Music Therapy with Miss Moon

" There is just one life for each of us: our own."
~ Euripides

" The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are."
~ Jim Morrison

" This above all: to thine own self be true..."
~ William Shakespeare

When you dramatically alter your life in the hopes of creating a better one, and unfortunate fact is not everybody is going to unconditionally support you in the process. Some people will go as far as to deter you from your new path. They do this for a lot of reason, and it is often not a result of them being simply put, 'a hater'. Sometimes the intentions are genuinely positive. They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, though... so perhaps it's best to keep on your own road and let them talk!

My song choice for Music Therapy this week is a song that I've always loved, but the message behind it didn't resonate with me 100%. Primarily because my ish has never been on the radio... but wouldn't it be great if it was?!?!? LOL

But the lyrics to the song could very easily be, "You liked me 'till I went back to college...", or "You liked me 'till I went vegetarian..." or even, "You liked me 'till I decided to get healthy....".

I believe that you should use naysayers as motivation to work harder to accomplish your dreams. Not to show them up for vindication, but truly because they wouldn't doubt you if some smart part of you didn't doubt yourself. Their words mirror some part of your own inner dialogue and in keeping it up and succeeding, you will prove that you can achieve everything and anything you set out to accomplish. So be true to yourself and keep going!!! I hope that you all will enjoy, "... On the Radio (Remember the Day)" by Nelly Furtado!



You liked me till' you heard my sh*t on the radio
Well I hate to say but pop aint' going solo
You liked me till' you heard my sh*t on the radio
But now I'm just too mainstream for you, oh no
You liked me till' you seen me on your t.v.
Well if you're so low below then why you watching
You say good things come to those who wait
Well I've been waiting a long time for it

I remember the days when I was so eager to satisfy you
And be less then I was just to prove I could walk beside you
Now that I've flown away I see you've chosen to stay behind me
And still you curse the day I decided to stay true to myself

You say your quest is to bring it higher
Well I never seen change without a fire
But from your mouth I have seen a lot of burning
But underneath I think it's a lot of yearning
Your face, the colours change from green to yellow
To the point where you can't even say hello
You tell me you'd kill me if I ever snob you out
Like that's what you'd expect from me, like that's what I'm about

I remember the days when I was so eager to satisfy you
And be less then I was just to prove I could walk beside you
Now that I've flown away I see you've chosen to stay behind me
And still you curse the day I decided to stay true to myself

It's so much easier to stay down there guaranteeing you're cool
Than to sit up here exposing myself trying to break through
Than to burn in the spotlight, turn in the spitfire
Scream without making a sound, be up here and not look down
because we're all afraid of heights

I remember the days when I was so eager to satisfy you
And be less then I was just to prove I could walk beside you
Now that I've flown away I see you've chosen to stay behind me
And still you curse the day I decided to stay true to myself

Why ya hurt me hurt me hurt me hurt me hurt me hurt me so so,
leave me down down down down low leave me down da down down da down da down down down...
Sh*t on the radio... sh*t on the radio... sh*t on the radio... sh*t on the radio

A Little [THEESatisfaction] for a Saturday Night

Happy Saturday, People!!! When I saw the video for tonight's "for a Saturday Night" pick, the first thing I thought to myself was, "Why wasn't I invited to this party!?!?!". But seriously, what does a sistah have to do to get an invite?!? LOL

No matter... for this Saturday Night, I am having a cyber party right here and now!! And guess what?!? You are ALL INVITED!!! Awww Yeah! To get this parted started, I hope you all will enjoy "QueenS", courtesy of THEESatisfaction!!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... Peace Images Senefru Studs

It's Wednesday again, and it's time for me to share another item I WANNA WANNA WAAAAANNNNNNNA!!! My spotlight this week is on the gorgeous Senefru Stud Earrings ($40.00, Peace Images).... Totally Fab!!! These double-layer acrylic earrings are hand-inlaid with gold and black acrylic on a black base, and come in two versions: stud or dangle earrings. I personally am ALL ABOUT the studs... Wait, that sounds a bit dirty! LOL

My hair has finally reached a length that I can rock a posh little bun in the back of my head. I always call them "Olive Oyl Buns". These earrings are MADE for this hair style. I can totally see myself rocking these with an all black outfit, with my hair tied back... for a bit of instant POW!! How would you rock these earrings?!?

:::drools::: Drew Barrymore-style for Plus Size Fashionistas

Yes! It's time for another plus size fashionistas post! This week, I am recreating a very VA VA VA VOOM look, courtesy of Drew Barrymore!!

How much do I love this look? Even though its not overloaded with accessories, the vibrant pop of color on her lips and toes really brightens up what would be a simple monochromatic look!!!

Drew's gorgeous dress is courtesy of Narciso Rodriguez, but I managed to find a similar dress that is not only curvy girl friendly, but significantly less expensive... And it's equally as fantastic!! Here's what I've come up with:

Dress: AGB Plus Size Dress, Sleeveless Striped Side Tie ($68.00, Macy's)
Earrings: Chain Fringe Earrings ($5.80, Forever 21)
Bracelet: Pieces Gyppa Bracelet ($16.36, ASOS)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson Shoes, Halie Platform Pumps ($89.00, Macy's)

To complete the look, be sure to rock a bold red lip!! You can't go wrong with MAC's Ruby Woo, CoverGirl's Lip Perfection Lip Color in Hot, and last but not least, Loreal's Colour Riche Lipcolour in British Red.

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

"Yesterday is but today's memory, and tomorrow is today's dream."
~ Khalil Gibran

"The future belongs to those who prepare for it today."
~ Malcolm X

"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one."
~ Dr. Seuss

If you are reading these words, then today is the day you have an opportunity to make a change that is dramatically needed in your life. Whether "today" means April 23, 2012 or any time in the future from then, you can use today to do something different. Because sometimes all we need to spice up our lives, and to get things going in the right direction is to simply do something out of the norm.

A few months ago, I woke up and decided I wasn't going to bum myself out because of the lack of jobs I was seeing online. I decided that instead of sitting at home feeling defeated, I was going to do something different. "TODAY....", I said then, "I will take a walk for a half an hour... get active, do something healthy for my body!". And on that day, I did.

Fast forward to TODAY (April 23rd). I walk two hours a day, and can walk up to 7 miles!!! That's HUGE to me! It was that day then that started me on this whole "Miss Moon Gets Healthy" path... and I'm not looking back from it. In fact, my life is tremendously richer and happier for just deciding to do something new that day!!

Think about what opportunity you can take today to spice things up in your life. Maybe you can drive a different route from work to home today. Eat lunch at a new spot you spotted. Call someone you've been meaning to find the time to call. Today is only as good or bad as you will it to be, and I don't know about you, but I'm aiming to make every day a great, kick ass day!!!

Today's song choice for Music Therapy with Miss Moon comes from the fabulous Roots crew, with some help from Blu, Phonte, and Patty Crash. I hope that "The Day" will aid in making TODAY a great one for you!!!



When I wake up, I look into the mirror
I can see a clearer, vision
I should start living today
Cause today is gonna be the day, is gonna be the day
Cause today is gonna be the day, is gonna be the day

Yeah, it's like everyday I wake up, I stare into space and don't say much
Peer in the mirror, feeling dead from the face up
Coffee pots, cigarettes, morning Js, Baileys
Slowing down my day before it picks up the pace
Beats playing since the night before, thinking bout writing songs
Feeling exhausted from times we toured constant
And plus the toxics I sip got me tall
Still tipsy, staring at the city from the spot we call Los Angeles
Every day is like a blank canvas
Carving my initials in the planet like I brand it
Hand picked to live this life we take for granted
like a child with an upright bass, we can't stand it
Smiling through the trouble we face, tryna manage
my way without pumping my brakes and staying stagnant
Cause I can sit on my ass or just imagine
the madness I did on my path and paint the canvas

When I wake up, I look into the mirror
I can see a clearer, vision
I should start living today
Cause today is gonna be the day, is gonna be the day
Cause today is gonna be the day, is gonna be the day

Before I rise and shine like a neon sign
I need the girl of my dreams to give me Einstein
And burn the marijuan' like Buju Banton
is my only bonafide break from these confines
I need a change of scenery like a mind tide
These kids bringing me the noise like the bomb squad
And everybody coming at me from the blindside
I'm tired, it's hard to open up my eyes wide
I listen to some theme music on the iPod
and walk around the crib doing little odd jobs
Checking my breath, take a view from this high rise
Feeling like I'm checking out a game from the sideline
I got to try different things in these trying times
Twenty-ten is different than it was in nine-five
It's come alive time, I picked a fine time
for getting open off life like a fine wine

When I wake up, I look into the mirror
I can see a clearer, vision
I should start living today
Cause today is gonna be the day, is gonna be the day
Cause today is gonna be the day, is gonna be the day

Uh, yeah, Sunday morning, plan my day out
Whole new blueprint, brand new layout
Deep down still don't know if it'll play out
Before the first time, feel like I done found a way out
Skin getting clearer and it feel like I lost weight
Stop and say a prayer for the times I lost faith
Troubles of the world had me in a cross-face
Chicken-wing, sickening, liver so off-base
But now it's like I'm in the last lap of the car chase
and I finally understand my right to choose
My preacher man told me it could always be worse
Even the three-legged dog still got three good legs to lose
So you can stop and refresh the rules
Breathe in, breathe out, let it heal all your exit wounds
Something inside said that's the move
and made it today, I'll restart fresh and new

When I wake up, I look into the mirror
I can see a clearer, vision
I should start living today
Cause today is gonna be the day, is gonna be the day
Cause today is gonna be the day, is gonna be the day

A Little [BLACK STAR] for a Saturday Night

Happy Saturday, All!!! I've been playing around with my camera today, snapping photos (So I guess you should be expecting some pictures on the Miss Moon's Musings FaceBook page this week! LOL) and was playing music to get in the model mood. This song played and my sashay had a lot more shante to it!! LMAO



I hope you all will get your boogie on to Black Star's classic, "Brown Skin Lady"!!!!!

Miss Moon Gets Healthy: By Walking...With Gratitude!!!

I wish I was one of those women who are GUNG-HO about working out. While I find my walks tremendously gratifying, and I love the fact that I am doing something beneficial to my body... I'm not at the place where I can say honestly, "Yes!! I'm about to workout and sweat!!!" Perhaps one day I will be 24/7/365, but for now... it's a struggle to get motivated to take my walks sometime.

What's proven to be helpful in the process is GRATITUDE. Surely, gratitude is something that makes life better 100% of the time, but I hadn't thought about how gratitude can help me in my work outs before until recently. I set out to find three things to be grateful for at the beginning of my walks, which made the trek seem less like a workout and more like a walking meditation of sorts.

And I've found that during my walks I find something to be grateful about ALL the time!!! From the beautiful murals I've spotted around my neighborhood (Photos courtesy of my Instagram)...

To the beauty that only Spring in Bed-Stuy can bring....

And how can I not mention the bounty of EYE CANDY spotted at the local basketball courts?!?!? Whoooooo! Bless those menfolks!!! LOL

The moment I started finding things to be grateful for, I've started to be excited for each of my walks... if only for the opportunity to express gratitude! And I am a firm believer that gratitude=happiness and happiness=health... And since that is what the objective is, I believe I'm on the right path!!!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... ASOS CURVE Dress In Mex Tex Print

Unemployment doesn't deter yours truly from spotting, drooling, and falling head over heels over various items online that catches my eye! Certainly not... I'm good at it!! LOL

That, my friends, is the inspiration behind my newest blog series, "Wanna Wanna Wednesdays"... in which I highlight an item that, well... I wanna wanna WANNNNNNNNA!!! "Wanna Wanna Wanna" comes from the Jodie Foster film, "Nell". It's one of my favorite Nell-isms (if you will) that I like to use on a daily basis! 

This week, I'm all about ASOS Curve's Dress in Mex Tex Print ($48.17, ASOS). Crafted from lightweight fabric with a pure cotton trim and contrast. Featuring an all over bright coloured Tex Mex pattern, with a placket to the front, a seam to the waist, deep front pockets and a midi length skirt. With a contrasting crochet trim to the collar and cap sleeves.

This dress is perfect for the ridiculously summer-like weather we've been having lately in NYC. And it shall be mine... oh yes, it shall be mine!!!

What's presently on YOUR Wanna Wanna List?!? Share the items you're presently drooling over... who knows, it might be something I'd want too! I'm all about inspiration! LOL

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

“You see things, and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were, and I say, 'Why not?'”
~ George Bernard Shaw

"If enough people think of a thing and work hard enough at it, I guess it's pretty nearly bound to happen, wind and weather permitting."
~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
You are the guy who'll decide where to go."
~ Dr. Seuss

I am on a journey, y'all!! I mean, we all are, that's what life is, and I know this. But for the first time in my life... I recognize myself moving along the path, dodging obstacles and keeping pace. And... this is SUCH a new feeling for me!! I've spent so much of my life crippled with fear and disgusted with myself at the stagnation that comes from staying still. So much of my past was wasted by not moving for fear of making a misstep. Now? Stillness is a much-welcomed pause in my life. Walking, meditating, job searching, blogging, day dreaming, laughing, learning, sharing, creating... I'm very blessed. We all are!!!

I've spent a lifetime reacting out of fear that things might end up sucky. I know now that there is NOTHING suckier than being deliberately stuck, hating it, but being scared to do anything about it. So I'm choosing to channel my inner Xena: Warrior Princess and fight for what I want.

Let me be clear: I'm not fighting anybody but my damn self. There is no enemy out there harder on me than that "Negative Nancy" voice in my head. I can't stand that heifer, y'all!! So nowadays, I hit her with a Xena yell and she shuts right the hell up! Wouldn't you?!? LOL

Obviously, my song choice for Music Therapy with Miss Moon is not the Xena yell. I wanted to find a song that would serve as my own kind of battle cry. As always, Janelle Monáe is my go to girl. I swear, she's becoming my musical fairy godmother or something... She has a song for all my Music Therapy needs! I hope that "Without a Fight" will inspire you as much as it does me, and that it reminds you to fight like hell to achieve your dreams!



I kept thinkin' I could never see this day
It seemed so far away, hey
Da, dada, dadadada

It's so funny how quick things can change
Don't wanna make the same mistakes, hey
Over and over again

This time I'll be a little smarter
I'll push myself a little harder
'Cause my dreams ain't that much farther, hey

I won't give up without a fight
I'ma reach for the sky, try 'till I get it right
So I can see the day
When I can have things my way

I'ma start all over
Things are getting closer
I can see it, baby

Although I've had my highs and lows
I'ma push down that road, yeah
Da, dada, dadadada

My Lord keeps sending me the signs
I know this one is gonna be mine, yeah
It won't happen if I don't try, no

This time I'll be a little smarter
I'll push myself a little harder
'Cause my dreams ain't that much farther, hey

I won't give up without a fight
I'ma reach for the sky, try 'till I get it right
So I can see the day
When I can have things my way

I'ma start all over
Things are getting closer
I can see it, baby

I won't give up without a fight
I'ma reach for the sky, try 'till I get it right
So I can see the day
When I can have things my way

I'ma start all over
Things are getting closer, alright

I'ma be that one shining brighter than the sun
Da, dada, dadadoda
It's time to have some fun
Feels like I've already won
Don't give up without a fight

I won't give up without a fight
I'ma reach for the sky, try 'till I get it right
So I can see the day
When I can have things my way

I'ma start all over
Things are getting closer
I can see it, baby

I won't give up without a fight
I'ma reach for the sky, try 'till I get it right
So I can see the day
When I can have things my way

I'ma start all over
Things are getting closer
I can see it, baby

See it, see it

A Little [TOM TOM CLUB] for a Saturday Night

Happy Saturday, Everybody!! I'm in a fun mood, so I thought it appropriate to pick a song I consider loads of fun for this Saturday Night. I don't know what it is about this song, but whenever I hear the melody I immediately stop what I am doing to listen!!!

I hope that this song will have the same effect on you!!! Here's "Genius of Love" by Tom Tom Club!!! Enjoy!!!

:::drools::: Jessica Alba-style for Plus Size Fashionistas

One of my favorite new trends for 2012 is printed pants. Seen on everybody from Beyonce to Minka Kelly, the patterns are vibrant and lush and sure to turn heads!

When I spotted this photo of Jessica Alba in her contribution to the trend I knew instantly that this was the look I wanted to recreate for plus size fashionistas!!

How much do I love this look? The pants, the shoes, the jacket?!? I love how everything was all put together and I couldn't wait to see how I can recreate this outfit! Here's what I came up with:

Jacket: Veronique Linen Jacket in Teal ($138.00, One Stop Plus)
Top: Elasticized Basic Knit Top ($16.50, Ashley Stewart)
Pants: Joe Browns Hareem Pants ($49.00, Simply Be)
Shoes: Mia Tapas ($59.99, Zappos)
Bag: Yasui Handbag ($50.00, Aldo Shoes)

What are your thoughts on printed pants for Spring? Would you rock 'em or knock 'em?

I'm REALLY Diggin': Afrodelik Designs

For those of you familiar with my blog, it should come as no surprise that I am absolutely ga ga for tee shirts that feature natural hair loveliness in all of it's glory. This was why I was so excited when I discovered the gorgeous Afrodelik Designs.

Based out of Toronto, Canada in 2006 by artist and founder Desiree Marshall, who created her designs to "embrace the bounce of  the afro, the groove and diverse curves of hot mamas, and the cockiness of shuga daddies"....

"Growing up, I used to watch my brother draw and thought it was brilliant... I connected to it so much, that as a teenager, I had a dream that I was sent to Afro City where everything was smooth and funky. Our designs are inspired by the essence of our soul brothas and sistas, and our ancestors from Africa. Through their guidance and influence, designs are born.", says Marshall of Afrodelik's unique and beautiful designs. I can definitely dig that!!! But the question I must ask is... can y'all dig this?!?

Afrodelik Dress, modeled by Desiree Marshall, founder of Afrodelik Designs. 

Billie Holiday

New Girl 

Nuba Tee

Young Michael Jackson Tee

Lil' Sass

Kitty Jones 

Okay, are you drooling already?!?! Do you have a favorite design? Well, what are you waiting for? Head on over to http://www.afrodelik.com/ to check out what's available!! Be sure to also check them out on FaceBook and Twitter!

I Heart Her Hair: Rochelle Jordan...

Seriously, how FLY AS HELL is Rochelle Jordan? And the more important question, why the eff am I just hearing about her, her kick ass voice, amazing style and DROP DEAD GORGEOUS hair?!?! LOL

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

" Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions."
~ Dalai Lama

 "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
 ~ Mahatma Gandhi

 " Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

It's actually crazy to me how happy I've been lately. A part of me believes that I actually should be worried and troubled about the areas of my life that are not completely working out the way I'd like them to right now... but I'm not. Really!

In fact, I don't think much about what's lacking. My focus lately has been on the areas of my life where there is immense joy. So I guess that's why I'm so happy!!  And because I'm the type of gal that wholeheartedly believes in sharing a good thing, I'd like to share with you all this week's song choice for Music Therapy with Miss Moon.

I don't know what it is about Starbuck's, but whenever I go there (which admittedly isn't often), I'm always tempted to splurge on the CDs they have right at the cashier. They generally as a rule have some KICK ASS music selections. One of my first impulse buys was the Sly and the Family Stone tribute album, Different Strokes By Different Folks, which I purchased years ago and is still on heavy rotation here at Casa di Miss Moon.

I was listening to the album recently, and when my song pick for this week came on... it was a wrap over here! I put that bad boy on repeat and was sangin' (not to be confused with singing) this song for HOURS at the top of my lungs. I would add much to the chagrin of my neighbors, but fortunately, I can hold a tune! LOL

So I hope you all will enjoy You Caught Me (Smilin'), sung by Sly & the Family Stone (with the help of Scar)... and I hope that it will make you smile, so that others can catch you in the act and the joy will spread!!


You caught me smilin' - again
You caught me smilin' - again

 Hangin' loose,
'Cause you ain't used to seein' me turned on.

You caught me smilin' - again
You caught me smilin' - again

 I'll be gone,
And it won't take you long to climb a tree about me.

You caught me smilin' - again
You caught me smilin' - again

 I ain't down I'll be around to carry on

You caught me smilin' - again
You caught me smilin' - again

In my pain I'll be sane to take your hand.

A Little [ESPERANZA SPALDING] for a Saturday Night

I recently purchased Esperanza Spalding's newest album, Radio Music Society and IMMEDIATELY fell in love with this song. In my mind, its the perfect song for a Saturday Night of slow dancing with the one you love! And if that lucky person hasn't made their way to you yet, let it serve as a siren song to show them the way!! ;)

I hope you all will enjoy "Cinnamon Tree"....