I have so much admiration for the style bloggers at the top of their game. I’m talking about Gabifresh and Style Pantry, Karen of Where Did U Get That and Eileen of Miss Whoever You Are. Girl With Curves and Marie Denee The Curvy Fashionista. Nicolette Mason and Le Blog de Big Beauty. ChiTown Fashionista and The Sassy Peach. Claire of The Fashion Bomb. Angel on Fire of Concrete Loop. These are women who seem to effortlessly be able to put together an outfit. These are women who I turn to for fashion inspiration when I need it. And I need it often.

Sometimes it takes me a while to plan an outfit. It requires forethought and often, I get stressed out while thinking about it. When I’m traveling for an event, at least three or four days before I take the time to sit and come up with a complete outfit itinerary for my trip — including shoes and accessories. It is that serious.

I’ve always had strong opinions of what I’d like to wear, and I love beautiful clothes. But sometimes I feel stuck. Like many of you, I wind up standing in front of an overstuffed closet lamenting that I have “nothing to wear.” And I realize that’s because I have many options but sometimes I struggle to put things together. At times I’ve found myself unsure of what I would define as MY STYLE, and I know I’m not the only woman who has felt that way.

That’s where Pinterest comes in. Pinterest has helped me get a visual idea of my style that’s become really helpful in deciding what to buy, where to shop, and what my style is evolving into, now that I’m a woman in my early thirties.

What do I share on My Style board? Items I own, or items I’d like to own. Some of it’s aspirational, some of it’s affordable. It’s a vision board of clothes and accessories and women who inspire me to put it all together and turn it out every time I need to.

My Style Inspiration board is more about the famous faces through history who inspire me to look and live as fiercely as possible.

This week is full of MAJOR events I’ll be attending and I had a momentary lapse in style confidence. Then I looked at my Pinterest boards and then my closet, which I took the time to reorganize recently — I need to write a post on THAT because it’s a project in itself! And now I feel like I GOT THIS. Will share my pics on Twitter so you can let me know if I got it right!

Are you into Pinterest? Click here to follow my boards and leave your Pinterest link in the comments!

And for beauty inspiration via Pinterest, check out this post by India Jewel-Jackson over at Fashionista.com – 10 Beauty Boards You Should Be Following on Pinterest!

Where do you turn for style inspiration, bellas?

Michelle Obama inspires me on so many levels, bellas.

She inspires me in terms of her poise, her grace, her accomplishments, her style, and in the way that she makes health and fitness a priority. I’m trying to do the same in my life, and the First Lady’s workout regimen inspires me.

Check out this Oprah interview for details – Michelle Obama is into the treadmill, weights, jump rope and kickboxing! Myself, I’m trying to get there. She wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to work out! I’m nowhere hear as fit as the FLOTUS is, but I agree completely with her statement to Oprah, “I realized that my happiness is tied to how I feel about myself.”

That’s how I feel as well, but exercise is a daily struggle right now that I’m hoping to make into a habit. One thing Mrs. O and I do have in common right now – a killer workout playlist of our favorite tunes to work up a sweat to! Via Women’s Health and Soulbounce, this is the First Lady’s workout playlist!

1. Stevie Wonder – “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)”
2. Beyoncé – “Move Your Body (Let’s Move Theme)”
3. Janelle Monáe – “Tightrope”
4. Sara Bareilles – “Love Song”
5. Michael Jackson – “Unbreakable”
6. Willow Smith – “Whip My Hair”
7. Beyoncé – “I Was Here”
8. Chubb Rock – “Treat ‘Em Right”
9. Ledisi – “Thank You”
10. Jennifer Lopez – “Get Right”

I have a workout playlist too – click here for all of it but be forewarned, some of it gets a little profane! But I’ll share my favorite PG-13 tracks right here with you. Maybe you like to work up a sweat to a few of these as well!

Afrobella’s Workout Motivation Playlist

1. Audio Two – Top Billin’

When you first get on the treadmill or elliptical, you need a tune that will get you moving and grooving and happy to be there. The beat on this is perfect for beginning my workout. And the braggadocio in the lyrics makes me feel like obviously I’m about to ACE this workout.

2. M.I.A – Bad Girls

I kinda drifted from my love for M.I.A for a minute there but this song and this VIDEO brought me right back. Bad Girls is everything I loved about M.I.A back in the day – undeniable beats, nonchalant “rapping” and sneering attitude for days. This puts swagger in my workout step. And HOW AMAZING is this video? Imagine being on THAT set!

3. Alison Hinds – Faluma

Soca is PHENOMENAL workout music. Specifically recorded and intended to move a crowd to dancing for days at a time, it is high energy music that won’t let you quit until you’re sweaty. It is ideal for exercising – in NYC, there are even Socamotion workout classes to teach you how to get in shape in time for Carnivals around the world! And Barbados’ own Alison Hinds has been my workout inspiration from the moment I first heard this song! You may remember this 2008 post about Allison that details the history of the song. Alison’s version of Faluma was first recorded in 1997 and it goes just as hard today as it did then. Put that in your headphones when on the treadmill and let me know what you think!

4. Beyonce – Countdown

Can a workout playlist be complete without Queen Bey? I say NAY. I absolutely loved the video for Countdown when it dropped and there’s something about the pace of the song that sends me head over heels in love. It makes me want to dance, and there’s nothing wrong with dancing through your workout!

5. Michael Jackson – Workin’ Day and Night

I’d also venture to say that a workout playlist without a little Michael Jackson is INCOMPLETE. The FLOTUS loves latter period MJ. For me, the frenetic rhythm of Working Day and Night powers me through even the most challenging of interval training peaks.

6. Justin Timberlake – My Love

When will Justin Timberlake take a break from Hollywood film sets and get back in the studio with Timberland? They’re an unstoppable combination! Until quite recently I’d forgotten HOW HARD this song goes in my headphones – can you believe this dropped in 2006? Can’t wait for new music from these two, for now it’s Justified and Future Sex/Love Sounds on repeat.

7. Lil Jon – Snap Yo Fingers

I hope y’all aren’t judging me. What can I say, Lil Jon is a great motivator! (Yeah!) The beat of this song is what it’s all about to me (because of course it can’t be the lyrical content). Most of Lil Jon’s songs make my workout go by a little bit faster. I know I can’t be the only one still getting down to crunk music on the downlow.

8. Gnarls Barkley – Go Go Gadget Gospel

This is a GREAT outdoor workout song because Cee-Lo’s voice truly SOUNDS like freedom when he lets loose. His voice is so unique and soaring. I love Cee-Lo! I think he’s a genius for many reasons. But this song right here? Makes me feel like running (and I’m so not there yet in my workout attempts).

9. Sheila E – The Glamorous Life

LOVE Prince, and this song is such an elliptical banger for a few reasons! ALL of those reasons are Sheila E. The DRUMS in this song are on another level! Something about this song makes me feel cute even when I’m dripping with sweat.

10. Jack White – I’m Shakin’

I’m a BIG Jack White fan, and I am flipping over his latest album, Blunderbuss. I don’t normally turn to Mr. White for workout music material, but this song right here fits the bill! It’s a cover of Little Willie John’s 1960’s hit, and that’s ANOTHER reason I love Jack White, he always pays homage to musicians of yore and introduces them to his audience. I discovered Little Willie John because of this song, and his life story is fascinating. Cannot WAIT for Jack White at Lollapalooza this year!

And that’s what’s getting me up and moving these days! My complete Spotify Workout Motivation playlist is right here. What’s on your workout playlist? Share and I’ll add my faves to my Spotify list!

Seeing as I do what I do, hair care companies often want to send me product to review. I think it’s my job as a blogger to try out as many hair and beauty products as possible to let you guys know what’s truly a HIT and not a miss. But every now and then I’ll get an unsolicited box of products that has nothing to do with my texture or hair needs. I’ve randomly gotten all kinds of mousses and hairsprays and relaxers and hair dyes. Those products instantly go into the before-you-leave-take-what-you-want box for female guests leaving Casa Afrobella, or they’re donated to a women’s shelter.

Other products, especially those that claim to cater to natural hair, I do my best to at least try. Unless there’s an ingredient in there that I won’t use in my hair. For me, the two main two dealbreaker hair product ingredients are petrolatum and alcohol. From the moment I see those items appear in the first few ingredients on a label, I hesitate to give the product a try.

Image via blackgirllonghair.com

Now I KNOW this is up for debate. It’s been widely believed in the natural hair community that petrolatum (or mineral oil) is bad for your hair. However it’s a lot more complicated than the general statement that it’s bad, as Natural Chica explains in this very helpful video.

She’s an engineer and knows her science! I respect her knowledge so much.

For even MORE on mineral oil, check out Curly Nikki’s post A Closer Look at Mineral Oil, and Rules of Engagement for Mineral Oil over at BGLH. 

And I DO sometimes use these items in skincare like body lotions and even some of my bath products. But I personally don’t care for petrolatum based products in my hair because it makes it look all linty and heavy and I don’t like the feel of my hair after using those kinds of products. And if alcohol is the second or third ingredient in a hair product, I’ve come to realize that will translate to dry, frizzy hair for me. It’s been a process of trial and error, but those are my two biggest product dealbreakers. I try to avoid products that include them predominantly.

Whenever I hear something’s rumored to be bad for you, I try to do the due diligence and research it. I’m happy to know that these ingredients aren’t necessarily harmful to your hair. My hair just doesn’t like them, is all.

What about you, bellas? Do you have any hair product ingredient dealbreakers? Which are yours and why?

I remember when I was a teenager, a classmate of mine made a joke about my family. “It’s like you have four mothers,” my friend said. I’m sure it was in response to me complaining about not being able to do something or go somewhere. Either way, my friend’s statement stuck with me and back in those days, it did feel that way.

Of course there’s my mom, Peggy. But it truly does take a village to raise a child, so allow me to introduce you to the rest of my village.

From left to right – my big sister Petal, who was the person responsible for encouraging me to be a reader and a writer. So many of my childhood memories are of just me and her, going to the bookstore or library or just driving around St. James and Port of Spain with her. Petal comments frequently on the blog as Pets, so some of you have encountered her before, maybe without knowing! My big sister helped to raise me into the person I am today. AND she’s one of the best real estate agents in Trinidad so if you need a real estate agent, contact her!

My mom’s in the green cardigan and navy dress. Then in front of me is my niece Dominique – Little Afrobella has grown up!

Aunty Gemma is to my right – longtime readers of the site will remember her from this post about her dealing with breast cancer. She’s doing great! Aunty Gemma is still teaching piano lessons and sharing a love of music with her students every day (including my nieces)!

Aunty Opal is in the coral top with the green bag and she’s really the de facto caretaker of the kids in the family. My mom always was a busy, working mom with a demanding career. Aunty Opal is the one who I came home from school to watch Sesame Street with, who made delicious Chelsea Buns on our special occasions, and who was always there with a snack or a hug when I needed one before my mom came home from work. 

And next to her is my other niece, Isabella! She’s such a little cutie

These women helped to raise me and steer me on the right path in life. They are always there for me when I need them, and all I hope to ever do is to make them proud. I think I’m doing alright so far!

And this is my whole family!

From left to right:

Back row – my big brother Dominic, my dad, my husband Steve, my big brother Patrick, and Ken the very sweet and accomodating owner of the Chinese Dragon restaurant in Debe, Trinidad.

Second row – my sister Petal, my mom, me, Aunty Gemma and Aunty Opal.

Front row – Dominique and Isabella

And today they’re all gathering together to celebrate Mother’s Day. I’m about to call home and let them know just how much I love them, and that I wish I could be there to celebrate with them.

Whether you’re a mother with your own kids, or you’ve adopted a family, or if you’re a loving sister or aunt or grandma who really plays a motherly role in the lives of little ones, I wish you a very happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for all you have done to shape a child’s life! It ALL counts. Thank you for being part of someone’s village. You’re more appreciated than you may know.

Happy Mother’s Day, bellas!!!

As a teenager, I looked forward to my future with high hopes for clear skin. After all, we’re told that acne is a teenage problem, caused by bad food and oily skin and roiling hormones. At one point in my life I honestly believed that turning 20 would end my acne issues. And then I thought…maybe by age 25 this will be over. OK. Maybe 30. And now here I am at age 33, telling you the sad truth. Adult acne is real. Things usually get better, but if you’ve grown up dealing with breakouts, you’ll occasionally have to deal with them when you’re grown enough to be dealing with stuff like taxes and mortgages and kids.

Photo via Blinging Beauty

Now that I’m an adult, I know exactly what triggers my acne. I’m more likely to get breakouts after periods of eating badly, or spending too much time in the sun. Recently when I had a facial, the aesthetician was able to tell that I sleep on my left side and that I don’t always take off my makeup, “because the blackheads on that side of your face are so deep.” YIKES. Some of my acne issues are clearly my own fault. Other issues are caused by my hormonal cycle, my stress level, and other factors I have less control over. It can be hard to know how to deal with those kinds of acne issues.

Let’s clear this one thing up right here right now — the best way you can deal with adult acne is by tackling it internally by drinking more water, exercising and eating healthier, and finding a dermatologist. More often than not, we deal with skin issues by going to a spa for a facial or buying some over the counter product instead of dealing with things medically, and that’s really the most sensible way to deal with it — click here to find a dermatologist in your city. Personally, I’m taking a varied approach to the issue. Recently I visited a derm for the first time — more on that soon! I eat healthier than I used to, and I drink more water than I used to. I’m trying to deal with my acne internally, but externally I still need some extra help. And so I also still go for facials, AND I use over the counter acne products that include approved ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and salycilic acid to deal with the pimples I get, as I get them. Allow me to tell you about my favorite at-home acne brands!

Mario Badescu — OK so I know I’ve raved on and on (and on) about Mario Badescu, but I LOVE their products. The second I get a zit, I reach for their Drying Lotion or Drying Mask. If I’ve already got a zit that’s erupted, I love the Buffering Lotion. My only issue with MB products is, I haven’t yet tried one that goes on clear and works under makeup. These are products for if you’re at home and want to dry up a blemish overnight. Click here to check out Mario Badescu’s acne products.

Murad — I’m a fan of the brand in general, but Murad actually makes a product to help with the issue. Murad Acne Anti-Aging Acne Treatmenttackles both blemishes and wrinkles, and claims to smooth fine lines and restore suppleness as well. All of this basically means it’ll get rid of your zits without totally depleting your skin of moisture, as acne products can so often do.

Clean and Clear — I may drift away and try other, more expensive products, but if I’ve got a zit and I’m out of town and don’t have my go-to’s, best believe I will buy a tube of Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 from any store I can. Recently when a close friend of mine got like her third pimple ever in life, this is what I told her to buy. Good ol’ Clean and Clear will never do you wrong.

Neutrogena — I’d say that Neutrogena is pretty much the gold standard when it comes to drugstore skincare. Their Oil-Free Acne Wash was THE must-have face wash for my teenage acne days. And still to this day I’ll use it, or the newer Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Power-Foam Wash which has a super long name but works really, really well.

Olay – When I think Olay, I don’t usually think acne — more moisture or cleansing or anti-aging, right? Well yes, but they also make a range of acne fighting products, including the Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol Kit, which is tailor made for adult acne. It’s a three part system involving a cleanser, a clearing treatment, and a renewing lotion. And Pro-X also makes a refining sulfur mask, for those of you who like masks for dealing with acne. (PS: These are my favorite face masks). (PPS: did you know aspirin makes an excellent at home acne mask? It’s basically salycilic acid! Click to learn more via BlackHairMedia.com).

Et voilà, my go-to, tried and true product faves for dealing with acne as a grown woman. Bellas, how do YOU deal with adult acne?

Everyone has benchmarks for themselves, and aspirations they develop as their career grows. For me as a young teenage writer living in Trinidad, I wanted to write books and I wanted to write for magazines. I decided early on two of them I wanted to contribute to – Rolling Stone and Caribbean Beat. Rolling Stone being Rolling Stone, and Caribbean Beat being the official airline magazine of Trinidad and Tobago, the magazine in every back pocket of a BWIA (which is now Caribbean Airlines) plane seat.

I wanted to write for Caribbean Beat because the best known writers of the diaspora contributed to its pages and their articles were always engaging and great. It’s like the best writers of the Caribbean writing about the most significant Caribbean luminaries and experts in their respective fields. But despite my efforts, it never happened – maybe because I don’t live in Trinidad anymore, and I wasn’t there to make the right connections? My e mails never seemed to land in the right inbox, or never got any meaningful response. Through the years, I pitched one or two stories there but my career has taken me in a different direction. I began to focus less on pitching to print and more on building my name and reputation online. And now, instead of writing FOR Caribbean Beat, I’ve found myself being written ABOUT in the pages of Caribbean Beat. Which is a wonderful turn of events indeed.

This story has been in the works for a WHILE now – the brilliant writer, Kari Cobham, has been working on this for a minute, but various Caribbean magazines hadn’t yet heard about me or didn’t express significant interest. And finally, here we are – entirely thanks to Kari’s believing in me and my story. I’m SO EXCITED to see this in PRINT!

For the article she interviewed my dear friends Felicia Leatherwood and Kim Coles, both of whom said such amazing things about me that I really need to take them both out for dinner and drinks ASAP, LOVE these women!! My sisters from other misters! AND she interviewed my parents! Mama and Papa Bella could be a whole article by themselves, I know – Kari did such a great job of putting it all together. When I first read it, I cried. I did. Because it means so much to me to be recognized in my own country, by my own people. If you’re flying on Caribbean Airlines in May to June, you’ll get to see it. OR you can click here to read it online!

The accompanying photos were by Chuck Olu-Alabi – we did a shoot at my apartment just for the occasion! I kept it very Trini for my outfit. I’m wearing:

Earrings and bracelet by We Dream in Colour, an amazing jewelry line by Trinidadian designer Jade Gedeon.

Necklace by Eloquii – their accessories are great quality!

Cocktail ring by Max and Chloe.

Dress and sleeveless cardigan M Squared by renowned Trinidadian designer Meiling – this is her affordable line that’s available at Micles stores in Trinidad. I bought these at Westmall The Falls on my last visit home.

Other photos in the issue are by Krystle Rowry of KrissDidIt.com!

Thank you, Kari and thank you Caribbean Beat for making this dream come true! Next stop, Rolling Stone!

Just kidding

For this post, I was asked to speak about a celebrity that I admire. Someone I turn to for style and beauty inspiration. I didn’t have to think twice when asked. My number one style icon right now is Michelle Obama.

Via the official White House Flickr page. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)
When she speaks, I want to hear whatever she’s saying. When I see photos of her, I want to know who and what she’s wearing. When there’s a book or a magazine with her on the cover, I’m that much more likely to buy it — and I’ve got quite a nice little collection so far. And when the time comes for me to make an appearance, dress up in a fancy outfit and wow a crowd, I try to think about what she would wear, say, and do under the circumstances.

Michelle Obama is more than a style icon to me. She’s a life icon. The way she carries herself as the First Lady of the United States has ushered in a new era of femininity and has inspired me to be my own best, most stylish self.

What I love most about her style is the effortless simplicity she always manages to express. Michelle Obama isn’t a woman who makes fashion missteps often quite simply because she KNOWS herself. She knows her figure and which shapes of dresses suit it best. She knows that she looks amazing in bold, jewel tones, but she’s also stunning in a more understated palette, or in an unusual pattern. She boldly mixes low end with high end fashion without batting an eye. Her ensembles are never over the top or fussy, always timeless and appropriate.

Her beauty is classic and typically understated — Mrs. O isn’t exactly known for bold eyeshadows or out there lipstick. She keeps her hair in a sleek style that works for her, she’s always known for looking polished, classy, elegant and yet approachable and chic.

And that’s what I’ve learned from her. From watching Michelle Obama be the best First Lady she can be, it’s inspired me to be my own best self, and I definitely take style cues from her. She makes me want to wear shift dresses. She makes me want to go for a bold color that compliments my shade of brown skin. She inspires me to be classy and approachable, and a role model. I love that.

My Michelle Obama book collection currently includes:

Mrs. O – The Face of Fashion Democracy by Mary Tomer
Everyday Icon – Michelle Obama and the Power of Style by Kate Betts
The Obamas by Jodi Kantor
Commander in Chic by Mikki Taylor
and the brand new What Would Michelle Do? by Allison Samuels.

Have you read any of them? Which are your favorites? Also, I am contemplating adding book reviews to the Afrobella mix, what are your thoughts?

We think its tremendous popularity is proof that the 2012 Corolla offers the ideal blend of comfort, value and safety. In it, you’ll find a surprising number of high-end features, like available Display Audio system. It offers remarkable performance and fuel efficiency, plus an impressive list of standard safety features. Factor in its legendary reliability, and it’s even more apparent that Corolla is the smart choice.

Compensation was provided by TOYOTA via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of TOYOTA

I’ll admit it, I can be really sensitive about anything hair related. I’m not a fan of afro wigs on Halloween or unsolicited touching of natural hair or insensitive remarks about hair texture or type. I am all about celebrating what I’ve been blessed with. Because I love my own hair, I sometimes collect natural hair related items that I think are cool or cute or funny. When I saw the Diva Washing Up Sponge by UK based quirky home décor purveyor Paladone on Fab.com (I tell you I am ADDICTED to that site!) I didn’t think twice. I bought her right away, just to add her to my collection o’ fros.

And now the Diva Washing Up Sponge is sitting on my desk and staring at me impassively as I read about the ongoing UK controversy over her existence.

Via the Daily Mail:

“Campaigners have attacked British makers Paladone for its latest range of dish cleaning products which caricatures black soul legend Diana Ross as having a brillo pad for a hairstyle. The offending items, which have just gone on sale across the UK, have been likened to reproducing golliwogs or the Black and White Minstrels by reinforcing negative stereotypes.

The Unite Against Fascism general secretary Weyman Bennett said: ‘What are we going to have next, toilet brushes like that? ‘This is not appropriate for the 21st century to show images like that. It reinforces negative stereotypes and ideas. Although it’s aimed at being humorous, sometimes it’s not funny.”

Now I feel all conflicted and stuff.

Please note the Diva Washing Up Sponge is part of a complete set – there’s also Disco, Punk and Groovy.

Also, the sponge I bought is called the Diva and not Diana – that’s a whole ‘nother story. Let’s keep Miss Ross out of such affairs.

I bought the Diva Washing Up sponge because I thought she was super cool and I didn’t plan to use her, just to keep her as a fun collectible. Clutch Magazine seems to agree with me – these sponges are more cute than offensive. But I want to know what you think, bellas – does the Diva sponge make you mad? Or not so much?

On any average day — especially in the mornings — my Twitter timeline and Pinterest page are full of juice. Juice recipes, tweets about starting the day with a green juice or smoothie, photos of delicious looking, vibrantly colored juices. Juicing is huge right now. Huge to the point where, when I went to buy a juicer at Macy’s recently, the saleslady told me “you better buy it right now cause once these are gone, we ain’t getting no more in a hurry.” And I knew she was right because literally the Breville juicers disappeared off Macys.com the day before and there were just five left, hidden under a table in the basement of Macy’s on State.

What is the DEAL with the juicing? < /Seinfeld voice>

I was already intrigued by just the idea of drinking my quota of fruits and veggies for a day, but then I started seeing more and more of my friends go on juice cleanses. But wait.

What’s a juice cleanse?

Basically you only drink vegetable and fruit juice for as long as you’re willing to do it. Most cleanses are three days, five days, or a week. But Riana Lynn, owner of Peeled Chicago told me, she’s known some diehard juicers to go on juice cleanses of 30 days or more. I’m sorry, but 30 days with no solid food sounds crazy to me. And when Riana offered me the opportunity to try a three day Peeled Chicago juice cleanse, I didn’t know if I could make it. But I decided to try. Go brave.

Why did I decide to try a juice cleanse?

– it seemed like the thing to do/everyone is doing it/I’m a health lemming

– from the reading I’ve done it seemed like a healthy life decision

- I wanted to see if I could do it. I lack discipline to a shameful level

– I was offered the opportunity and I wanted to share the experience with you all!

I didn’t think my reasons were good enough, so I had to ask Riana, what are the benefits of doing a juice cleanse?

“There are a range of benefits that come from juice cleansing. Of course, many people come to Peeled for a “quick fix,” as in repairing from a stretch of processed and junk foods high in fats or sugars. There are a lot of customers that want to lose a few lbs or clear their skin before a vacation or wedding. At Peeled, we want our customers to think long-term. Juicing can improve your immune system, clear skin, and more. It is just a great and tasty way to re-invigorate your system. Our juice can help improve digestion and remove toxins. These things can help with a range of health issues and help prevent the onset of diseases such as diabetes and cancer. It is not just the hip thing to do, it is about preparing your body for long-term success with good health,” she explained. Ah. Gotcha!

My juice cleanse was for three days. Each day included six juices, to be consumed in specific order. The kinds of juices were switched up a little during each day. Green juice made with kale, spinach, apple, celery and ginger. Maroon juice made with beets. A Haute Lemonade that was super tart, spicy and not very sweet — not like the lemonade we usually drink! Young coconut water which was so sweet and good, LOVED that. And the last drink of the day was cashew milk, which if you’ve ever done a juice cleanse, you know it’s heaven in a bottle. Creamy and sweet and nurturing and YUM. The day would always begin with green juice, then end with cashew milk.

If you don’t like green juices or vegetable based juices, then obviously this isn’t for you. I didn’t like green juices when I first tried them, but I know how good they are for me and I know that I need more veggies in my life. And now, I honestly love them. The quick veggie fix is part of why Riana says juicing is so popular these days. “…Unfortunately, Americans do not love vegetables. We are a foodie and fast-food nation. It is a great thing to have fast-food and superfoods all in one mix. It’s always good to focus on incorporating raw foods and juicing into a diet, as well.”

On day one of my juice cleanse, I felt proud of myself by juice three. By juice four on day one, I was HONGRY with an O. I didn’t think I was gonna make it. I was already thinking of all the leftovers in my fridge I was gonna smash and then I said to myself IT IS DAY ONE. Make it through at least one day! So I did. I went to bed really early, just because I needed to stop thinking about food and how delicious it is.

On day two of my juice cleanse I woke up feeling happy and lighthearted and I noticed the thing everyone says — juices make you energetic! I felt very positive and full of energy. I found myself doing tasks I’d put off around the house. I went to the post office. I felt good! I did feel hungry in the afternoon — any time between 3 and 6 pm, I felt those familiar hunger pangs coming back. But I made it through and I felt really good about that.

People kept telling me that if I made it to day three, it would be a breeze…and that wasn’t my experience. I was still hungry and was actively looking forward to day four, in which I could eat food again! Towards the end of day three, I was ready to end the cleanse but I definitely noticed the benefits of being on it. Let me tell y’all about THOSE.

Doing the juice cleanse made me aware again.

I had fallen into the habit of eating without thinking. I would serve myself huge portions and eat while watching TV or browsing the internet…I wasn’t conscious of the physical act of eating. The act of consuming nutrients. I didn’t THINK about the fact that is what food is. Nutrition. I was eating what tasted good and what my body was conditioned to crave, and many of those things are bad for me. Complex carbohydrates, white flour, white sugar, highly processed things, salty things, sweet things. Things with minimal nutritional value, at best. Doing the three day juice cleanse helped me realize I didn’t need any of it. You know how you wake up in the morning and say “oooh I need a hot cup of tea or coffee with all these sweetners in it?” Well, you don’t say THAT, but that’s basically what it is. And you don’t need it. You just think you do. You’re conditioned to think you do. Doing the juice cleanse helped me realize that I didn’t need to start my morning with a hot cup of sugar, which is something I had done my whole life without questioning it. When I finally ate I noticed how much food has to do with touch and feeling. I noticed how food felt while I consumed it, and how it made me feel after I consumed it. Awareness is beautiful.

Doing the juice cleanse made me realize I was stronger than I thought.

There were many times where I wanted to throw the towel in on the juice cleanse and just eat FOOD. I had these leftover scallops in the fridge…and they were calling my NAME. And at night my husband wanted dinner, obviously…and as he went about preparing himself something hot and highly scented, I thought I was gonna lose it and quit this thing. But I didn’t. I made it through three days and now I know I can do it again. And now I know I can do OTHER things I’ve talked myself out of, too.

Doing the juice cleanse reset my appetite and my cravings.

I didn’t come out of the three days thinking “I’m gonna smang this bag of potato chips!” I came out of it thinking, OK now what do I eat? Foods that were highly appealing to me before (like doughnuts) now seemed unappetizing. On the day after my juice cleanse I ate vegetarian foods as advised. Oatmeal for breakfast, kale salad for lunch, and for dinner my husband and I went to a Mexican restaurant and I was persuaded into having a margarita with my vegetarian tacos, but I didn’t crave it the way I used to, and I only had one. I ate my food slowly. I savored the sensations. I didn’t notice how food tickles the tongue, or feels going down my throat as much before. It was cool to notice and appreciate that.

I did this juice cleanse three weeks ago and in the days afterward, the scale showed a 7 pound loss for me, but of course that was water weight. I actually lost four pounds and gained an appreciation for food as nutrition that I didn’t have before.

What were the downsides of the cleanse?

I had to pee All. The. Time. So on afternoon two I decided to walk to the post office and back….and I tell y’all Jesus was with me because I was about to embarrass myself in downtown Chicago and that would not have been ok!

If you aren’t eating food, you don’t want to see pictures of yummy food. So avoid Pinterest because it will just piss you off.

Also, it’s not fun to go out and be social when you’re on a juice cleanse. Most social events involve cocktails or food, and it’s just temptation all around you. I don’t need that when I’m feeling weak!

What’s my advice for anyone who’s considering a juice cleanse for the first time?

Take the time beforehand to check your calendar. Do you have any special events or places to go to coming up that week? Can you make a lasagna or casserole on the weekend to tide your family over when you’re not going to be eating with them at dinnertime? Think about those life scheduling details. Don’t let them prevent you from trying it though! And don’t be afraid. You can do it! If I can do it, ANYONE CAN.

If you’re in Chicago, you must check out Peeled Chicago! and also follow them on Facebook and like them on Twitter. Thank you, Riana for this amazing opportunity!

Have any of you ever done a juice cleanse? What are your thoughts on the whole thing?

It’s been a little more than month, since 17 year old Trayvon Martin was murdered. He was walking home with Skittles and an Arizona Ice Tea, talking to his girlfriend and getting back to watch the rest of the NBA All-Star Game with his family. If you’ve been following the news, you already know what happened. It was a rainy day. Trayvon was walking back to his father’s house with his newly purchased snacks. He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt. He was chatting with his girlfriend on his cell phone. And then George Zimmerman, neighborhood watchman, decided Trayvon looked suspicious. He followed him in his car and then on foot – directly going against the instruction of the 911 operator. There was a confrontation between them. Trayvon Martin was shot and died right there on the sidewalk, reportedly less than 100 feet from his father’s doorstep.

One month after Trayvon Martin’s death. There is a petition that has been signed by almost 2 million people – click here to sign. There have been protests in major cities. This Sunday, people around the country wore hoodies to church, to symbolize what Trayvon was wearing when he was killed.

George Zimmerman has not been arrested for the death of Trayvon Martin, because of Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush was the man who signed that law and even he says the law doesn’t cover this kind of murder.

When I spoke to my mom about my feelings recently, she said this all reminded her of Emmett Till. And she’s not the only one drawing those comparisons.

Cartoon by Lalo Alcaraz. Source, Twitter.

This is around the point where I honestly don’t even know what to say anymore.

Every time I sit and try to write about Trayvon Martin, the words get stuck inside me. I have started and stopped this blog post so many times over the last week. It’s been so hard to know what to say because this case makes me feel so hopeless and so sad, and so afraid for the future of this country. I hate the comments I’m seeing online. I’m hating the slant of some of the coverage I’ve been reading. I hate that people are finding ways to say that Trayvon’s sartorial choices made him a deserving victim. (Geraldo Rivera, your son is right to be ashamed of you. You continually use your platform to spew ignorance. And basically saying “If you’re offended, I’m sorry” does not a genuine apology make).

What can I say beyond what’s been said  already? Some of the finest minds in the blogosphere have written so eloquently about Trayvon Martin. If you really want food for thought, read the following:

Mychal Smith for The Nation – Justice for Trayvon Martin.

Danielle Belton of Black Snob – No Apologies: On The Killing of Trayvon Martin and Being “Good.”

Jen Wang on Disgrasian – Where The Killing of a Fictional Black Child Exposes How We Feel About The Killing of a Real Black Child. Jen’s piece directly connects to the dismaying racist tweets regarding the casting of The Hunger Games movie.

Sinead O’Connor’s open letter to the family of Trayvon Martin.

My Brown Baby — Black Boy Swagger, Black Mom Fear.

Bassey Ikpi on xoJane – My Five Year Old Son is Afraid to Wear a Hoodie. In case you don’t already know, Bassey Ikpi is one of the best to ever do spoken word poetry, and she wrote an incredible poem for Trayvon. Here is video of her performing it.

Right now this whole thing feels like a brick sitting on my chest. As a beauty and hair blogger, I’m supposed to be testing out products and featuring information about things that uplift and beautify. I’ve got all kinds of interviews and reviews backed up that I need to be working on. But it feels disingenuous and difficult, and with every article I read about Trayvon Martin – especially now with the new villainous and politicized slant that some are using to disparage the character of an unarmed teenage boy – I find more and more anger bubbling inside me. And I know I’m not the only one who’s angry. And confused. And scared for the future of this country.

It’s all so heavy and ugly and upsetting. Not the kind of thing I like to write about on a blog that’s about beauty and positivity. So I will end this post with my hopes, regarding the outcome of this ongoing situation.

I hope that the murder of Trayvon Martin doesn’t lead to any additional violence.

I hope there is some form of justice and I hope it doesn’t take forever. The wheels of justice are already turning too slowly here.

I hope we can channel our collective anger and sadness and grief into good. Into community work. Into getting out the VOTE this year. I hope we can raise our voices and not our fists to express ourselves. 

Trayvon Martin was not the first and he probably won’t be the last to be unfairly targeted and killed for the color of his skin. Ebony’s piece 10 Others Before Trayvon Martin underscores that awful truth. I just hope that Trayvon’s death will not be in vain, and I pray for some kind of peace for his family and closest friends.

I’d love to hear your views, bellas. It was so hard expressing my own.

RIP, Trayvon Martin.