The first time I tried oil pulling, I was at the end of my rope. I had been fighting a disgusting cold for weeks and the coughing and congestion was killing my joie de vivre completely. I was SO OVER IT. I took to Twitter to vent about my ongoing illness and was offered a…
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Your Official Music Festival Fashion and Beauty Checklist
This weekend is going to be an EPIC one for me – it’s Lollapalooza weekend in Chicago! Every year one of my best friends (and his lovely girlfriend) comes to stay with us, and we indulge in three days of music festival fun. Lollapalooza is big, fun, diverse, and an event to be experienced. I…
Makeup Artist Maria Barreda On Making Your Makeup Last
When I was headed to New Orleans, I knew I was traveling with a photographer (that’d be Chuck AKA @Chuckstr), I knew I’d be going to some high profile events (hello, Essence Music Fest!) and I’d be doing a photo shoot while in town (hello, Igigi). I also knew it would be like ninth circle…
Afrobella on The Stream
The one thing I’ve been reluctant to do thus far has been television, and as I admitted recently, I realized I’ve been getting in my own way. I will admit, there’s something about the medium of TV that intimidates me. But tomorrow, I’m facing my fears and appearing on a live, Emmy Award nominated news…
Get Shellac Manicures at the Taste of Chicago!
Once you experience a no-chip manicure, it’s SO hard to go back. Once you’ve discovered the freedom of perfectly dry, manicured nails within a second of having finished painting them, once you’re able to get your money out of your wallet post-mani without destroying your nails….you’re HOOKED. And it lasts for two weeks which makes…
Today is No Shame Day
Bellas, allow me to introduce you to my friend Bassey Ikpi. She is an AMAZING woman. Super smart, super funny, brave and outspoken and fabulous and SO talented. You might remember her from Teen Summit back in the day, or Def Poetry Jam, where she set the stage ablaze with her soul stirring words. Bassey…
So…What Should I Wear to the BET Awards?
I know usually you read Afrobella for information and opinions I’m sharing, but right now I could use some collective fashion advice. Bellas, I got an exciting invitation to attend the glam events during the 12th Annual BET Awards weekend! I’ll be riding along with Cadillac, to drink in all the music and culture. This…
RIP, Donna Summer
When I read the headline on TMZ, my heart sank right into my stomach. The Queen of Disco, the woman who contributed so much glamour and glitter to the soundtrack of my life, Donna Summer, has died of cancer at age 63. This year has been awful, in terms of losing my childhood musical icons….
Billy B on Makeup, Jody Watley, Life, and Being a Legend
When I first opened my eyes to the world of beauty and makeup and possibility that I too, might be an attractive girl in my own right….there was the makeup of Billy B to guide me. In case you don’t know, the celebrity makeup artist who today is beloved for his work on RuPaul’s Drag…
Remembering The Genius That Was Jim Henson
22 years ago, the world lost a genius. Jim Henson left this realm on May 16, 1990. I was a big fan of his work, from The Muppet Show and Sesame Street to Labryinth and The Dark Crystal. My brothers LOVED The Dark Crystal so much, our first dog was named Fizzgig! Recently I watched…