I've Been Jaded!

And I am NEVER going back (to my other stylist)...Tameeka McNeil Johnson aka "The Curl Whisperer" is #thetruthdotcom.

I've had obnoxiously big curly, oftentimes frizzy hair my entire life but I never knew the beauty that my curls could be until the first time I sat in her chair. She taught me the technique for applying product so that every kink, coil, and curl on my head POPS! The best part...my signature WNG lasts a week! 

One year ago this month my hair affair started and unlike other hair stylists I have not been able to cheat on her. I went in recently to have my base color and highlights touched up, time for these coils to come alive with a very subtle 'sun kissed' hue. 

One of the things that I love most about Tameeka is that she LISTENS shes does not do what she wants to do to your hair, she does what YOU want done to your hair. Having said that she also manages expectations extremely well and tells you the truth about how what you want will look on your head. Remember no two heads of curly hair are the same! 

My hair is in heaven and so Tameeka and I are forever bound in Hair and Hair Stylist Matrimony! 

For more info on Tameeka: www.jadedtresses.com 

Coming next week: My Review of Blended Beauty Curl Styling Buttercream...My HOLY GRAIL styler for over six months now!

In Review: SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner

I live in the North East. Home of humidity. Temps in July and August climb close to if not over 100 degrees and the humidity follows suit with many 100% humidity days….#seriously. One thing that I have found since going natural is that my hair will swell to darn near epic proportions without a product that provides me with definition AND hold. Most gels are a no go as they contain alchohols and other chemicals that turn my soft bouncy coils into crispy coils. What’s a curl to do?

Enter my find from last year… Teri LaFlesh’s “Tightly Curly” method www.tightlycurly.com. Have you seen this woman’s hair? Ummm #infriggincredible. Teri styles with conditioner only. Go to her site to see what she recommends as the best ‘combing conditioners’ the conditioners that you can use to style your coils, kinks, and curls.

Recently I discovered Hey Fran Hey www.heyfranhey.com and can you say #HAIRCRSUSHALERT, check out her site and when you do remember that I said ‘mmmm hmmm girl I told you so.’ Fran shares tips and tricks on growing and maintaining healthy locks, as well as, her own personal hair regimen. I am incredibly drawn to the simplicity of her regimen and the fact that the products she uses contain natural, good for your hair ingredients. Fran co-washes with SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner and I remembered that I had a bottle stuck in a cabinet or under a sink somewhere in my house (hello my name is Etoile, and I’m a PJ).

After pre-pooing overnight and shampooing the next day I deep conditioned for thirty minutes under my heating cap, rinsed and then finger raked the SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner in small sections throughout my hair.

They Say:

Product Description:
Our all‐natural, daily conditioner moisturizes and repairs dry, lifeless, over‐processed and damaged hair.

Ingredients:
Deionized Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Argan Oil, Coconut Oil*, Behentrimonium Chloride, Essential Oil Blend, Vegetable Glycerin, Emulsifying Wax, Sea Kelp Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B‐5), Avocado Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower (and) Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) Flower extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil.

Ingredient Attributes: silicone free, paraben free, organic

I Say:

I am not a huge fan of Coconut Oil, I am protein sensitive and CO usually leaves my hair with some crunchified curls. Not so with this product. I like this conditioner a lot! It smells good and as you can see in the pic above my second day curls look soft and bouncy. New HG!!! I plan to add this conditioner to my regimen as both a co-wash and a leave in conditioner.

In Review: N-Diya Sweet Surrender Honey Body Wash

I was recently introduced to Safiya the proprietress and chief mixtress of N-Diya. N-Diya is an all natural bath and body store that is located at 449 Nostrand Avenue btw. Halsey & Hancock in the Bedsty section of Brooklyn...and is truly an urban oasis.

Safiya makes the most incredible all natural body and hair products and as her tag line states they are made so that one can ‘Nurture Yourself Naturally.'  Safiya ‘gifted’ me with a bag of samples and I must say that her products are truly my new #ish. It feels good to take care of yourself from head to toe with quality all natural ingredients that are not only good for you but that make you feel and smell incredible.

During my transition to natural I discovered firsthand the benefits of honey as a moisturizing ingredient for hair, I add a dollop of honey to my condish and deep condish whenever my tresses start to feel a bit parched and voila moisture is restored. Armed with this knowledge I was amped to try her Honey Body Wash.

They Say:
These shower gels are scented for an aromatic experience to indulge your senses and loaded with honey to moisturize and soften your skin. The use of Honey dates back to 3000 BC. It was recorded that people of ancient Egypt used honey as medicine, applying it to scrapes and cuts to increase healing, as well as to prevent bacteria. Cleopatra bath in honey and her beauty is still being talked about today. Honey is a powerful natural humectant (moisturizer). Its ability to attract and retain moisture and rebuild the moisture level in the skin without making it oil is astounding.

Note From Safiya: I can't tell you how much I love Honey. It is my absolute favorite ingredient. As someone who has eczema, I thought my skin would never be soft and supple. However, my special formulation which includes this awesome ingredient has changed all that! Please enjoy !

I Say: #loveit! I live in the North East and the cold harsh winter elements usually leave me with dry and yes I’ll cop to it…#ashy skin…not this winter…my skin remained soft, supple, and moisturized from November until now.

If you live in the NYC area stop in and visit Safiya, her products are AMAZING AND she also offers spa services!!!

For more info: www.n-diya.com

Restaurant Review: Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar

Ummm Hmmmm Wine AND Burgers…that’s EXACTLY what I said!!!!!

In case you have not noticed I'm a foodie. I love to cook, I love to try new restaurants and I love to eat...

While on a recent retail therapy mission at The Promenade Shops in Clifton, NJ my friends Blair, Linda & I decided to dine at Zinburger and let's just say I was NOT disappointed!

The decor is sleek and modern with a very ‘zen’ feel.  The staff is informative, warm, and friendly. As I scanned the menu my taste bud's started to gently hum the happy song tome...I hadn't eaten all day and everything on the menu looked so good! Sensory overload. Thank goodness I did not have to think too hard...Blair and Linda had both dined there previously #clearsthroat  #raisesbotheyebrows...WITHOUT me...but that's a 'whole other story' and told me hands down to order the Turkey Sloppy Joe.

Menu Description
Turkey Sloppy Joe $9
Roasted Poblano Peppers & Pepper jack Cheese

Etoile’s Description
A plate full of #yumminess. Seriously one of the best SloppyJoe’s that I can ever remember eating!! The combination of sauce, peppers and cheese were beyond flavorful. I also indulged in the hand cut fries…what’s a burger without fries #justsayin. This was one of the most delicious meals that I’ve had of late…so much so that I have wanted to go back EVERYDAY since then…I’ll be there tomorrow nite!

For more info: http://www.zinburgernj.com/

Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar the place where Yin met Yang and I fell in food love.

In Review: Wonder Curl Get Set Hair Jelly

I am not a huge fan of hair gel…the whole ‘helmet’ head thing...

I like my curls & coils to be touchably soft and not only do gels leave my hair hard and crunchy they also tend to dry my coils out leaving them parched and thirsty.

But….the lovely Scarlett, the visionary behind Wonder Curl has changed my mind!

Wonder Curl Get Set Hair Jelly…where have you been every hot, sticky, humid, afro inducing summer of my life?!

What they say: Get Set Hair Jelly smoothes, soothes and controls frizz without stiffness. Used with organic aloe vera which for many is a miraculous plant. In hair it is used to promote growth and revitalize hair. This jelly is also loaded with pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol) to strengthen your hair. Get Set Hair Jelly keeps your coils looking fresh and fabulous all day. Get Set Hair Jelly isn’t your typical hair gel. This Jelly defines your curls and protects your hair from humidity. For best results, use with Get Slick Hair Smoothie.

I say: My curls are soft & well defined (pictured above with 3 day hair). I co-washed with Aussie Moist, applied the Wonder Curl Get Slick Hair Smoothie (review coming next week), and then applied the Get Set Hair Jelly in sections using the finger rake method. New HG gel! #love.

For more info: www.wondercurl.com

In Review: Levi’s Curve ID Jeans

To know me is to know that I am a #trueblue jeans girl…pun intended.

Fun Fact 1: I have an entire closet with nothing but jeans in it.


Fun Fact 2: When I find a pair of jeans that fit well I will purchase several pairs.


Fun Fact 3: Levi’s Curve Id is that #ISH!!!


OMG Levi’s Curve ID where have you been all my life?!


They Say: Levi’s® Curve ID is a revolutionary way to shop for jeans, with four distinct fits that address a range of body shapes. Get a custom fit in a few easy steps.


I Say: Yes! Yes! Yes!


Several months ago when the product debuted I used the on-line tool to find my curve; no surprise here that with curves galore I am a ‘bold’ curve. I purchased a pair and fell in love.


I have a small waist and am quite the curvy gal so I usually wind up purchasing jeans that gap in the back. These fit as though they were made just for me. So much so that one day I forgot to put on my belt and they stayed on my waist all day. They have just the right amount of stretch and come in great washes…they are now #jeanofchoice.


I just ordered a pair of Bold Ankle Skinny Jeans (pictured above) for Spring/Summer and I cannot wait for them to arrive.


Curvy girls go to www.levi.com  and use the tool to ‘find your curve’…I promise you will not be disappointed!

In Review: Lux Naturals Moonlight Pomegranate Shea Body Butter

Hello my name is Etoile and I am a product junkie…no really a licensed, card carrying, certified, don’t try this at home kids PJ and right now I am #pissed off!

The other day my girlfriend’s and I make a run to Whole Foods after dinner to pick up a tea that purportedly has sleep enhancing benefits (more on that in another post) and while in their my friend who shall remain nameless says to me ‘Etoile you have got to smell this Body Butter’ HA now why does she say that to me?! So I mosey on over take a whiff and hold the bottle up to read the name of this jar of butter that smells like QUITE THE SLICE OF HEAVEN…Lux Naturals Moonlight Pomegranate Shea Body Butter; I then dip my finger in dab a small amount on my hand and am #blownaway by the ‘sheer’ lusciousness of it all.

They Say:

A blend of pomegranate, orange, cinnamon and vanilla. Sophisticated and complex this is sure to awaken your senses. Treat yourself to this rich deep penetrating Shea Body Butter. It will soothe, nourish and pamper your skin. Use it on your elbows, knees, hands, feet or all over. It is ultra rich and thick so a little goes a long way! Contains: 90% Organic Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Tapioca Starch, Mineral Pigments, Blend of Natural Fragrances and Essential Oils. Note: Color will vary based on scent. Do not expose to heat, may melt.

I Say:

I am hizooked! This is simply the most emollient body butter that I have ever used. Loaded with good for you oils & shea butter whipped to cloud like consistency my body stayed not only moisturized all day but the light yet moody fragrance stayed with me all day as well. #loveit. #curveapproved.

RUN do not walk to your nearest Whole Food to buy it!

www.luxnaturals.com

In Review: Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Intense Moisture Mask

Ever have THAT moment when you are standing in the bath room with your hair drenched in olive oil from the pre-poo that you did the evening before and you suddenly realize that you have not only no conditioner but no deep conditioner in the house…sigh. What’s a #natural to do? Bun my hair, wipe the oil from the nape of my neck and shamelessly head to Walgreen’s. With no conditioner in the house my inner PJ is so happy to be unleashed! I’ve been itching to try the Organix Macadamia Oil Line so I grab the Hydrating Macadamia Oil Intense Moisture Mask, my staple HEHH for detangling and head out.

They Say:
“This totally indulgent deep conditioner drenches even the driest, most brittle hair with moisture, leaving it soft, supple, and touchable with a fusion of gentle conditioning macadamia oil and moisturizing bamboo extract, while sugar can extract gives hair silky new life.”

I Say:
Found a NEW Holy Grail Product! Whooo Hooo! After shower detangling I applied the conditioner to my hair and was amazed at the slip. I sat under my heating cap for an hour, jumped back in the shower to rinse and my hair was super soft and shiny.

www.organixhair.com

This product is Curvy Curly Approved!

Etoile

On The Couch With Amira Mahmoud!

The Curvealicious Chronicles recently had the opportunity to sit with rising young Entertainment Exec Amira Mahmoud…Amira epitomizes the phrase “Mover & Shaker”...enjoy!

Etoile

What is your name and what do you do?
Amira Mahmoud, I'm a Music Artist Manager and I'm also the Director of Artist Relations at ELW Productions, Inc.

When did your 'love affair' with music begin?
As far back as I can remember, my parents always tell me how when I was a baby and I would cry, they would put me in the stationary swing in front of the TV and put on Janet Jackson and I would immediately stop crying because I was mesmerized. I've always LOVED dancing, singing, and listening to music.

How did you break into the entertainment industry?
I actually fell into it by accident, I was filling out online forms to do a co-op program in college and clicked on multiple positions in my area of interest, and surprisingly I ended up getting a call from Verve Music Group at Universal. I had always wanted to be in the music industry, but thought it was so exclusive and you had to know someone to get in...apparently not.

What advice would you give other young people hoping to have a career on the business side of the entertainment industry?
Do as many internships as possible! Once you're an intern, ask a lot of questions and make yourself useful to the people around you. It's also very important to keep in touch with the people you worked for and worked with.

What has been your career high-light to date?
There have been many highlights, but working on Son of a Gun would have to be the highlight for me. I really learned a lot about another side of management, reality television, and dealing with many different people. It was an eye-opener for me seeing how people deal with one another, whether it be positively or negatively. I also built a lot of great relationships with the people I met.

What are your goals and aspirations?
I feel like the question should be what AREN'T my goals and aspirations because I have so many! I really want to build my brand and eventually become a household name. I'm interested in many different areas and want to be involved in everything! I really look up to women like Kimora Lee Simmons and Jennifer Lopez who "do it all" and have built great brands and names for themselves. They are successful and involved in many different ventures while still having families, and ultimately that's what I want.

What projects are you currently working on?
Musically, I'm currently working on projects for Alex Young and my artist, Dougie Cash. I'm also in the process of developing a website with a partner of mine that focuses on dating and relationships. In addition I'm working on a couple of other projects, you'll see...

How do you balance work & play?
I think it's very important to find balance and to know when to balance. I try to incorporate both as much as I can, if I'm at an event with friends I still make an effort to network and build relationships that can transpire into my work, while still having a good time. There may be times where there is just too much work to be done or you know you have something important coming up and when that happens, you need to learn when to skip the social scene.

What's on Amira's playlist?
Currently, the albums that I keep rotating are Adele, Rihanna, J Cole, Drake, and Dougie Cash's First Class Mixtape. I love all kinds of music, and especially like music I can sing and dance to.

What can we expect from Amira in 2012?
You can expect me to keep growing and building myself as a brand, I'm really looking forward to new business ventures that I'm working on and developing my and Ed Woods' artist, Dougie Cash. I can't reveal all of the moves I'm making, but stay tuned because it's definitely going to be interesting...

That's SO Random...A Bit About Etoile

I was recently tagged in a blog by Michelle of www.RadiantBrownBeauty.com asking me to share 11 random things about me, as well as, answer 11 questions that she sent me. At the end of the 0f the post I will pose 11 questions and tag friends who are also bloggers.
Enjoy!
Etoile

11 Things about Etoile
1. My real name is Michelle Etoile
2. My nickname's are M and Shelley
3. I love cooking and feeding people
4. I have a closet just for my jeans. I am a serious 'blue jeans' girl. At last count I had well over 40 pairs and that was two years ago.
5. I love comedy.
6. My dinner of choice 2-3 days a week...Frosted Flakes...holds head down in shame and exits the room.
7. My favorite color is pink
8. I was on the Fencing Team in High School
9. I speak French
10. I LOATHE snow.

Answers to Michelle's 11 Questions
1. Where did you grow up? In the Bronx (NYC)
2. What was your favorite subject in school? (Nope. Gym doesn’t count) English. I LOVED to read and write.
3. Do you have an emergency savings fund? Sure do.
4. What’s your favorite way to spend free time? Cuddled up on my chaise or in my bed with a cup of tea and a really good book.
5. MTV or BET? My music taste is quite diverse so both.
6. Do you live in a house or an apartment? House...#sigh
7. What’s your favorite snack? Cheese.
8. Potatoes or rice? Rice.
9. What’s your favorite type of shoe? (flat, wedge, spike, walking, etc.) SNEAKERS! I love, love, love SNEAKERS!
10. Whose your favorite actress or female actor? Julianna Margulies
11. Favorite male actor? Idris Elba...need I say more?!

11 Questions for my Tagees

1. What is your nickname?
2. Do you have any hobbies?
3. What is your favorite type of cuisine?
4. What are you passionate about?
5. What is your favorite holiday of the year?
6. What sport did you play in High School? And if you did not play for a team what gym activity did you most enjoy?
7. What is the one place you most want to travel to?
8. What's on your bucket list?
9. Is your morning disposition is sunny & bright Or Don't even look at me?
10. This year I would like to...?
11. Sweet Potatoe or White Potatoe?

Tag Rules
Post these rules on your blog
You must post 11 random things about yourself.
Answer the questions set for you in their post.
Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
Go to their blog and tell them that you’ve tagged them.
No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people but if you don’t know 11 bloggers, tag as many as you can.

Tagees
Thembisa Mshaka www.thembisamshaka.com
Shelli of www.hairscpades.com
Tameeka of Jaded Tresses www.jadedtresses.com
Jenn www.healixonline.com
Suge www.sweetsugarsuge.blogspot.com
Calandra Branch www.calandrabranch.wordpress.com
Sofistafunk www.sofistafunking.blogspot.com
Tmor www.tmor.tv

Whitney

I was in my hotel room prepping for a Pre-Grammy Party in LA when my phone suddenly exploded, no less than 25 texts in 5 minutes or less. I was shocked and saddened by the news of her passing. Whitney sang songs and made music that spoke to my heart and my soul. A sister girl from Newark, NJ she seemed so cool, down to earth like we could actually be friends. The very first Music Awards Show that I attended I met her, she was kind and gracious and told me that my tuxedo pantsuit was gorgeous...I promptly went into the ladies room, pulled out my cell phone, dialed my mom and screamed into the phone 'Mommy! I just met Whitney Houston!'

Over the course of my career in entertainment our paths crossed again several times. She was always kind and gracious and sister girl 'real' ...her status appeared to have never gone to her head.

Whitney was my icon, she created beautiful, timeless music that will live on forever.

My deepest condolences to her family.

In Review: Melba's Restaurant

One of life's most glorious past times has got to be enjoying a REALLY good (emphasis on REALLY GOOD) meal with a dear friend or a loved one...well at least it is for me.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to dine at Melba's Restaurant located at 300 West 114th Street in NYC. The restaurant had recently been featured on one of my favorite shows "Chef Roble" while he met with client and the ever fab Bevy Smith to go over details for an event that he was catering for her...I thought to myself well if Roble AND Bevy dined there then Etoile should to!

Oh and what a 'treat' it was. The small restaurant is beautifully and tastefully decorated. My dinner companion and I were seated immediately and presented with menus and then my troubles began...seriously how do you choose between eggnog waffles and fried chicken or the fried chicken entree with the all time kicked up soul food classic...THREE Cheese Mac N'Cheese. #ummhello!

After battling my inner foodie I settled on the Catfish Strip Appetizer and The Fried Chicken Entree.

Our appetizer’s arrived shortly after we order…#bonus and were #delish! My Catfish Strips were lightly battered, crispy, and almost melted in my mouth. My friend ordered the Melba’s Spring Roll which was filled with Red Rice, Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens in a Spring Wrap.

When our entrees arrived it became obvious to me that the star on my plate was the Tres Macaroni and Cheese which is a blend of Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, and Cheddar Cheeses…one word #LAWD.

The service was fantastic, the food was delicious, and I will be back.

If you live in the NYC area and you have not dined there add Melba’s to your list of restaurants to try.

Until Next Time,
Etoile

For additional information:
http://www.melbasrestaurant.com

NYC Area Naturalista's Join Me On Saturday!

Saturday, January 21, 2012
The South Oxford Space
Great Room
138 South Oxford Street
(Between Atlantic Avenue & Fulton Street)
7P.M. – 10P.M.

Join Doris New York Hair Care and SistahGirlfriends Inc for an evening of real talk, real knowledge, real FUN!






Panelists include:
Winsome Sinclair, Casting Director, Chief Managing Partner at Winsome Sinclair and Associates

Michelle Joyce, President and CEO of Digital Chick Media.

Brian Luvar, President and CEO of Grandma's Watching Productions.

Edward M. Johnson – Managing Director, Rebel Visions Corporation.

Marlene Duperley, Co-Owner, Creative Director and SVP at Doris New York Hair Care Products/Salon.

Also featuring the exquisite designs of Arlinda Macintosh, President and Creator of Sofistafunk The Original Skirt Company.

Swag BAGS!!!!!!! Cocktails, Hors D'oeuvres, Giveaways, and so much more! Come out, get some life changing information and spend an evening with some fabulous men and women!

$10 AT THE DOOR
GENTS WELCOME

On The Couch With Tmor!!!

The Curvealicious Chronicles recently had the opportunity to sit down with my dear friend and one of the funniest men I know…Tmor. What I love most about his comedy is that it is so authentic and real, he serves up ‘life’ stories with a big heaping spoon of humor. If you live in the NYC area be sure to check him out at The Laurie Beechman Theater on February 8, 2012.

Enjoy!
Etoile

What is your name and what do you do?
Tmor. I tell jokes.

What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about my kids. I have an 11 year old boy and 8 month old daughter and they’re hilarious. Well, my son’s hilarious!!! My daughter’s a little jaded, though.

What are your goals and dreams?
I’m just focusing on my craft right now, challenging myself to find my truths and share them on stage. At some point I’d like to put out a Comic Diversity Comedy Album. But, that’s a ways off.

What words of advice can you offer anyone who is in hot pursuit of their dreams?
Stay focused, be driven but enjoy the journey.

What was your 'AHA' moment?
Which one? My life has been a series of AHA moments! I think my first AHA moment was when I was a kid, around 4 years old. I accidentally swallowed Drano. AHA! Tomorrow is never promised…got it!

What are you most proud of professionally?
I didn’t have to sleep with anybody to get this interview.

What sage words of advice can you offer about taking risks?
Risks are necessary. Calculated risks are best.

How do you balance career and family?
I don’t believe in balancing. I believe you have to prioritize and hope you get to it all. But, inevitably something falls through the cracks…you just hope it isn’t one of the kids.

What is 'next' for you?
We have a Comic Diversity show coming up on at February 8th at the Laurie Beechman Theater. Myq Kaplan is our headliner.

Where can we find you on the web?
www.tmor.tv