Music Therapy with Miss Moon

What better way to celebrate a new week (AND Halloween!!!) then by doing the Time Warp?!?! It is just a jump to the left, after all!!! Enjoy, and go easy on the pelvic thrusts... you could pull something!!! LOL

Time Warp

RiffRaff:
It's astounding;
Time is fleeting;
Madness takes its toll.
But listen closely...

Magenta:
Not for very much longer.

RiffRaff:
I've got to keep control.

I remember doing the time-warp
Drinking those moments when
The Blackness would hit me

Magenta:
And the void would be calling...

Transylvanians:
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.

Narrator:
It's just a jump to the left.

All:
And then a step to the right.

Narrator:
Put your hands on your hips.

All:
You bring your knees in tight.
But it's the pelvic thrust
That really drives you insane.
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.

Magenta:
It's so dreamy, oh fantasy free me.
So you can't see me, no, not at all.
In another dimension, with
voyeuristic intention,
Well secluded, I see all.

RiffRaff:
With a bit of a mind flip

Magenta:
You're into the time slip.

RiffRaff:
And nothing can ever be the same.

Magenta:
You're spaced out on sensation.

RiffRaff:
Like you're under sedation.

All:
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.

Columbia:
Well I was walking down the street
just a-having a think
When a snake of a guy gave me an
evil wink.
He shook-a me up, he took me by surprise.
He had a pickup truck, and the
devil's eyes.
He stared at me and I felt a change.
Time meant nothing, never would again.

All:
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.

Narrator:
It's just a jump to the left.

All:
And then a step to the right.

Narrator:
Put your hands on your hips.

All:
You bring your knees in tight.
But it's the pelvic thrust
That really drives you insane.
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.

Side Note: I've always loved this Afro Sistah with the Pirate Hat.. she's dope!!! :)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, EVERYBODY!!!

A Little [TONY! TONI! TONÉ!] for a Saturday Night

Yay!! The weekend is here, and I've decided to take you all back on a trip to the 90s with me... no tricked out Deloreon required!!!

Now through the end of the year I will be sharing some of my favorite videos from the decade, songs that I remember blasting on my little purple casio boombox on Saturday nights like this one.

Tonight's video, which debuted December of 1990 was actually directed by Pirate Freeda Bandita herself... Lilakoi Moon (The artist formerly known as Lisa Bonet). I hope you all will enjoy, "It Never Rains (in Southern California)", by Tony! Toni! Toné!.

If you have a suggestion for a 90s song that would be perfect for a Saturday Night, be sure to leave a comment with your pick! :)

Let's Talk Tresses Friday: Is Henna HEAVENLY to Your Hair?!?!

After my recent introduction to henna, courtesy of Lush's Caca Noir, I must admit that my hair has been feeling like 100 bucks. Washing my hair the following week resulted in less shedding, easy-as-pie detangling, and hair that looks and FEELS more healthy. I am definitely singing the praises of henna, and will be incorporating henna rinses into my hair regimen.

Does henna make you go, "HOLLA!!"? Leave a comment and testify (and share some of your favorite recipes, too!!).

I Heart Her Hair: Esperanza Spalding

Esperanza Spalding is such an accomplished musician and a woman that has brought such a much-needed breath of fresh air to the industry, it seems almost criminal to just focus on her hair. But I am a fan of her fro, and it is as lovely as she is... so I'm going for it! LOL

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

Oh, Sol-Angel... why must you tempt me so? LOL

Every time I swear to myself that under no circumstances will I recreate another of her looks for the rest of year, she comes up with a look that makes me go "Yesssssss!!!!!". And from there, I can't fight it.

I spotted this picture of Solange shopping in New York City with the familia and was bowled over by how comfy/chic the look was... and if you all know one thing about me by now, it's that I'm ALL ABOUT the comfy/chic!!! Here's my interpretation of her look:

Top: Women's Plus Cowl-Neck Tops in Crimson and Clover ($26.94, Old Navy)
Skirt: Jessica London Pencil Skirt in Animal Print ($49.99 - $54.99, One Stop Plus)
Bag: GUESS Fallon Small Carryall in Cognac Multi($118.00, Macy's)
Shoes: Women's Bianca Ankle Strap Flat in Tan ($24.99, Payless)
Sunnies: Brown/Brown Sunglasses ($5.80, Forever 21)

If you have an outfit you'd like me to try to recreate for plus size fashionistas, drop me a line via email, Twitter, or on the Miss Moon's Musings Facebook page.

DIY Nappturaliciously: Lush Caca Noir Product Review

I've been flirting with the idea of coloring my hair for the past few years now. What has stopped me is the mere fact that my hair starts breaking when I linger in the hair color aisle at my local Duane Reade for too long... it's THAT sensitive. lol

Inspired by the lovely Sophia of Kiffe Coco, I decided to try henna for the first time, and snatched up some of Lush's Caca Noir Mama. Henna and indigo are mixed together for this particular blend, and its the darkest of Lush's four henna colour blocks, leaving hair with a blue/black sheen in time. Bowled over by Sophia's results, I knew I had to try it for myself.

I first separated the blocks to make it easier to chop up. I used three squares in total, which was plenty for my hair.

I've read that its recommended that the bars be shredded using a cheese grater, but I managed chopping them into semi-small pieces.

I filled a pot with water and brought to a boil. I then took some of the water and mixed it with the chopped up henna in a heat safe glass bowl.

I added some Dabur Amla oil to the mixture and placed the bowl over the post with the rest of the boiling water.

This helped the mixture go from this (Ewwww... lol)....

To this!!! Once I took it off the pot to cool, the color went from "baby ca ca" green to a very deep dark brown/black. After I was certain that it was cool, I rushed to my newspaper-lined bathroom to begin applying the henna to my hair.

My hair was divided into four sections, so I just separated and gently detangled (using my Tangle Teezer & water) each section before adding the mud-like mixture.

The bars actually come with these really cute blue "Rocky Horror Picture Show" rubber gloves, but I ended up using these industrial gloves I scored from Duane Reade, the tread on the finger tips made rubbing the henna through my hair a snap!

I covered my hair in a showercap, and set out to let the henna sit in my hair for at least 4 hours... fast forward to the next morning! LOL Yep, I fell asleep!

Rinsing the henna out was actually super easy. My hair was still separated into four sections, so I just rinsed each section until the water ran clear. I followed up the rinsing with a co-wash using Yes To Cucumbers Color Care Conditioner

Once the conditioner was rinsed out, I was astonished by the shine and curl definition. My hair wasn't exactly blue black, but it was slightly darker and the difference was subtle, which I liked.

I braided my hair as usual and went about my chores for the rest of the weekend, not knowing that by the end of the upcoming week, I'd be sick as a dog. I wish the results on my dry hair were a bit more va-va-va-voom, but they were taken upon my release from the hospital, so my hair was a bit of a mess! LOL

All-in-all, I thought the experience was a lot less time-consuming than I anticipated, and can honestly say the results are worth the efforts!

Have you tried Lush's Caca Noir? Please leave a comment with your experience!

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

Happy Monday, everybody! I am feeling so much better and am back to work, and back to blogging. My quit smoking plan didn't work out as I hoped, but I am taking it easy on myself and I know that it will happen at the right time.

This week's song choice for Music Therapy is one that has been on my mind for quite some time. It's an older song that has a message that resonates today as much as it did back then. I dedicate this to the men and women taking it to the streets here in New York City and all over the globe. Here's "Let Love Rule", by Lenny Kravitz.



Let Love Rule

Love is gentle as a rose
And love can conquer any war
It's time to take a stand
Brothers and sisters join hands

We got to let love rule
Let love rule

We got to let love rule
Let love rule

Love transcends all space and time
And love can make a little child smile
Can't you see this won't go wrong
But we got to be strong
We can't do it alone

We got to let love rule
Let love rule

We got to let love rule
Let love rule

Miss Moon's Musing About: My 34th Birthday "Wanna Wanna" Wish List!!

In less than a month, I will be turning 34 (Scorpio Representin'). A few bad experiences in my past (Long story short: Got dumped!) have made my birthday something I don't especially relish. As I'm getting older, I've changed my attitude that the day can be one of celebration, not disappointment and hurt. And I know that the celebration begins with me: I plan on reflecting on the lessons and blessings that have entered my life in the past year and think about my goals for the year to come.

But I'm not going to front, y'all... I can't wait to get some pressies, too! LOL

There has been a wish list formulating in my head for the past few months. Items I'd love for my birthday, some I plan on getting for myself. Now that I'm on the  nicotine patch (for a few days now, so far so good!!), I can definitely use the money I'm saving on a few splurges!!! I thought that it would be fun to share some of the must-haves on my list with you all, as I did last year...

Curlformers Long and Extra Wide Styling Kit I've been dying to get my hands on some of these ever since seeing Trenellm's amazing video on them. If anyone has them.. let me know, do I need one kit or two? Hmmmm...

Burberry Body Fragrance I received a free sample in the mail a few months ago, and was promptly hooked on the scent. I've been weening myself off the sample as not to use it up! LOL

JIBRI Plus Size High Waist Flare Skirt (Navy) Most definitely the oldest item on my list. I've been stalking this skirt, ever since eyeing Chastity of The Curvy Girl's Guide to Style rocking it in April.

INC International Concepts Three Quarter Sleeve Colorblocked Sweater One guess my inspiration for wanting this sweater! LOL

Anita Grant Rhassoul Deep Condish Block Let me be clear: I would want one of these bad boys for my birthday, your birthday, Martin Luther King's birthday, Jesus' birthday! My hair is hooked, I admit it!

Rachel Stewart Jewelry Fly Girl Earrings After purchasing her Natural Necklace last year, I've been a definite fan, and plan on ordering many, many items from the site. While I love all the colors, I think the black earrings are my favorite.

ASOS Curve Shirt With Super Long Pussybow Love love love the color, love the bow... would rock this whole look!!!

Simply Be Lace Trim Tie Neck Top Truthfully, I want to add Simply Be's entire new Ethnic 70s Collection to my birthday list, but I am being modest and selecting only this one item!!! lol

Do you make birthday wish lists? What tops your list? Any items from my list on yours? Let's talk! :)

DOPE: "Reed Between the Lines" & Natural Hair Acceptance...

Since I've been home on bed rest, I've had my share of old sitcoms. A few days ago, I saw an episode of "A Different World" that really made me recognize how far we have come. The episode, "Almost Working Girl", which aired during the show's fifth season in 1991, illustrates the attitude about natural hair back then.

When E.H. Wright needs a temporary receptionist, Freddie (played by Shero Cree Summer) is begrudgingly given the job by Jaleesa... but not after she chases Freddie around the room with a brush. For the remainder of the episode, Cree's trademark ringlets are replaced with a blow-out that resembles Farrah Fawcett's do'.

What made me raise an eyebrow is that in the episode, Ron Johnson observes Freddie (with her straightened locks) from behind and is instantly attracted to her. When Freddie reveals herself and leaves, Ron says as she exits, "Oooh.. what a little Dark and Lovely will do for a sistah!". In reflecting on the episodes of the show, Freddie's curls were repeatedly the butt of jokes, and her character was told on more than one occasion that she needed to "do something" about her unruly tresses. The irony is that despite the mockery, many naturals of my generation (I of course include myself in this) will say that it was Cree's curls that inspired them to go natural.

Fast forward to last night's episode of the new BET series "Reed Between the Lines", starring Tracee Ellis Ross and Malcolm Jamal Warner.

In the episode, teenage daughter Kaci (played by the cute as a button Zoe Soul), after landing the roll in the school play is asked to flat iron her hair for the part. She complies and is very vocal about the fact that she finds the act insulting and unnecessary... until the boy she's crushing on takes notice. Like Ron & Freddie, he suddenly is liking what he sees.

Kaci is suddenly not so in a hurry to bring back her curls, and when her Carla (Tracee Ellis Ross' character) approaches her about changing herself to please a boy, she stumbles across Kaci applying vaseline to her face in preparation for a relaxer.

I won't spoil the ending for those who missed it, but I will say that Tracee took us all to church, and I was fanning myself with an afro pick at the conclusion!!!! LOL

I'm grateful for "Reed...", not only for the episode itself, which was huge, but for creating characters with "Of course I wear my hair natural!!!!" attitudes, instead of some of the "My hair is natural.. .ain't that wacky?!?!" characters we've encountered in the past.

Did you catch last night's episode? What were your thoughts? Leave a comment and let's talk!

:::drools::: Tia Mowry-Hardrict-style for Plus Size Fashionistas

Hooray!! Another Challenge!!! After last week's post, I receive the following message from my good friend (and work wifey) Stephanie:

HEY GIRL! Can you create Tia's outfit? Or else!

Well since you asked so nicely.... LMAO!!! I believe that Tia's dress is courtesy of Jay Godfrey, called the 'Predock' Asymmetrical Sleeve Silk Dress:

I love how Tia kept her look very simple.... it's hard to rock a lot of bling and carry an infant. This dress is definitely gorgeous, but a) It's $395.00, and b) It's largest size is a size 10. Boo.... Hiss...!

For those of you (like me) who are lacking Tia's post-baby bod (Yes, I'm jealous!!! LOL) or bank account, I've recreated the look. Here's what I'm working with:

Dress: Raw Edge One Shoulder Dress ($33.17, Asos Curve)
Shoes: Sorgatz Heel ($69.98, Aldo Shoes)

Adorable baby boy not included! LOL

If you have an outfit you'd like me to try to recreate for plus size fashionistas, drop me a line via email, Twitter, or on the Miss Moon's Musings Facebook page.