Happy Memorial Day!

School may not be out for Summer, but at least you have the next 3 days off for Memorial Day weekend. I know the school year is winding down and you can see the home stretch. However, don't sleep away or spend this extended weekend in the house! Get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. Besides the typical family cookouts and beach outings, I thought I'd share some fun and inexpensive things that you can try with your family and friends.

For all my LA teens:

• Explore the Santa Monica area. Check out the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and Venice Beach. Spend all day window shopping, people watching, walking and enjoying the fresh air. Parking at Santa Monica Place is usually free, and when they charge it only costs $3.


• Sightseeing From Your Car. The cost of gasoline makes this more expensive than it used to be, however it costs less than paying for parking and admission at a theme park. For my teens who can drive, gather a group of your friends together for a mini road trip along the coast or Mulholland Drive.


• Enjoy the great outdoors at Griffith Park. Free activities include: Picnic in the park, go hiking on one of the trails, see the Griffith Observatory or visit Travel Town train museum.


• Hollywood Sightseeing. Click here for a list of some attractions on or near Hollywood Blvd that are free.


• Farmer's Market. Spend the afternoon at the Farmer's Market near The Grove. The Original Farmers Market has fresh fruit, produce, seafood, ice cream, wines, cheeses, gourmet foods, as well as gift shops.
  

For my Bay Area teens:

• SF Carnaval (May 29 -30, 2010). The Carnaval Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, May 29-30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located on Harrison Street, between 16th and 22nd streets, the festival will offer food, music, dance, art, crafts and other fun activities and events on several stages for the entire family to enjoy.The Carnaval Grand Parade, with its rich multi-cultural themes, spectacular costumes, music and dancing takes place Sunday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m. and begins at Bryant and 24th Streets, proceeds down Mission to 17th Street. Admision: Free


• Music in Golden Gate Park. The Golden Gate Park Band performs at 1 p.m. in Golden Gate Park. American standards will be among the music performed. Pack a picnic and make sure the menu is as varied as the music. Admision: Free


• SF International Arts Festival (May 19 -30, 2010). Try something new! This annual multi-disciplinary festival brings together the world community of artists and audiences to present and commission innovative, collaborative projects and performances of dance, music, opera and theatre by 16 different arts organizations.

For my teens who live out of state, check out your city's visitor's bureau website to find local events going on this holiday. Be sure to let us know how you spent your weekend. Send photos and articles describing your adventures to BrownstoneMag@gmail.com and we'll post them on the blog!

--Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Can You Stand the Kitchen?

I know we’ve all heard someone tell us, “When are you going to learn to cook?!” or “I feel sorry for your husband!” plenty of times. Well instead of cooking for a future spouse, you should start learning to cook for yourself. Too many times, I have gone into the kitchen, looked in the pantry, walked out and done the EXACT same thing maybe 3 more times. Especially being a fan of the Food Network, I always want to make those delicious meals or desserts but never seem to know how or have the ingredients to follow along. Learning to cook for yourself saves tons of money because it probably lasts longer than fast food and is most likely healthier than what you’ve been eating at the carry-out across the street (who knows how long they’ve been using that frying oil). The Food Network is a great source to learn so many different new foods from different cultures and regions of the world. We all have our favorite dishes, but why not try a different way to make the dish. Living as a college student with a stove, kitchen, and no meal plan has really forced me to learn to cook (I was never that bad to begin with). Here are a few tips on learning to cook for yourself!

1. Don’t be afraid of the kitchen. Go in there even if your family laughs at you for trying to be the next iron chef! Don’t be shy about it. As long as you have your recipes, ingredients, and pride, you’ll be just fine.

2. Do your research. When you find the dish that you want to make. Look at other recipes. Check the Cook Time, Level, and Serving Size. You may also want to look at the reviews of the recipe. Sometimes although the level may say easy, it may seem like rocket science to those who aren’t professional cooks. Once you pick your recipe get shopping!

3. Add your magic touch. When I’m cooking, if I see the recipe says to add something I don’t like (like mushrooms) I won’t write off the recipe. Why not add something you love as a substitute? Just make sure that what you’re adding is going to taste good.

4. Save it for later. If you’re watching TV and see a dish that looks beyond delectable, look it up later and get cooking.

5. Try Again. Like Aaliyah says, “If at first you don’t succeed, pick yourself up and try again!” If it doesn’t come out right the first time, go back and try and think of what you did wrong. One time, I added a tablespoon of baking powder instead of a teaspoon. Those little mistakes can make the difference. So don’t get angry, just try it again.

When cooking you eventually learn that it won’t always come out the same every time. Especially when you get so accustomed to making meals that measuring cups aren’t used, you’ll be more comfortable adding your own flare to the dishes that make them taste that much better. While you’re cooking, just remember to have fun with it. Don’t get so comfortable with it. Try new recipes or methods to making dishes. We all have our favorite dishes, but until you try to add something new to it you don’t know if you’ve been missing out on something 10 times tastier. For instance, ever since I’ve learned to make Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding by Paula Deen, I haven’t made my old banana pudding ever again. If you don’t like banana’s leave them out. This is just one dish that Food Network has graced my heart with yummy goodness. Oh Happy Day! After making several dishes, your family will be asking for you to cook and you won’t need to look up recipes all the time. You’ll get accustomed to how you flavor fish or chicken and what seasoning you like better. This is an experience you will only thank yourself for in the long run. So get cooking ladies!

--Rebecca Matey
Brownstone Intern

Who are YOU?

Really.

What are your likes & dislikes? What do you like to do?

I think getting to know yourself is one of the best things you can do to boost your own self-confidence. In the current information age, it’s so easy to get your opinions about things from other people in the media and/or blogs. Or even from your friends.

So, yes, everybody is listening to or wearing XYZ, does that mean you have to like it? Of course not! Every person has an opinion and point of view on everything. So spend time with yourself. Figure out what YOU like to do, not everybody else.

Do you like to read? Have you always wanted to take a cooking class? Are you interested in fashion? Engineering? Dance? Writing? Teaching? Architecture? Journalism? Health? Nutrition? Make-up? Foreign Languages? Music? Hair? Community service? Business? Traveling? Politics?

The list goes on and on.

Don’t be afraid to try a lot of new and different things that may interest you. That’s part of getting to know yourself! Try not to allow other peoples thoughts and opinions about things dictate what you do. Being overly concerned with the “status quo” or denying your own interests & opinions for the sake of fitting doesn’t do you any justice. Let your light shine!

There’s a quote on the vision board in my room that I love & it reads:

“What do you envision? Never forget that this is your one, precious life. Your life. And you have the power to create your future.”

So, with that, I want to encourage you live your best life. Figure out what interests you & don’t be afraid to try new things.

Want to train for a marathon? GO FOR IT!

Think you might like a new hairstyle? GIVE IT A SHOT!

Always wanted to try sushi? TRY IT!

Interested in taking dance lessons? DO IT!

Don’t sit on the sidelines of your own life. Live it! :)


--Chevonne Collins
Guest Blogger

Drive Now...Text Later

Year after year, we are reminded by tragedies on the news, celebrity campaigns and new laws of how dangerous talking and texting while driving is. And year after year, some of us learn the hard way that these helpful hints exist for a reason. More and more teenagers die every year because they were distracted by the conversation in their ear or at their fingertips. Even after all the stories, statistics and traffic tickets, I still know more people who talk and text while driving than not, including myself.

Spring Time Money Saving Blues

Summer is almost here and part of being a girl means you have the natural instinct to shop and keep up with the latest trends. Hair, nails, and make-up – you want it all, right? And now that you’re out of school, and (hopefully) looking for summer employment, you feel like you can afford everything. The truth of the matter is that while it seems like you’re rich one day, the next week, you could be in a completely different circumstance. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life thus far is “save it for a rainy day.” I do have to admit that I haven’t completely mastered the art of saving, and I hadn’t even realized it until I suddenly needed money for end of the school year expenses. (I want to look right for the summertime too!) I was at Forever 21 with my girls, who are much better at saving than me, and they were ready to go on a shopping spree. Knowing that I had just spent a lot of money to get my hair done, and still needed to save money for an upcoming trip home (gas prices are ridiculous), It was a very sad case.

Reality hit hard. There was no way to get around the fact that I wanted (actually, needed) this dress but didn’t have enough money in my budget for all of my upcoming plans. It was even worse when I had to call my mom and ask her for some money, admitting to her that I was financially irresponsible. Of course my mom gave me some extra funds, because moms are nice like that, but it didn’t come without a lecture on how to spend wisely. All of those times when I just had to eat out instead of cooking at home, or I just had to buy the whole outfit instead of just the top that I was looking for finally caught up with me. The whole experience could’ve been avoided had I budgeted accordingly.

Because I don’t want you to get the same lecture I had to endure, here are some tips for summertime saving:

1. Create a savings account. (You can even take it back to 2nd grade and get a piggy bank – whatever works lol) The name says it all; this money is not for spending. The only way you’ll save money is if you set aside a little bit over time, so exercise discipline. The first few weeks are the hardest, but you can do it!

2. Put 10% of your paycheck every 2 weeks into your brand new savings account!

3. Shop smarter. Before you go shopping, make a list of what you need, not what you want. There is a difference between the two. If it’s not on the list, don’t buy it. You’ll thank yourself later, I promise. And don’t be afraid to hit up that sales rack – cute things come to those who search.

4. Look for cheaper alternatives for fun. It’s the summertime and being outdoors is free. You can go to the beach, have a picnic, or even go running on some trails. Think of creative things to do with your friends that don’t break your wallet.

5. Make your own summertime treats. The recipes for summer goodies are endless and readily available on the Internet and in magazines. It’s much more fun to get some friends together and remix recipes to make popsicles and fun summer drinks like Raspberry Lemonade.

This summer is about saving, not spending. You never know when you’ll want to make a big purchase (like Erykah Badu concert tickets =] )

--Brittany Allen
Brownstone Intern

Brownstone 2.0 Tech Corner: May Issue

Got Something to Say? Let’s take it Online!

Teen X: Ask me anything

Teen Y: Is it true that Jason kissed Jennifer after 3rd period today?

Teen X: Yuuup! I don't know why tho...she's an undercover hoe!

And scene! That was an example of some of the talk appearing on the new social networking site, Formspring.me. Formspring has become the modern day bathroom wall for gossip. Forget about hearing gossip in the streets or reading about it on a piece of paper passed around the classroom. Now people not only talk about you behind your back, but they’re posting it online too!

In the last couple of months thousands of teens have joined the free site. On Formspring, you can pose questions like: Do you think I’m pretty? Who do you think is the ugliest girl in our algebra class? How many boys have you kissed? Like most social networking sites, users can link their Formspring account to their Twitter or Facebook pages, then invite their friends to ask questions and post comments. The interesting part is that you can answer a question or post a comment without revealing your identity. Comments and questions go into a private mailbox, where the user can ignore, delete or answer them. Only the answered ones are posted publicly.

So, what's the problem? It depends on the question or the comment being made. You may use the site to post silly questions. But many others use it for more intimate topics or cyberbullying even. Many teens have gotten their feelings hurt over comments about their appearance or personality. It's definitely not cool to have someone call you an "undercover hoe" on a public website.

Be mindful of the questions you pose and the comments you leave. Most importantly, someone's feelings are at stake, but I think teens also forget the web is forever. Remember Google is the new encyclopedia. People use it all the time to look up all sorts of information. Even employers! How would you feel if you got passed up for a job because the recruiter found the anonymous Formspring comment posted about you being a "slut" when they googled your name? People are passed up for jobs all the time because of the information found about them online whether it is true or not. If it looks bad, then it probably is to the outside eye. That's why you should think twice when you post personal or incriminating information/photos on these social network sites.

There is nothing wrong with posting questions on sites like Formspring for your friends to answer. However, keep it clean, classy and fun ladies! Since you have control over what goes public, be careful to avoid questions or comments that degrade your or someone else's character. It's hard to tell you not to gossip because we ALL do it. But DON'T do it online because you're leaving a permanent trail for someone to find. Don't get petty, keep the drama OFFline!

--Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Let's Move!

In February, First Lady Michelle Obama launched her national public awareness campaign called "Let's Move" to fight against childhood obesity. I’m sure it’s no surprise that America has an obesity problem, but did you know?

• 1 in 3 American children is overweight or obese. These children face higher risks of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other illnesses.
• Billions (Yes, that's a one followed by NINE zeros!) of dollars are spent every year treating obesity-related conditions.
• Today's children (that's you) are on track to have shorter lifespans than their parents.
  

Shocking, right? I bet you never thought about obesity being a problem in your age group. But sadly it is and thanks to the First Lady, Americans are finally getting a wake up call. This is an epidemic that not only effects adults, but children as well. And as corny as it may sound, YOU are our future and we need you around to help build upon our legacy. So, let's take a look at the program.

Here are the key goals of the “Let’s Move” campaign:
1. Help parents make better food choices
2. Serve healthier food in school vending machines and lunch lines
3. Make healthier food more available and affordable
4. Encourage children to exercise more

You may be thinking that this campaign is for parents and schools to enforce, but you can play a part too.

• Help your parent's with the grocery list. Remind them to get healthier food (i.e. fruits, salads, etc) for the house instead of junk food. You don't have to stop eating McDonalds and In N Out, but make sure there's a balance.
• Bring healthy snacks instead of buying junk from the vending machines. (My recommendation: Try POPchips, they're a healthier version of potato chips.) Think of it this way: the less money you spend at school, the more money you can put towards fun stuff like clothes and CDs.
• Walk (if you can) to school instead of drive. Get your walk on instead of spending money on overpriced gas whenever you can. (Believe me your parents will thank you)
• You can even make walking around the mall your exercise routine. Why not? You probably spend a lot of your time there anyways.
• On Saturday morning instead of watching cartoons, get a group of friends together and walk or jog around the block. You can use this time to catch up on all the latest gossip. Or invite friends over to do a workout video. I know that are a bunch of videos on YouTube.

Don't like my ideas? Then get creative and create a plan that you can follow through. Remember that the campaign is about making healthy choices, not trying to lose weight to look like your favorite celebrity. Making the right nutrition choices will enable you to live a healthier life and feel better physically about yourself. And in addition to eating healthier, it's time to get active. Get up from in front of the TV...close your laptop and do something. Eating healthy is only part of the equation. You need to exercise as well. So, let's get a move on it!

--Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Is Too Much Technology a Problem for Teens?

I recently read an article on BlackWeb 2.0 about the President's views on technology. At Hampton University's commencement ceremony, President Obama said that gadgets like iPods and iPads are a distraction. Here are a couple of his comments:

“You’re coming of age in a 24/7 media environment that bombards us with all kinds of content and exposes us to all kinds of arguments, some of which don’t always rank all that high on the truth meter,” Obama said at Hampton University, Virginia.

“With iPods and iPads and Xboxes and PlayStations, — none of which I know how to work — information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation,” Obama said.

For a complete copy of the article, click here. Technology gives us access to information at the click of a button. Is technology hindering your ability to learn or enhancing it? As a teenager, what do you think? Let us know your thoughts!

--Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

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HERstory: The Women Who Inspire Us

She may bake cookies for you when you're sad or cook you chicken noodle soup when you're sick. She may argue with you about the clothes you wear or embarrass you in front of your friends. Whatever the case, your mother gave you life and will always have your back. In honor of Mother's Day, the Brownstone Team decided to share with you what our mothers mean to us. This Sunday, don't forget to show your appreciation for your mother and the mother-like figures in your life who are shaping who you are becoming.

Tymika Morrison - My mother is my rock! Through her sacrifice and strength, she has taught me so much about the essence of being a woman. I am thankful that she gave her all in raising me because it has pushed me to give 100% in everything that I do. I am thankful that God has shown His love through my mother and has provided me with the perfect example of what unconditional love is. But on Mother's Day, I can't forget about the other women in my family who have played a part in the woman I am today. My grandmother and my aunts have supported me, given me advice when I needed it and even when I didn't, taken me on vacations, listened to my fears and dreams and so much more! I am so grateful to be surrounded by strong Black women!


Kyle Holland - Words cannot begin to describe the love and appreciation I have for my mom. Each day, I experience and understand this thing called life more and more. So, to be blessed with a mom who loves me no matter what and who supports me and my dreams (even more than I do at times) is comforting. I admire her wisdom, her strength, her beauty, her intelligence, and her overall zest for life. For all of this, and much, much more, I am so thankful to celebrate my mom on her day. She deserves the world. Love you Ma!

Brittany Allen - I love my mother because she is a strong woman of God, a fearless and faithful warrior, and also my best friend. She is the rock of my family and the quiet comforter of my heart. She always knows what to say and when to let me grow up on my own. Quiet, but with a caring gaze that says it all, she is the epitome of my soul.

Rebecca Matey - My mother is my everything. I honestly don't know where I would be without her. She has taught me the definition of strength and beauty. From being the skinny girl in Nigeria sellin' bread on the street and working to go to school, I can honestly say SHE MADE IT. This woman shows me that anything is possible. She has worked for everything she has and continues to grow even at her age. No form of education can teach me what she has. My mother is my best friend, my favorite teacher, my long lost sister. She is everything I aspire to be. The biggest lesson she has taught me is forgiveness and I thank her for that. I love my mother and can't wait to run back to her after my last final!

Amelia Jones - I appreciate my mother for all the moments of laughter we share. Being away from home can be tough and sometimes I get a little homesick, but all it takes is one phone call from my mom. Whether she is telling me silly stories about my cat or recounts the day’s adventures with her track team, she always knows what to say to warm my heart. No matter where I am, she can always make me smile.

Share with us what your mother or mother-like figures mean to you. We'd love to hear from you!

--Brownstone Team

All Nat-YOU-Ral!

Everyone has his or her own opinion about hair. Short. Long. Permed. Natural. Curly. Straight. Whatever it may be, there’s a story behind it. Well here’s my story. Ever since 10th grade, I’ve gotten over the whole “long hair, don’t care” phase. I started cutting my hair slowly but surely. Then senior year, I chopped it all off but was still attached to having it permed. Four years later during the beginning of my sophomore year in college, I realized how much I loved my hair’s natural state (that new growth was coming in) but hated how straight the ends were. So I decided to go in for the BIG CHOP. I got a friend and had her chop each and every strand of perm off my head. It was the most liberating feeling ever. Getting up and feeling free to get my hair wet never felt so good! Throughout this journey of having practically no hair on my head, I have learned to accept my beauty. This post isn’t to tell you guys to go bald and never perm your hair again, but to say that you are just as beautiful permed or natural. If you’ve been contemplating it and are scared, GO FOR IT! Trust me, hair grows back. And if you don’t like it get a weave! I’ve learned –although it sounds cliché – I am not my hair! I love every bit of me just as much as I did when I had long, straight hair back in high school. There are a lot more options with natural hair and the fact that hair does indeed have its own personality makes it that much more fun. Oh! And did I mention how much cheaper it is?! All the money I used to spend getting my hair done ($60+) is now going to clothes hehe. I’m 10 times happier! If you aren’t sure if you want to full out go natural and cut it all off, why not get braids or a weave to suppress the roots from getting untamable? Then when you’re ready to cut off the relaxed portion you’ll have length to work with. The confidence a girl exudes with natural hair is flawless. And the gained sense of fashion is that much better! Certain looks just appear better with natural hair! Clearly, I could go on and on about going natural, but I’ll let you girls decide if natural is what you wanna be!

Tips for My Natural Girls

• Hydration is key - Conditioners are a girl’s best friend! If you wash your hair often, skip shampooing it and simply condition it. Every now and then make sure you give yourself a deep conditioner. Raw shea butter with olive oil works wonders! If you can’t get your hands on the raw stuff, pretty much any product from Cantu works well. None of these products are more than $10.


• Chill on the heat - Blow-drying, flat irons, curling irons every day? Negative, Negative. Just because you’re natural doesn’t mean you can start burning you’re hair. Try Air-drying every now and then.


• Read the Label - Since we want the results, we don’t look at what we’re putting in our hair. Well much of it is nice for the moment, but in the long run there is no good being done to your hair.


• Sleep with a silk pillow and/or scarf - Cotton pillows and scarves dry your hair out, use silk instead. Going to sleep on cotton is probably one of the most dehydrating enemies for your hair. You can pretty much get one from anywhere; whether that be your local beauty supply store to a fabric store. If you want to buy one specifically for hair, Pretty Wrap is a company that sells silk sleep wraps for about $20.
  

Here are a few natural hair blogs that I live by! Happy Blogging =)

• Le Coil


• Black Girl with Long Hair


• Mane and Chic


• Natural Sunshine
  

I love every bit of my naturalness and as I continue on this journey, I’ll be sure to update you guys! Here are a few pics from permed to natural!

-- Rebecca Matey
Brownstone Intern

Post Graduation: Got Options?

As another school year wraps up, it's time for many seniors to make that final decision on what college they plan to attend in the fall. But not everyone goes off to a four year university after graduation. Maybe your grades weren't all that great or you want to take some time to figure out your next step. Whatever the case, even if college isn't an option right now, it still doesn't mean that you have to waste the last 12 years of education you've received by becoming a professional couch potato. You need to have a plan! Check out these post-graduation options:

• Junior College - You may not have gotten into one of the big four year schools, but that doesn't mean that you can't go to a community college. By attending a JC, you'll save money and get a lot of your general education courses out of the way. You may not have done well in high school, however, you can make it up at a JC and apply again after you've completed your two years.


• Trade School - The traditional academic-based college may not be your thing. Why not apply to a trade school? Trade schools allow you to focus in on a particular skill. I know you've all seen the commercials for ITT Tech! Don't laugh...it may just be the right option for you. There are trade schools for technology, nursing, culinary....you name it! Forget having to study Nietzsche and Aristotle, you can just focus on your niche.


• Start your Own Business - Have you always been an entrepreneur at heart? Then start your own business. Some of the greatest companies (i.e. Facebook) were started by young adults. If you have an idea, take some classes at a community college and talk to other professionals for advice. You're never too young to start a business.


• Get an internship - Talk to your guidance or career counselor about finding a summer internship. Most internships are unpaid, but the experience you gain is priceless! Even the greatest executives started as interns and worked their way up to the top.
  
• Get a Job - Please do not let all of that good education you've received over the last 12 years go waste. Don't let the TV or Internet consume you! Instead, go out into the real world (I know it may seem scary, but it will be okay) and get some experience. The easiest job to get is at the mall. Try applying to your favorite clothing store. Even Target has great benefits I hear. Or you can get an office job. Getting a job will teach you responsibility, not to mention put a little money in your pocket.

Don't feel bad if you're not heading off to a four year college in the fall. Just remember to set goals and develop a plan. Know that you have options and that you can still become successful woman.

--Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team