Black Magic Was Everywhere At The Golden Globes

 

Source: Google Images

Source: Google Images, Photographer Mert Alas, Actress Tracee Ellis Ross

As our country braces itself for a major transition in the White House, the Golden Globes sprinkled hope in many households.  With racial and cultural tensions at an all-time high, there was nothing more powerful than pure images of inclusion flashing across the television screen and on social media.  Continue reading

Favorite VMA Moments: Bey, RiRi, Kanye!

Source: Google Images

Source: Google Images

 

The MTV Video Music Awards did not disappoint and in true VMA fashion, viewers were given a night to remember.  Let’s kick this off with my top three VMA moments!  Continue reading

It’s My Anniversary!!!

I’m a couple of weeks late, so this is a belated celebration, but a year ago I decided to open up my world to all of you!  So far, Danithedreamgirl has been an amazing accomplishment and I’m sooooo looking forward to what’s in store for me.  You might be wondering what are some things that I’ve done with my site, and myself, in the past year …well, here you go!

-I’ve shared personal experiences with my readers!

-Started my own “how-to” segment with Become a Blogger Mondays

-I’ve conducted more than 16 interviews (which include celebrity interviews)

-I’ve built my contact list of celebs and publicists

-Had my site banner designed

-Took professional photos for promotions

-Built my traffic enough to generate revenue

-I’ve received 3 awards for my site!!!

-I started blogging for MuzikTalk.com

-Began photography services (with my new fancy camera)

-Have managed to help others and inspire them to follow/chase/run towards their dreams (the most important accomplishment)!!!

 

Although it has only been a year, it has been a gigantic step towards a great future!  I look forward to the next time when I can give you another annual update.  Thank you so much for your continued support…it means the world to me!

Naps, Kinks & Curls…Who Cares?!

So, in honor of the newest (ignorant) craze about our newest All-Around Gold Medalist, I’ve decided to address what seems to be a major issue within certain circles.  Let’s jump right into it!  Who the frap cares about hair THAT much to directly lash out against a 16 year old who made HISTORY?  It completely disgusts me to even think that people can, not only be so cruel, but they can be so superficial and disrespectful.

There seems to be a movement toward individuals going natural and less use of relaxers or other chemicals that could theoretically make them more “socially acceptable”.  Doesn’t that mean everyone can have different hair and do it as they please?  So, I dare ask the questions:  What does hair really represent?  Does it make you more acceptable to not rock the curls and/or naturalness?  Is there REALLY a need to be so hung up on titles of hair types?  I understand that this may be a sensitive subject for folks, but dang…image is not always everything when it’s at the expense of your sanity (or someone else’s).

NAPS: Now, this is a BIG thing for me to even be discussing.  I used to be the “ignorant” one who had no clue that “nappy” had a racial connotation (I still don’t and I still say it), BUT although I still say “nappy” I’m more aware of who I am saying it to for the sake of not hurting someone’s feelings (ugh).  For me, someone who is white, black, purple or green can have “nappy hair”…if you don’t do your hair, then hey, that’s what the heck it looks like!

TYPES: I just learned within the last couple of years that there were different hair types defined within a numbering system (3a, 4b, 4c, etc.).  I always used to just refer to types as, “curly” or “straight” or “tight curls” or “wavy” or “coarse”…you get the point.  I was educated on what hair type I have on Curly Nikki.  Honestly, I could care less…I just love my curls, who cares if you don’t.

GO OFF MOMENT: The point is, NOT everyone cares enough about hair to make a big stink about how others rock theirs!  Now, people can be a part of secret societies, forums or groups that only talk about hair, that is fine.  But, when there are certain individuals who take it a step further and ASSume that hair should DEFINE a person, that is when I get all out of sorts.  Here is this beautiful girl (not just a black girl, but a PRETTY GIRL) who worked her butt off to be able to compete on the United States Olympic Gymnastics team and the main thing that her “fellow people” choose to focus on is her hair?  Check out some of the HORRIBLE tweets that were put out about Gabby as she was still competing for her gold medals:

Why hasn’t anyone tried to fix Gabby Douglas’ hair?

Gabby Douglas gotta do something with this hair! These clips and this brown gel residue aint it.

Can Dominique Dawes fly to London to comb Gabby Douglass’ hair ???!!!!?!?!

I wanna do Gabby Douglas hair so bad. She makes me so sad.

Sometimes I wish there were a special device to rid the world of people who make comments like this (especially when they haven’t even mastered the English language)!  While they were busy tweeting and doing nothing short of being upset and jealous that their life is probably MISERABLE in comparison to Gabby’s, this young talent was wow-ing the rest of the world by being the FIRST African American female to win the gymnastics All-Around gold medal.  I’m here to say, “CONGRATS GABBY!”  Don’t let the world taint your view and don’t even think for one second that your hair defines you!  YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

WHEEEW! Glad I got that off my chest!  In honor of this inspiring young lady, enjoy the pics you freaking haters!

Saved the best for last for the haters!  BOOM!  When was the last time you were endorsed by a major brand?

ILLUMINATING Blogger Award!

I had the honor of receiving another award for my blog, YIPPEE!!!  It completely caught me by surprise, being as though I didn’t know the person who nominated me.  That just goes to show, PEOPLE ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO ME and I LOOOOVE attention.  I am the recipient of the Illuminating Blogger Award and it came with this lovely message:

I love reading your site so I’ve nominated you for the Illuminating Blogger Award for illuminating, informative blog content. You can check out the details at my site …

What an amazing surprise, especially since I work SO hard on my site! This really supports the old adage that hard work truly pays off.  So, what now?  The rules are simple:

1. The nominee should visit the award site (http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/) and leave a comment indicating that they have been nominated and by whom. (This step is so important because it’s the only way that we can create a blogroll of award winners).
2. The Nominee should thank the person that nominated them by posting & including a link to their blog.
3. Share one random thing about yourself in your blog post.
4. Select at least five other bloggers that you enjoy reading their illuminating, informative posts and nominate them for the award.
5. Notify your  nominees by leaving a comment on their blog, including a link to the award site (http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/).



If you are one of the lucky bloggers that I nominate for this nifty award, be sure to follow the above list.  Congrats to all fellow recipients and happy blogging!  Feel free to snag this image for your post as well!