maniCURATIVE: China Glaze's Crackle Glaze: Crushed Candy

When I spotted China Glaze's Crackle Glaze in multiple colors, I almost jumped for joy! I quickly snatched up the Crushed Candy Crackle Glaze and went home, excited to try out a look I like to call Naked Crackle (dirty...LOL)!

Here's what I used:

Step One: Fill the Gap! Smoothing Base Coat
Step Two: China Glaze Crackle Glaze: Crushed Candy
Step Three: Seche Vite Dry-Fast Top Coat

The first step was to apply a coat of my Essie Fill the Gap! Smoothing Base Coat and let it dry completely for a few moments.

Next, I applied a thin layer of the Crackle Glaze to my nails. As it dried, the crackles started to form.

I followed it up with a coat of Seche Vite Dry-Fast Top Coat and once that was dry, I was done!!

I like the overall results... its a simple but unique bit of color, and I was especially super-psyched about how fast it took for the whole thing to be done!!

Crackle Glaze comes in a myriad of different colors... have you tried them yet?

D-I-Y Nappturaliciously: Carol's Daughter Monoi Collection Review

When I still worked for Carol's Daughter (in their Customer Service Department), I remember a lot of buzz around the company about the Monoi Collection they were developing and how it was going to be a game changer in regards to their hair care lines. The key ingredient in this line, of course is Monoi, (pronounced "muh-noy") a 2,000 year-old sacred, Tahitian ingredient that (according to their website) " undoes and prevents damage for fewer breaks, snaps and splits."

Since Frizzeeda 2.0 has been running things on top of my head for most of June, I thought this would be a good time to invest in the Monoi collection, because for me frizz=dryness=shedded hair & breakage, and I need all the protection I can get during the rest of summer.

What I bought:
Monoi Repairing Shampoo
Monoi Repairing Conditioner
Monoi Repairing Hair Mask

Since my usual summer staple, Kizzy "Stay Put" Hair Pomade is not in stock, I also snatched up a jar of Mimosa Hair Honey (Kizzy fans - this and Loc Butter are both good alternatives)... And boy I miss my employee discount!! LMAO

A little info about each product from the Carol's Daughter Website:

MONOI REPAIRING SHAMPOO

Monoi Oil provides all over conditioning from root to tip
Hibiscus Extract helps improve detangling when hair's wet
Coconut-derived Cleansers gently cleanse your without stripping away moisture

MONOI REPAIRING CONDITIONER

Monoi Oil intensely conditions your hair
Bamboo Water helps reinforce your hair's structure from the inside

MONOI REPAIRING HAIR MASK

Monoi Oil deeply nourishes your hair
Bamboo Water helps reinforce your hair's structure from the inside
Hydrolyzed Silk helps fortify your hair against future damage

Excited to put my newly acquired goodies to use, I headed home and after separating Frizzeeda into two sections, I stepped into the shower to apply the shampoo and conditioner.

After rinsing out the conditioner, I wasn't really bowled over at how my hair was feeling.. it felt a bit frizzy and stripped, but I chalked it up to possibly applying too much.

If you can believe this... this is my wet hair just out the shower!!

I followed up with the Repairing Mask, which my hair really seemed to like as I was applying. It had some great slip, but on my thick, shoulder length hair, I had to almost use the entire jar!

Side-by-side comparison of my freshly washed and conditioned hair, with my hair after applying the mask.

After applying the mask to my entire head, I covered it up with a conditioning cap and let it stay in my hair for about an hour and a half.

After rinsing, I noticed my hair felt very soft, but still extremely frizzy. Using the Mimosa Hair Honey (and sealing my ends with some Vatika Oil), I braided my hair as usual...

All in all, I wasn't thrilled with the results of using the Monoi Collection. It seemed to make my hair excessively frizzy, and once I let the braids down and rocked my usual braid out for the week, the frizz only got a lot worse, which made detangling my hair this past weekend a lot more difficult.

I think that the Monoi Collection might be a better winter option for my hair, and I will definitely try it again during colder weather to see if the results improve. Have you tried Carol's Daughter Monoi Collection? What were your thought?!?! Leave a comment and dish!

:::drools::: Clique to Know Launches Today!!!

I love online flash sale sites like Rue La La and ideeli. But for plus size fshionistas, the opportunity to buy anything other than shoes and accessories are few and far between. Enter Clique to Know... the Shape of Things to Come.

Finally a new members-only flash sales site dedicated to women’s designer fashion, from size 10 and up, at discounted prices!! Why should our skinny sistren be the only ones to be fly on a dime?!?

Members get to shop the exclusive launch sale first, starting today at 9am PST/12pm EST and features fabulous, discounted clothing from some drool-worthy designer labels such as Rachel Pally, T-Bags, Kay Unger and Rani Zakhem!

Clique To Know will also sell end of season and excess stock ranging from 50 – 80% off the original retail price as well as offering some exclusive one-off samples. Forthcoming sales include Melissa Masse, Kevan Hall, Arnold Zimberg, Lafayette 148, Z from Zenobia, Earnest Sewn, Exclusively Misook, Sculptz, Taylor Dresses and Charles David shoes.

It is not too late to register for membership. Be sure to check out Clique to Know at http://www.cliquetoknow.com/. Be sure to also check them out on Twitter and FaceBook.

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

Happy Monday, Everybody!! I hope that you all had a beautiful weekend, full of equal parts relaxation and fun!

This week's choice for Music Therapy with Miss Moon poses a question, I think truly deserves to be asked. A special thanks and shout out to my girl Stephanie for introducing me to the song!!



Why Can't We?
by Asa

Woke up early this morning
With a smile on my face
Thought you were next to me
But then I see you walking away
Something ain't right this morning
Is it a sign he's leaving me
So I call on a friend
Who might know better than me

She says:
You worry much about things you don't understand
But don't give up, if it doesn't go with the plan
Why not have some fun
While you're still young and still okay
'Cause life is short
Do what you can today today

Why can't we be happy? Ooh Hoo Ooh Hoo
Why can't we be happy? Ooh Hoo Ooh Hoo

What is life about?
Did nobody tell you
The reason why I ask
I can see you're so confused

Oh, You worry much about things you cannot see
You have it all, with your money you still complain
Why not live this life
While you're still young and still okay
'Cause life is short
Do what you can today today

Why can't we be happy? Ooh Hoo Ooh Hoo
Why can't we be happy? Ooh Hoo Ooh Hoo
Tell me
Why can't we be happy? Ooh Hoo Ooh Hoo
Why can't we be happy? Ooh Hoo Ooh Hoo

Be Blessed: And Take a Moment to Meditate - Part Three

“Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it.”
~ Anonymous

On most days, when I look at myself in the mirror, I am pleased and content with who is staring back at me. I see a woman who is growing older, and wiser and more sure of herself, and that's dope! There are those days, though, where Gollum is staring back at me (in my own head) - the most hideous thing imaginable. It's my goal to get rid of the Gollum days, between you and me.

Some of you may have your own version of Gollum days, and if by chance you're trying to dramatically lessen those days, this week's meditation is a good one. Entitled, "I Am", it serves as a affirmation of all of the beauty we have inside of us. So when Gollum is staring back at you, tell it to burn the road up with a reminder of all that you are!!!



This week, I will remember everything I am.

A Little [VAN HUNT] for a Saturday Night

Tonight is the last Saturday Night in June. I know that I promised to share a Jazz song, but I fell in love with a song this week that I had to post instead, as now seems like the most fitting time to share it. (Those of you that like the Miss Moon's Musings FaceBook page might already know where I'm going with this... LOL)

I hope that in listening to "June" by Van Hunt, you will fall in love with this song as I did! I swear this song is like drinking a couple of glasses of good wine... Instant Mellow!!! It's also fitting, that as I was thinking this song would be PERFECT for a June wedding, that New York State was passing a bill allowing same sex marriage, which will ultimately make this wonderful place I call home the sixth, and largest, state in the union to adopt gay marriage. I have never been more proud to be a New Yorker!!! Love is love, y'all, and I hope that the song for a Saturday Night will inspire love for all of you.

I Heart Her Hair: Tracee Ellis Ross...

This week's candidate for I Heart Her Hair is also a celeb I would LOVE to go shopping with!!! I also love the versatility of her natural hair: She switches from rollersets to wash-n-go's effortlessly... and without permanent damage!, which cannot be easy! She is also the queen of the curly up-do, and during these hot months in NYC, this girl loves herself a curly updo! LOL

Miss Moon's Book Club: My Soul to Keep by Tananarive Due

My latest pick for Miss Moon's Book Club, My Soul to Keep is a part of a trilogy of novels I had no idea was a trilogy!! LOL

I read the second book, Blood Colony first (not realizing it was a sequel), and happened upon the third book The Living Blood, and after the first three pages, was like "Hey... I know these people!" Once I figured out that My Soul to Keep was the first book, I knew I had to read it to discover the origins of Jessica Wolde's amazing tale. Reading the first book was a bit painful, I admit. I won't get into any spoilers, but it was difficult to read because I already knew so much about what will happen from the later novels.

Synopsis from tananarivedue.com:

JESSICA is a Miami investigative reporter with a beautiful daughter, Kira, and a husband, David, so loving, brilliant, and attentive that she calls him Mr. Perfect. Suddenly, her life takes a terrifying turn. Her best friend is brutally and mysteriously murdered and Jessica discovers an ancient, unimaginable danger that will shatter her life and family -- forever.

DAWIT is an immortal. More than four hundred years ago he and a sect of Ethiopian scholars traded their souls for eternal life. Obeying a vow of secrecy, Dawit has traveled the world as a soldier, a slave, a jazz musician -- never staying anywhere long enough for others to notice that he does not age. As further insurance, with barely a thought he kills any mortal who dares to become too curious about him. For the first time, though, it is Dawit who threatens to break his vow and defy his brothers by keeping his beloved mortal wife and child with him -- forever.

In My Soul to Keep, the worlds of Jessica and Dawit collide with harrowing, unforgettable consequences as Jessica learns firsthand the terrible price for eternal life. The newest novel by Tananarive Due, acclaimed author of The Between, it is a shocking, brilliantly plotted work of suspense and the supernatural that astonishes until the final, remarkable page.

Reading My Soul to Keep did clear up a lot of questions I had about the second and third books, specifically regarding Jessica's relationship with Dawit/David. It was a beautifully written novel, rich with characters you will want to root for and learn more about. I am looking forwarding to re-reading all three novels in order this summer!!

To read an excerpt of the novel, please click here. If you like what you've read, be sure to check it out in paperback!



Have you already read My Soul to Keep? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the novel. Be sure to leave a comment. Also, I hope to make Miss Moon's Book Club an reoccurring trend in the blog. If you have a book you'd like to suggest for a future post, be sure to drop me a line with your recommendation.

:::drools::: Solange Knowles-style for Plus Size Fashionistas

I've featured Solange Knowles a lot in this blog. Primarily because I think she's dope: Love her music, love her attitude, and I love love LOVE her style! I wasn't going to comment on this outfit (Despite my utter worship of it!), because I've mentioned her so much, but it truly was beyond my control.

I saw the photos of Solange at the grand opening of Dream Downtown, PH-D Rooftop Lounge and Marble Lane Restaurant here in NYC, and days after I had resigned myself not to do another outfit post, the outfit pieces jumped out at me everywhere I went! LOL I asked the peeps on the Miss Moon's Musings FaceBook page (Check it out if you haven') if I should do the post and the response was so positive, I felt compeled to change my mind and share the outfit I've created, inspired by Solange's look -

Top: Cassidy Cutout Top ($26.90 - $28.90, Alloy)
Pants: ASOS CURVE Exclusive Belted Wide Leg Pants ($60.34, Asos)
Pumps: Madden Girl Oyzter Pump ($39.95, DSW)
Purse: Small Mock Croc Leatherette Handbag ($26.80, Forever 21)
Earrings: Charming Life 22k Gold Overlay Smokey Quartz Bali Earrings (Starting at $17.49, Overstock.com)

To complete your look, be sure to rock a coral lip. A good color to start with is Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick #38 ~ Satin Coral ($19, Sephora)

I am really digging this shade. Not too sure it would be a good fit for my complexion, but I plan on checking it out at my local Sephora to see how it looks on me.

There you have it!! How awesome would this outfit be on a informal first date, meeting for drinks? Sooo hot!!

Of course, if you end up taking over for the DJ, why not impress your date and keep the party people shouting?!?!? LOL

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

I am a firm believer in anthems. I think we all need them once and a while. When I first heard this song I thought it had the makings of an uplifting and motivating anthem, "Cloud Nine" by Donnie.

We live from the head down and not the feet up
And I'm adorned with the crown that's making this up
And I'm fine under cloud 9

Yes I wear the lamb's wool, the feet of burned brass
And the wool defies gravity like the nature of a gas
And I'm fine under cloud 9

Twist my cloud and it rain
And when it rains it pours
And the energy will absorb
Power for the metaphysical one

Happy to be nappy, I'm black and I'm proud
That I have been chosen to wear the conscious cloud
And I'm fine under cloud 9

I be a chameleon and wear it bone straight
But it's so much stronger when it's in its natural state
And I'm fine under cloud 9

Twist my cloud and let it rain
And when it rains it pours
And the energy will absorb
Power for the metaphysical one

Repeat

We live from the head down and not the feet up
And I'm adorned with the crown that's making this up
And I'm fine under cloud 9

Twist my cloud and let it rain
And when it rains it pours
And the energy will absorb
Power for the metaphysical one

Be Blessed: And Take a Moment to Meditate - Part Two

"I pray to be like the ocean, with soft currents, maybe waves at times. More and more, I want the consistency rather than the highs and the lows."
~ Drew Barrymore



Nothing relaxes me more than a trip to the ocean. Laying on the warm sand, the sun shining brightly on me, the sounds of seagulls and waves crashing around me. I get drowsy just thinking about it!! LOL

Because for many of us, our trips to the beach are solely on the weekends (And let's face it... the beach on a weekend is far from tranquil), this week's guided meditation from The Meditation Society of Australia is the perfect "in the meantime" escape until you're physically burrowing your toes in the sand. Let it serve as a reminder that our lives are very much like the ocean: tranquil at times, sometime turbulent, power and expansive. Just like we are.



This week, I will listen to the ocean to relax and renew.

A Little [CHARLES MINGUS] for a Saturday Night

Jazz was made for a Saturday Night. At least I certainly think so, as evident from several of the Jazz artist that have been featured "for a Saturday Night". I've decided that for the next few weeks, I am going to feature the best of the best in Jazz, starting with this week's choice.

I hope you all will mellow out, chill, and let Charles Mingus' "Better Get Hit In Your Soul" touch you.... you know where!

Bad-ass Bloggers (BaBs): Meet the Pookalitas of Pooka Pure & Simple

One of the goodies in my Chic and Kinky Naturals Night Out gift bag was a sample of Pooka Pure & Simple's Shea n Olive Hair Butter, which my I have worn OUT since receiving it (The smell is intoxicating and my hair loved this stuff!!!).

I saw this as synchronicity at its finest because I have recently had the opportunity to learn more about the brand, and the wonderful women behind its jars (affectionately known as the Pookalitas) from Dawn Fitch, founder and creator of Pooka Pure & Simple.

Dawn, the story about how Pooka Pure & Simple came to creation is a fascinating one, truly the makings of a movie: After becoming ill and receiving no sound diagnosis from doctors, you began to explore holistic therapies, including aromatherapy and discovered a love of their healing properties. Many people fail to consider alternative therapies when they’re ill… what inspired you to consider outside avenues?

Well getting no sound diagnosis from the Drs. I really had no direction to go in. Since I couldn’t pinpoint the exact problem, it was hard to look for a diagnosis, so I figured I’d make an overall life change. Changing my nutrition and living a more holistic lifestyle I knew would benefit me no matter what the problem was.

I am a sucker for sisterhood, and I love the fact that Pooka Pure & Simple is a collaborative effort between you and three of your closest and dearest friends, aka “The Pookalitas”, and with them you manage every aspect of Pooka from sales, to marketing and to finance. Would you say you were blessed to be surrounded by such talented women, or has the creation of the company been a catalyst for them to realize they had these talents?

Oh definitely BLESSED, LOL! The funny thing is when we started the business we each had the exact talents that we needed. Tricia had a degree in finance, Donna in communcations. April in communications/marketing and mine was in Graphic Design. When GOD works it out, HE works it out perfectly!

People can learn more about you and the Pookalitas by visiting your blog, aptly named, The Pookalitas at http://pookalitas.blogspot.com/ . I’ll tell you, The Braxtons have NOTHING on your soul sister circle (Can we get them a reality show, please??!?)!! Can you tell us a little bit about each of the Pookalitas and your favorite quality they possess?

First off, GREAT QUESTIONS, LOL!! You’re good at what you do! Well we’re each in different phases of life, so most women can connect with at least one of us.

I’m single and searchin, LOL!! All of the other 3 pookalitas got married 5 years ago within in 2 months of each other!! Donna is still married and loving it, deciding on how and if she will extend her family, Tricia is the mom to a 2 year old and dealing with all that comes with that, Aprils husband unfortunately passed away only 6 months after they were married from a heart attack and she is now raising 2 boys.

My sisters are amazing women and a favorite quality would be Donna Dependable, she always there for you, Tricia Tenacious, shes loyal and never gives up and April Awe Inspiring, after all she’s been through, shes a great mom and friend to all!

Dawn, as a Pookalita you are not exempt from this question. What is a favorite quality you possess?

hmmmm........I have a good sense of humor and I love to laugh and make other people laugh!

Let’s get to the nitty gritty and the topic I am sure many of my readers will want to know about: Pooka Pure & Simple’s Products. As someone who is definitely in love with scents I’m curious about the story behind each collection and their signature scents. What type of person do you envision liking each collection?

Caliente Man: Well we say this one is for the Hot Fellas, but the ladies who love musk also love this one too!!
Citrus Basil: Clean and Fresh! This one we call the anti-fruity! It’s soapy clean.
Coconut Crunch: This one is for the island lovers, a very soft coconut breeze!
Foot Fetish: This one should be mandatory for all, LOL! For the ladies and the gents, everything you need for smooth, fresh smellin’ toes!
Guava: This is one of our tops scents! Very fruity, we have to remind people not to drink it!
Honey Almond: A fan favorite! A smooth almond scent, the honey just adds a light, sweet note to this blend.
Papaya: Soft and sultry...Although this is Papaya it has a hint of gardenia in it, not too sweet.
Pomegranate: We never thought anything could give Guava a run for its money but this scent does. A delicious, sweet, pomegranate!
Vanilla Sand: We call this one Vanilla on the Beach! Not the ordinary vanilla this one has a spicy kick to it! This is for our earthy, zen folks.

Dawn, you had me at Vanilla Sand... that scents sounds like it's right up my alley! You can expect an order from me soon (My hair really wants some more that that Shea n Olive Hair Butter).

Did any of those scents call out to you? Be sure to visit Pooka Pure & Simple online at http://www.pookapureandsimple.com. You can also expect an official review from me in the upcoming weeks, in the meantime, check out Chai from BacktoCurly.com's experiences using Shea n Olive Hair Butter.

Be sure to visit The Pookalitas at:

http://pookalitas.blogspot.com/

If you'd like to featured in a future BaBs posting, or want to suggest a BaB for me to profile, please click here to contact Miss Moon's Musings.