Old Skool New

Green Smoothies for Life

2010-08-02T17:56:00.003-05:00

I begin every single day by blending a healthy combination of delicious fruits, and wholesome vegetables, and a few added extras for good measure. Drink your way to health with this delightful elixir.

Green smoothies consist of one (1) green, leafy vegetable, two different fruits, water, honey, and a sugar free fruit juice. There is always the option of adding honey, agave nectar, or cinnamon to sweeten it up a bit. Here a few of my favorite combinations:

fresh spinach

mangoes

strawberries

water

sugar free fruit juice

ground flax seeds

agave nectar

************

kale

raspberries

blueberries

water

sugar free fruit juice

wheat germ

honey

**************

kale

mangoes

blackberries

water

SF fruit juice

honey

***************

cilantro

mangoes

strawberries

rhubarb (just because)

water

SF fruit juice

flax seeds

agave nectar

Feel free to tweak these recipes to your own liking. These are just my personal favorites. Be creative with yours! Be sure to switch up the green vegetables every couple of days. Spinach is not to be used every day. Come back to oldskoolnew.blogspot.com and share you favorite smoothie recipes with me!

It's BeenToo Long

2008-03-27T01:48:00.001-05:00

Hey guys and gals, dudes, and dudettes!

Hopefully, your patience with me has not worn out! I felt like I had lost my creativity so I chose not to write for awhile. I feel like I've gotten back into my creative zone, so look for new posts soon...(if you're still around waiting).

HAPPY FEELINGS, HAPPY FEELINGS!!

2007-11-05T18:22:00.000-06:00

Hola, Old Skoolers,

I know, I know, I've been out of pocket for a very long time. Please forgive me. It's time for me to get back to my Old Skool ways. I hope you all are excited and ready to get back to our time travels. I will be posting tonight, so stay tuned!

It;s Been A Long Time!

2007-10-17T20:54:00.000-05:00

Hey friends,

It's been quite awhile since I took my last trip to the yester year! Please forgive me for the lack of posts! I will be back with more posts within a couple of weeks.
Love,
Greenstar

2007-09-27T15:43:00.000-05:00

Hey Old Skoolers!

I'm having a terrific day! I hope you all are too. God's love is continuously raining down on my family, friends, and me.

In other fantastic news, me and Cullen decided to come to the studio today to pay Calvin a visit, and the vibe here is sooo very nice. I'll have to post pics later. It's been awhile since I heard from you guys. Let me know how life is going from day to day with you.

All Aboard the Soul Train Express!!

2007-09-21T10:26:00.000-05:00

Whats shakin, Old Skoolers?!

I know, I know its been awhile since my last Old Skool Time Travel. Truth be told, my old (t)rusty Time Machine has been at my uncle Lester's shop for some repairs. Never fear, though! I hopped back in the time traveling saddle last night.

I knew this ride was gonna be a funkadelic one when I heard none other than the P-Funkalicious music of George Clinton w/Parliament blasting through the Time Machine's speakers.
"You've got a real type of thing going down, gettin' down
There's a whole lot of rhythm going round

Ow, we want the funk
Give up the funk
Ow, we need the funk
We gotta have that funk "

I jumped out of bed, hip to the groove! Upon hearing the music, Calvin hopped out of bed, and surrendered his funk, too! When we got into the Time Machine, I had to settle him down, (he was so busy boogying to the music) and make him strap on his seat belt. Midway through the ride, our pajamas morphed into radical threads with psychedelic colors, wispy fringes, skintight bell-bottoms, and sky scraping platform shoes! What a ride!

Suddenly, the smoke machine inside the Time Machine started gushing clouds, and at the request of the song, the Time Machine's roof was torn off (that counts for another week at uncle Lester's shop). We had landed on the legendary dance floor at SOOOUUUUUUULLLLLL TRAIN! There stood Don Cornelius, with his proud afro, hip suit, and familiar glasses! Don, and everyone else there was so busy getting down to the music, they didn't even notice that we had landed. We were actually on Soul Train, on October 1, 1977!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Once the Parliment song faded, Don grabbed his trusty mic, and in his best deep sexy voice said,
"Ladies and Gentlemen put your hands together and welcome to the stage three ladies of sophistication, style and soul... The Emotions!!!!"

I couldn't hide my excitement as I yelped, "DYNOMITE!"
I started clapping, and jumping around before the talented threesome even hit the stage! They began singing one of my favorite songs, REJOICE!! The song, their melodious, high pitched voices, took me to a far out place. I lost all control as my body moved and grooved to the music! Calvin, my dance partner was on the same high as me! Calvin wasn't gonna let those unfamiliar platforms stop him from moving to the music!
After a few more rhythmic selections, it was time for the Soul Train Scramble Board! (By this time, I'm very close to fainting from happiness!) Me and Calvin were chosen to answer one of the always easy questions. Don told us we had 60 seconds to unscramble the letters to reveal the name of a Dallas born soul singer who had orchestrated the sound track to the popular movie, The Mack. We placed the letters in all the right spots in just enough time to correctly answer, Willie Mack, and win a year's supply of Afro Sheen!!!

Next, it was time for my favorite part of the show! Me and Calvin sashayed on the sidelines as couples high stepped, booty bumped, and roboted down the Soul Train Line!!! This was the best part of the evening! All of the twosomes were perfectly in sync as they made their way down the infamous line! When it was our turn, I put to good use the Old Skool dances my mom took care to show me over the years, while Calvin was in step with me.

Old Skoolers, this was the best night ever! We had officially taken the hippest trip in America! After a few more lively performances, including the Emotions performing another hit, Best of My Love, Don Cornelius came to the center of the floor to recite his famous departing lines! This was it, Old Skoolers....LOVE, PEACE, and SOOOOUUUUULLLL!!!!!!!!!!

Sentenced to Be His Lover For Life

2007-09-17T03:04:00.001-05:00

When I met you Calvin, time stopped, and love began. Calvin, you are the man God intended for me.

I could easily decorate my words with fancy verbs and adjectives, but the truth is better revealed through my loving actions.

I'm your biggest cheerleader, most devoted fan, I'm in the bleachers rooting for you cuz in my world, you are THE man.

You must know that any man before you was a genuine waste of my time. I could sing our love song from the top of a mountain, its a never-ending, well-composed chart-topping melody, an endless rhyme.

Cullen, your seed, my womb a gift in the most beautiful form.
A feisty little guy with my wit, your charm
His smile, your laugh, my joy.
Calvin, I love you past forever.

My Baby Is Turning Two, Ya'll!!!

2007-09-13T14:50:00.000-05:00

Hey Old Skoolers,

I want to let you all know that I will begin posting regularly as soon as I am done planning my son's 2nd birthday party. As a new mommy, birthday celebrations consume me! I think I'm actually more excited than Little Lamb is! My husband and I have been busy painting, and preparing our home for our guests. We have friends and family coming in from out of town, so we want everything to be good and comfy for them.

I apologize for my lack of posts, and I will be back on my Time Machine traveling back to the Old Skool by next week! Thank you all for your love and support! Don't forget to check out oldthingsnew.etsy.com when you get a chance!

Love,

Greenstar

We Finally Got A Piece of the Pieeeeee!

2007-09-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

Old Skool Song of the Day: "Day Dreaming" Aretha Franklin

Old Skool Fashion: The Almighty Afro

Old Skool Phrase: Can You Dig It?!

Old Skool TV: The Jeffersons

WTH Happened to Good Ol' Customer Service?!

2007-09-11T13:35:00.000-05:00

How's it hanging, Old Skoolers?!

I need you all to join me on a search to find GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE! Where did it disappear to? It seems as though GOOD OL' CUSTOMER SERVICE has been absent for about 6 years now!

Forgive me for venting, and being a Gwouch Gwouch McGweedy (this is what we lovingly call my toddler when he wakes up in a bad mood, or when he wakes up really hungry), but I have to get this off my chest. Long gone are the days of "please, and thank you, yes/no ma'am, the customer is always right, your way right away, service with a smile, oh, sorry let me take that off your bill since I so obviously messed it up"....y'all get where I'm going with this.

Due to my Christian upbringing, and the fact that I have worked in several service positions myself, I never set out to argue, or make enemies with the waitresses, call center employees, or other service people (cuz my mama taught me better than that). They just always seem to "want it" with me!

Lets start with today's offenders and work our way down. Alrighty, a lil background for you...I have been working for a certain homebuilder for almost a year now, and they send me to work at different model homes in the Houston area. Today, I am in an area that I am not familiar with, very close to Galveston, TX (yes y'all, I drove 45 minutes to get here). Anyway, I logged onto citysearch.com to look for local eateries. I found a place call 888 Chines Restaurant that had great prices, excellent reviews, and to top it all off, it was right down the street.

After reading about 888 Chinese Restaurant, I called to ask if they could fax a copy of their menu to my office. As soon as woman picked up the phone, and before I could get a word in edgewise, she told me to hold. No problem. I wound up holding for 4 minutes, and it became obvious to me that she forgot all about me because she had just sat the phone down, (not pressed a hold button) and I could hear her laughing and talking with her coworkers. I chose not to hang up because I felt that if they couldn't take my order, then they wouldn't be taking anybody else's! I know that's kind of stubborn, but.....

Anyway, she finally picked the phone up, and I could tell that she was shocked I was still there. I didn't let on that I was tired of waiting, I just politely asked her to fax a menu. She informed me that there was a website where I could view the menu and proceeded to give me the web address. I asked her if the prices were included on the web site's menu, knowing that some places just put the food, not the prices, and she assured me the prices would be on the website. Thankfully, I went to the website, and there was a menu including prices. I went to the Lunch Specials portion of the menu and found a couple of dishes that appealed to me, all under 10 dollars. In fact, the dishes I was considering were both listed as 5.75! Great, right?

I called the place back to place my order, but I had a few questions. I wanted to know the veggies that were included in the Chicken and Vegetables dish. The dish seemed like a great one, but so did the Hunan Chicken. I told her I was leaning toward the Hunan Chicken, but I didn't want the baby corn-gross. We were actually having a good convo, and she was very helpful. She told me that the Hunan Chicken didn't come with baby corn, so Hunan Chicken was my dish for sure. She rang me up, and told me my total would be $7.02. Now, I'm far from a math whiz, but I DO know that $5.75 plus tax DO NOT EQUAL NO $7.02! Sorry, now back to my phone voice-ahem. I asked her if she was ringing me up for the Lunch Special, and she said, "Oh, hold on." Again, she sat the phone down, and asked someone in the background if the "new prices were on the website." I heard someone tell her that there was a new website and that's where the price increases could be found. She got back on the phone and told me that the price she had quoted me was the new price. I told her (I know this is complicated to read) that she had directed me to the old website when I had called minutes before requesting a menu. She said, "Yeah, I'm sorry, they just raised the prices, and they are on the new website, we don't use the old web address I gave you anymore."

By this time, I was a little agitated, but I told her I would still be in to pick up my meal. You know how once you are set on something, you gotta have it, right?! While driving to the restaurant, I was trying to figure out if I would speak with the manager or not. I definitely didn't want anyone getting in any trouble, or losing their job, but on the other hand, maybe just speaking to the manager would help me to feel better.

When I got to the register, the General Manager was standing there, so I decided to let him know what happened. I was very discreet, and polite (my mom always warns me that a disagreement with the wrong person at a restaurant can lead to contaminated food). To make a long story short, the manager didn't care. He picked up a menu and gave it to me and pointed out the new web address, and said "its not up yet, but the new prices will be there, on the website."
People, please help me! None of this would have happened if the woman who answered the phone would have just FAXED THE DARN MENU!! By this time, I was pretty pissed, but I thanked him, and came back to work. I was hungry so that I could have torn into my food Cookie Monster style, but WTF did I see when I took the top off my food? BABY CORN!!! Good thing none of you were within 50 miles of this place, otherwise you would have heard the high-pitched screams and hollers of a woman scorned and frustrated by the dogface, foul, grotesque, horrid customer service monster!!!!! NEXT TIME I'LL JUST GO TO PANDA EXPRESS!
This place isn't the only one on my terrible service list, its just the newest addition. Below, I have listed the places that in MY opinion have the worst, most rotten customer service. Remember, this is MY opinion, due to situations that I have encountered. Here goes...

Sprint/Nextel..Please, I hope they see this and let us out of our pathetic contract
Pappadeaux, from snails in my crawfish, to a goofy waitress dropping someone else's crawfish already-eaten shells on me, to waiting for one hour to get a waitress, they don't ever deserve to see my money again!
Sonic, its so bad here, that my husband and friends asked me to stop going because they ALWAYS get my order wrong. I only order one thing from this place: a Lemon Berry Slush with extra berries, and they NEVER EVER get it right. A special shout out to CC, and Oni for introducing me to the drink in the first place.
A certain Caribbean restaurant that will remain nameless only because since the incident, in which the waitress took my friend's credit card and cussed us out, and the police had to be called just so we could get it back has closed and re-opened with new management. Just know that when the police officer arrived, he was appalled at the restaurant manager, and threatened to arrest the waitress(she was jumping around cussing and yelling). All because me, and some other customers complained that the Garlic Crab (the same dish that I had been eating for 4 years) tasted old, and had a foul odor. After we complained, the manager flippantly suggested that upon our next visit, we should try another dish!! With all that said, thank God they have new management and a new waitstaff!
Cajun Corner, the waitstaff is friendly EXCEPT for one woman who is always there. I think her family owns the place. I have witnessed this woman treat customers like dog doo-doo! I have even seen this lady bully her own coworkers! One customer became so enraged that she threw an all-out tantrum in the middle of the restaurant. Nobody could blame her because the waitress is soooo very evil. The upset customer threw her crawfish, and some other crawfish sitting on a random table all over the restaurant, and smeared it all over the place. She then proceeded to dump all of the fake flowers out of their pots and hurl them everywhere. After cursing the waitress out, she turned, and left. She deserved a standing ovation because justice was served.
Almost Every Beauty Supply Store, Nuff said!

Please allow me to apologize for ranting on and on and on, but I had to get this off of my chest. I just long for the Old Skool times way back in the day when you could walk into a fresh, clean business and receive good, honest service with a smile. Feel free to add your customer service nightmares to the list! Maybe if everyone refused to accept this kind of service, we could actually hurt their pockets!

FYI, Houston Friends

2007-09-10T12:50:00.000-05:00

CALLING ALL BARGAIN SHOPPERS! The Old Navy Outlet store in the Fountains (Stafford) is going to close, and re-open as a regular Old Navy store. That means all of the OUTLET merchandise has got to go!! I went two weeks ago and everything in the store was 30% off the already dirt cheap prices....I went Saturday, and everything was even CHEAPER! 50% off already rock bottom prices!!!!!
You don't wanna know what kind of damage I did, but it was well worth it! Shoes, jackets, purses, baby clothes (my fave), you name it! Everything was DIRT CHEAP! Hurry, I think the outlet closes on Sept.21, so get there NOW! Let me know how it goes!

Introducing CoCo D. Okrachoka

2007-09-05T03:55:00.000-05:00

Turn the lights off, step aside, and watch CoCo D. Okrachoka DANCE, DANCE, DANCE into the spotlight! Yowza, Yowza, Yowza!!!!

CoCo D. Okrachoka, the electrifying, extroverted, gregarious closet Disco Queen is one of my all-time best friends. In fact, she is more like a sister to me! When CoCo isn't belting out her favorite show tunes, she can be found at any local crawfish eatery, or dancing wherever the music moves her (even if its in the middle of the produce section at her local grocery store).
CoCo is a groovy chick that loves to cook, in addition to spending time with her family and friends. When asked about Old Skool faves, CoCo had too many to name! She has the same passion for the good ol' days as me.

Favorite Old Skool Song: Do You Love What You Feel, Rufus and Chaka

Favorite Old Skool Women: Chaka, Diana Ross, Mavis Staples

Favorite Old Skool Man: Rick James

Favorite Old Skool Fashion: Big hair, dresses, and wide leg jeans

Favorite Old Skool Show: Good Times (anytime you need a favor)

Notice CoCo's long, lucious locs!
CoCo is shown here, beautiful as ever, modeling an 80's Silk Strapless Party Dress that can be found on oldthingsnew.etsy.com!

The Doors of the Store Have Finally Opened!!!

2007-09-05T02:36:00.000-05:00

Nanoo Nanoo Old Skoolers,

I've got some treasures waiting for you over at my online store, oldthingsnew.etsy.com! Go check it out, there's something for everyone! I will be adding items often, so if you don't find anything this time, be sure to check back in a week or so! I am excited about finally doing the things I have dreamt about for soooo long! Thank you all again for taking the time to read my blog, and look at the items on oldthingsnew.etsy.com!

I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!

2007-09-03T16:40:00.000-05:00

Wat a gwon, Old Skoolers?

I would love for you all to leave comments. When Coco and Che-Che leave comments, I get so excited! I believe that my blog was set to only accept comments from Google users, but if you give it a try now, it should allow you to drop me some lines. Comments are encouragement!

The votes are all in, and you all decided that you would like to see everyday people here, on Old Skool New. Therefore, the first Old Skool Beauty of the Week will be showcased very soon!

LET THE BBQ BEGIN!

2007-09-03T16:35:00.000-05:00

HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!!!

Recalling the Ladies In the Place With Style and Grace

2007-08-29T14:18:00.000-05:00

As you all know by now, I'm a huge fan of Old Skool style. The big hair, of course, sky-high platform shoes, shake-yo-booty bell bottoms, and the flowy disco dresses are among my personal favorites from the Old Skool.

During my time travels, I've come in contact many, many style mavens from the past. My personal favorites are Cleopatra Jones (man she got it going on), Betty Davis, Thelma Evans (you already know), Iman, my girl Chaka, Willona Woods, Sophia Loren, Cher, and Diana Ross. The styles of these women range from lusty, uninhibited, far out, hard-boiled funk (pronounced FONK) to polished, unparalleled, enchanting glamour.

Without showing too much skin, and minus the inappropriate flashes a la Britney Spears, these Old Skool Fashion Champions managed to be fierce, but not filthy, impress, but not undress, to be seductive, but not slutty, and tempting without being trashy.

Today, join me in saluting the Fashionistas from way back when! Who is your favorite? It doesn't have to be one the women I've mentioned. The clothing that is soon to be featured on this website will reflect the artistry of the Old Skool threads these women once rocked, so STAY TUNED!

Peace,

Greenstar

2007-08-28T15:36:00.000-05:00

Being the frugal Old Skooler that I am, I enjoy making my own skin and hair care products. I often get ideas from other bloggers, and websites that specialize in those areas.

A great product does not have to carry a hard to pronounce name, a hefty price tag, or be sold at a high end department store for me to give it a try. Don't get me wrong, there are a few fancy, high end products in my boudior that I swear by, but why not save a buck or two every now and then?
Today, I will share some of my favorite hair and skin care goodies, along with some that can be found at your local drug store for under 10 dollars. Keep in mind friends, a product does not have to display an African American woman, or captions promising "Repunzel-like" results overnight for me to give it my seal of approval! Be open minded!

I'll start with good ol' trusty OLIVE OIL. Aside from being considered one of the healing fats, and Rachel Ray's trusty coadjutant, this healthful fruit derivative is a staple in my home! Every morning and night, I soothe my skin with an OLIVE OIL soaked cotton ball. Now, I understand that some of you may not have skin as dry as the Mojave Desert, like me, but if your skin is parched, like mine, OLIVE OIL should be your best friend.

I also use OLIVE OIL as a moisturizer for my son's handsome corkscrew curls, and for my natural hair as well. I keep the OLIVE OIL in a large spray bottle and just spray away! When I need a hot oil treatment, again OLIVE OIL is the oil de jour. OLIVE OIL and HONEY combined, and warmed in the microwave for 30-45 seconds is a favorite hot oil treatment for many naturals out there. Apply the warmed mixture to the head, wrap a warm towel around your head, or a plastic jerry curl cap (had to throw that in there for my 80's Old Skoolers), and leave it for as 15-20 mins, or as long as you personally see fit. Afterwards, remove the towel, or cap and wash the mixture out of your hair with the shampoo, or conditioner of your choice. The result will be soft, gleaming, healthy hair.

OLIVE OIL is not the only great oil out there, try GRAPESEED oil, too! I love this stuff. I spray it on my scalp, and on my long cornrows everyday! This oil is really light! GRAPESEED oil is also really great to cook with.

NEXT up is SHEA BUTTER! Years ago, as my natural hair stylist was braiding my hair, she handed me a clump of white/yellowish mush wrapped in plastic and told me it would nourish my dry scalp. She was right. At the time, I didn't know much about the African Emollient, but now SHEA BUTTER seems tobe the popular kid at school. At local stores, I see several products that touting the inclusion of SHEA BUTTER, but your best bet is to find someone who sells pure, unrefined SHEA BUTTER.

I find that SHEA BUTTER works best for me when I have vigorously rubbed it between my palms for several seconds, or melted it the microwave. The soothing qualities of SHEA BUTTER are most evident when my son has an eczema outbreak on his legs, or when I'm in need of a good massage. SHEA BUTTER is also used to alleviate arthritic pain, tackle that rough, craked skin on your feet,(lol) and Dermatitis. The list goes of reasons to use SHEA BUTTER goes on forever. Do some research, and give it a try.

I like to mix the oils or sometimes, I mix a little oil and water for different results. Lately, instead of using my Keihl's products to wash my face, I have been using a toner I made. The toner is kept in a spray bottle of course, and applied with a cotton ball. The toner is made up of apple cider vinegar,(which I am told gets rid of blemishes), rosewater, and just a leeettllle bit of peroxide. I know it sounds strange, but it works for me.

Now for the products I buy from the drugstore, or Target, or wherever I'm doing my beauty shopping. First up is GARNIER FRUCTIS CURL AND SHINE LEAVE-IN CONDITIONING CREAM. This stuff works wonders on my hair, wet, or dry! For the longest time, I could not find a product that would work on loosen my curls enough for me to comb through after washing. I decided to give this product a try just out of desperation. The results made me jump for joy. It makes my hair soft, and combable (if thats a word). As usual, I tried this out on my son, and it loosend up his curls.

Another fabulous GARNIER PRODUCT is GARNIER SOFT CURL CREAM. This stuff was made for my hair, and of course, Cullen's too. This cream shapes our curls without making them hard, and elimenates the frizz! Cullen and I were both having some serious frizz issues before we found the SOFT CURL CREAM. All of the products in the GARNIER FRUCTISE line are super affordable, which is an added plus.

Last for now is CAROL'S DAUGHTER HAIR MILK. I'm sure you've heard celebs, and friends alike singing the praises of the CAROL'S DAUGHTER products. I have only tried the HAIR MILK. I must honestly say that the product didn't work any wonders on my hair, so, you guessed it; I gave it a whirl on Cullen's hair. The HAIR MILK gave me hope for his hair. At that time, I had only used OLIVE OIL on his hair, which is always great, but I wanted something that could tame it more. The HAIR MILK made his curls soft, and they were noticeably moist. I could finally run my hands through his hair without him crying. In case you are confused, I used the HAIR MILK on Cullen's hair before I discovered the any of the other GARNIER products I mentioned before.

I will be sure to make additions to this list everytime I discover a new product, or remember one I already own. Be sure to give these a try and tell me about your results. I'm at work, so let me get back to it before "The Man" stops by and spazzes out!

Later, folks!

Today's Nostalgia

2007-08-28T13:16:00.000-05:00

Old Skool Song: Jungle Boogie, Kool and the Gang

Old Skool Fashion: Leisure Suits

Old Skool Phrase of the Day: Feel Tha Funk!

Old Skool Show: The Carol Burnett Show

New Posts When I Feel Better

2007-08-26T22:06:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling a little sick. I think I might possibly have strep. I will post again when I am feeling better.

A Night With the Black Panthers, Oh What A Night!

2007-08-24T11:53:00.000-05:00

What it is, friends?

Sorry for not checking in with you all yesterday, I'm a little under the weather. I think I got a little cold from CHERI (yes you, CHECHE) when she stayed over with me for the weekend! Anyway, I'll be fine, but I'm gonna have to keep things short.

Last night's time travels took me for a long, intense ride. My time machine always manages to drop me off in the most fascinating places! You would never believe what I witnessed- a Black Panther meeting! There I stood, in early 1970's California among militant men and women who seemed to be the last African Americans who gave a damn about our communities, and our children.

Contrary to popular belief, everyone and everything at the meeting was calm and orderly. As I sat and listened to the leaders organize clothing drives for the poor brothers and sisters, speak about the free breakfast program they started in 1969 to feed our children, and employment opportunities, I felt a togetherness that I have never before known. Here, it seemed as though nobody was willing to watch his brother or sister be harmed, or go without food, clothing, or proper education. Unity was common theme. I left last night's meeting with a new sense of PRIDE, HONOR, and RESPECT for my people who not only fought for equality, but cherished the Black Family, safeguarded the community, and cultivated the youth.

DON'T SETTLE FOR THE VIOLENT PAINTING OF THE BLACK PANTHERS THE HISTORY BOOKS GIVE YOU. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH.

As I left last night's meeting, I was given a sheet of paper, on it, The Black Child's Pledge. Read it, understand it, and imagine how well behaved the children were then.

The Black Child's Pledge

I pledge allegiance to my black people.

I pledge to develop my mind and body to the greatest extent possible.

I will learn all that I can in order to give my best to my People in their struggle for liberation.

I will keep myself physically fit, building a strong body free from drugs and other substances which weaken me and make me less capable of protecting myself, my family, and my Black brothers and sisters.

I will unselfishly share my knowledge and understanding with them in order to bring about change more quickly.

I will discipline myself to direct my energies thoughtfully and constructively rather than wasting them in idle hatred.

I will train myself never to hurt or allow others to harm my Black brothers and sisters, for I recognize that we need every Black Man, Woman and Child to be physically, mentally, and psychologically strong.

These principles I pledge to practice daily and to teach them to others in order to unite my People.

fist found on mises.org.

Today's Nostalgia

2007-08-22T13:28:00.000-05:00

Old Skool song of the day: What Cha' Gonna Do for Me, Chaka Khan

Old Skool look of the day: Big Hair

Old Skool phrase of the day: What's Happening!

Old Skool Time Travels

2007-08-22T12:39:00.000-05:00

What's happening, Old Skoolers?!
Last night, as I strapped in for another ride in my time-machine, I decided that I wanted to bring back a memory : super colossal, jumbo, voluminous, feathery HAIR!

Y'all know what I'm talking about, huge, loose, fluffy curls a' la Diana Ross, and one of my faves, Chaka Khan! Everybody had it, fake or real! Imagine me, last night, as I walked through the 1970's, mouth wide open, and awe struck! While visiting the 1970's last night, I actually attended a Chaka Khan and Rufus concert! I noticed that all of the women there were clones of the funk diva. Big, loose, flowing curls were everywhere! I have cornrows, so I felt a little out of place, but I didn't have much time to think about that due to the ripping chords of the guitar, wild gyrations, and out of this world costumes, and Chaka's euphonious voice!

As I stood among the crowd, I felt a pinch of jealousy staring at all the bountiful hair. Afterwards, I made myself a promise to come back to 2007 (yawn) and re-create Chaka's hair. You all know I LOOOVVE big hair! As soon as I retire my long, beauteous cornrows, I'M GOING BIG! I am on a new quest to achieve the hair from last night's journey. I will post pics of my hair when I get the look I want. Unfortunately, I cannot post pics from last night's phenomenal concert, (obviously, there were no digital cameras) but I will try to find pics to show you what I want.

Check back daily as I recount my time travels. I will try to go back in time as often as I can! Going back and re-living the good old days is what I love to do most! Until then, may the force be with you!
Peace!

Question(s) of the day..

2007-08-21T17:01:00.000-05:00

Is it just me, or does anyone else find Kimora Lee Simmon's show a little self-glorifying? After watching the fab Mrs. Simmons strut, pout, and yell for 30 minutes, I felt an urge to take away her phone and TV privileges and send her to her room! Even though I love Kimora, she came off as a spoiled teenager in need of harsh punishment. She spent the whole time talking about herself and how wonderful she is, and making sure we all knew she has everything! God help her scared little assistants!

I'm all for enjoying life, and the blessings God has given us, but I feel the glorification of material things, and self absorbency send out the wrong message to celeb-obsessed world. What do you Old-Skoolers think of the new show?

BABY PHAT, ANYONE?

GREEN SMOOTHIES FOR CLEAR SKIN (AND A SMALLER WAISTLINE!)

2007-08-21T15:29:00.000-05:00

Before I start, let me assure you, I am not preaching! I am just spreading the goodness of my newest health find.

A month ago, while parusing one of my favorite websites, I stumbled upon recipes, testimonials, and down-right excitement about Green Smoothies. I know, I know, Green Smoothies don't sound too appealing, but in the famous words of Tony the Tiger, "THEY'RE GREEAATT!"

Green Smoothies consist of your choice of green leafy veggies, (spinach, kale, celery, and parsley, etc) fruit, and water. You can tweak the ingredients to your liking, but these are the basics. You can also add natural, sugar free fruit juice, aloe vera juice, honey and cinnamon. My favorite smoothie combo includes: spinach, (about two large handfuls)water, ice, aloe vera juice, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and honey. Sounds like a lot, but each ingredient plays it's own role in beautifying your skin. The spinach alone provides numerous health benefits. By consuming these smoothies daily, I am drinking my required amount of fruits and veggies for the day. Don't get me wrong, I looove any and all fruits and veggies, minus bananas, and pears, but this just puts a fun spin on things!! I am excited for you, my readers and friends to give these smoothies a try. You can substitute breakfast or lunch with your smoothie.

In addition to clear, glowing skin, I have also noticed that I have more energy, I am in a better mood, and most importantly to me, I have lost weight! Below, I will include information that lists the health benefits of Popeye's veggie of choice, spinach. In addition to the added info, take notice of the smoothie combinations I have listed for your convenience. Be sure that use two large handfuls of your green leafy veggie! Good luck, and let me know how it goes!

Spinach
When asked to name one of her favourite super foods, Toronto registered dietician Leslie Beck praises spinach. It's loaded with energy-promoting iron and folate, a B vitamin that prevents neural-tube defects in the fetus. It is also important in red blood cell formation, protein metabolism, growth and cell division. The leafy green is also one of the best sources of lutein, an antioxidant that benefits eye, skin and cardiovascular health.

Green Smoothie Combos:

Kale Spinach Celery Parsley
Peach Peach Blueberry Mango
Water Strawberry Strawberry Raspberry

Be creative, and please submit your own combos! Don't forget your hoeny, ice and water!

My First Time

2007-08-21T14:05:00.000-05:00

This is my debut!! I have been thinking long and hard about starting my very own blog! After being inspired by several blogs, Afrobella, fly, and Thebudgetfashionista to name a few, I thought, its time!
Soooo, join me on this funkadellic journey through all things fun-beauty, fashion, healthy living, natural hair, positive role-models, and wonderful music!!