Web Worthy Mentions: Spa Girl...

This blog is definitely worth the peek if you favor a beauty tip of two. With detailed advice ranging from making Brazilian and French Bikini Waxing Less Painful to how to get your nails to look like a Perfect 10, she'll likely have your birthday suit looking like a million bucks in no time flat.

Underwear: As that a Nipple in your T-Shirt or are you just happy to see me?


Nippits Nipple Covers($6.50 at amazon.com)
Ok, I know your man probably won't complain, nor will half the men on the western continent for that matter. But really honey, there's no way in hell you're going to snag those play dates for the kids if you're nipples keep making a star appearance all over town. Nippits, nip that issue in the bud. You can even wear them under your swimsuit. Under a small C cup and planning to go braless for the day? You can finally wear a tube top without looking like a jezebel. Oh joy. :)

Spanx Footless Body Shaping Pantyhose Hosiery($20 at amazon.com)
If it looks like a pair of panty hose with the foot cut out, that's probably because it is. Still, don't try a DYI version by slicing the feet off that $2.99 pair of Hanes at home, you're not likely to get the same result....trust me. Get the Spanx brand, they come in your size--so you can't beat it. Not happy with the disturbing cottage cheese texture of your thighs under your slacks? The hose takes care of that. Need a little more tummy control? The hose takes care of that. Want a little less jiggle and a little more wiggle to your rear end? Spanx takes care of that. Plus, you can show of your pretty little pedicure. Ah...the simple pleasures in life ladies, the simple pleasures.

Shoe File: Budget Beauties....


Bongo T-Time Wedge T-straps in Teal ($39.95 at zappos.com). Perfect with a sexy pair of low rise jeans, white gauchos or a wide legged sailor pant. Warning: they're going quick so get 'em before their sold out.

Ice Cream Astrology...Check this out:

Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22) You enjoy the high life, Leo. Häagen-Dazs may have invented their exotic Baileys Irish Cream and Crème Brulee just for you. Chocolate, however, is your true passion, as it complements your zesty, dramatic nature. Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk or a vanilla Dove bar dipped in the finest dark chocolate rings your chimes. You easily get bored with routine; try something new like Cold Stone Creamery's For Coffee Lovers Only … coffee ice cream, Heath Bar bits, roasted almonds and caramel. Yum!

I think these folks are right on the money. I love Baileys...mmm! Or Better yet, Cask and Cream's Chocolate Temptation. And who doesn't need an IV filled with Häagen-Dazs pumped into them now and again? Speaking of the Häag -- I'm down with the Coffee-Almond Crunch Bars. One bite and I'm done. Think coffee ice cream coated with an almondy-chocolate shell...*Sigh*...sick, I tell you, sick.

Happy Sunday!

Comments enabled, woohoo! :) Tag board eliminated. It might return, but what's the point now that the comments are back on right? New environment too. Updates a comin' so keep an eye out.

Thanks guys,

--Yasi

Kewl Kitchen...

I love to bake. In fact, I really don't think there's anything more therapeutic in this world than kneading up a fine loaf of bread and getting to watch it transform in my oven. Baking Bread has to be one of the most relaxing, if not, easier things to do in your kitchen. Stand Mixers (like this pretty Seafoam Green Stand Mixer by Hamilton Bach - $169.95 at Cooking.com) help simplify matters even further by reducing your prep time. Trust me, you'll thank me.






Ever wonder what your friend's Italian Grandma kept in her kitchen to make espresso way back when? Trust me, it didn't look anything like those funny industrial machines they use at Starbucks, or cost as much either. These days a decent personal espresso machine can run close to $400. That's one expensive cup of joe! This retro Stovetop Espresso Maker ($17.99 at Cooking.com) makes a heck of a cup of espresso her way without the hefty price tag or skimping on taste. Methinks Grandma was on to something. Just be careful how you clean it though!

Stylin' Celebrities I admire: Sanaa Lathan


What isn't in-style about this sister's steelo? She's pretty, smart, talented and Hollywood's definitely watching. In Love and Basketball, she's taught us how to be sporty, yet still feminine. In Brown Sugar, she not only brought style to the story of hip-hop, but made it classy. In Alien V. Predator, she proved that black people can play scientists AND make it to the end of a horror movie, and she looked good doing it. In Out of Sight, she pulled both Denzel AND Superman (Dean Cain of' TV's Lois and Clark) himself; and she made something old (interracial relationships) Something New for millions of black women worldwide.

Wow, girl...you go.



Get the Look: Inspired by Sanaa....


Curtain Call Dress by Blue Plate ($59 at alight.com)

About Town...


Seen: One pair of pink boxing gloves like these found at titleboxing.com.
Where: Victoria's Secret 1981 Broadway @67th Street, NYC.
When: Wednesday evening, while window shopping with a friend.

Is this for real? Beats me, but I hope I'll be able to snag a pair before they sell out!

Summer Fashion Ideas: Sporty Spanish


They used to call them pedal pushers back in the day, but it's clear capri's are no where near going out of style. This Carry On Capri ($29.99 at Alight.com) is not only sexy and fashion saavy, but it's multi pockets make it highly functional too, so it's perfect for those wallet free days. The wide pockets flatten your front and accentuate the hips, and the length shows just the right amount of leg.

Let's face it. This top is just hott. The flutter cap sleeves are cute and dainty, and the V collar draws attention downward, minimizing an otherwise large rack. The fitted empire waist is great for hourglass figures and creates an illusuion of a longer torso. The embroidered floral accents disguises tummy bulges. Very spanish and sweet. This one is Country Cool by Blue Plate ($38 at Alight.com).

Anybody who knows me knows that I am a self-confessed shoe addict. I have a tons of shoes in my closet. I simply can't walk away from a good looking sandal and these Pueblo Grometted Wedges by Paris Blues will likely be no exception ($49.95 at Zappos.com) Shoes like this are meant to be worn all summer long, as they're certain to go with any jean or skirt in your closet. And don't let the wood frame fool you. The leather inosole likely makes them cushy and comfy. Show them off with pretty tomato red toenails.

Cabbie anyone? If you're a hat person, you might find this Brown Starburt Studded Cabbie Cap ($13.50 at Torrid.com to be an inspried, yet subtle touch to top off your new look. It's pretty, but none at all flashy. The starburts grommets add a spice to it's otherwise simple fabric. I love the "military" shape. Plus, it accents those pueblo wedges pretty well


No look is complete without a cute peice of jewlery. This spanish insprired Black Wood Bead Rope Bracelet ($6.00 at Torrid.com) is a perfect little trinket to add to your outfit. The fact alone that the square beads have religious icons emblazoned on their faces, makes it a chic little conversational peice in my book, at church or at play. ;)

Site updates...

Comment links are still disabled. I'm working feverishly to resolve that glitch issue. Until then, feel free to email me, or use the tag board. :)

XML/RSS Feed link for subscriptions are coming.

Thanks guys!

Many Blessings,

--Yasi

Ladies: How's Your Strut?

Having been a plus size model myself once or twice in my lifetime, I know how hard it can be to find a decent gig or two in the beauty biz. When great opportunities come down the wire, you don't pass 'em up. That said, the folks at Igigi.com are looking for fresh faces to represent them in their ongoing campaigns. If you're a thick n' curvy girl, and you think you may have what it takes to be a commercial plus size model, definitely give 'em a shot. :)



This Bites, but in a good way...


I just love the folks at Philosophy. Their multi purpose philosophy cinnamon buns shampoo, conditioner, & shower gel ($16 for 16 oz at amazon.com), will have your running to your nearest bakery post shower. It just smells delicious and it should be illegal. Sometimes I drop a a few capfuls into my tub for a scented bubble bath. Imagine squeezing the essence of oven fresh cinnamon bun, into a bottle. It's THAT good. And the cute little recipe on the front of the bottle is real too!
I've ah..ahem...tried it.




Put some spring back into your Springtime...

Demeter's Fragrances a great for a quick pick me up because they really seem to invoke the scent of their inspired sources. For example, Demeter's Wet Garden($24.99 for 4 oz at amazon.com) really DOES smell like a garden after fresh rainfall. It's intensely floral, but not in the typical sweet and perfumey way. It's a more woodsy, almost raw scent. Very beautiful. And in consideration of all the rain we've been having, wholy appropriate.

Easy Breezy Beauty Made Simple

Every girl has at least one essential beauty product in her purse. Personally, I can't go anywhere without Rosebud Salve for a quick lip and eyebrow fix and my mascara wand. My favs are Maybelline's Triple XXL Mascara in Very Black, and Lancome's Flextencils Waterproof Mascara in Black ($12.50 at buybeauty.com - 40% 0ff the regular price).
An instant falsie look without the falsies.

I know you would never have guessed it from the horrible weather, but it's on the horizon believe or not. And you know what that means...
Time to pull out the dreaded bathing suit.
I know, I know, sighs abound. It doesn't have to be ALL bad though. There are some really cute suits out there. I found a nice little two peice tankini number by Madras at swimsuitsforall.com. Here's the best part, if you're tummy conscious, it disguises the area! In that sense, it works out pretty well.

More on Madras two peice plus size tankini swimsuit - $66 - swimsuitsforall.com


Everybody come lookin' real fine...
Fresh from the barbershop or fly from the beauty salon....

Anyone who knows anything about chlorinated pools or salton seas knows that a dip in either can spell major damage for you hair. And if you actually sit out in the sun afterwards, forghedaboutit. You might just end up looking a bit like you stuck your finger into a wall socket.

So if you want to keep the baby hair sleek and smooth, whether your hair is super fine, or super coarse, the key to healthy summer hair is moisturization.

Carol' s Daughter Tui Shea Butter Hair Smoothie - $18 for 8 oz at carolsdaughter.com is chock full of yummy ingredients to do just that. It combines exotic and fragrant mango and guava with camomile, lavender, seaweed and (of course) shea butter for a lucious treatment that will keep your "fried, dyed, and laid to the side" salon 'Do' in check all summer through.

Venturing back from Chest Cold Hell....

Site updates and repairs are on the way. God bless all my lovely visitors for being patient!

It's been a nasty week for me. You know, the kind of week that somehow makes it past your nose, and I kid you not, like a scene out of Alien, deposits some foreign body into your chest that stubbornly there until you one... hack it up with whatever's left of your lungs, or two... blow it out until your left dizzy and senseless.

Not fun at all kids.

My ribs hurt! I feel like my chest just sponsored a table tennis tournament.

Illness angst aside, the weekend wasn't a complete washout. True, it did rain in that cats and dogs way. My freshly painted bubblegum pink toe nails got about 5 city blocks before I had to jam the into a pair of metallic silver spare flats I was carrying in my tote bag, but I did get out. I even managed to do some window shopping along the way. That's always fun.

Question? Why aren't department stores open longer of the weekends? You'd think that a Saturday or a Sunday would be an ideal day for the folks at Bloomingdales to squeeze a few more dimes out of poor saps like you and me. Closed doors at 7 pm seems almost sacreligious.

Interesting find on my shopping voyage this weekend. Try taking a stroll through some of your most popular womenswear stores: ala New York and Company, H&M...you'd be hard pressed to find enough of a selection to accomodate the average woman, let alone the plus sized woman.
Take my sister for example, we spent a few hours searching for an appropriate outfit for her college graduation. No easy task, let me tell you. At 5'9, she's tall, but she's an average size 8--very small wasted, but fuller in the chest and hips. No problem, right?

Wrong. She picks up a dress at Banana Republic and, lo and behold, she teeters on the edge of indecency.

What's going on here? Since when did minature X-tra Small become the norm? Does anyone realize that if you're a girl with a size 8 figure these days, you're considered "thick"? A size 12 is the new plus size! It's rediculous...and a little frightening I might add. Has our standard of beauty become so skewered that we now expect EVERY woman in the world to have the boyish, an oh so androgynous hips of a Calvin Klein model?

You CAN Be Full Figured & Fashion Forward...
The "Big Girl's" store nowadays can be aptly renamed as the
"It Girl's" store or the "Sexy Girl's" store. Youthful fashions designed to satisfy any taste, conservative or racey, are available
in nearly every color in the spectrum. Good news buxom babes, black is now an elegant option, not a life's sentence!

So show off your curvalicious figures and quit hiding behind those unflattering shapeless frocks! You CAN rock that Nicole Kidman look. You just have look in the right places! If you're arm conscious like I am, team this look with a sexy tuxedo jacket or long sleeve knit shrug. If gold's not your thing, experiment with a silver necklace. Add a sexy pair of sandals in a bold pattern or color to add some flare to your outfit. Then, punch it up even more with a flirty tone on your toes.

And most importantly, have fun working it!



















Shopping List

Gold Layered Necklace-$10.50-Torrid.com
Right on Time Top - $29 - alight.com
Isabella Pants in Black - $68- igigi.com

Unearthing the HTML skills I acquired back in my college days. Finally developed a New Look for this blog site. Still tweaking so be nice. :)

Artist Tunes I'm Feeling Right Now:

Ne-Yo - When You're Mad

I thought this was so funny...

Missing Him...

It's been a pretty tough few hours. I guess breakups are always hard to do. None more harder than when you still love the person and didn't want to breakup in the first place.
My ex was a self-confessed jerk. He put me through alot while we were "together". I don't want him back, because I know he'd only hurt me. Love is not supposed to hurt so often.

I just miss the good times I guess. I haven't forgotten how deeply I loved him, I don't know that I ever will. He was my first requited love. He brought so much joy to my life. I miss his sense of humor and his goofy laugh, his gentility, even his charm. I miss sitting up talking with him for hours on end about everything and nothing. I miss making plans together, singing songs together, waking up to the sound of his voice. I miss the way that same voice made him sound like a little boy when he was about to fall asleep.

There are so many things I miss and remember about how he made me feel. Sometimes I wish he felt the same, but I realize that would never change anything. Wishing cannot repair broken trust or mend broken hearts.