So I had to upgrade the app

I just upgraded the app so now I can take pictures and post via my awesome phone. Thank u Steve Jobs for taking chances and getting messy in the process. If you can tell I'm a loyal Apple Person...my iMac is my best friend. LOL I digress.

In an effort to lose 20 pounds (the same 20 I've been trying to lose for over 3 months now) i've been trying to change my eating habits. So i went ahead and made me an awesome spinach and cheese omelet for dinner. Took less than 5 mins and it was oh so yummy. Here take a look and see for yourself.

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Typos

I know I've been bad with the typos as of late, but Thr iPhone buttons are a little tiny in the portrait position. Sorry I will try to do better.

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Recovering Product Junkie

Heyyyyyyt,

As you all know I just began a new journey into the world of locs and with that being said some changes need to take place. Locs and being a product junkie don't mix very well. So I was wondering what would be the best way to het rid of some of my products without throwing them away. I came up with a little giveaway of sorts and I'm not even sure if I have enough readers to make this succesful. Please tell me what you guys think about this. Is this something you would partcipate in and what's the best way for me to spread the word?

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My Trash has become somewhat of a treasure

If have been in a constant struggle to get out of this 4 year artistic funk.  Despite being told on numerous occasions that I am talented and that I need to use it before I lose it.

So one day I decided to clean out my old makeup and nail polish clutter and introduce them to them to the garbage but then a nightlight went off over my head and I decided to make some use out of them. On a whim I went ahead and grabbed some canvas from the closet that I purchased months before I moved and started just plopping polish,eyeshadow and blush in different areas. I used my fingers and a few q - tips to manipulate the mess that would soon become a work of art. LOL

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Drumroll Please...

Here they are....What you might ask?

Well the pics of my hair before locs, 1 month into locing and my fresh re-twist. I went to a salon in Atlanta to see my Loctician named Ziyadah ( who was referred to me by someone with the most gorgeous locs I have ever seen).

I will post her information a bit later.

Co Washing/Conditioning

Puff/Twists

1 Month into my Journey

 

Retwist/Palm Roll

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My Loc Journey

Hey people, just wanted to post a few pics of my hair one month into my loc journey. My loctician started my locs off with two strand twists. As far as maintanence goes I have just been spraying an oil mixture that I made with grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and peppermint and tea tree oil. I spray my hair with the mixture every few days or as needed. Baby let me tell u this frizz that in experiencing is no joke. Especially at the crown and the sides. Tuesday will make it an official month since I began. So I plan to go get a much needed wash and a fresh new twist too this crazy new growth. I have pics but I'm writting this post from my new toy so I'm not sure how to add th pics to this post yet. I will upload the before and after pics asap.

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Been a long time...

Soooooo.....

Yes, it's been a minute since I have posted anything. I have been somewhat busy with school, work and trying to have somewhat of a personal life. I tell you it's not easy being a grown up, times like this I wish I was a Toys-R-US kid again.

As far as my hair is concerned, I have embarked on a new journey...I am in the process of loc'ing my hair. Gasps as if we didn't see this coming. I've just been really lazy when it comes to styling and overall maintenance so this seems to be the best of both worlds. I remain natural but I still have the freedom of not having to spend hours on end doing my hair every few days. De-tangling is no joke...especially when you have thick hair like mine.

I haven't really taken any good pics of the do yet. I'm trying to wait til I get to month 3 that way they can start to look somewhat like locs and not 2 strand twists.

As far as music is concerned there is so much great stuff just sitting on my desktop begging to be listened too. I know I'm a mess, but while I had a recent bout of insominia I ran across this snippet by Jose James. If you have never heard of him you need to get up on it like YESTERDAY. He has given me a new appreciation for a genre that I really never bothered to take the time to listen to...Jazz. As much Hip Hop as I listen to I could never bring myself to really listen to the music that they sampled and I grew to love.

Here's a clip of a track of of his new cd coming October 26, 2009









I will promise to do better in the future.

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Funkin it up Friday's

I'm back again, and this is an artist that I just happened to come across while looking for someone else.

This lovely ladies name is Lisa Shaw and I've included a little info on her provided from Last.FM.

She's done a ton of work with Artists like Blue Six,Aquanote, and Joey Negro just to name a few. Let me know what you think.

Lisa was born in Toronto, Canada, and has been singing live and recording in New York City for the last twelve years, collaborating with producers such as Jay Denes, Eric Stamile, Dave Warrin, Scott Hardkiss, Smash Hunter, and Swingsett. She has also been remixed by names such as Jimpster, Herbert, Joey Negro, Swag & Crazy Penis, and Phil Asher. Since 1994 she has released music with Naked Music, Ubiquity, Yoshi Toshi, RCA, East West, Grand Central UK, Sirkus UK, Astralwerks and NRK.

Lisa’s first contribution to the Naked sound was “You Are Love” by Lovetronic and after many collaborations with Naked artists and producers - Blue Six, Central Living, Petalpusher, Aquanote - she signed as a solo artist in 2001. Her debut single for Naked Music was the worldwide underground classic “Always”.

Lisa has received rave reviews and features in The New York Times, CMJ, Muzik, URB, The Canadian National Post, Billboard, XLR8R and many others. She has also performed live on The David Letterman Show as a backing vocalist for Jewel. Madonna paid tribute to “Always” in Rolling Stones and proclaimed Lisa to be “So Cool!”

Throughout her career, she’s played and recorded in a diverse range of musical styles, ranging from deep house, avant-garde hip-hop, trip-hop, acoustic soul and drum and bass. She also performed live at the Prohibited Beatz party with Nerve, a fusion band led by drummer/producer Jojo Mayer where Takuya Nakamura (Organic Grooves/Ism), Tim Lefevbre and DJ Swingsett also appeared. Lisa has also collaborated with Itaal Shur, Lucy Woodward & Mark Anthony Jones.

www.myspace.com/lisashawmusic 

www.last.fm/music/Lisa+Shaw  

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Creative Roadblock...

It's been awhile since I have done any artwork. I feel as If I have gone though an extended mental/creative block for the past 3 years. I'm lacking motivation and any solid creative thoughts. It really started after I lost all my design work from undergrad. I guess I felt overwhelmed a the thought that I had to start over. I think at that point I just gave up and decided to take a break. I honestly never intended for it to last so long, but life gets in the way sometimes. Several distractions from working to putting in to much work into a relationship that should have never really been.

I eventually want to start doing at least one piece every two weeks opposed to once every 6 - 8 months.

Am I the only one dealing with this or is this common when it comes to life after college.

I did this piece at least 3 years ago and I happened to come across it on one of my old deviant art accounts. I really wish I could have perfected to gifts then and acknowledged all the things I am capable of and what I am truly meant to do in this life.

 

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Just Another Boring Co-Wash

Hey People,

I'm pretty much at a stale point in my natural journey...you know that funky in between stage that can either make or break you. I've been natural since June of 2008 after a brief yet traumatic relapse due to my addiction to the creamy crack. Here I am a year later and those some emotions of not knowing what to do with my hair are starting to emerge all over again. At least this time around I am contemplation taking my natural journey to the next step with loc'ing my hair.  I'm lazy when it comes to my hair...I just want to get up and go. I'm bored with wearing Puffs and it's too time consuming to twists my hair every week, so this seems like the best option. I get the convenience of not having to spend as much time and energy oon my hair as well as having a more mature polished look.

My Weekly Regimen

Co- Washed with Suave or V-05 Conditioners (I prefer Suave )

Then I apply Karen's Boody Beautiful Hair Necter (A little goes a long way!!! )

I use Aussie Moist Hair Insurance Leave In Conditioner (Smells Wonderful)

I apply some Fantasia IC Gel to my edges ( will clogs pores and cause issues if not washed on a regular basis)

and wallah

This is pretty much all the motivation I have when doing my hair.

 

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4 smudgepots & brush for only $32 (a $95 value) & FREE SHIPPING!

Get Them Just in Time for the Holidays!!!! www.stilacosmetics.com

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Funkin it up Friday's thats a few days late.

Hey People,

Yes I know I am a few days late with the Funkin' it up Friday but I have been somewhat busy with a new not so great new job and trying to finsih out the semester with a decent GPA.

So today I want to show some love to Flying Lotus -

Flying Lotus, (born Steven Ellison) is an experimental multi-genre music producer, disc jockey, and laptop musician from Winnetka, California. His debut album, 1983, was released on Plug Research Records in 2006.^[1] He is most famous (yet also uncredited) for the music in many of the segues of Cartoon Network's Adult Swim,^[2] and he has also contributed remixes to fellow Plug Research artists, including Mia Doi Todd. His great-aunt is the late Alice Coltrane. He is affectionately referred to as FlyLo by fans and critics.^[3]
He signed with Warp Records in 2007,^[4] and, following his Warp debut—the six track Reset EP—released his second album, titled Los Angeles on June 10th, 2008. (Source;Wikipedia)

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Thank You Clumps of Mascara!

Hey Ladies and Gents,

I am a stalker of the Clumps of Mascara Blog and back in April I entered my first Clumps Giveaway for a $50 Gift certificate to www.BeautyTicket.com and I actually won! Beauty Ticket is an AWESOME site for anyone that likes makeup and good deals. I went ahead and finally used the gift certificate and got a slew of stuff.  From perfume to bronzers and a few other items in between. My order arrived in a few days in a well packaged USPS box with not one item broken or cracked - The shipping was excellent.

I am definatley looking forwad to placing more orders in the near future.

Thanks again to Brittany at www.clumpsofmascara.com/

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Funkin it up Friday's

This week I want to show some love to a very talented group : Naked Music. If you love House music this is the group for you.

Naked Music is a dance music record label, centered in San Francisco and New York City. It is known for smooth signature deep house and downtempo. It began life as a production company in New York, in 1992, when founders Dave Boonshoft and Jay Denes scored underground success with releases on indies such as Francois Kevorkian’s Wave Music, and UK’s XL Recordings. A string of high profile remixes followed with artists as diverse as Sade, Kelis, Maxwell and Britney Spears. Blue Six is the alias of producer Jay Denes, whose debut album, Beautiful Tomorrow, delivered a mix of deep house, soulful pop, and smooth jazz. In 1998 the production company became a true record label. (source: Wikipedia)

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Lucifer Rising...

 Well, not at this present time, but all the Supernatural Fans know exactly what I'm speaking of. The long awaited season premiere is Tonight. I know I'm not the only that is excited. This is what we have all been waiting for! The showdown between good and evil that has been building for 4 Action Packed Seasons.

I'm really curious to see how Sam's powers evolve and weather we learn what side he is really destined to fight for. Will Dean keep doing the Angels bidding or will he continue to question his faith. Oh, and what will Bobby have to say about this? Does this mean that Sam and Dean's father gets to make a few much needed appearances.

The final question that's on my mind...What will Lucifer look like in his true manifestation ?

Nonetheless I can't wait til tonight.

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Polish a'la Post - Zoya Twitter 5000 Promo

A few weeks ago Zoya had a very special promo going on for Twitter Users. The Goal was to get 5000 Twitter users by August 5th. Well safe to say they achieved their goal and went above and beyond by giving followers a whopping $18 off of any order. That's basically saying order 3 polishes on us and all you have to pay is shipping.

I Jumped at the chance to try a few and I have to say these are the best polishes I have every used. The the application was smooth, I only used 2 coats. The overall shine was phenomenal (no top coat needed) and the color swatches on the site are exactly what you recieve! I will be purchasing more in the near future.

Pippa - Whitney - Elodie

 

  

 Zoya Polish - Elodie (Excuse My Tips - They are naturally that white)

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Mayer Hawthorne : So Ready For This...

Album to drop this week! I have been patiently waiting ever since I heard Maybe So, Maybe No. Seriously I have not anticipated a new artist like this in a very long time.  The saying you can't judge a book by its covers is so true in this case because when you hear his voice it sounds like its coming straight from someone on the Motown label that could possibly resemble Marvin Gaye or Sam Cooke. In actuality he hails from Ann Arbor Michigan and could have easily been a cast member from Revenge of the Nerds. Maybe this is why I feeling this so much at the moment...possibly the best of both worlds. If you don't know about him check out the link below. His album drops this week and I'm so ready for it.

 

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Natural Hair Boredom Blues

So I've been natural for a year and a month or so (for the second time) and I'm at that phase where my hair is deciding what it wants to do. Does it want to continue to grow upward and out or will I start to get some hang time...

Honestly at this point I don't know what to do with my hair, I really wish I knew how to braid and flat twists. I know there are tons of resources but I need some hands on training. I wear puffs,twists,twist outs and unsuccessful braid outs :(

Part of me is really contemplating loc'ing because I have one of those faces that if hair is not down or around it I look like I'm 5 - 10 years younger. If I was 40 maybe I would be ok with that but I'm 27 and people always think I'm 20/21. I had an older women chat with me at the Marta station and we wear just speaking about how times have changed. As we were talking she stopped me and asked "how old are you?" I told her my age and she responds saying "I thought you were about 15/16!". I was a little insulted and wanted to give her the side eye of death...but I digress. Maybe some solution will fall into my lap or maybe I will just get scissor happy. Till next time.

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Polish a'la Post

China Glaze's :  Patent Leather
I actually took these swatches several months ago before I moved and never got a chance to do anything with them. I think its a gorgeous color just not really my style. I like the overall shine that it has. This is at least 3 coats of polish and since its so dark it did stain a bit even with a basecoat. I would defiantly use this color as a pedi polish, especially since due to my profession I can't wear nail polish to the office.

I purchased this bottle from Ulta for $6.50.

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New Layout

I wanted to make the layout a little cleaner and I whipped up a new banner for the site. Please feel free to tell me what you think.

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Just Pondering a Bit...

This is for all the single women that have tons to offer but have yet to find the right person to give it to. This is basically where I'm at in my life and it really sucks to know what kind of person you want to be when in a relationship but no one to share it with. You would think that educated,articulate,well rounded, and down to hang with the the boys would be a hot commodity, Well apparently its not so hot :(

I guess my question is why does it seem like its becoming increasingly harder to find men that are ready to open up and that don't assume all women are out to hurt them. Men are some of the most sensitive beings but they love to put up that front to hide the fact that they are just as vulnerable as women if not more. I would really like to come into contact with someone that will really trust me and open up so that we can start to build some form of foundation. Whether its just destined to be a friendship or more.

I'm at a point where I have begun to make plans for the future in the event I don't find/come into contact with that person that I'm meant to be with. The really sad part of this is the fact that more and more Single Educated Black Women are falling into that category.

Are we the reason or is it due to the fact that some many women claim they want a good man, but when they find him they are unsatisfied and claim that he is too nice or does not have whatever material item they need at the moment. These are the same men that get dumped and cheated on and then eventually take on the attitude that they will get them before they get got.

Are we part of the problem or are we the catalyst to way to finding the solution.

I really don't have a solution for this problem/situation, just wanted to throw some random things out there before heading to bed.

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Funkin it up Friday's

You all know what time it is. Sorry for the lack of posts, this week has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. I just wanted to bring something new to you from my hometown Chicago.

Please check them out, they are some amazing artists that need to be heard and appreciated.

http://www.thebstc.wordpress.com/




Here's a classic, love his voice and wish their were more artists that had his range and talent.

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Hi, I'm new!/Funkin It Up Friday's

Hello, I'm Toya, and I will be posting here every once in a while. I will do a better intro of my self later, but now it's time time for work. So enjoy these songs Have a great weekend all!


I really miss 90's RnB. Jodeci was the shit!



This was my song....when I was in 5th grade.



Mary J! And she still going strong!



What happened to them? I loved this song! I think the Fugees came in and kinda took their style, lol.



Loved this song and I still do. I Love the words.



Thats all for now. I'll post later. Peace.

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My Sephora Order arrived...

So my first Sephora Online order arrived and I'm trying out some Carol's Daughter and I don't think it will take the place of my Karen's Body Beautiful but we will see. I will do my best not too be to biased.. Look out for the post later tonight. See you soon.

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Honesty Box

I decided to see what the hype was and installed the Honesty box app on facebook and I do respect all comments given and can understand where they are coming from on their feelings toward me. But one comment truly bothered me and it basically said that I was lost and need to be less indecisive and scattered. Now I respect the statement but anyone that really knows me understands why I am this way. I pretty much had someone in my life telling me what to eat, what to think, when to sleep, how to dress and even what religion I should believe in. This all changed for the best about 4 years ago. So I have been trying different things and basically trying to find my purpose, as do all people young and old. Somethings I stick with and some I don't, but I believe I have the right to change my mind whenever I feel especially when it concerns me. This new found freedom is new for me and I will take advantage of ALL my talents. Does this make me lost no...If I were lost I would simply have no sense of self and no drive to accomplish anything in life. I could have simply fallen from grace and accepted that all the negative in my life was my fault and never strive to be better.

I am a works in progress and If you truly know me you would understand the great leaps and bounds I have taken to get here and how much more I have to grow.

There are several things that when I have made a decision I stick with but in regards to what I want to do with my career for the next 30 years I will try any and everything until I feel the fit is right.

Relationships is another aspect that I know what I want and I am willing to compromise as long as the person actively communicates with me. I don't like playing the guessing game nor should I have to. This is the same for a friendship or something more than that. I am an open book and for the first time I'm seeing that its ok not to know exactly what you want, but when I find it I will discover it's been exactly what I needed. I don't and will never shy away from my feelings whether they are good or bad. I honestly feel people that run from emotions end up cheating themselves in the long run.

I would rather try and fail than not try at all.

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Private After Hour Sale :

Charlotte Russe Sale : 30% Off Entire Site
Code: 8AFTER

6PM - 2AM Pacific Time

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Ok Yes I know it's late but I'm really digging these two artists

So I heard about Joy Jones a while back and didn't pay her any mind. Boy was I wrong and missing out on such an amazing voice. Her vocals are flawless and I think it's safe to say she has taken Jill Scott's spot on my iPod. Sorry Jilly from Philly!



Now on to a group called the Noisettes that I'm feeling and sorry I have slept on them for so long. The music is not for everyone but I appreciate artists that step out the box without even trying. The fact that the lead singer is a woman of color just puts the icing on the cake. She is gorgeous and talented.



On that note I'm off to bed, enjoy!

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Just Pondering a Bit...

This may pertain to some people but it may just end up being my mini rant for the day. Have you ever met someone that truly and whole heartily believed some of the mess they peddled to the world. They have worn the mask for so long that they are unable to see what is reality and what is fiction. Someone that has somewhat mastered the art of being a chameleon. The sad thing is they have copied and assumed others' identities for so long they don't even know or can't even grasp a sense of self.

Made me think of this song

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Fresh Twists

Hey Everyone,

See I'm trying to really commit to the blog. Hopefully the word will get out and I will get a few more followers.

So I went ahead and twisted my hair today, despite my lazy mood. I will be posting the products used later on today. I basically just washed hair with some Dr. Bronners Peppermint soap and conditioned with Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose conditioner and applied so Jamaica Mango and Lime Island Oil. Then twisted with Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Butter and some Protein gel.

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Funkin it up Friday's

Ok So this week I will feature an artist that some of you may be familiar with...drum roll please. It's the highly underrated talented Crystal Waters. She may have simply been one of those artists that was ahead of her time. I have always thought she was slept on. While she always recieved radio play I just don't think people really took her seriously.

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Poll for my natural readers

Has the amount of attention from men changed since being natural?
	Yes
	No
	Maybe
	Don't Care
	Haven't Noticed
pollcode.com free polls

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I smell just like candy

So while stalking a blog a few months back I ran across something that has become a staple for me. This wonderful product is Aquolina Pink Sugar Hair Perfume! I was somewhat skeptical because I had never heard of a perfume for my hair. So being the dare devil I am I went down to Ulta (fav store for numerous reasons) and purchased a bottle. It's also sold online at a Sephora. I love this product! The scent is sweet yet not over bearing, similar to Escada's Rockin Rio perfume. I get tons of compliments on how my hair smells ( I know it's a little weird). Fits right in your purse or gym bag and easy to travel with. If you are looking for a lil umph this would be a great buy. Let me know what you think.

Pink Sugar Hair Perfume
Stylish and lively, with a distinctive personality, Pink Sugar takes you on a journey through the pleasures and flavors of childhood with a playful blend of vanilla and caramel.

Experience this enchanting fragrance in a light, lovely hair mist that will make your mane magical.

Notes:
Bergamot, Sicilian Orange, Raspberry, Fig Leaves, Lily of the Valley, Licorice, Strawberry, Red Fruit, Cotton Candy, Vanilla, Caramel, Musk, Wood, Powder.
Style:
Playful. Mischievous. Romantic.

3.38 oz Hair Perfume Spray $10 -15

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Funkin it up Friday's

So I think since I have been slacking on the updates I will have to create a strict blogging regimen. I know that's really bad on my part, but I really want to stay dedicated to this blog and becoming involved in the blogging world.

With that being said every Friday I will feature an artist...some new and some oldies but goodies.

This week's artist is the very talented Bobby Caldwell. He is best known for his song "What you won't do for love" This song is such a complex yet simple ballad created by one of the well known artists known by their Blue Eyed Soul.

The track featured below is one that was made famous by Common and then sampled again by Dwele.



This track has been sampled by some of the best.

• Aaliyah's "Age Ain't Nothin' But a Number" (samples "What You Won't Do for Love")
• Da Brat and Mariah Carey's "Gotta Thing 4 You" (samples the chorus of "What You Won't Do for Love")
• 2Pac's "Can I Get Your Number", "What I Won't Do For Love (Unreleased)" "Do for Love"(Posthumous) and "Heaven Ain't Hard 2 Find" (sample "What You Won't Do for Love")
• Tatyana Ali's "Boy You Knock Me Out" (samples "What You Won't Do for Love") On Kiss The Sky (1998)
• Common's "The Light" (samples "Open Your Eyes")
• Notorious B.I.G.'s "Sky the Limit" (samples "My Flame")
• Portrait's "heartstrings" (samples "My Flame")
• The Luniz's "Playa Hata" (samples "What You Wont' Do for Love")
• Guru (rapper)'s "Something in the Past" (samples "What You Wont' Do for Love")
• Esham's "24/7" (samples "What You Wont' Do for Love")
• Raheem DeVaughn and DJ Jazzy Jeff's "My Soul Ain't for Sale" (samples "What You Won't Do for Love")
• Goldie's "What You Won't Do for Love" is a drum & bass re-working of "What you Won't Do for Love"
• Mona Lisa's "Jus Wanna Please U" (samples "What You Won't Do For Love")
• Medaphoar's "Can't Hold On" (samples "Carry On")
• Gym Class Heroes "Viva La White Girl" (references "What You Won't Do For Love")
• Kool G Rap "Blowin' Up in the World" (samples "What You Won't Do For Love")
• Master P featuring Steady Mobb'n's "If I Could Change" (samples "what you won't do for love") in 1997.

• On The New York Undercover episode Singer Montell Jordan cover the song. (source: Wikipedia)

Please feel free to let me know about any requests.

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New Blog Stuff

Hey people,

That's if anyone is out there. Sometime this week I will be posting some music as well as a Karen's Body Beautiful Rewiew because I absolutley love her stuff as well as some other products I use. Stay tuned for some new artwork as well.

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Welcome Post

I'm not new to blogging...I just have not stuck with it. This has been the most effort design wise that I have put into a blog. So that should say something...right? Well hopefully I will be able to keep the site up and running. I usually spend my days looking at other peoples blogs and sometimes I feel like I wouldn't mind joining in.

This site will kind of be a mix of things. I'm attempting to get back into doing Graphic Design (Peep the banner) so this is the most I have done in about 3 years.

Also I love music so that will pretty much be a regular thing. It could be anywhere from downloads to videos or whatever else I come across.

I don't anticipate many followers since this is my first post but who knows.

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Hair Aspirations for 2010

So this is my 2nd time around being natural. Its been a little over 1 year and I'm getting to the faze again where I'm getting frustrated with my hair. So I have come to the decision that I'm going to loc my hair. It's seems to be the most reasonable solution. I want something a more professional since I'm going into the medical field and let's face it I'm lazy.

I'm debating whether I should get sister locks or just locs period. Basically I want to have options later on if I decided that I'm bored again and I want to take them out opposed to shaving my head. If you have any suggestion please feel free to let me know.

Here's some locs that appeal to me the most:

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