Miss Moon's Musing About: Ta-Ta to 2010! (A Top 5 List...)

This year has gone by so swiftly, I found it difficult to reflect on the past twelve months.... It was actually a very daunting task! This has been such an amazing year for Miss Moon's Musings, I wanted to share some of the highlights for me (In no particular order):



The new face of Miss Moon's Musings

I knew that I wanted to change the overall look of my online home, but I never ever could've fathomed how much I would love the wonderful work that Ladybird Blog Designs did!



Blog Lovin'

This year, I have been blessed to receive some tremendous feedback from my peers online. It's been such an amazing experience to have been listed as one of the Top 25 Natural Hair Bloggers on Networked Blogs, Received an Honorable Mention in an article about Natural Hair Bloggers in Brooklyn, received so much love in the awesome blogs, Bohemian Soul, Everything She Wants and was Mane Chic on Indulge In You.



The "DOPE" Entry that Never Was...

Like many of you, I fell promptly in love with the adorable little black muppet girl singing about her hair. I won't front: the song is my ringtone, and I have the tee shirt design as my wall paper!! LOL I never had the opportunity to blog about it, but had I succeeded in writing the post (I can't remember if me getting sick in October was the culprit or was there something else...)



YOU!!!!!

My very short list of people who dig my rantings, ramblings and revelations increased dramatically in 2010. I may not mention it often in my blog, but believe me I have been aware and in awe of every single one of you who clicked "Follow" here or on Networked Blogs & clicked "Like" on the Miss Moon's Musings FaceBook page. Your feedback and comments have brought me so much joy and I am continuously filled with gratitude for everyone who is diggin' what I am doing here.

In fact my recent Be Blessed post on Gratitude was inspired by the words I am writing here and now. I knew that I wanted to do a wrap up of 2010 and that I wanted to end it by sharing a very special gift from me to you. My initial plan was to do another Giveaway, featuring a huge prize, but I decided against it. When I decided how I wanted to conclude the last blog postings of 2010, I immediately enlisted the help of the wonderful DJ Green Arrow, who helped coax out my inner DJ and walked me step-by-step into creating the...



Music Therapy with Miss Moon: Best of 2010 Mix

Yes, yes y'all... I took some music featured this year in a Music Therapy with Miss Moon or for a Saturday Night post. Check out the songs:

1. Natalie Cole - Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
2. Jill Scott - Love Rain
3. Neneh Cherry & Gang Starr - Sassy
4. Cody Chesnutt - Come back like Spring
5. Arthur Lee & Love - Always See Your Face
6. Corrine Bailey Rae - Closer
7. Esthero - Black Mermaid
8. Joy Jones - Beautiful
9. Olivier Daysoul & Victor Hugo - In the Now
10. Janelle Monae - Sir Greendown
11. Betty Davis - If I'm in Luck I Might Get Picked Up
12. Aloe Blacc - Need a Dollar
13. Cree Summer - Miss Moon

To download this playlist for absolutely free (my gift to you!) click here.

Happy Happy New Years from Miss Moon's Musings!!!!!!!!

I've love to hear some ideas as to where I should take this baby for 2011!!! Be sure to leave a comment about that!!!

In the meantime, I will once again send hope 2011 will be a wonderful year for all of us and say for the final time this year....

D-I-Y Nappturaliciously: Let's Make #naturalhair a Trending Topic on Twitter!!!

This summer, naturals from all over the Twitterverse assembled online to tweet about their love of natural hair with one goal: to see #naturalhair as a trending topic on the popular website. When I heard news of the endeavor, I quickly hopped on to post my thoughts on the subject and to retweet any items that resonated with me. Sadly, we were not successful this summer and Natural Hair didn't make it despite the seemingly overwhelming response.

Undaunted, we are at it again and I am very proud to announce that January 2, 2011 is the date we are aiming for. If you are on twitter, be sure to tweet your thoughts about natural hair.

I will be sure to participate, tweeting about my favorite hair products, my natural hair icons, a list of natural hair anthems and so much more!!! Look for my tweets at http://twitter.com/MissMoonMusing.



Hope to see you on Twitter!!!!

I'm REALLY Diggin': The Natural Necklace by Rachel Stewart Jewelry

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the wonderful presents I planned on getting myself for my 33rd birthday. Regrettably, getting sick and ending up in the hospital prevented that from happening.

Instead of beating myself up about not fulfilling a wish to nurture myself to gift myself in celebration of any important year of my life, I decided to purchase a very special Christmas gift to myself. I knew immediately that what I wanted was the Natural Necklace from Rachel Stewart Jewelry.

The necklace (seen above) comes in gold acrylic, silver acrylic or wood. The pendant is 3 inches wide, 1 inch long and the chain comes included with the necklace!! Of course, I selected the silver pendant, which came today, and I've been rocking it ever since!!!



To get your own Natural Necklace, head on over to Rachel Stewart Jewelry's website by clicking here.

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

I cannot believe that Teena Marie is no longer with us. She died yesterday at the age of 54. I had to share my favorite song of hers for this week's Music Therapy with Miss Moon song. Here's "Portuguese Love".





Rest in Peace, Teena Marie
March 5, 1956 - December 26, 2010

:::drools::: Afro-licious Finds from Etsy - Part Four (!)

The six items I posted yesterday were merely the tip of the iceberg... I have oodles and oodles of more Afro-licious goods for you, and a few for the kiddies as well!!


Nina Simone Top ($25.00, nelesc) This purple scoop neck top, featuring the image of Nina Simone in all her Afrodite Glory will have you "Feeling Good", for real!!!


Circle Erykah Badu Earrings ($13.00, katocollection) These earrings are SOOO on my list of must-have items!!!


Naturally FLYY Afro Lady Tee ($25.00, ettaflyy) This gorgeous Graphic tee comes in Berry Pink & Teal (with image in Brown) in addition to Red, Granite and White (with image in Black). There are plans to have more size choices available, so I will be keeping my fingers crossed!!


Jimi Hendrix Earrings ($5.O0 squeakycleanbug) These Wine cork earrings with varnished photo picture of Jimmy Hendrix actually ships from Latvia(!). Perfect for a bit of instant vintage.


Turajuku Afro Face Messenger Bag ($35.00, turajuku) Must keep bag fast going... must keep bag fast going.... LOL


Relax N Be Natural Tshirt ($12.50, TiffanyCeleste) I love this tee so much... it's so pretty!!


HeySel Big Sista Doll ($130.00, lovemamadolls)This doll is gorgeous for kids (and kids at heart).All Big Sista dolls are hand painted and stuffed, so you know you are getting an original.


Asantewa 'One Love' Handmade African wax print rosette Headband ($26.00, SeiwaAkoto)
Okay how gorgeous are these? All three rosettes are made from 100% cotton, African wax print fabric in traditional 'Kente' colors of red, yellow, green and black.


Zuri Girls hand painted tote bag ($10.00, zuridesignsbysaleana)Now the little mamas in your life can be happy to be nappy with these gorgeous bags, available in Blue, Pink, Green and Tan.

:::drools::: Afro-licious Finds from Etsy - Part Three

I couldn't end the year without paying another jaunt to the bounty of goodies for Naturalovlies on Etsy. This time, as with the last time, do NOT read this blog entry on pay day... your bank account will thank you for it!! LOL



Hairy Hair Tee ($30.00, Junkprints) This continues to be one of my favorite Etsy shops... And this lemon-colored beauty is no exception.


Afro Sol Hand Painted Earrings ($17.00, Geminisunshine) These hand-painted beauties are making me think of Summer on a cold night in Brooklyn.


Red Crin Fascinator Headband ($39, BoutiqueDeBandeaux) I don't have many opportunities to get super dressed up, but I might have to invent a few just for the opportunity to rock this instantly dramatic look!!! Love the red headbank/rep lip combo!!!


Duafe Black Afro Pick Earrings ($25.00, BOABW) This Adinkra symbol represents beauty and cleanliness in addition to being symbols of desirable feminine qualities. Furthermore, a duafe was a prized possession of the Akan woman, used to comb and plait her hair.


Kinky Brooklyn Girl Tshirt ($15, kinkybrooklyngirl) This tee shirt is adorable.. I would totally rock this one. Sadly this tee is not for plus size sistren like myself, but it's cute nonetheless..


Angela Davis Pendant and Necklace ($18.00, Seacave) I can't think of a woman's afro without recalling the awesome head of hair Angela Davis. You can pay homage to the woman and her afro.

DOPE: "Christmas Time is Here" by Mayer Hawthorne

I am sure that many of you grew up with "A Charlie Brown Christmas" like I did... here is a beautifully soulful rendition of Christmas Time is Here, courtesy of Mayer Hawthorne. If you dig the song, ThisisRealMusic.com is giving everyone a very special gift for the Holidays.


Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year

Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share

Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there

Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year...

:::drools::: A BOUNTY of Blazers (Courtesy of Torrid!)

You might've missed my brief mention of loving all things blazers and me expressing (in passing of course!) that I've wanted to spice up my wardrobe... ::turns sarcasm meter off::

It looks like the good people at Torrid are more than willing to help me accomplish my goal for 2011, as they have some GORGEOUS blazers that would definitely be a great start to any ensemble. I've started with three that I have eagerly added to my Wish List and will be scooping up ASAP because I need them in my life YESTERDAY!! LOL



First Up is the Black Rolled Sleeve Girlfriend Blazer ($54.00) I like how versatile this blazer is... I could very easily see myself rocking this with slacks at work or with jeans (as shown on the model) on the weekend...or in the office, too! (Who am I kidding?!?)



Next on my Must Have List is the Blue and White Stripe Blazer ($54.00). I've been seeing these nautical themes all over the fashion mags and while perusing the net, but being au currant in all things fashion wasn't what bowled me over about this blazer. Blue and white are big-time power colors for me, so that was the first thing that attracted me. The second thing is the fact that by wearing this jacket, I will be silently telling anyone who may spot me, "Yeah, I'm fat and I'm wearing horizontal stripes, and I am rocking it... WHAT OF IT??!?" LOL

When I took one look at my last pick, I could hear the song"I Will Follow Him" in my head... and I pictured myself running across a field of wildflowers to a clothing rack full of this jacket... ALL IN MY SIZE. It was love at first sight! LOL



Ladies and Gentlemen... Friends, Family and Bloggy Buddies... I'd like you all to meet the Black Satin Lapel Tuxedo Jacket ($54.00). I could now begin to gush about all I would do with this blazer, but I would much rather show you. With this jacket.... I could FINALLY recreate one of my favorite looks from my style icon, Tracee Ellis Ross, using pieces all from Torrid:

So here's how I did it:



Top: Brooklyn Mint Biggie Juicy Crew Tee (Black) $28
Skirt: Black Benglaine Skirt $38
Shoes: Fergalicious By Fergie Jaded Black Heel (Medium Width) $50
Clutch: Black Bow Clutch Party Bag $18

So I think that this outfit will be my first new outfit purchased in 2011.... Is there an article of clothing/fashion trend you're thinking about trying for the new year (My other obsession is a nice plus size African Wax Print skirt.. à la Boxing Kitten... I am about to head up to Harlem and have one made!!!)? What are you digging?

Champions of Crackheadedness: DJ Cipha Sounds & HIV Prevention

I haven't listened to Hot97 since I was in my teens, but from hearing about DJ Cipha Sounds heartless and ignant as hell comments, I am guessing that the NY based Hip Hop and R&B radio station has come a long way from the Roll Call with Ed, Lisa and Dre back in the 90s.

"The reason I'm HIV negative is because I don't mess with Haitian girls," DJ Cipha Sounds said Friday morning on air. After a deluge of complaints were phoned in to the radio station, he quickly apologized "I made a stupid tasteless joke that was a one-liner and taken totally the wrong way and I want to say sincerely that I apologize," he said.

Please explain to me the RIGHT WAY the comment was supposed to be taken...I am still scratching my head about that one.



While I do not believe that DJ Cipher should be fired outright, primarily because I think everyone should have an opportunity to right their wrongs and to . I think, like expressed by a woman in the video, that this incident should be used as an opportunity to spread awareness about HIV and Aids and to in kind educate the younger or more ignorant listeners about protection. And apparently Emmis Communications, the owner of Hot 97 plans to do just that, so I guess only time will tell if this will turn into something that will... in the long run, be educational and life-saving to someone out there.

I Wanna Go Shopping with... June Ambrose

Sadly, I don't know a great deal about June Ambrose. I do know that she is a renowned celebrity stylist (her clients have included Chrisette Michelle, Kanye West, and Mary J. Blige) and I definitely know that the sistah has serious style. I am really looking forward to her reality show airing, as I am sure that I will learn a lot about her and definitely get some inspiration!!


I am not a big fan of fur, but she is definitely rocking this ensemble!!!!! I seriously need those shades in my life!!


June wearing one of her signature turbans... can you say POSH?!?!?


I am loving this look... it's fun and super vibrant!!!


I love the way she pulls of such an effortless stylish ensemble...


GAW-JUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

Happy Monday, Everybody!!! Am I the only one who thinks that time is going by so very very fast? It seems like yesterday it was summer and now we're two weeks into a whole new year! Wow!!!

I am so very excited to share a song I have been loving for a while. It's the perfect kind of song to listen to on the subway, headed for work.... Aloe Blacc, "I Need a Dollar". Enjoy!!

Yummm! Heavenly Holiday Desserts!!!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is less than a week away! This year has gone by so quickly, it's amazing to believe that 2011 is rapidly approaching! But until the ball drops, I admit that there are visions of sugar plums dancing in my head... BIG TIME! LOL So I have collected a drool-worthy assortment of decadent desserts that even Ebenezer Scrooge wouldn't say "Bah Humbug!" to... confections that would have a place of honor at anyone's Holiday table!

Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies

Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen, Food Network

Ingredients
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons buttermilk
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans, optional

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a small bowl.

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs 1 at a time. Then beat in the buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla and red food coloring. Once combined, add the dry ingredients to wet. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Onto a parchment lined sheet tray, drop batter using an ice cream scoop, forming 2-inch round circles.

Bake for 10 minutes, until baked through. Cookies should be cake-like and light. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

Spread the cream cheese frosting between 2 cooled cookies and roll the edges in finely chopped pecans, if desired.

Butterscotch Bread Pudding

Recipe Courtesy of Cooksrecipe.com

Ingredients
4 cups 1/2-inch cubes white bread
1 quart half-and-half cream
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
6 large eggs
Vanilla ice cream as an accompaniment

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish and spread bread cubes evenly in dish.
In a small saucepan heat half-and-half, butter, salt, and vanilla over medium heat until hot.
In a bowl whisk together sugar, eggs. Slowly add half-and-half mixture while whisking.
Pour mixture over bread cubes and bake pudding in middle of oven until puffed and golden, about 30 minutes.
Serve pudding warm with ice cream.
Makes 8 servings.

Individual Tiramisu Trifles

Recipe Courtesy of MyRecipes.com

Ingredients
1 cup cold strong brewed coffee
3 tablespoons Marsala wine
1 (8-ounce) block 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (4 ounces) block-style fat-free cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
30 cakelike ladyfingers (2 1/2 [3-ounce] packages)
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa

Directions:
Combine coffee and wine; set aside.

Place cheeses in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Gradually add sugar, beating until well blended.

Cut each ladyfinger crosswise into 3 pieces. Arrange 5 ladyfinger pieces into each of 9 wineglasses or small bowls; drizzle each serving with about 1 tablespoon coffee mixture. Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese mixture into each glass. Repeat layers once; sprinkle evenly with cocoa. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.

Mocha Truffle Cookies

Recipe Courtesy of Taste of Home

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1-1/2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon Spice Island® Pure Vanilla Extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons baking cocoa
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup English toffee bits or almond brickle chips
1 ounce milk chocolate, melted

Directions
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate; stir until smooth. Stir in coffee granules until dissolved; cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Add the sugars, egg and vanilla.
Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; add to chocolate mixture and mix well. Stir in toffee bits.
Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto a baking sheet lightly coated with cooking spray.
Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool for 1 minute before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with melted milk chocolate. Yield: 15 cookies.

Mocha Nog Punch

Recipe Courtesy of Marie Claire

10 parts Kahlúa Mocha
5 parts Absolut Vanilla
20 parts eggnog

Combine ingredients and serve in a punchbowl with a floating ice block.

Hint: Freeze ice with coffee beans for decoration.