“When we look at you, we see a true American Cinderella, on the threshold of a brilliant new career. Precious is but the first of many adjectives coming your way. And they are all great. Congratulations, Gabby Sidibe.”

Even though Gabourey Sidibe didn’t win Best Actress tonight at the Oscars, I am sure she was thrilled to bits just because of what Oprah said. What an incredible moment.

And I didn’t see The Blind Side — so I’m unwilling to cast judgment on a film I haven’t yet seen. But I thought Sandra Bullock’s speech was everything an Oscar speech should be. Gracious, funny, touching, respectful, memorable. Well said, Sandy.

Forget about the films, the real Oscar drama is on the red carpet! I saw some absolutely stunning looks over at Oh No They Didn’t, and had to share my favorites with you.

This was an epic Oscar night for black actresses, and an epic Oscar night for plus size women. Before the ceremony much ado was made of Gabourey Sidibe’s Oscar dress possibilities — blisteringly and brilliantly covered by Erica Kennedy, author of the funny, fierce Feminista and Bling: A Novel. The phenomenal Kate Harding outlined Gabby’s red carpet history and her prospects. And tonight she came through in blue Marchesa festooned with diamond-like appliques.

I didn’t love the dress, but I think Gabby was resplendent and her MAKEUP was to DIE for. Whoever did the makeup, holla at a bella because I want the deetz!
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And this time I wrote all about body scrubs for gorgeous skin.

I gave a long overdue shout out to one of my besties in the beauty blogosphere, Julia of All About the Pretty. I’ll tell ya, I touched her arm when we were at Fashion Week in September…her skin is like silk and velvet and all things soft and sumptuous because of the body scrub she’s been doing for years now.

Some of the hubbub and criticism of Vogue Italia’s new additions have died down, since Vogue Italia’s editor in chief wrote her rebuttal (in which she quoted ME! In Rachel Zoe’s words, I die!) And also, the announcement that the legendary Bethann Hardison is now the editor-at-large of Vogue Black quieted some naysayers.

Some of the hubbub has died down, but not all. And my attitude towards it can best be described as resigned bemusement.

I realized something recently — almost every website I write for has a variation of the word black in the title. Black Voices, Black Atlas, Afrobella, and now Vogue Black. It’s not that I’m exclusive about what I write about, I’m just passionate about celebrating our unique beauty.

Most of the time, when I read criticism of the sites I write for, it’s from white supremacists who are mad that black people have their own channel on the teevee and are living in the White House and going on fancy vacations and whatnot. To paraphrase. So I was kinda surprised that this time, the shrill voiced outrage was coming from women of color — about the fact that Vogue made a site dedicated to black beauty. I’ve come to the conclusion that I must be clueless.
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Back in Miami I was a regular reviewer of spas. Not to toot my own horn or anything (toot toot!) but my spa and beauty review column for the Miami New Times, Pretty in the City, won Best Blog in the South Florida Black Journalists Association awards in 2008.

Since I moved to Chicago, my spa writing has slowed down some, but I’m about ready to get back into it. I’ve had the opportunity to experience some amazing Chicago spas. Here are my favorites thus far, so next time you’re in town (or if you live here) you’ll know where to go!

The Red Door Spa. The Red Door is one of the most recognized symbols of luxury in the world. The Michigan Avenue location offers classic Chicago excellence and experienced staff. The ambiance can be best described as established. Pristine, white accented with red, soft lighting and coolers filled with cucumber water in the relaxation room, and plush treatment rooms.

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This has been one of those weeks where I wish I could just go back to Monday and start over. I’ve been pretty much flat in bed, drinking Nyquil by night and Dayquil by day. Yup, I’m sick and on top of that the deadlines and e mails don’t ever stop when you work for yourself. So through this week I’ve been soothing my troubled spirit with the kind of music that helps me feel better.

When it comes to songs that offer than aural healing I’ve been desperately needing, it has nothing to do with genre or a particular artist. It’s entirely a lyrical thing. And sometimes it’s just the chorus that lifts me up.

This post is about to get random! Are you ready?

5. Deliver Me From My Enemies by Vivian “Yabby You” Jackson.

I wrote a longer post about this song for the Game Well and Truly Over blog’s 2010 Music Project. And it’s true, I really do need to listen to this song at least once a week. The horns, the rhythm, the harmonies all intoxicate me. But the lyrics say it ALL.

Deliver me, oh my God, from my enemies.
Oh I? plea unto thee, to guide me.
Cause me to hear thy love and kindness in the morning.
For in thee do I trust, cause me to walk in thy way
For I lift up my soul right up to thee,
Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God,
Thy spirit…it is good. Lead me in uprightness.

Yabby You passed away this year, after a brain aneurysm. His musical legacy will never be forgotten by fans of roots reggae music.

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I’ve been looking everywhere online for the perfect pair of flat red boots. And I need them soon — because on Thursday, March 25th I’ll be wearing them at the Red Pump Project’s Rock The Red fashion show!

If you’ve been reading my blog for the past few months, you already know I have much love for Luvvie and Karyn, founders of The Red Pump Project.

This month is a big month for them — not only does March mark the awareness-raising non-profit’s first anniversary, but March 10th is also annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

So March 25th, please join us at the Bottom Lounge (1375 W. Lake St. Chicago). The event will begin with a happy hour at 6:00pm, and the Rock the Red fashion show beginning promptly at 7:00pm. There’ll be special guests of honor and some of your favorite bloggers will be in attendance.

My friends at The Red Pump Project are still seeking sponsors for this event, so if you’re interested, e mail sponsorships@theredpumpproject.com.

If you’re in Chicago, please come and celebrate a fabulous and fashionable evening with us! Click here for all the details — early bird tickets are just $20!