Lifebooker.com

During this harsh economic climate, I think we’re all searching for ways that we can cut back on our expenses. After I moved to New York City and realized first hand that I was living in the second most expensive city, I cut back on all frills. I started saving money by eliminating most of my beauty expenses. This meant that I was doing my own low grade mani/pedi’s; washing, setting and trimming my own ends; and giving myself less than pleasurable facials with random concoction recipes that I found online.

Let’s just say that I’ve been saved by www.lifebooker.com! Lifebooker caters to beauty fiends in LA and NYC who are searching for top notch beauty services at discounted prices. The site offers a hassle-free way to electronically book appointments for hair needs, face & body treatments, waxing, nails, and laser services. Most of the services are offered below regular price and every time an appointment is booked through Lifebooker.com, you earn points (dollars) toward your next appointment! There’s even a special section dedicated to the fellas. I think it’s a fab idea!

I just booked an appointment for a microdermabrasion to kick off my weekend ;)

Muah!

(By the way, there are no costs involved with signing up or booking appointments.)

Exploring the City- Central Park

Now that the weather has cleared up, the concrete jungle has flourished into an active and verdant city rich with exploration opportunities for the brown girl ;) I’m excited to chronicle my first summer in New York City as a transplant from the dirty south, lol!

One of my new favorite hang out spots is Central Park. This rectangular public park is situated in Manhattan and offers a wonderful backdrop for the city. I’ve been to Central Park a few times and every time feels like the first time for me. It’s perfect to lounge solo with a good book, hang out with a girl pal for snacks and convo, and it also makes for a great inexpensive date with someone special.

Below is a picture of me enjoying the scenery solo while studying for the GRE’s last week (the shape reminds me of Africa, what do you think?):

Work It Out!

Today is the first official day of spring! People near and far are climbing out of their winter hibernations hubs and looking to make good on their New Years resolution to lose those extra pounds. But I won’t lie, getting out of the house with the intent to workout can be difficult. I literally had to treat myself by purchasing some new workout gear in order to trick myself into going to the gym. Hey, if it worked for me it might work for you ;) Here are a few items to get you going:

1. American Apparel Shiny Duffle Bag- $26

2. Ipod Shuffle- $79

3. Old Navy mesh sports bra- $10

4. Old Navy running tank- $17

5. Old Navy 3” running shorts- $17

6. Nike running shoes at Lady Foot Locker- $92

Forget the men, give me the shoes!

We all know that the holiday of love is around the corner which means that husbands, boyfriends, and secret friends alike are scrambling to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the special ladies in their lives. Some women hint about a trip to the spa, chocolate-covered strawberries, lingerie, or a heart-felt card with roses, but to be completely honest- just give me the shoes and no one will get hurt...

Below is my list of love-worthy VDay shoes:

Urban Outfitters Maroon Suede Cutout Heels- $148

Steve Madden Pink Suede Fantasy Heels- $150

L.A.M.B. Red Suede Norland Booties- $308




Christian Louboutin Red Suede Heels- $795

Now walk it out... Besos!

Be Like Soulja Boy?

Not literally, but creatively. Soulja Boy has officially left his mark on the industry in terms of ingeniously using the digital world to generate a buzz about his music. In a bleak economy everyone is cutting back and looking for innovative ways to stay afloat and generate revenue. This is no different in the world of music, check out another piece that I did for Rollingout.com about how independent artists use technology today (http://www.rollingout.com/v2/music/music_news/012209/indie.php).

Take note of the mention of eclectic rap kid, Charles Hamilton. I like this dude…

Free Your Mind

That should be my mantra for 2009… I recently interviewed jazz instrumentalist and vocalist, Walter Beasley for Rollingout.com and this brother shared a lot with me about reflection. He talked with me about several events that occurred in his life that he never took time out to reflect on, and before he knew it those times had come and gone without him being able to enjoy the simple and sometimes complex moments in life. His current album Free Your Mind is a direct reflection and movement of him doing exactly that- freeing his mind.

Speaking with him really hit home for me because it’s now the second month in the year 2009 and I’ve hardly had any moments of reflection. I made a major life-altering move to NYC and at this very moment I can’t really remember reflecting on how much my life has changed over the past four months. I surely don’t want my life to go by without taking those special, self-indulged stolen moments to reflect on life, love, work, play, spirituality, or friendship.

So here’s to Walter Beasley- Free Your Mind and the rest will follow…

Check out the interview here: http://www.rollingout.com/v2/music/wk012909/beasley.php

Mmmmwwwah!

Bloggers: Tavis Smiley Wants You!

According to an email sent out by Tavis Smiley's camp:

[For the 10th annual State of the Black Union 2009 symposium, hosted and moderated annually by broadcaster Tavis Smiley, we’re offering the opportunity for ONE special blogger to sit on stage and ask the important questions of panelists in our first and exclusive live Webcast! Not only that, you’ll be spending the whole weekend with Tavis and towering figures in the world of news and politics.

Imagine yourself hanging out for the weekend and engaging in dialogue with figures such as Dr. Cornel West or Danny Glover or maybe even Nikki Giovanni and Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Imagine what that means for your Web site, your blog, and your career!

So, not only is this your chance to be part of the exclusive Web coverage of the top African American sociopolitical dialogue in the country, but you will also be invited to sit on stage for our first-ever Web journalists panel! You’ll report these historic events as they happen and actively participate in them.

Contest begins November 1st and ends December 5th.

To be considered, you’ll need to submit on line at http://www.tavistalks.com/sobu2009

* Three (3) previously posted/published articles demonstrating legitimate coverage of news items of interest to African Americans
* Blog statement of purpose
* Short essay detailing how and why your blog should be chosen. The essay should include a description of the contribution you will make to the conversation and coverage of the weekend (maximum 500 words)
Here’s what we’ll do if you’re selected:
· Provide airfare, hotel accommodations (2 nights), and ground transportation for one (1) person
· Give you access to exclusive content. You can broadcast our Webcast live from your site as well as blog live from the Los Angeles Convention Center during the State of the Black Union 2009. Also, you will have exclusive access (including photo opportunities) at ALL of the VIP events prior to and after the State of the Black Union to interview the panelists and participants.

Without question, this is a chance of a lifetime and a career-changing opportunity for the winning Web journalist. Contest begins November 1st and the winner will be announced online by December 15, 2008, to allow adequate time to make travel arrangements. We’ll get you here and make you famous!]

Good luck, fellow bloggers.

Thanks, British!

Trendy Fall Fashion by S&JSH

The wardrobe stylists (and my very good friends) over at S&J Style House graciously agreed to contribute to a post for The Brown Girl Journal that will show us all how to step out looking fabulous for the fall.

Trendy Fall Fashion by thestylehousechronicles

The cloche hat, long Ralph Lauren gloves, and that bangin’ classic Chanel flap bag just reek of sophistication. This outfit is the perfect choice for a last-minute date, museum grazing, or Friday nights with the girls at an upscale lounge.

S&J Style House is currently blogging about living out their dreams in the fashion world. They post upcoming fashion events, recaps from shoots that they’ve been involved in, invaluable fashion advice for newbies, and more. Check them out here: The Style House Chronicles