea pig and trying some truly um… unique products. Let me tell you about some of the most interesting body washes I’ve had the opportunity to try.

Big Bad Mama Biker Bath products come in a variety of scents that most people might not want to smell like… in public, anyway. Jailbait? Herb? Beer? Weed? These body washes and bath fizzes might make perfect gag gifts for those crazy college friends you had back in the day. But other than that… who wants to smell like booze and reefer?

The good news is, these body washes don’t literally smell like you’d expect. I had the chance to try the beer body wash and there is that underlying smell, but it’s sweeter and more feminine than say, Heineken. I guess it I had to choose an actual beer this stuff smelled like, it’d be one of those fruity, or rose-infused beers they sell at Whole Foods. Not exactly what a Bad Biker Mama might order at a bar, but hey — it’s not the worst body wash I’ve ever tried. For $12.99, this stuff comes in a real brown beer bottle, so be careful with it in your shower stall. Bad Biker mama also makes edible massage oil, Mojo Mist, bath fizz, and biker groove lube lotion, which promises to be “the most delicious lotion you ever poured out of a beer bottle.” I certainly hope so.

Everyone who knows me by now, knows that I am always looking out for small businesses owned by bellas on the come up. So when I was contacted by Patrice, creator of The Soap Seduction, I was immediately psyched — not only do we share a name, but we share a love for unusual soaps! The Soap Seduction is your one-stop shop for soaps shaped like cupcakes or sheep or kitty cats. Soap Seduction soaps are excellent quality — most of them are made with a moisturizing cocoa butter base, and she also makes goat’s milk soaps for those of you who are into that. And I’m happy to report that these soaps are divinely scented. The lemon meringue soap is TO DIE FOR, and the cupcake soaps look and smell almost like the real thing. I was very impressed, and at like, $6 a pop, these would make an adorable gift for your girlfriend who’s on a die-with-a-t and moaning about all the goodies she can’t enjoy.

Continue reading »

Finally - My Latest Beauty Secrets

I get tagged quite often, and I am a turrible knucklehead about responding in kind. I don’t mean to be a jerk, I just get super busy and overwhelmed and before I know it, a month has gone by, then two, then three… and then ah forget it. But not this time! My friend in cocktails, Christina of E Beauty Daily, tagged me about a month ago in the perfect kind of meme for a product addicted bella like yours truly. Without further ado, here are my freshest beauty faves — quite a few of which are products I haven’t had a chance to review yet!

My Beauty Secrets:

My Foundation: I was stuck on Cover Girl’s Queen Collection powder foundation for a while there.. then I wandered into Sephora with Mama Bella. A very friendly saleslady made us out for the ripe targets we were, and proceeded to give me an unrequested makeover using Benefit’s Play Sticks (my shade? Teeter Totter). I had to buy it. And Mama Bella bought TWO! The reviews over at Makeup Alley are mixed, but this cream stick foundation works great for me as a spot concealer. I blend with my fingers (or a wedge sponge), dust with the aforementioned Cover Girl’s Queen Collection powder foundation and I’m GTG.

My Mascara: Oh boy. Or as my mom sometimes says, boysie kapoizie. I have an array of mascaras to choose from, and I switch it up on the regular… but my current favorite for day is Lash Blast, but for evening drama… I’m really digging Prescriptives Plush False Eyelashes mascara of late. It gives you that bold, thick, lash drama without any mess.

My Blush: I am currently obsessed with NARS Orgasm, and like Chrisette Michele, I prefer to use two shades — so Orgasm and b.l.a.c minerals’ toasty. Just a teeny bit really gives my cheeks a delicious glow.

My Eye Shadow: No pigment stands out better on my skin than MAC. I can’t deny it. When I use shadow, I invariably return to MAC. But I do love Urban Decay’s range of colors, and you know what — Make Up For Ever makes a fine Star Powder that I adore as well.

Continue reading »

How To Say What You Really Mean (Without Saying What You Really Mean)

Everyone knew this political race was going to get slimy and gross and increasingly disgusting as it progressed. So many of you, and of my real life friends and peers said — watch — they’ll go after Michelle Obama next. And I believed that. Michelle Obama is an opinionated and outspoken woman, her senior college thesis caused controversy, and she’s made some statements that have called her (and consequently. her husband’s) patriotism into question. Twisted or not, statements like that are fair game when you’re speaking out on the campaign trail. What I have a real, serious problem with, is the tone that is emerging here.

First, Fox News ACTUALLY RAN WITH the “terrorist fist jab” “terrorist fist jab” non-story that I was giggling about about here just recently.

Then this morning I got an e mail from an astute reader, pointing me to this article on Salon, about a recent interview segment on Fox News. Yes, y’all, Fox News is referring to Michelle Obama as “Obama’s Baby Mama.”

Hold UP. Wait a minute.

I find it impossible to believe that nobody at Fox News knows what a baby mama is. They know exactly the message they’re trying to not-so-subtly send, by using urban slang that their viewers are most likely unfamiliar with. By definition, a baby mama is an unwed mother, often used as a dismissive reference. For example, “Oh, she’s just his baby mama.” It’s inaccurate, completely inappropriate, and sadly unsurprising from the channel that describes itself as “fair and balanced.” In fact, if Fox wanted to accurately describe Michelle Obama while using the Urban Dictionary, they could have called her his “wifey.” But why would they do that — “wifey” doesn’t rhyme like Obama and mama does, and more importantly, it doesn’t have that insinuation of illegitimacy.

You all know that I’m not a Fox News viewer, so please correct me if I’m wrong, or ignorant, or reacting out of turn. Let me know if they’ve gone after Cindy McCain with the same kind of venom, if they’ve reported anything about that recent, heartbreaking interview with John McCain’s first wife Carol featured in Britain’s Daily Mail, or slapped any kind of dismissive label on her, or disparaged her character. Just guessing — I don’t think they have. The whole thing makes me wonder, isn’t this campaign supposed to be about the candidates? And y’know, the issues that are affecting America? Are wives and families fair play on the campaign trail? I don’t think it’s right, and I’d love to hear your opinion on that.

Sometimes I really question why I wade into these treacherous political waters. The more I write about the Obamas, the more nasty comments I start getting… just today, someone posted a negative comment on my Michelle Obama Afrobella of the Week post (written in August of last year, mind you). I don’t believe in censuring dissenting opinions, so feel free to tell me why my blog is “inane,” or to criticize my views because they don’t jibe with yours in whatever way you see fit. But when I see something that pisses me off, I’m gonna shout about it. And if Fox News referring to Michelle Obama as a “baby mama” bothers you and you want to shout about it, shout over here — yourcomments@foxnews.com. Or you can call and leave a comment: 1-888-369-4762. Or you can click here for Fox News questions or comments.

In the meantime, I’m going back to what this blog’s s’posed to be about — beauty and music and positive vibrations. My blog heroine Gina of What About Our Daughters just started the Michelle Obama Watch, so give her a visit and send her your tips. AND Gina’s covering the Democratic National Convention! Big things a gwan for WAOD, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

If you have honest questions about anything regarding Barack or Michelle Obama, click here to visit their new Fight the Smears website.

What are your views on this baby mama drama, bellas and fellas? Does it make you angry, or are you numb to this kind of thing by now?

Get Behind Me, Starbucks

Here’s why I make no sense, even to myself sometimes — I will drive past a whole street of gas stations, searching for that one that’s still charging $3.99 a gallon. But I think nothing of shelling out 5 bucks for my beloved Starbucks Green Tea Frappucino. How could a frosty beverage be so deliciously evil? Cool Matcha Japanese green tea blended with melon syrup, milk and ice. Mmmm. Would I like whipped cream? Yes, of course.

On a summer day, few drinks are more soothing. I’m not a coffee drinker, so tea’s my vice. And this minty green dessert masquerading as a healthy beverage is the kind of refreshment I crave more and more as summer blazes hotter.

Here’s the rub. Like everything else at Starbucks, this drink is expensive and laden with calories. Oh, did you think this green tea beverage offers the traditional health benefits of green tea? Only a little bit. The rest is drowned out with whipped cream and syrup, resulting in a concoction that’s laden with 510 calories in a grande size. FYI, 510 calories also makes up a Burger king Tendergrill Chicken Sandwich, or a Mickey D’s quarter pounder with cheese. That’s more calories than a Wendy’s Frosty. And they just opened up a fancy new Starbucks within walking distance of my office. Lord give me strength.

Some of Starbucks’ drinks really deserve to be on the list of America’s Unhealthiest Drinks alongside Vitamin Water, Jamba Juice, and those monster Arizona juice cans they sell for 99 cents.

In the vein of my DIY fast food resolution, in addition to making my own fast food, Jamba Juice and Vitamin Water, I decided that I’m gonna make my own Starbucks, too. Having read this simple and delicious recipe for matcha latte on Nyam, one of the loveliest food blogs I’ve ever had the pleasure to browse, I am inspired. Honey, vanilla soy milk, and that’s all it takes? I won’t be visiting Starbucks anytime soon!

Now off to Whole Foods to buy me some matcha powder (and here’s hoping that someday soon we get a Trader Joe’s in Miami). I might even splurge on some Torani sugar free syrup to up my Starbucks-at-home experience (not bad at $6.50 a bottle).

If you’re a venti latte addict looking to break your Starbucks complusion, check out the recipe swaps on Hungry Girl, and click here to learn more about what your favorite drink serves up in calories. Be informed! Shoot, if I’m gonna consume over 500 calories, at least let it be something that will fill me up and offer real nutritional value.

Do you have any healthy and affordable recipe swap ideas? I’m always looking to try something new!