The Wrath of Synthetic Hair

     Once upon a time my virgin hair was long curly and healthy. It was processed with perms and my mother even tried a leisure curl. Now my healthy long hair lost track of how it was suppose to look and my curls became so confused that they went in several directions. I went off to college ad wore a ponytail each day, I attempted another style and experienced hair loss. I wore a wig for about a year and my hair grew back down my back. I then wanted to look normal so I turned to weaves. Surprisingly my hair did not grow as much as it did with the wigs so I lost a few inches. So now I am on a hair journey to have healthy hair, and I have to admit I am not the girl to wear totally natural hair. No excuses no explanations it is just not for me.

      So fast forward to August 2016, I just came out of a weave and wanted a protective style, so I obtained the number of a new stylist and off I went to try these lead in braids. The lead in braids were cute, a definite winner until they got wet. When the hair was wet the chemicals from the hair had an adverse reaction with my skin and before I new it I had hives on 60% of my body. Boy did that itch and my Labor Day weekend turned into a trip to the emergency room and antihistamine trials. I was given a prednisone and benadryl. I had to stop taking the benadryl because it caused more hives. So I took a Zyrtec, Claritan, and another antihistamine. I went to sleep after a long warm shower and slept comfortably.

I also had to wash my hair several times to rid it of the chemical that attached to my hair follicles. I washed it in Neutrogena T Gel and Apple Cider Vinegar. My hair nourished to be relieved from the chemical that attacked it. It is day four and I finally am getting some relief with minimal breakouts. Synthetic hair is a great way for you to protect your hair during your hair journey, but due to my experience with it I never want to see synthetic hair again. Hope all is well in your beautiful world dolls,

Love and Happiness

Nikki

My first job interview I wore a business suit, my task was to impress them not only with my fantastic answers but also with what I was wearing. Over time women's business wear has evolved. Years ago in the business world women wore sleeves on their dresses and it was mandatory to wear pantyhose. As time moved on the style and trends of how women dressed in the business world changed. Women started to wear tight skirts with loose blouses, pants with just a button up shirt, and even blouses that showed lots of cleavage.

With all of the changes our wages are still paid 79 percent of what men are paid. In 1950 about one in three women participated in the labor force compared with 59.8 percent in 1998. So there are more women in the labor force, yet we are not seen as equal to our male counterparts. I recently had a job interview, it is a dream job (without the seven figure pay). My sister who is a top manager in the corporate world, told me I should wear a dark grey, dark blue, or black suit. I didn't have either of those in my wardrobe. This insight I thought was full of malarkey, however I went and purchased a Calvin Klein dark blue suit from my local department store. She told me not to wear my contact lenses, and instead wear my glasses. I'm not sure if it was my attire or just my intellect and grand answers but I received an invitation to a second interview.

So for my second interview I wore a dark grey suit and yes I wore my glasses again. I felt great and confident, I suppose that is what one should feel. As I looked at what other applicants wore I know why the business suit was the only thing one should wear to a job interview. Sweaters, printed dresses, and colored suit pants such as red and coral are distracting. Now there has been some job interviews in the past where I was under dressed, but the pay scale was less than desirable. Many of us think we will impress with just our resume and a great college transcript. There are a lot of people who have drive and termination that attempt to launch one's career the corporate world unprepared. How can you stand out? Managers are judging you by how you look, because they may have to work with you.

As women we are paid less than expected to perform at a similar or higher capacity than our male counterparts. We run companies, households, and in some cases kingdoms. Some may think that becoming equals with men in the business world is so far out of reach. It may be, however we damn sure better try. Something else that I recall from shopping for business attire. There are not too many selections, it is like they expect us to look like housewives in square dresses. If I were much older and wanted to have on my Sunday's best the selection would have been up to par. Thank goodness for Calvin Klein still believing in the everyday business woman.

Ladies we have the freedom to dress how we want, however the business suit continues to demand the respect and honor we deserve. If you don't have a suit in your closet, there is no time like the presence.

Mhysa

Nikki

Hey Dolls!

NO SHADE FOR BEYONCE'S "LEMONADE." 

There has been so much discourse about Beyonce's visual album "Lemonade." As an American who has been only really exposed to American culture I can see how one can take her lyrics and think Illuminati or demonic symbolism. As I did a little research I found that all of the poems she recited was the work of Warsan Shire. Warsan Shire is a Somalian poet who now resides in London. She has lived in two places I have not, and observed a world much different than the one I have seen. I am not saying I agree with the words of the poem, but I am sure that there is another meaning than what we are assuming. I think it's an educational moment, just like Rick James was not talking about a woman named "Mary Jane," the poem is probably not talking about what we think. Yes we have to be careful in what words we sing, however we must also know what we are singing. Also I am glad that Beyonce is not literally talking about "hot sauce," in her bag. Maybe some of the cultural misappropriations will be lessened. Then again maybe people will just start carrying a bat.

Later Dolls

Nikki 

planned by envisioning what you will wear, your drive with and without traffic, and what time you would like to arrive. Be aware of what time an event starts so you can leave in a comfortable amount of time. If you are someone who people look forward to seeing at an event, then don’t disappoint! Down time is another reason why people don’t arrive on time. Instead of arriving late to avoid downtime, arrive on time and bring a quick task you can complete. I often bring my daily planner and check it. A lot of people use their cell phones to past time. Whatever your task or destination is, being late should not be a part of your legacy. If you must be late be graceful, smile, and make no excuses.

Ten 2016 Must Haves

As the "New Year" approached we began to reflect on what we accomplished in 2015, only to propel ourselves into 2016 as warriors. We vowed to make more money, travel more, find another job, finish our Master's degree or just for once complete a workout program. Some of us vowed to do nothing but live by the day, (scary, but true). Rather you are a warrior or just living life withou
t any true timelines or goals we have come up with a list of ten things you must have in 2016.

1. A book you can read cover to cover. Some of us have been entrenched into television as if it is apart of our family. Reality tv has been immersed so much into our culture, the English language has been disassembled by some Americans. A great book can take your mind off some of the stress and anxiety that you face on a day to day basis. The blue lights from your computers and cellphone has ruined your eyes for the day, so not only would a book make you wiser it will also help you sleep better.

Vacation budgeting can be a good opportunity to reinforce the benefits of planning and saving, which can also be applied to larger goals.

2. A vacation account to help you save for your vacation. I just recently started a vacation account with my credit union and bank. Yes I have two so I can utilize the saving method due to my relentless shopping habit that sometimes overrides my ability to save. It was easy I went to the bank started the account with just $100.00 and I get $120.00 deposited each check. I have two pay out dates, May and November. Formerly I was apart of a club in which I gave $120.00 a pay period and retrieved it back on a certain date. This allowed me to accumulate $3,000 and use it for vacations or anything that I chose. Now some people automatically state that they don't have $120.00 to save, well $20.00 a check will provide you with $500.00 savings for the year.

3. A great handbag. I can remember when I first started carrying handbags, I was in my late 20s and did not find them essential. As I have progressed in my purchases I realize how great they are and what impact a handbag can have on your day. So what's in your handbag? You must have a pen, some paper, wipes, band aide, nail file, lip gloss, a mirror, and some mints right? Yes you can carry all that in a $20.00 bag, but a great handbag of great quality gives you a different type of feeling. Carrying a great handbag reminds you of what you are setting to accomplish for the day. When looking at your handbag and carrying it in you perfect stride remember in all your imperfectness that this bag has the contents to always keep you together.

4. A Personal Legend. I was reading one of the greatest books I ever read, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. In the book it states that a Personal Legend is what you have always wanted to accomplish. As a youth you dream and everything is possible and you are not afraid  to yearn and seek out your will. Let your fears go again and realize your personal legend.

5. Exercising your body is always important don't minimize it. I can come up with a million excuses not to work out, however there is no excuse not to be run for my health. Some people find it hard to workout, however if you can chat on the phone, spend time on social media or go shopping you can workout. I have managed to stick to Zumba for over a year, As I progressed I realized I was just masking some of my fears by concentrating on things that does not matter. If Zumba is not for you try rollerblading, running, long walks, Martial Arts, swimming, yoga, Pilates, or grab a Groupon and try something new.

6. A Manageable Hairstyle will save your day. The most complicated aspect of your day should not be grooming. I am not saying that hair is not complicated, I do understand that bad hair days exist. A high ponytail can easily help remedy your problem, you can also place your hair in a bun to sharpen up the look. If your hair is short then you can twist your hair and pin it in place.