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How I Pulled It Together to Have a Blast During BET Awards Weekend

~ karaash ~ Leave a comment

As females, we all been there.  There is an event coming up that you KNOW you can’t miss, and you get super excited because you know the turn up is about to be real.  You start to make plans and determine what you’re going to wear until it hits you. . .

I have nothing to wear. My hair is a mess. I don’t have any shoes.

This was my dilemma for one of the biggest weekends of the year, but just like I always do, I pulled it together.  Fast.  Here is how I worked with what I got to have an amazing weekend.

FRIDAY: The weekend begins

I get home from work and immediately start working on my hair.  I made an appointment to have faux locs installed Sunday morning, and I needed to wash my hair. Plus I was invited to an to the 2015 Community Impact Awards by a friend and wanted to look nice for the occasion.

Condition.  Wash.  Condition.  Blow Dry.  Bun.  Sleep.  That was easy.

I didn’t go out on Friday night because I was exhausted from work so the worry hasn’t really kicked in yet.

SATURDAY: BET Experience and Awards Ceremony

My friends and I decided to check out the BET Experience in downtown LA, which is mainly an expo of sorts.  We only stayed for a couple hours since it was time to get dressed for the Awards ceremony.

This is when I started to panic.

My hair was a mess. My hair felt like straw and was in a poofy silly bun.  Who wants to go to an awards show with a poofy bun?? Not I.

Some type of way my friend was able to take some used Marley hair I had laying around and turned my hair into a fabulous chic bun.  Crisis averted.

But, I forgot about my outfit.  Sigh.  The attire on the invitation   said “business causal.” Ummm, ok.  I looked around my closet at things that I have totally forgot about.  I mean I was reaching in the depths of that closet for something.  ANYTHING.  Then it happened.  A lovely dress I only wore once on a terrible date all of sudden became my saving grace.  It was perfect for the event.

Off I go to the Awards!

That’s me with Tom Joyner!
My friend Yatta, aka, my hair godmother all weekend.

The Awards were awesome.  The honorees were Tyrese Gibson and Tom Joyner for their efforts in the black community and it was truly touching and inspiring to say the least.  To my surprise they were taping the Awards to air on Centric later, so I played extra as well.  Thank goodness I pulled it together.  I can’t look bad during my 15 seconds of fame.

SUNDAY: The BET Awards

Today is the day.  All of my whining and anxiety have all led up to this day.  What the hell am I gonna do for the BET Awards.

Well remember that hair appointment I had this morning? Fail.  Epic Fail.  Like the stylist never answered my phone call fail. Words can not explain how livid I was this morning.  None.

What the HELL do I do now?  I mean the bun was cute and what not but I took it out the night before after the Awards Ceremony because I just knew I was getting my hair done this morning. Smh.

Well, when all else fails, I go to my handy dandy U-Part wig.  I love that thing.  It always come through in a clutch.  I recommend all women to have a trusty wig in their arsenal of beauty tools.  No matter what your hair texture or type, a wig is ALWAYS a quick and easy go-to when you need to pull  your hair together quickly.But back to the problem at hand.

I can not braid for the life of me.  I think I am like the only black female that I know that cannot braid (haha!)  There is no way that this wig is fitting over this hair if it isn’t braided down ( I have scary, overwhelming amount of hair that will scare the bejeebies out of you).

Luckily, my very busy friend was nice enough to braid my hair quickly and save me once again! Mind you, this is the same friend that helped me with my bun just the night before for the awards ceremony.

Another hair crisis averted.  Phew.

Thank goodness I knew what I was going to wear, because I was definitely running fashionably late to say the least.  I was heading out with my guy friend, who of course, was complaining about my tardiness.  Men just don’t seem to understand that women have more tasks to do when getting ready.  Smh.

Some type of way I made it to the Awards show, looking super cute and ready to turn up! And on top of that, the show was absolutely Ah-maze-balls!!

Did you see the Bad Boy performance?! Epic.

My friend, John, and I trying to snap a photo before security catches us lol

Overall, I realized that my hair nor my clothes made this weekend memorable.  It was the experience and the memories that were formed with people that I love.  I could have wore a paper bag for a dress and had my hair leaning to one side looking crazy, but I would have still had a great time.

I almost convinced myself to stay home and miss out on these amazing events based solely on the fact that I was not happy with my appearance, but I decided I was not going to let something as minor as a dress or my hair stop me from having fun.

Remember ladies, it is always great to look fabulous, but do not let it consume you. Don’t let a bad hair day or not having access to a new outfit ruin your day.  At the end of the day, it’s not worth it to miss out on something memorable, so pull it together girl! I believe in you.

A Letter to My Future Son

~ esmethea ~ Leave a comment
Everywhere I turn, there are new stories of lives of Black men snuffed out well before their prime.  This has me thinking about my future children.  How does one tell their son the story of Oscar Grant or Travyon Martin?  How do you tell a child that there are certain things that their friends can do, but he simply can not?  This has inspired me to write this letter to my future son.

Dear Son,

Know that you are loved.  Regardless of what society tells or what the media says, you are always loved. The world may not always be in your favor, but I am.  Your family is always on your side.

When doing certain things, you may have to take extra precaution.  That does not make you less than anyone else.  You come from kings and queens.  You history is rich with leaders and intellects.  Never forget that. Never let anyone try to convince you that you are anything less than greatness.

Your future is not predestined because you are not a statistic.  You are coming into a world where the sky is your limit. No one is allowed to tell you differently.  There were many strong Black men and women that have forged paths for you. They struggled to make this world less of a strain for you.  Never forget those who have come before you and their sacrifices.

Above all else, know that you are needed and that you have a purpose in this world,

Love,

Your Future Mother

Back to the Drawing Board

~ esmethea ~ Leave a comment

Four months out and I have faced my first setback.  It is not a true setback.  I am moving to New York in August. This is a great move for my career and family, but it means a location change for my dinner.

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Finding a large space to host a dinner party in New York will cost me significantly more than it would in Atlanta.  Since I am funding this entire excursion, I have to think about my bottom line.  This means that I am basically back to square one. 

I will make my Twenty5 great.  Nothing will get in the way!

Week of June 27th

~ esmethea ~ Leave a comment

news3Free Bree Newsome: Michael Moore Offers To Pay Activist’s Bail After Arrest For Taking Down Confederate Flag

“Filmmaker Michael Moore announced on social media he would pay the bail and “any legal fees” incurred by activist Brittany “Bree” Newsome Saturday, when she is believed to have climbed the flagpole in front of the South Carolina Statehouse to remove the Confederate flag that customarily flies there.” – International Business Times

This African-Themed Show Had Zero Black Modelsnews3

“The ongoing conversation around cultural appropriation in fashion (and beauty) just got a new talking point. Japanese designer Junya Watanabeshowed his men’s collection in Paris today, at the Museum of Immigration. The collection drew on African influences — including colorful Dutch wax fabrics and Masai-style layered necklaces — while managing to feature exactly zero black models. Much noted on social media was the hair — several white models appeared to wear dreadlock wigs.” – New York Magazine

Three attacks deepen fears about Islamic State’s global reach

“The attacks appeared to have no connection in terms of tactic or target.

The beheading and failed attempt to blow up a chemical plant in France bore no operational resemblance to the suicide bombing of a mosque in Kuwait or the armed assault on a tourist-packed beach in Tunisia.” – The Washington Post

Will Uber Crack Under France Crackdown?news3

“The paradox that baffles – or the irony that bemuses – observers, about the permanent source of conflict that has become Uber in many places in the world, was on bright display this past week in France:[…]”- Forbes

The California Drought: All You Need to Know

“Pretty much every state west of the Rockies has been facing a water shortage of one kind or another in recent years.  California’s is a severe, but relatively short-term, drought. But the Colorado River basin—which provides critical water supplies for seven states including California—is the victim of a slower-burning catastrophe entering its 16th year.” – Newsweek

2016 contenders react to Obamacare rulingnews3

“From Hillary Clinton (she’s happy) to Jeb Bush (he’s not), candidates take to Twitter after the Supreme Court ruling.” – Politico

For many black Americans, Confederate flag debate a distraction

“As calls grow to remove the Confederate flag from public spaces across America’s South, Vanessa White says she questions whether that would mark real progress for black Americans like her.” – Reuters

Inquiry Blames South African Police in Killings of Miners at Marikananews3

“The failure ofSouth Africa’s national police force to control its officers or come up with a plan to handle a surge of angry protesters led to the killing of 34 striking miners three years ago, according to a report issued Thursday evening by the government.” – The New York Times

The 15 best workplaces for millennials right now

“Tuesday, Fortune released its first-ever list of The 100 Best Places for Millennials to Work in 2015.

The business publication teamed up with employment review website Great Place to Work to compile the list of companies that cater best to a young professionals’ needs.” – Business Insider

Texas woman thought she was African-American for 70 years before her adoptive news3mother told her she’s white

“A Texas woman considered herself African-American for 70 years before she found out she’s white, according to reports.” – The Daily News

Millennials outnumber baby boomers; most young children now minorities; new U.S. census estimates

“New population details released Thursday by the Census Bureau illustrate a growing trend and a new milestone for the ever-changing makeup of the country.” – Cleveland.com

African American Family Records From Slavery Era Will Be Available Online For news3Free

“After centuries of African American slave records have been left in shadows of obscurity and questionable narratives, a major website is closing the gaps on untold parts of history.” – Vibe

Supreme Court rules in favor of same-sex marriage nationwide

“In a landmark opinion, a divided Supreme Court on Friday ruled that same-sex couples can marry nationwide, establishing a new civil right and handing gay rights advocates a historic victory.” – CNN

The “B” Word

~ esmethea ~ Leave a comment

Not that “B” word, but this one can be just a tough to swallow.  BUDGET!  Budgeting is a key step to becoming financially independent.  To make this easier, we have created the Twenty5 Guide to Money & Spending.  

budget 2

This is our easy to follow and easy to use budget tracker.  Simply fill in the white cells with the appropriate amounts.  We have included basic expenses, but everyone has unique bills.  Make it your own!  We have also included Monthly Reviews.  This is where you can track your budget against what you have actually spent. The budget screenshot

If you prefer an app or service to help with budgeting, there are several.  Two of our favorites are Mint.com and HelloWallet.com.  Although HelloWallet is a paid subscription service, many companies offer subscriptions in your employee benefits.

This is only the first step, but stick with it.