That’s So 2009!

Can you believe that 2009 is coming to an end? I sure can’t! With the New Year practically here, I’m sure you’re beginning to think about ways to improve and change your lives for the New Year. I would recommend jumping into the New Year as a fearless young woman. But I know first hand, that is easier said than done! Whether it’s talking to your crush, trying out for the varsity team or running for student council sometimes the fear of rejection can get in the way of accomplishing our goals and resolutions.

Practice Makes Perfect – I know, I know this is an old phrase your mom used to tell you, but it’s so true! Realistically, how can you expect to be on the varsity cheer squad if you don’t practice? If this is something you want, you have to give it your all and that means dedicating a lot of time to it. The best part about practicing is that it builds your confidence. Once you’ve gotten your cheer routine down, you know it like the back of your hand. You can even practice the conversation you want to have with your crush. Make a list of things you would want to say or practice in the mirror.

Speech Class – I know this may sound a little extreme, but think about taking a speech class. I used to be terrified of public speaking, until I took a speech class. Running for class president may seem out of reach if you can’t imagine speaking in front of a large room of people. A lot of you may have speech classes offered at your high schools, but they are also offered at local community colleges. Check out course schedules online and the best part of all, this will help you get over your fears and earn some college credit while you’re at it. If you don’t have the time or funds for a community college class, gather a small group of friends to practice your speech in front of. Each week, add a few more people until you become more comfortable.

Ask for Help – Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. Advice from your friends, parents or coaches can help you to overcome your obstacles. Reaching out to older cousins or counselors can help you to find out how they accomplished the same goals when they were your age. Many times we forget that there is someone who has already been there, done that. Use their advice to your advantage – and don’t forget that the Brownstone Team is a resource for advice as well!

All goals can be accomplished if you put your mind to it. Don’t let your fears get in the way. Use these tips to build your confidence and attain your dream! Happy New Year!


-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team

Get set...Ready....Go!

The New Year is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to set new personal goals. Whether you’re making the commitment to spend more time with your family & friends or improve your grades, it should feel good to enter the New Year with optimism and confidence. My goal for the New Year is to really focus on my health and achieve my fitness goals. I know. Totally not original! But I’m starting to realize that being healthy plays a huge role when it comes to pursuing my goals and having a great life. So guys (and gals) here is my plan….

Nutrition

Most people who know me know that food is the perfect way to my heart. I love to eat! So, entering a new year with better nutrition in mind is going to be interesting, and I know I’m gonna need some help. I know many people who have done Weight Watchers and it truly works. Their online points program does the trick….but I’m broke! No worries because I found something better. It’s called SparkPeople and it’s a FREE online diet manager. This program helps you to keep track of your caloric intake, view fitness and exercise demos and find your new favorite healthy recipes. It’s online, so it can’t get any more convenient than that…right?

Exercise

I know exercise can be really boring, but I also know that if you switch it up and do different things, it can be really fun and way more effective. It helps that I have a gym membership so for me, variation comes with ease. But in case you don’t have a gym membership there are lots of free or low cost exercise options around town. For example, there are a lot of great parks and trails in LA that can offer you a great cardio workout. I usually walk or jog the track that runs along stocker between La Brea and Don Felipe. And the infamous Valley Ridge hill is really good to for a cardio and leg workout. Sometimes I like to bike ride from Venice beach to Santa Monica promenade. It’s fun and low cost and before you know it, you’re done with your exercise for the day. I would also suggest in home workouts like sit-ups, squats, and workout dvds…. My plan is to have as much fun as I can and let the rest fall into place.

Motivation

Okay so with a better diet and a consistent, fun exercise regimen, maintaining a healthy lifestyle should be fairly simple….if you can manage to stay motivated. My motivation plays a huge role when it’s cold outside and I don’t feel like working out, or like now around the holidays when all the cookies and cakes are calling my name. It’s easier to not fall into bad habits when you have a clear end goal in mind. Whether it’s simply fitting into more clothes when you’re shopping at the mall, or looking the best at Prom, have your goals in mind and commit to them. They will help you achieve your new nutrition and fitness goals and live a healthier life.

If you have any suggestions or tricks that can help us all achieve these goals, please share! It’s no secret that our community suffers from diseases and conditions that result from poor diets and lack of exercise. Let’s all make the commitment to do better…k? Get set…ready…go!


--Kyle Holland
Brownstone Team

Subtlety is the Best Way to Make a Statement

Fall and Winter are arguably the best season to show off your style. With all the different looks that are possible by mixing and matching accessories (scarves, jewelry, accessories, handbags) with various outfit combinations (from leggings and a cute, to skirts and patterned tights), the possibilities are endless. However,one detail that can make or break your look is your nails.

It may seem like a minor detail that you might only pay attention to if you have an upcoming event, but in all actuality, your nails makes an impression. Especially, during the holiday season - when yo might meet an unexpected cutie at a holiday/New Year's party ;) - don't be caught with your guard down. Before we even get to color, the most important part is simple maintenance. Of course, not every girl is a certified professional manicurist, but you don't have to be. And learning how to maintain your own nails will (A) save you money in the long run and (B) give you control over your look instead of having to be dependent on a professional. No matter what maintaining a clean and neat look is key.

• Start by clipping the ends of your nails, but not too much because you can manipulate the shape (squared or oval) and length with a file.

• Clean your nails - Even with polish, dirt under the nails may be visible and we all grown enough to handle that.


• File and shape - It's important to only file in one direction in order to avoid splitting the nail. Pay attention to the natural shape of your nails because that is probably the most flattering shape. Keep checking your progress though because one you file/cut it off, it's gone.

Check out any local beauty supply store or drug store like CVS, Rite Aid to manicure/pedicure kits. Also try these cute and inexpensive nail kits:

• Bath & Body Works: Manicure/Pedicure Envelope [comes in hot pink, lime green, red, blue] - $18($10 online!)


• Target: Tweezerman Pedicure Kit ($14.99); Ms. Pedicure Toe Riffic Tools ($9)


• Wal-mart: Ms. Manicure Tips and Toes Manicure/Pedicure Set ($8.48)

Now it’s time to pick the color. Last season was all about looking edgy with EXTRA dark hues of black, navy, chocolates, and deep reds. For the most part, we are still in that trend, but in a revamped way. Instead of a basic shiny nail, the “in-thing” is matte nails or on the opposite side of the spectrum, metallic nails, like chrome, graphite, and bronze. Harsh blacks may be too much this season, but if you really have the urge for a dark color, I'd suggest these instead:

• Gray - a better choice because it isn't as harsh as black, but is still dramatic enough


• Navy - a litte different (in a good way), and again, not as harsh as black


• Chocolate - you can never go wrong with dark brown shades because it compliments any skin color, especially all our ours :)


• Red - bright red is a no-no, but deeper hues closer to burgundy or a deep wine makes a sophisticated statement


• Skin tone (nude, taupe, chocolate) - always a classy choice and always in style because it's understated, yet fresh and noticeable

Some brands that are known for their attention to style trends include various collections by OPI, Zoya, Revlon, and Essie.

The key is to pick rich, deep, solid colors. Frosty versions can be cute too, but be careful because you’ll notice that these are quite different from metallic tones. If you’ve never worn some of these colors, you might feel like it looks too different, but work it honey! The way you carry yourself despite what you’re wearing on your nails, head, feet, and body is what people will ALWAYS pay attention to. Let your style speak for itself!

--Brittany Allen
Brownstone Intern

Brittany is a sophomore communications major at USC, where she also writes for Helen, USC's first women's magazine.

Cramps, Cramps, GO AWAY

So, it’s that time of the month…AGAIN! You’re cramping so bad you don’t want to get out of the bed. You have a never ending headache, none of your clothes seem to fit the way they did a week ago, and all you want to do is lie in the bed and eat chunky monkey ice cream. You have tried every trick in the book to relieve this feeling…yet nothing works! Unfortunately, as women this is just an act of nature that we have to go through each month. But, the good thing about it is there are things that you can do to somewhat ease the side effects of your monthly visitor.

It is first important to understand what your period and menstrual cycle are. The period is a major stage of puberty in girls and is part of the female reproductive cycle. This means that the period is a physical sign of one becoming a woman. During the period, a female experiences bleeding along with the cramps, headaches, and bloating, etc. It usually lasts for 3-7 days. The amount of time between a girls’ period is called the menstrual cycle. The cycle is counted from the start of one period to the next. The cycle between periods may be anywhere between 21 and 45 days. Most often the cycle is either 21 or 28 days. Some females have irregular cycles and birth control pills are one method of regulating the monthly cycle. Now, that you have some information on what your period is…I’m sure you want to know the secret to it being less miserable.

Cramps are caused by a chemical that causes the muscles in the woman’s uterus to contract. There are many different methods that people use to try to combat those much dreaded cramps, but I have found a method that I like to call “The Combo” to be the all around best. I too use to experience the type of cramps that ruin your whole week, until I got a little bit of advice from my favorite doctor…my aunt (Dr.Rosilin Wright). The components of “The Combo” are as follows:

1. Start taking ibuprofen the week before your period starts. Learn how to count the days between your periods so that you will know when to start taking the medicine.

2. Use a heating pad: When at home place an electric heating pad on the lower part of your stomach. Most local convenience stores also sell the disposable heating pads that can be worn throughout the day.

3. Keep ibuprofen in your system while your period is on. For example, if you take 2 pills, be sure to take them every 4 hours.

4. Stay active: Exercise regularly, this helps to lessen the cramps.

Please note that if you still experiencing extreme cramps (even after trying this method), you should consult with your physician because there may be something else going on with your body.

I hope that you have a clear understanding of what your menstrual cycle is and how to combat those cramps! Now, take these suggestions, run with them and don’t let your time of the month keep you from doing the things you love to do! Embrace your womanhood and take it in stride!

--Nakeitra Hill, Guest Blogger

Nakeitra Hill is a graduate of Mississippi State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences along with a Master of Science degree in Health Education/ Health Promotion. Nakeitra is also a Certified Health Education Specialist and Personal Trainer who is passionate about the health of the African-American community.

TOO CUTE for the Cold?

It’s no secret, winter is the coldest season of the year, but just because it gets cold doesn’t mean fashion stops. In case you haven’t noticed, fashion stops for no one…and as the saying goes, “the show MUST go on” and if the show must go on, why not be the star of it!

Brownstone has the latest secrets to help you look your best this winter season, whether you’re the girl who’s hair is too cute for the cold, who’s skin is too cute for the cold, or fashion taste is too cute to be bundled-up. No worries, we've got your back!

Three things to remember this winter fashion season: Bright Colors, Accessories, and Pea Coats!!!

Bright CoLors: Usually bright colors are associated with summer and spring fashion, but if you’re like me and own lots of kelly greens and royal blues, you have to find a way to add that color to your winter fashion.

Try pairing your bright colors with black, tweed, gray, or winter white and you’ll still look too cute simultaneously bundled up!

Bring out you bright spring scarves and pair it with a black turtleneck and a black pencil skirt…too cute!

Accessories: Winter is the best time to bring out all the accessories. Beanies/ berets, umbrellas, scarves, tights and gloves. But try not to over do it. The younger you are the more accessories you may have, but for all the high school students, stick to 2, no more than 3 accessories.

If you’re worried about your hair, try a beret and gloves.

If you’re worried about your skin, cover it up as much as possible by wearing tights with boots and fashionable gloves.

Pea Coats: A nice winter coat is a must. Pea coats screams “ classy, sophisticated, going places,” and did I mention it will keep you warm!!!

Pea coats can be expensive, so shop places like Macy’s during a one-day sale. Macy’s currently has a Rampage pea coat on sale, originally $89.00, but it can be yours for $49.00.

If $49.00 is to rich for your blood, try shopping at a thrift store. Be sure to get the coat cleaned. To make it your own, replace the buttons!!

Hope these tips helped! Send us questions if you need help getting those outfits together!

--LaSaunda Tate
Guest Blogger

LaSaunda is a director at McCullum Youth Court (MYC) in Oakland, CA. For more fashion advice, e-mail LaSaunda at brownstonemag@gmail.com.

Announcing the Brownstone Book Club

Join Brownstone this winter as we read the thriller Marked by PC and Kristin Cast

Pick up Marked over the break and get started! Our book club begins January 4th - 31st, 2010.

Sign-up at brownstonemag@gmail.com for more details!

See you in January!

Our Princess Is Here

There's a new princess in the Disney family and her name is Tiana. And if you haven't heard by now, she's black. :) 'The Princess and the Frog' hit theatres Friday and was number 1 at the box office this weekend. I don't know about you, but I'm extremely excited about Disney's first African American princess. Finally right? It's been way overdue! I never understood why it took so long. Over the years, we watched Disney create an Arabic princess (Jasmine), a Native American character (Pochantas) and even an Asian (Mulan) leading lady, but never was she black.

Growing up, there weren't too many cartoons characters (especially princesses) that looked like me. Looking back, it kinda made me feel left out. I can't speak for every girl, but I bet plenty of girls wanted to be a princess when they were younger. Playing dress-up as Belle (Beauty and the Beast) or Princess Jasmine (Aladdin) didn't ruin your childhood, but I'm happy that little black girls will now have a princess that they can play with or aspire to be that looks like them. Even though I'm older now, it makes me feel proud that we have a black Disney character that is beautiful and smart that the world can see.

Luckily, I was able to see a sneak peak of the film this past May. I loved the movie! I thought that Disney did a great job with the character of Tiana. I felt that she was positively represented. I didn't see any negative depictions of African Americans. I know that there was some controversy about the prince not being black, but that honestly didn't bother me (too much). I felt that the story had a good message overall that made up for that. Those were just a couple of my thoughts and I know that there are some people out there who would disagree with me. I could get into a deeper discussion, but I want to leave that to you. What are you thoughts about 'The Princess and the Frog?' Did Disney get it's first black princess right? Let's talk about it...

--Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

10 Things to Do this Holiday Season!

1. Bake Santa some Cookies – Get some family and friends together, play some music, and bake your favorite desserts. Don’t limit yourself to chocolate chip cookies – look up new recipes that sound interesting or combine recipes to make your version of popular desserts, or even holiday beverages.

2. Go Ice Skating – You can find rinks near local malls, especially downtown. Nighttime is the best time to enjoy the holiday experience – everything is lit up and festively decorated. Be sure to dress warm and bring a camera to capture candid moments.

3. Go Christmas Light Viewing – Most cities have a popular neighborhood that’s known for the best light displays. Google your area’s best Christmas light displays, pile in the car, and enjoy the ride!

4. Feed the Homeless – Visit your local shelter and spend an hour or two when you have some free time. Tis’ the season for giving!

5. Collect Toys for Children or Teens – Teenagers are the ‘forgotten group’ during the holiday season because most people associate toys with younger children. You can buy new, unwrapped gifts and drop them off at a local shelter or any Toys for Tots receptacles, typically found near grocery stores.

6. Write Christmas Cards for Local Women’s Shelters – Nothing compares to the affection and warm bond with another female. Handmade cards simply wishing peace and love this season are easy and fun to make.

7. Have a Holiday Photo Shoot with the Girls (and guys) – Dress up in holiday colors (red, green, white, blue, silver) and bribe your friend who’s always taking Facebook pictures to be the official photographer. Put on some holiday music in the background and be fierce!

8. Watch your Favorite Christmas Movies – You can’t go wrong with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or Chris Brown’s This Christmas. Get your hot chocolate and a cozy blanket to make this night complete.

9. Exercise Artistic Flair while Wrapping Presents – Festive gift bags can be fun, but it’s more personal to wrap presents with special consideration of the recipient. Curl ribbons and use non-traditional decorations like candy – use your imagination!

10. Sing Christmas Carols – We all have our favorite Jackson 5, Temptations, and Donnie Hathaway version of Merry Christmas. This is the time to turn the volume all the way up and groove – get in the spirit and celebrate the best time of the year!

--Brittany Allen
Brownstone Intern

Welcome our newest intern, Brittany Allen to the blog! Brittany is a sophomore communications major at USC, where she also writes for Helen, USC's first women's magazine. Brittany strongly believes in our mission to empower young girls of color. We are extremely excited to have her on our team!

Check me Out!

Crushes can be fun and then they can be agonizing. Fun if he’s showing interest in you by flirting back and agonizing when it seems as if he doesn’t even know you’re alive. Let’s keep it real…it can suck, especially when the girl who is known for being fast is pulling out all her tricks to get his attention too. So what do you do? Of course you want to get him to notice you, but you don’t want to lose respect for yourself in the process. So, I want you to put away that dress that shows everything ya mama gave you and take notes! Here are some DO’S and DON’TS to getting your crush to take that second look and check you out:

Do’s

• Talk to him. Introduce yourself. Say hi if you pass him the hall. Ask how he’s doing. Talking to him will open up communication between the two of you. Guys like it when you show interest in the things they like to do.
• Friend him on Facebook. Ask him to be your friend on FB then you can post cute pictures of you and your friends. But remember to keep it classy ladies! Believe me if he likes what he sees he’ll be hitting you up. Don’t overdo it with FB though, you don’t want to become a stalker. (see below)
• Wear a nice perfume. Don’t bathe in it though…use in moderation! When you pass him in the hall, he’ll get a whiff and he may just compliment you on your fragrance. Guys like the smell of something sweet.
• Offer to help me. Maybe your crush is having trouble in Spanish or some other class. Offer to work with him (don’t do the work for him) during lunch or after school. You can gain his respect, friendship and trust at the same time.
• Be yourself! Don’t try and act different to catch a guy’s attention. I hate to sound cliché, but if he doesn’t accept you for you then he’s not for you. Therefore you need to keep it pushin’!

Don’ts

· Be quiet. A closed mouth doesn’t get fed. If you never say anything to him then he’ll really never know that you exist. I know it can be scary, but if he’s worth it you’ll take the risk.

· Wear revealing clothes. Hoochie clothing is not cute! You don’t want to send the wrong message and get more than you can handle.

· Stock his Facebook page. You might come off a little thirsty if you’re the only one leaving comments on all of his picture/wall.

· Stare obsessively. If he catches you staring at him too many times he may think you’re a little psycho.

· Let your friends talk for you. Your friends aren’t the ones who like him. You are…so do the talking. Besides it can start to annoy guys when they keep getting bombarded with questions from your friends. Plus, you wouldn’t want him to start liking one of your friends…

--Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Go Green for the Holidays

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Well, not if our environment has to suffer from it. Did you know that many of the holiday traditions we practice each year are damaging to the atmosphere? I found out that there is a whole lot we can do to be more eco-friendly, expecially during the holiday season. Now, I’m not an eco-friendly mainiac or anything, but once I found out all the ways I can put a new twist on this holiday season, I got excited. There are big and small things we can all do to make a huge difference in the quality of our environment. Interestingly, many of these changes target the things we take for granted. For example, driving all around town trying to find that perfect gift. Or, decorating the tree with our favorite ornaments and wraping each and every gift so that it looks perfect. There are eco-friendly convenient and creative alternatives to things like these that make our holiday season even more memorable. Here are some ideas:

Seed Paper Ornaments

This is a great way to kick-start your holiday season. Seed Paper ornaments are paper ornaments that come in various shapes, and sizes that you hang on your Christmas tree like any other ornament. When Christmas is over, you can plant the ornament and watch your plants or flowers (depending on the types of seeds) and feel great about giving back to our environment.Check out more options for earth friendly ornaments and gifs.

Online shopping

Many of you may already be used to online shopping, but for those who are not…here is another reason why it’s beneficial (to you and the environment). You don’t have to waste gas/money driving all around the city, going to crowded malls, and spending ridiculous amounts of money. Instead, enjoy great deals while you shop at home give our air a break from your exhaust pipes.

Wrapping paper

This Christmas, try using eco friendly wrapping paper and decorations. They are just as nice to look at and a fun way to being creative with a great purpose. These gift wrapping alternatives eliminate the costs associated with the manufacturing paper and all the waste disposal that really takes a toll on our environment. There are really nice fabric gift bags, and things you can turn into gift wrapping paper like old newspapers or calendars or wallpaper. Try it! These are just some fun ideas I came across.


Be different! Go green this holiday season!


--Kyle Holland
Brownstone Team

Gift Giving Gals

Well it’s December 1st and no matter what holiday you celebrate, the season is officially here! I heard holiday music on the radio this morning, I keep seeing decorations popping up left and right and I have even started pulling out those warm sweaters from the back of the closet. I love this season for the family, food and of course gift giving! I started my shopping early by catching some great deals during Black Friday. But I know many of you may have missed that opportunity and are wondering what to buy and how to save money doing it.

Even though Black Friday has passed, that doesn’t always mean the deals are long gone. Check the Sunday papers and retail websites for weekly ads at your favorite stores. Since the economy is still in a slump, retailers are eager to offer deals to get you in the door. Look out for deals such as buy one get one free, door buster deals or money back if you spend a certain amount. Shopping online can be beneficial as well. Sometimes there are special online offers not available in the stores. Another online perk is potential free shipping, so make sure you figure out how to meet the free shipping requirements before you check out. This means you’ll be able to get a good deal without leaving your home and without having to deal with the holiday crowds! This sounds like a win-win to me!


Make your money work for you. If you are on a limited budget, get creative. One example is breaking up a gift set. You might be able to find a great spa set that has two lotions, three body washes, and other great goodies. You don’t have to give the entire basket to one person. Break it up and individually wrap a lotion with another small item like a lip balm or nail polish. Because of the economy, now more than ever, the phrase “it’s the thought that counts” is holding true. Your friends will love the fact that you thought of them and I doubt they’ll be thinking about not getting a huge gift basket from you. Another inexpensive gift is accessories. You can always find a great pair of earrings or a bracelet for under $10. Get accessories in your friends’ favorite colors and styles.

Want to save even more? Answer this question… Who are you spending time with during the holidays? If you’re having quality time with just the family, shop for just them first and save the shopping for your friends until the day after Christmas. Just like Black Friday, you will find wonderful savings during the after Christmas sales. Plan to get together with your friends sometime before New Years to exchange gifts. You can also decide to play a Secret Santa game amongst your friends. Write down the names of each of your friends on a piece of paper, throw everyone’s name into a hat and have each person pick one name. Set a price limit and voila, you are now only on the hook for one gift. The benefit of this is you can buy one person a really nice gift instead of having to stretch your money.

How are you saving money during the holidays? Share your stories…

-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team

Planning for Winter Vacation

With Thanksgiving over, Christmas is just around the corner. Which means that winter break will be here before you know it. Already counting down the days huh? I know I used to! I couldn't wait for the 2 week break, so that I could relax and most of all catch up on sleep. Unfortunately, I wasn't one of the lucky kids that got to go anywhere exciting during break. The only place I went was to my grandparent's house in Oxnard, CA and if you've ever had the privilege of going there you'll understand my lack of enthusiasm. But just because your parents aren't taking you some place like San Francisco or New York doesn't mean that your winter vacation has to be a complete waste. Don't have any plans? Here are some ideas to help keep you busy and having fun!

1. Volunteer: As we mentioned in our last post giving is the new black! Use your free time to volunteer at a local nonprofit or help your parents out by babysitting your younger siblings.

2. Amusement Parks: Get a group of friends together and visit your local amusement park.

3. Movie Night: Host a movie night where you watch your favorite movies and invite family and/or friends.

4. Museums: Visit your local museum. For our Brownstone girls in Los Angeles, check out the America I am exhibit at the California Science Center. The exhibit traces the amazing contributions African-Americans have made in America.

5. Shopping: There is never a dull day when shopping! Cash in those gifts cards you receive during the holidays and start working on your spring wardrobe.

6. Arts & Crafts: This may sound corny, but even if you aren't the artsy type start working on an art project. Michaels has plenty of fun projects that will keep you busy. You can even create a scrapbook with all the pictures from your break.

7. Slumber Party: Invite some friends over and have a slumber party.

8. Read for Fun: I know having to read defeats the whole purpose of being out of school. But break is the prefect time to read that leisure book you're always wanted to read. (Stay tuned Brownstone will be announcing its first book club next month) Or catch up on your favorite magazines or blogs like Brownstone ;)

9. Plan for the Future: Spend a couple hours researching colleges that you want to attend. It's never too early to start. Or if you're a senior use your break to finish up those college apps!

Let us know how you plan to spend your winter break. Send pictures to BrownstoneMag@gmail.com and you can be featured on our blog. Please send photos by January 4th.

--Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Giving Back, The New Black

Holidays are the best. I wouldn’t trade spending time with my family, eating good food and spending time with my loved ones for the world! Not to mention a nice break from work or school is always nice too. I am always reminded of the things and people I am most thankful for and how I am truly blessed.

Holidays for many other people unfortunately are not the same. There are so many people, especially Black people, who got laid-off this year, who are homeless, who have no family to be around or no food to eat, who are sick and have no health coverage, and many who go through hard times. What can we do for them?

On occasion I try to volunteer my services, but I’m wondering how much of an impact I’m really making. Each year, I quietly volunteer at my sister’s job, stuffing envelopes or helping out at registration booths at some of her events. Or, since I braid hair, sometimes I’ll find myself giving out freebies. I’m sure there are a lot of us who do these occasional acts of kindness, but this year I know it’s not enough.

If your kinda out of the volunteering loop like I am, visit volunteermatch.org. It’s a great starting point to getting involved in our community. All you have to do is type in the area you live in and/or what type of volunteer opportunities you’re interested in and browse the list they provide you. Easy huh? I typed in Los Angeles and I found all sorts of opportunities I would like to be a part of. I really value education, so for me, my favorite was tutoring a homeless child in Downtown LA…I think it’s cool to find a favorite cuz that way, giving back may become the new black!

Do you know of any cool ways to give back to the Black community this year? If so, let everybody know!

--Kyle Holland
Brownstone Team

Parental Problems

The art of communication is natural for all of us, especially high school students who spend hours of the day chatting with friends at school, on the phone, via text message and though instant messenger. However, there is one group that stops a teenager dead in their communicating tracks, the parental unit. As a teenager, talking to your parents can be difficult because it can seem like you are in two different worlds. Allowance, curfew, and dating among other things all weigh heavily on the minds of teens and knowing how to effectively talk to your parents can help bring about strong compromises.

Whether you want to stay out a little later for next week’s dance or be able to attend your best friend's slumber party, write down what it is you’re looking to accomplish. Get all the details. Parents typically want to know information like the location of the party, the times, how you plan to get there and if any other parental chaperones will be in attendance. It’s important to know your information before approaching your parents so they know you are serious. Your lack of preparedness could lead to an immediate no to your request. You want to at least walk away from the situation having them consider letting you go to the party.



Stay on task with your responsibilities. Show your parents you are dependable by doing your chores on time, keeping up with your grades and following your curfew. Your parents will be more comfortable talking to you about making changes if you are showing them that you can already handle the responsibilities you’ve been given. So if you are asked to watch your brother this Friday and that will help extend your curfew by 30 minutes, do it without complaining! Your parents will more than likely be impressed with your maturity.

Schedule a time to speak with your parents. Even though it may not seem like it, your parents are very busy worrying about work and taking care of the home. You want to make sure you don’t disturb your mom while she’s busy paying bills or interrupt your dad when he’s trying to finish a work project. Scheduling time will let your parents know you are serious. Once you sit down with them, go over your list, give them the details they are looking for and hope for the best. Even if you don’t get your way, always remember your parents have “been there, done that” and truly have your best interest at heart. So don’t stress out if things don’t always go your way. Most importantly, try to have an open dialogue with your parents everyday and not just when you need something by talking about everyday events like the track meet yesterday or how their day was at work.

Good luck!

Martine Rouzan
-- Brownstone Team

On the Grind, All the Time

"Where did the day go?" I used to ask myself this question all the time. I would wake up each day knowing I had a lot to get done, but I alwas found myself ending the day without accomplishing anything...

Whenever I heard the term "time-management" I used to think it was something for adults. I thought adults were the only ones ever complaining about not having enough time to do stuff, so "time-management" never meant much to me. Well, I was wrong. Whether I wanted to believe it or not, "time-management" was something I had to master in high school. Between AP classes, holding leadershipo positions, braiding hair, cheerleading and still trying to apply to college, all while having fun, made it virtually impossible to get anything done. On top of that, there was a lot of pressure on me to do well and go somewhere in life, which didn't make it any easier. I was always on the grind...

During these busy high school years, "time-management" was the most valuable tool I held on to. Learning to be more organized with my time enabled me to increase my productivity, decrease my stress levels, and still have personal time. Whether it was a bunch of busy homework from my teachers, class projects or whatever, this is what I did.

Prioritize

When something came my way that I knew I had to spend time on, I would first determine how important the task at hand was. For example, if I knew I wasn't prepared for the physics or history test coming up, I would make studing a higer prioirity. In turn, I would have to put things like shopping or doing hair temporarily on the back burner.

Organize

After prioritizing, I knew exactly what the day's work would entail. I would then organize my time so that I could feasibly get it all done. I went out and bought a really cute organizer and blocked out chunks of time for all my tasks. I would be sure to work on only what I told myself what I would work on so that I could actually finish 1 thing instead of starting 3 or 4 different things. Organizing my time in this way allowed me to shop, talk on the phone, and still get my work done.

Focus

Another thing that I had to force myself to do was focus. Knowing myself, I'm the type of person who needs a quiet environment in order to get stuff done. So I would leave my cell phone in another room and turn the TV off...and WALLAH! I got my work done.

No matter how busy you are, always remember to make time for yourself...even if you have to schedule it in like I do...lol. Sounds pathetic, but it's real. Go to the spa, get your nails and hair done, and go to parties with your homegirls...be on your grind! Just know youself, and kno how to get it done without making yourself go crazy.

--Kyle Holland

Brownstone Team

Party Planning 101

Whether you are planning your Sweet 16 or a small kickback with friends, planning your very first party can be overwhelming. But there is no need to worry, we have some tips that will successfully guide you along the way.

Dollars & Sense – The very first thing to consider is your budget. Plan a party that is right for the money you have. Knowing your finances well determines whether your Sweet 16 will be a simple sleepover or an elaborate event. Regardless of finances, make sure you get creative with your theme so that you have a party that reflects you and that you will ultimately enjoy. Flip through magazines and surf the internet for fun and unique ideas that will make your event stand out from the rest.

The List – Your budget will help you determine how many guests you can invite. Find or create invitations that match your theme. E-vites are an inexpensive way to invite and keep track of your guests. A good rule of thumb is to send invitations out two to three weeks before your event. Make sure to invite people that are important to you and will make you feel like a queen on your special day. Remember that quality is more important that quantity. Don’t aim to just fill a room, instead your goal should be to share your moment with company that will really help you to enjoy your event. So make your list and check it twice to make sure you have the right guests attending.

Party Palate – Your party should have some type of snack to offer your guest and definitely some cold drinks. The best places to get party food are Costco, Sam’s Club or other warehouse stores. Buying in bulk enables you to get enough so that your guests are satisfied while saving some money. You don’t have to get fancy; chips, pretzels, soda and water should be the type of things you’re looking to serve. And if it’s your birthday, don’t forget the cake!

Décor Galore – Whether you are partying at home or at a fancy venue, decorations will help the theme of your event come to life. If you’re having a luau or Mardi Gras themed party, make leis or buy beads for your guests to put on as they walk in. Having something simpler, like a super sweet 16 sleepover? Decorate with oversized pillows, tiaras and bright colored blankets to create a princess oasis. Also, remember to capture the details of your decorations with photos. Make sure all your friends bring their cameras to your party and have them share the photos online after.

Tune Time – Music is a must no matter what type of party you have. If your budget permits, you may want to hire a DJ. But don’t spend too much! Scope out classmates who DJ on the side or know someone who does. You never know, you just might get a discount because you helped him with that tricky Algebra homework! Also consider being your own DJ. Create a playlist on your MP3 player, set it up to your speaker system and get your boogie on! This is a great way to save money and avoid hearing the songs you dislike.

Guest Gifts – If you can afford it, favors are a great way to send your guests home. Something simple like candy with a little note is a nice way to say thank you to your guests for coming to the party. If favors are out of the budget, don’t let your manners fly out the window. You should still plan on creating a homemade thank you card or an email for your guests especially if they purchased a gift for you.

Celebrate – Make sure you have fun! Planning a party can be stressful, but don’t get so caught up in making it perfect that you don’t have a good time. This party is for you and you are probably celebrating something special like a birthday or a graduation, so make sure you take the time to enjoy!

--Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team

Hair Care

For me, hair has always been intriguing. All the different hair textures, lengths and styles that represent black women make our race beautiful, diverse and unlike any other race. Our hair ranges from curls to kinks and varies in density and color. Even within my own family, you will find waves, locks, braids, and weaves. There is however one thing in common about all these different hair types…they all require regular care and maintenance. Our hair is prone to beakage and can be fragile and tempramental, so it’s up to us to be proactive about our hair health. For me, it was (and still is) all about trial and error. Here are some things I learned about my hair with the styles I wear most frequently.

Braids

I was 6 years old when I got my 1 set of dookie braids. I got them done at Shopper’s World on LaBrea and Rodeo…lol. What an experience! I kept them in for one month and quite a bit of my hair ended up on the floor by the time my mom took them out. Looking back, I learned that with these dookie braids, there was way too much strain on my hair follicles and my fine hair could not take the heavy weight of a thick braid. When I wear braids now, I make sure my braider understands how much hair to add to each individual or cornrow. I also make sure I grease my scalp on a regular basis to keep it moisterized so that my hair doesn’t become too brittle.

Weaves

When I got my first weave, I knew it wasn’t going to be the last. I went to school out of town so weaves were convenient, versatile and easy for me to manage. But all too often the misconception with weaves is that once you get them, you can forget about your own hair. It is really important to condition your weave just as you would your own hair, because after all your hair is still up under there. When wearing weaves, try getting hot oil treatments, reconstructor conditioning treatments. Also, make sure you trim the dead ends off any of the hair you leave out to prevent further beakage.

Press & Curl

When I’m between braids and weaves, I normally wear a press and curl. This style allows me to give my hair a break from the pulling and tugging of ponytails or braids and gives my hair a chance to be free. But with press and curls, it’s important that you monitor the heat on your pressing combs or flat irons, because too much heat will burn your hair out. Cellophanes are a great way to protect your hair and add shine to your hair. Colored cellophanes are also a great alternative to harsh chemicals in hair dye.

These are just a few of my tips. Feel free to post some of your hair care tips or favorite styles.

--Kyle Holland
Brownstone Team

Slumber in Style

Have you out grown your bedroom? Even though you have graduated into high school, your bedroom may still reflect that of an elementary school student. Time for that Tinker Bell lamp to hit the dust and wave bye-bye to those Cinderella sheets; a young woman has emerged and it’s time for your bedroom to reflect that!

Pick a Theme or Color Scheme – Redecorating your room starts with a vision. Are you a hot pink princess or a black and white diva? Decide right away on what direction you want your design plan to take. If you’re having trouble deciding what to do, look online for decorating ideas or take a trip to your local fabric store. You can sit there for hours and browse through design books. Once you’ve narrowed down an idea, you can start looking for fabrics that suit your style. Most importantly, make sure you compromise with your parents. If your favorite color is a dark red or purple, don’t expect your parents to allow you to paint your entire room that color. Create an accent wall by painting just one wall your bold color and add additional splashes of color with pillows, drapes and rugs.


Bedroom on a Budget – You may not have a lot of money to design your new bedroom so take advantage of some money saving design tips. Since you may already be in the fabric store perusing books for ideas, you might want to purchase some of your decorations from there. Look for “Do It Yourself” kits to create your own pillows and artwork. One easy way to create artwork is to buy a few inexpensive picture frames and some of your favorite fabric. Fabric can cost as little as $5.00 a yard and you certainly will not need a whole yard for your art project. Cut out cute designs like the first initial of your name and frame it. You can also use the fabric to create borders for your photos before you place them in a frame. This is a creative and money saving method to spruce up your room. It is even possible keep that old Cinderella bedspread and simply cover it with your new fabric to change the look. Don’t forget to check out the clearance section of the bedding department because you may be able to find some throw pillows, rugs or candles to enhance your style inexpensively.


Redecorating your room is easy and fun. Don’t forget to let your personality shine in the process. Let me know your design tips and how you are changing your bedroom look for less!

--Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team

Your Hair is What You Eat

We are all familiar with the saying, “you are what you eat,” and our familiarity with this phrase derives from our understanding that how we look on the outside is affected by what we are putting inside of our bodies. This concept of “beauty from the inside out” is also applied to our hair. The most fundamental contributor to hair’s appearance is nutrition. Hair building vitamins and nutrients absorbed in the blood have more of an influence on how our hair grows, looks and feels than any product we put on top of our hair.

Although hair is dead, it is one of the fastest growing tissues in the body made from the food we eat. The generation of hair tissues is a continuous process that is more efficient when the tissues are provided with the necessary proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and mineral. Our hair is primarily made of protein, but every vitamin and mineral facilitates a function in the body. The specific nutrients beneficial in improving the health, vitality and appearance of our hair are:

Vitamin A- prevents drying of the hair but excessive amounts can cause hair loss

Vitamin B- promotes healthy hair and skin

Vitamin C- helps in the growth and repair of cells; prevents skin damage and promotes healing

Vitamin E- improves blood circulation

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s)- helps relieve itching and inflammation

Selenium- controls dry scalp

Iron- creates richer blood and carries oxygen to the cells

Zinc- important for the replication, growth and repair of cells


Don’t underestimate the power of a healthy lifestyle and its influence on the growth and appearance of your hair. Take care of your body and your hair will flourish.



Here are a few healthy food options your hair will enjoy:

- Yellow, red and green vegetables
- Whole grains
- Brown rice
- Beans
- Oatmeal
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Avocado
- Soy beans
- Bananas
- Lean proteins
- Fish

EAT UP!

--Dr. Kari Williams, IIT, TECT
Guest Blogger

About the author: Dr. Kari Williams, IIT, TECT

B.A., University of California, Berkeley; M.A., International Institute of Trichology; PhD., Elan Center for Trichology; Licensed barber, professional hair designer & stylist, natural hair care specialist, trainer, educator and consultant on proper hair care, maintenance, styling and design, hair care products consultant, Board Certified Trichologist, Co-founder & President of AnnCarol Hair Collection & Hair Care Products, and Founder, CEO & President of Mahogany Hair Revolution Salon & Trichology Clinic.

For more information please visit www.mahoganyrevolution.com

Hear Today, Gone Tomorrow

Ladies, ladies, ladies…

If you will, please lend me your ear, and prayerfully it’s your good one. It occurred to me, while using the various and wonderful forms of public transportation, that something must be done. If someone doesn’t say something soon we have the potential to see an iPod/mp3 causing hearing loss epidemic in this country. In other words, the majority of you reading this will become deaf by the age of 40. Can someone say 40 is the new 60? So I have decided to say something before it’s too late.

Hear ye, please hear me.

In fact, many of you are probably listening to music while reading this. Well, do your delicate ears a favor and just press pause.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself sitting two rows and a seat over from someone, whether on a bus, a train, a plane, or in a restaurant; yes, a restaurant. I have sang along with so many people, and let me say, you have some hot sounds vibing off your playlist, BUT you are not the personal radio or soundtrack. Now I know this message doesn’t apply to all of you, but whether or not you listen to music at loud volumes, your, or someone you know, could benefit from turning down that dial.

My point is, your ears are not indestructible. Listening to loud volumes of music for long periods of time is harmful to the hair cells in your ear that help you hear sounds.

Some of us may think it’s harmless, I mean why would they even make these things with high settings if they knew it were harmful to us? (and that’s a valid question) Again, too much loud music for too long can damage your ears.

If we continue at this rate, pretty soon we’ll be shopping online at Siemans-Hearing.com and bragging to our grannies about the good deal we got on our half priced hearing aids.

So let's review:

Hearing aid: $799.00
Visit to the otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat doctor): $115 to $325
Hearing your name called at graduation or someone announcing you won something: Priceless

--Acasia Barrett
Guest Blogger

Acasia Barrett is a graduate student at George Washington University where she is working towards her Master's in Public Health, Health Promotion and HIV/AIDS studies. When she is not in class, she immerses herself in her duties as both a research assistant at the D.C. Department of Health HIV/AIDS Administration and an intern at Community Education Group, a Community Based Organization in DC. In her spare time, Acasia enjoys reading, community service, and working on writing her books.

The Sisterhood of Savers

We all know it, we’re in a recession. And in some fashion, we have all been affected. You may have felt the pinch on your allowance or maybe have had a cut back at your part time job so it’s important to know how to keep your money in your pocket!

Brown Bag It - That’s right, buying lunch in the school cafeteria is so last year! Between lunch and snacks, you could spend almost $10 a day, if not more. Cut your spending in half by shopping over the weekend and picking up your favorite items for less. Take some time to prep your lunch the night before and set the trend for brown bagging. Not only is it a financial benefit, but bringing your lunch to school could be much better for your health. With your new lunch routine (and smaller waistline) you may be able to use your newly saved cash to add something small to your wardrobe. You can also reduce your carbon footprint by bringing a reusable lunch bag instead of an actual brown bag.

Recessionista Fashionista - So now that you’ve saved some money by bringing your lunch, you might be able afford to buy that cute shirt you’ve been eyeing. But remember, this article is about saving your money so first assessing if this item is a need or a want is a must. Make smart decisions about your purchases. Can you find this shirt on sale at a discount retailer like Ross or TJ Maxx? Also hop online, there may be a coupon available at your favorite department store so you can get the look for less. Don’t be afraid to look for bargains anywhere. Fashion is always repeating itself so you may find the style you’re looking for in a thrift store or even on EBay.

Frugal Friends - Encourage your friends to cut back with you by suggesting more cost efficient activities. Take an activity like going to the movies and flip it! Ask your parents if you can host a movie night at home. Lately I’ve been seeing vending machines filled with the latest movies at convenience stores like 7-11. These movies cost about $1.00 a day which means you can rent the movie for tonight’s event and return first thing in the morning without paying a huge rental fee. That turns a $20 per person movie trip into a fun night with friends for less than $20 for all of you. Plus there’s the added benefit of being able to press pause so you don’t miss a thing when you have to take a break to the ladies room!

Gift Giving - Get creative with your gifts! Now I know your mom is expecting a little more from you than a homemade macaroni portrait, but why not make her a homemade birthday card instead of paying $5 for one? Homemade cards are not only cheaper, but they mean more because they come from the heart. Also, try homemade wrapping paper using materials such as newspaper or magazines. If your best friend has a huge crush on Drake, why not dig out those old magazines from a few months ago and see if you can make your very own “Drake Wrapping Paper”? Instead of buying a really expensive gift, find something at a discount retailer and couple it with some baked goods. Homemade cookies, brownies or cupcakes will really show that special someone how much you care.

Last but not least, no matter how much you are making, be sure to set aside at least 10% of your paycheck or allowance for a rainy day. I hope these tips help you! Do you have any tips to share? Let me know how you are saving money!

-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team