Pix From Last Night + Who Will I See Tonight @ Bilal's Concert?!

Last night Lo and I checked out Yamashiro's Farmers Market! Think uber swank eats like Duck Contif Tacos with Wasabi guacamole, Australian Cappuccino and Chai, freshed shucked Oysters, peach cobbler with agave nectar in lieu of sugar, and a wine tasting menu that would suit even the most discriminating of tastes!

We will also be at Bilal's Free concert tonight at The California Plaza! [350 South Grand Los Angeles, CA 90071] - Bilal will be backed by the Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble [which just happens to be my fave] and Tributes to J-Dilla, Michael Jackson & Herbie Hancock will be in order, it is definitely not something you want to miss! If you are in the L.A area, and want to listen to good music FREE, come through!

I am also interviewing Bilal today so if anyone has any questions; please leave them in the comments. I will check them periodically throughout the day, and pick a few to ask :-) Hope to see some of you there!

Yamashiro's is nestled in the heart of the Hollywood Hills and boasts breathtaking views of Los Angeles! It's the perfect backdrop for wine tasting, live music, great eats, and and a super friendly atmosphere.

I would put this in my list of date-friendly places for those that want to shy away from "dinner & a movie"; bring your date to the Farmers Market and try new foods, dance to good music, and watch the sun go down together! Come on luvha's!

They had tons of fresh organic produce!

The crepe's looked delish!

Later on that night we decided to stop by Kitchen 24 to have drinks and desert! I got the red velvet cupcake :-)

Lo decided on the Strawberry Shortcake!

I wore a billowy dress from Arden B- and my Jeffrey Campbell Wedge Boots. For the chica that asked about my clutch bag a few days ago; I purchased it about 6 years ago at the Louis Vuitton store inside of The Beverly Center. It has a "belt" that you can string through the back to wear as a fannie-pack but I never do..lol

Kitchen 24:
1608 North Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Yamashiro's Farmers Market:
Every Thursday 6-9PM
1999 North Sycamore Ave

Tried Every Moisturizing Product Under The Sun And Your Hair Is Still Dry? Read On...

 [source]

Do you find that you are moisturizing your hair religiously to no avail? It may not be the products you are using, the issue could instead lie in the porosity level of your hair. The porosity level determines how well your hair is able to absorb and retain moisture within the cortex, and overly porous hair can have a hard time retaining moisture from even the best moisturizing products. Lack of moisture isn't the only drawback to having overly porous hair, hair that is highly porous also absorbs heat faster than hair with low or normal porosity levels which means your hair is more prone to heat damage.

What can cause porosity issues? Improper thermal straightening techniques, excessive heat [from blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, pressing combs etc], relaxers, and color applications. 

How will I know if I have porosity issues? Hair may appear straw-like and dry even after moisturizing. Hair may also have a tendency to air dry faster than normal. Hair may often feel "rough" to the touch. Hair may also be prone to excessive tangles and matting even though your ends are trimmed. Still not sure? Take the porosity test: Rub your fingers up a few strands of hair from end to root, if it feels rough, or bumpy, chances are you have raised or lifted cuticles which can also indicate issues with porosity [porosity issues stem from damaged cuticle layers]. Hair that has low or normal porosity levels should feel smooth up and down the hair shaft.

I am natural, can I use products geared towards correcting porosity? The answer is YES! If you use pressing combs, flat irons, and/or blow dryers you are susceptible to porosity issues. - Also as some of us age, certain hormonal changes take place that may also affect the density, texture and porosity of your hair.

How to correct issues with porosity?

Roux Porosity Control $12.99-15oz : Porosity Control works by depositing protein that binds to holes and gaps along the cuticle, Porosity Control also corrects the PH balance of the hair. On-going treatments are recommended to help reinforce the cuticle layer for severely damaged hair.
To use: Shampoo hair and lightly towel dry with a microfiber towel, apply about 1/8 cup of Porosity Control, and sit for about 3-5 minutes. Rinse out the porosity control with cold water*, and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner [since porosity has temporarily been corrected, hair is in it's optimal state to receive and retain nutrients/moisture] for another 25-30 minutes [with plastic cap].  
You can find Porosity Control at most if not all Sally's Beauty Supply Stores

*Why rinse in cold water? This closes the cuticles [raised cuticles is a major culprit in regards to frizz], which seals in nutrients from your conditioner, seals in moisture, and also imparts an incredible amount of shine.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Conditioning treatments that cater to the needs of those with overly porous hair [these products will be marketed as conditioner for "color treated hair"] are usually on the acidic side. Since Apple Cider Vinegar is also midly acidic, it is a cheaper alternative to pricey conditioners. Apple Cider vinegar works the same in that it temporarily constricts the cuticles correcting porosity levels.
To use: Take 1/3 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar and add it to 2-3 cups of cool Distilled water, use this mixture as a final rinse [do not rinse out], for shiny, tangle and frizz free hair.

Roux Fermodyl 619 Extra Strength $8.49 for 3 vials: If you press/relax/or color your hair regularly; I suggest you incorporate this into your regimen [once monthly]. Fermodyl helps correct porosity and elasticity issues, and is specially formulated for coarse, and curly hair. Because Fermodyl is formulated with Lactic Acid, it also makes detangling a breeze, which can help cut down on damage from combing!  
To use: Towel dry hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt. Section your hair into four sections, and apply Fermodyl to each section prior to applying your leave in. I would use one vial for my entire head.
You can find Fermodyl at most if not all Sally's Beauty Supply stores. 

Life Is Partly What We Make It, And Partly What It Is Made By The Friends We Choose - Tennessee Williams

Lo and I managed to catch tickets last minute to check out Foreign Exchange at The Roxy last night, and it was definitely good times! It was a much needed break from the monotony we have been experiencing lately, and it felt amazing to just let our hair down and dance to one of our fav groups. There is nothing better than great live music!

Now more than ever I value the phrase "true friend" - Ever notice that when you make the conscious decision backed with the effort to start LIVING your life; certain friends start to reveal themselves? When I was the insecure Nikole who was confused about her direction, and could barely look people in the eye, I was the ultimate sidekick, the bestie, the BFF. Now that I strive to walk in truth, and have made the decision to get out of my own way, I have found that I have become less appealing to some. At first it stung, as I wanted the unwavering support that I gave others. Then I started to realize that in order for true growth to occur, I must begin to get my house in order, and clean up my surroundings. I now know and have accepted the fact that it is ok to move on; it is ok to organically transition out of a situation that isn't conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Jealousy, greed, and competition are not the components of a healthy friendship.

Once I made the decision to transition out of those unhealthy relationships and interact with those on a much higher vibration, I started to feel much better about myself and about my outlook on my future. It seems as though when you plant yourself in love and support, the universe conspires to send blessings your way, and it manifests into an abundance of joy and wealth. Nothing can be denied to you, if you surround yourself in love.

Wearing:
Top: 25cent Goodwill Top
Pants: Zara
All Jewelry: Forever 21
Watch: Michael Kors

The Budget Fashionista: My Top Pics For Make Up + Skin Care

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Make Up

NYX | Why I Love It: NYX makeup goes on smooth and ultra pigmented. NYX has a wide range of colors suitable for most skin colors, and at around $1.99-3.99 a pop, it is the perfect go-to eyeshadow for the fashionista on a budget. Some NYX colors are also comparable in color payoff and quality to MAC eyeshadows; here are a few that I have tried and hold up well to their MAC counterparts:

MAC Coco - NYX Beanie
MAC Coppering - NYX Copper
MAC Cranberry - NYX Rust 
MAC Electric Eel - NYX Irises
MAC Amber Lights - NYX Golden

Where To Buy It: 

NYX Website
Ulta [In store only]
Some Asian owned beauty supply stores

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation $12.99 | Why I Love It: This gives me a flawless even finish which reminds me of the Studio Fix by MAC, without the "cake-y" look. This is the only drugstore brand foundation that gives me buildable coverage without the "ashy" look.

Where To Buy It:

Walgreens
CVS
Rite Aid

Milani | Why I Love It: Just like NYX, Milani's eye-shadow's go on on ultra smooth and pigmented. I love the "Runway Eyes" collection, the colors are all in the same family [so you can play with layering], and you get SIX colors for $8.99. Milani also makes colors that are comparable in quality and color payoff to MAC; and here are a few that I have tried:

MAC Banshee - Milani Spice

MAC Brulee - Milani Almondine

MAC Humid - Milani Clover

MAC Noctournelle - Milani Shock

MAC Nylon - Milani Classic Beige

Where To Buy It:

Walgreens
CVS
Rite Aid

Skin Care 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil | How I Use It:

Using to cleanse face via the Oil Cleansing Method
Rubbing a dab of Olive Oil mixed with a drop of Vitamin E helps to moisturize cuticles

Monoi De Tahiti Oil | How I Use It: 

As an after bath skin moisturizer; I apply this after applying my lotion to seal in the moisture
I use it in lieu of shaving cream for my legs [it makes for a closer shave, and leaves your skin silky-smooth]

Where to buy it:

From Nature With Love
Trader Joe's [Monoi De Tahiti Oil]
Grapeseed Oil | How I Use It:

All the glory goes to my mother for this little beauty secret! I use Grapeseed Oil on my feet before bedtime, and they are the smoothest they have been since I was a child! Seriously. Massage some Grapeseed Oil on your feet, and cover with socks at bedtime; try this religiously, and you should notice a difference within a week. 

Grapeseed Oil can also act as a makeup remover as well!

Witch-hazel | How I Use It: 

Witch Hazel can be used as a toner/cleanser or astringent, and helps treat moderate forms of acne. I simply add a bit to a cotton ball, and lightly rub my face with it after cleansing.

Witch Hazel can be found in stores like: [I normally find it in the First Aid isle]:
Target
Walmart
CVS
Walgreens
Rite Aid

In The Kitchen: Caramel Cupcakes

Last week, I received an anonymous comment on this post [in it I mentioned that I would love to test out a caramel cake recipe] directing me to this Caramel Cake recipe on the Lottie & Doof site. This weekend I got a chance to try out the recipe, and it was delicious! Halfway through mixing and measuring, I realized I didn't have the right size pan for this recipe [it calls for an 8inch square dish], so instead of running to Crate & Barrel, I made them into cupcakes.  Because I made these into cupcakes, I reduced the cook-time by about 8-10 minutes.

I would give this recipe a 10 out of 10 stars, as it is simple to follow, doesn't require a lot of prep, and it is absolutely delicious!

Caramel Cake (Gourmet, January 2008)
Cake:

• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sifted cake flour (not self-rising; sift before measuring)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature 30 minutes
• 1 cup well-shaken buttermilk

Caramel Glaze:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Make cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Butter an 8-inch square cake pan and line bottom with a square of parchment paper, then butter parchment.
Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until pale and fluffy, then beat in vanilla. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. At low speed, beat in buttermilk until just combined (mixture may look curdled). Add flour mixture in 3 batches, mixing until each addition is just incorporated.

Spread batter evenly in cake pan, then rap pan on counter several times to eliminate air bubbles. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack for 10 minutes, then run a knife around edge of pan. Invert onto rack and discard parchment, flip cake so it is right-side up and then cool completely, about 1 hour.

Make glaze:
Bring cream, brown sugar, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Boil until glaze registers 210 to 212°F on thermometer, 12 to 14 minutes, then stir in vanilla.
Put rack with cake in a shallow baking pan and pour hot glaze over top of cake, allowing it to run down sides. Cool until glaze is set, about 30 minutes.

Then & Now - Grab a Paddle Brush! + The Giveaway Winners Announced!

Then:
2009

2010

NOW

Here are the winners from last weeks giveaways! The winner of the MAC Giveaway was Jlowman1, please email your name and address to: nikole@themoptopmaven.com please also include your MAC color [for example NW40, NW45] -

Little HBIC was our winner in the hair products giveaway, please also email your name and address to nikole@themoptopmaven.com.

Thank you to everyone who entered, these were two of the most popular giveaways on my blog yet, and now that I know what you all like, there will definitely be more to come! :-) 

I was checking out some pictures of my hair over the weekend, and I realized how completely different it looked in comparison to the beginning of my hair journey. Back when I first embarked on my natural hair care journey, I was concerned about what people would think of my hair, so I maintained styles that were neat and defined. Now that I am more comfortable with wearing my hair in it's natural state, I long for big, wild, unapologetic hair.

Here are a few of my favorite techniques that get my hair as full as possible after a braid out, or twist out:

If I had to attribute my "big hair" to just one change in my regimen, I would have to say it was the paddle brush. Invest in a paddle brush! - Focus on brushing the roots of your hair to create additional volume. Simply take medium sections of hair, and brush starting at the roots. Don't bring the brush all the way down to the ends of your hair, you really just want to focus on the roots, and the first 2-3 inches or so. Don't worry about brushing out the curl, it will look more natural, and will give you MUCH more of a fuller look.

Take out your twists or braids when 95% dry - I find that doing this creates a ton of volume because  your hair s w e l l s as it completely dries. If you decide to do this technique, make sure your ends are in good condition [if not they sometimes will have a thin, ratty appearance], and your hair has been conditioned well, so that it appears smooth, shiny, and silky.

Go easy on the products - You don't want to weigh your hair down by using too much product. To give your hair more of a natural, fluffy look, use smaller portions of your favorite curl defining creme or butter. Too much product gives me neater, flatter hair. In this case, less is definitely more.

Separate as much as possible - To get rid of see-through areas, and create additional volume, separate each curl into five or more sections prior to brushing with a paddle brush. I find that it is easiest to separate the hair as you take down the twists/braids. 

Calling All Mixtresses: A Few Of My Favorite Formulas + Hairspiration Pics

Thank you everyone for chiming in on yesterday's post! There were some very, very good points made. I like to see the consensus of others, and it seems we were almost split down the middle yesterday with a large portion who felt that hair typing helped people understand the needs of their hair, whilst others felt it was a form of exclusion. On my little gossamer of the web, I want to make sure that no one feels excluded, so I will definitely make it a point try to find resources, and highlight useful information that will help those from textures ranging from A-Z. Thank you all for your honesty yesterday, I truly appreciate it.


When I first started my hair journey, I mixed a lot of my own butters and oils; it was a lot more cost effective, and it also helped me learn the ingredients that helped my hair thrive. Below are some of my favorite formulations:


Cupuacu Hair Butter 
I used this for twisting, and it was absolutely divine! Cupuacu is hands down one of my favorite natural butters. 

3 1/2 oz Cupuacu Butter
1/4 cup Aloe Vera Gel 
1/4 cup Honey
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
Optional 

** Melt Cupuacu Butter and Coconut Oil using a double broiler, just until melted. Transfer to a cool bowl placed in ice, add honey, Aloe Vera and whip with a hand-held mixer until smooth.

Horsetail Moisturizing Hair Spritz
2 cups Purified Water
2 Horsetail Tea Bags
1/4 cup Honeyquat [ I like this a lot better than using glycerin, it's less sticky]
1/4 cup Aloe Vera Juice

** Bring water to a boil and drop in tea bags, allow to steep covered for about 10-15 minutes. Once water has cooled to room temp, pour in bottle, add Honeyquat & Aloe Vera Juice, cap bottle, and shake well.

Herbal Infused Scalp Massage Oil [to stimulate hair growth/let this sit for about 4-6 weeks PRIOR to using]
All of the herbs in this Scalp Massage Oil formula are purported to aid in stimulating hair growth. Herbal Infused oils can cost a pretty penny in specialty stores, here is how you can make your own for a fraction of the cost!

1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Jojoba Oil
4 tablespoons of dried Horsetail
4 tablespoons of dried Stinging Nettle
4 tablespoons of dried Saw Palmetto
4 tablespoons of dried Burdock Root

** Pour oil in a clean Mason Jar, add herbs, shake well and cover. Shake once a week for about 4-6 weeks. Once oil is ready for use, strain oil through cheesecloth or muslin, and store in an Amber bottle to protect the properties of the herbs. 


Breakage Defense Pre Conditioning Treatment
Blue Malva is the SUPER HERB when it comes to helping prevent/put an end to breakage, and Hibiscus Petals come in close second.You can find the Blue Malva herb in many anti-breakage formulations such as Aveda's Blue Malva Shampoo, & Tresemme Anti Breakage Shampoo.

1 Cup Coconut Oil
1/2 Cup of Coconut Cream
1 cup dried Blue Malva
1 cup Hibiscus Petals

Pour Coconut Oil in a crock pot set on LOW, add dried herbs to crock pot and cover for 2 hours, making sure to stir every 30 minutes. After 2 hours has elapsed, strain oil through muslin or cheesecloth, and discard herbs. Add Coconut Cream to oil, and mix well before use. - I normally apply this to dry, unwashed hair, and cover with a plastic cap for about 1-2 hours.


Mixtress Tips:
When melting oils, and butters it is always best to avoid the microwave, and use a double broiler or double broiler set up [one large pot filled with water, with another smaller pot in the larger pot], melting oils/butters too fast [and in the microwave] can result in a loss of therapeutic properties.

When making whipped butters I always find it easiest to use a hand held mixer, and to whip the butter in a bowl nested in another bowl of ice.

My Cupuacu source: The Herbarie


My favorite place to purchase herbs: Mountain Rose Herbs

My Honeyquat source: The Herbarie



Here are some of my favorite hairspiration pics of the week!

I love experimenting with bold jewelry! There is something about bold jewelry and natural hair that always makes for a funky combo!

 

If only I had this texture! I love the pony puff! 

 

Here's another Puff idea I may try, it looks as though her hair is/was twisted..no?

 

Your hair doesn't always have to be super-defined to wear it "out". Although her curls aren't THAT defined, she looks chic, polished, and very stylish. I feel a lot better knowing I don't have to have every curl in place in order to wear a style like this.

 

Wash N Go's are one of my fav styles!

 

For those that are concerned about your sides being a little shorter than the rest of your hair, skip the part down the middle or on the side, and opt for framing the hair away from your face.

Image sources: source 1, source 2, source 3

Sound Off: The Delicate Dance Between Categorizing & Segregation

What on earth is good hair and why are we still using that term in the 21rst century?! I was in the Beauty Supply recently and a woman approached me, struck up a conversation, and we began to talk hair. I don't remember much after; "have you always had good hair, or was it your regimen".  

While this may very well be an innocent question, the motives behind the question leads me to believe there is more that can be done in the natural hair community to make ALL women feel beautiful about their crown and glory. My biggest issue stems not from the question, but from the attitude in which the question was cultivated. One of the main reasons I despise hair typing is because I feel in certain ways it contributes to the growing disconnect amongst African American women. Women with more of a kinkier hair type have been made to feel inferior about their hair since slavery; here we are another hundred years later and we are still using titles like good and bad hair; this time out of our own mouths, and in our own communities. 

Why is it that some of us feel the need to neatly categorize "our people"? If you happen to see a dark-skinned girl and she has long, silky, curly hair; do you immediately try to figure out her nationality? Or do you just admire her tresses? - There are some that will not rest until they know "to whom you belong", and will go as far as to ask the person their nationality. Is it sheer coincidence that some of us still apply the same methods of classification that were used to enslave us?

While I understand the need to help people understand and take better care of their hair, hair typing excludes so many others [like myself] who don't fit neatly into the system. It is that feeling of disconnect that can lead to discouragement, and a yearning for something other than what you have. I remember being afraid to go natural because I felt my hair wasn't silky enough to wear it in it's natural state, I hardly ever saw people raving about hair that was my texture. Quite the contrary; Tracee Ellis Ross was the poster child for the "perfect curls". What did that mean for me? Did that mean I was less desirable? For a moment I felt I was. I had to go off the grid to find myself, and I did it free of class systems, charts and graphs. 


Do any of you have issues with the phrase "Good Hair"? - What is considered "good hair" to you? - Is there anyone out that has issues with the hair typing system? - Do you feel it has helped you at all with your hair journey? I am curious to hear your thoughts on this...

Pictorial: For The Eyeshadow Challenged - Fresh Look For Summer

There is something about summer days that always has me longing for a fresh-faced glow. I usually turn towards peachy colors, and earthy pinks; nude lips are also a staple. I like my summer day-time makeup to be clean, and uber feminine.

I would definitely consider myself to be challenged in the makeup department, as I have far more tools than I know what to do with, as well as colors I am afraid to experiment with. Over the years, I have acquired little tips and tricks that takes the fuss out of "making face" and offers consistent results all the time.

Because I am not the best at blending, I find it easiest for me to work with no more than 2 colors. I always use a lighter color in the inner lid, and a darker complimenting color on the outer lid to add a bit more depth to my eyes. During the day, I usually like to skip the black eyeliner [as it has a tendency to look harsh sometimes] and instead opt for more of a dark shimmery brown liner.

Some of you may experience more of an "ashy look" when you apply your eyeshadow, and to remedy that, I would recommend using a NYX Eyeshadow pencil like the ones illustrated in the tutorial as they tend to really make eyeshadow colors pop against darker skin tones. Just apply the Eyeshadow pencil over your base, then pack on your eyeshadow of choice - If you are going to use a NYX Eyeshadow pencil, try to pick a color that is in the same family as your eyeshadow. These pencils are under FIVE DOLLARS so go ahead and splurge a little, take a few different colors home with you, and start to experiment.

Here are the tools you will need to create this look:

Nars Blade Runner Quad [We are going to use the deep rusty red color]
Nars Cairo Quad 
NYX Rust Eyeshadow Pencil
NYX Yogurt Eyeshadow Pencil

I only used two out of three of these brushes; The 217 & the 242. I use the 242 for packing on the color, and the 217 for blending out the color. These are pretty much the only two brushes I ever use. I only use the 219 pencil brush when I want to make a "cat eye", and for sweeping color under the waterline. Using some sort of eyeshadow base is key if you want a seamless crease free lid, and color that lasts almost all day. Urban Decay Primer Potion just happens to be my favorite.

1. First start off by applying your eyeshadow base of choice all over your lids, and allow to sit for a few minutes until dry.

2. Next take the Yogurt NYX pencil, and apply it from the inner corner, stopping just short of the middle of your eyelid

3. Take the rust pencil, and start from the middle of the eyelid, sweeping the color back to the end of your lid

4. Now take your 242 and begin to pack Cairo on top of the Yogurt color

5. With the same brush, pack on the dark rosey color from the Nars Blade Runner quad on top of the Rust color

6. Now it's time to BLEND

Starting in the center of your lid, take your 217 brush [note: my 217 brush had dark eyeshadow on it so I used another brush similar to the 217] and begin to blend in an outward motion [away from the inner eye].

Make sure to blend the crease area by making "windshield wiper" like motions to blend any harsh line where your lid and crease meet. I do not add any makeup to my blending brush, I am just using the brush to blend out the lines. I never allow the blending brush to touch the center of my eyelid, as I don't want any of the darker color there. I don't mind blending the darker color ABOVE the center of the lid along the crease line, but not on the actual lid. I find the colors get muddy if I blend them all together.

Make sure you blend out [towards the outer edge of the eye] -

7. Now you can add some eyeliner, mascara and lip color if you like; since this is a daytime look, I used a softer eyeliner pencil, a pink nude gloss, and more of a natural mascara.

Sephora Eyeliner Pencil in Glitter Brown
Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara
Nars Giza Lip Gloss