It's kind of funny. I have known that this moment was to come, but now as I write these words... I find myself filled with resistance. I guess this is the standard fear that comes with saying goodbye.
This will be the very last post of Miss Moon's Musings. It's been a fabulous six years, and I've been nothing but grateful for and continuously amazed by all the support you have given my rantings, ramblings and revelations!!!! From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much!!
Everything ends, but this farewell I assure you is bittersweet, because I do have some good news for you...
That's right... I am starting a new blog!!! You thought I would just leave and ride into the sunset?!? No way!!!
AudreyCan.com is launching June 9, 2015 (If you remember, that date is very important to me.) and (I hope) it will be everything you loved about Miss Moon's Musings and so much more! I'm so excited to be sharing this new side of myself with you!!
In the meantime, between now and June 9th, feel free to keep in touch with me on Twitter, FaceBook, Instagram, and even Pinterest (I'm a Pinterest junkie... I admit it)!!
And if you have any questions, comments and/or suggestions, please feel free to drop me a line! I'd love to hear from you!
As I am sure you all know, Miss Moon's Musings has been on hiatus for the last several months. This is because I am presently without internet access in my house.
Last summer, the frequent rain caused leaking in our apartment, which resulted in two large gaping holes in our ceiling. Our living room ceiling wasn't the only fatality as our home computer (and the modem) was totally fried as well. The holes are still very present on the ceiling as I write these words... Seriously.
My family and I were hoping that we would move out by the end of last year, but I also received a giant middle finger from the Universe in the form of losing my job. After putting my health scare on a shelf for the sake of pitching in and being loyal to my former employer... they kicked me to the curb, along with countless others.
Fast Forward to March, I am still stuck in this apartment that shows no signs of being repaired any time soon, I am diligently searching for a great job, and most importantly I am working on myself. I believe that a lot of the hardships that have come is a sign that I need to focus on what I am doing to create struggle. I am committed to breaking some negative patterns in my life. I feel like this could be my last chance to start over... and I really don't want to screw it up. I am working on a major life overhaul, and despite missing the blog, I need to really put my focus on fixing this mess.
So Miss Moon's Musings will continue to be on hiatus for the time being. You can feel free to keep in touch with me on Instagram, Twitter, and of course, the Miss Moon's Musings FaceBook page, as I am always on Instagram and Twitter (Especially on "Scandal" night! lol) and have vowed to be more active on Facebook as well.
I really just wanted to check in and say that I'm alive and that Miss Moon's Musings is NOT dead!!!
Boy, did I have a fabulous time at Chic n Kinky's Naturals Night Out 2012 this year! They promised to provide a bigger and better event than last year's and they did NOT disappoint!!
Danielle of Curls: Lovely hair and lovely smile. She was very sweet and answered all of my questions about Curls products (Can you believe I've never tried them before?!?)
I was super psyched to meet Nikki of Everything Under the Moon as we've been bloggy buddies for a WHILE now! I eagerly stole borrowed this photo from her Instagram.
My partner in crime for the night's events, Sudana of Creative Urbanista, who debuted her brand new 'do! Looking great, girl!
Check out Sudana's recap of the night by visiting her blog! Great photos (Like this one!) !!!
Adorable tees were available for sale from Haus of Swag, one of the night's fantastic vendors!
Ginger + Liz was on hand to offer attendees manicures! They were also having a killer sale on their polish!
The Lovely Monique of Cotton Beauty Pantry and I (Why does Ms. Mooch look like Prince Humperdink in this picture!?!? LOL)... We met at last year's Natural's Night Out! Check out her FaceBook page for her pictures from the event.
I look icky in this picture, but I'm including it because Courtney of CutieKinks looks adorable!
Naturalistas of every size, shape, color and texture hanging out on the patio.... I cannot wait to see what's in store for next year!!
I haven't done a Top Five list in ages, so when I was walking last week I thought it would be fun to put together a list of songs that make me feel all romantical and stuff inside. With a single listen, I am transported back to being twelve, having no clue what love is about, but having a lot of dreamy ideas on the subject.
These are songs that (And I wish I was exaggerating)...I usually play on a loop for an hour or so, sighing deeply and swooning up a storm! Hence, I call them SWOON Tunes! LOL
The problem that occurred when I was thinking about the list was that it was really difficult to limit myself to only five songs!! So, in what's (I think) a first for Miss Moon's Musings... I am giving you a top TEN list instead!! These are in no particular order, by the way!
June - Van Hunt
Out of all the songs on my list, this one is the most recent. But please know that just because I've known this song for a shorter time than the others... I still swoon like mad!!! I wish I could accurately put into words what I love about this song. This is a weak attempt at it, I know, but I love the imagery in the lyrics and after first hearing it, I thought to myself that this is a song I would love to have dedicated to me by a fella.
This song is just.... beautiful to my ears! I don't know what it is... I listen to this song ONCE and that's a wrap for the next few hours... I'm listening to this song and singing along.... LOUDLY! That's my agenda!
Play Me - Neil Diamond
Yes, I said it. Neil... Mutha Effin'... Diamond. The Jewish Elvis himself!! I stan for this song big time, and frankly... I blame my Mama for it!!
When I was growing up, Mizz Lennid (My affectionate nickname for Mum) used to clean the house every Sunday and would play her records while doing her various tasks. I would help out and ultimately a lot of the songs she played have become some of my favorite "Cleaning Up" songs. Don't get me started on the Barbra Streisand/Barry Gibb duet "Guilty"....I cannot EVEN hear that song without smelling Mr. Clean!
LOL
But I digress... Play Me is a song I recently rediscovered and it's been OVAH for me ever since. I can tell you quite sincerely... this song is sexy as hell!!! Y'all may be laughing at me for putting Neil on the list, but take a listen and tell me honestly that the temperature didn't raise a bit for you!!
A Song for You - Donny Hathway
I can almost hear the "Yessssss!!!" coming out of some of you upon seeing the title of this song! But this song is not only a classic, but this is another song that if a guy dedicated this to me... we'd probably make babies. Lots and lots of babies!!!! LOL
Elaborate Lives - Adam Pascal and Heather Headley (From "Aida")
I've talked a bit about this song on FaceBook, as well. I've always said that if (God Forbid!) I'm ever in a coma, please call Adam Pascal to my bedside to sing this song, and I will WAKE UP... and probably earn a nice little restraining order in the process!! He'd be like, "Audrey, I'm so glad I can help you wake up from this coma, but could you get your tongue out of my ear?!? I mean.... SECURITY!!!!" Remember that scene in the movie "B.A.P.S." when Halle Berry spots Leon?!? Yep.. kinda like that!! Not gonna lie! LMAO
I've become somewhat of a door-to-door peddler of how swoon-tastic (Yes, another word I just made up!) this song is. I played it once for my best friend and I told her that she is going to sigh dreamily... and she did!! Yes, Natasha.. you did! LOL
One Mo' Gin - D'Angelo
As much as I love D'Angelo's entire album Voodoo, if you looked at my iTunes play stats for the album... this song would be top ranking!!! LOL
There is not a single of my exes I would love to have a moment like this with, but it's still a great song to daydream about and of course, swoon!!!
Heaven Must Be Like This - Ohio Players
This song is not a stranger to Miss Moon's Musings... I've featured it before. But damn, this song is beautiful!!!! This is a song that could be the first dance song at a wedding, and the first song of the Honeymoon playlist!!! LOL
Oh Girl - The Chi-Lites
This is hands down, one of my FAVORITE songs... Ever!!! When I think about it, it might be my FAVORITE! Number One!! In fact, out of all of this songs on this list, this is probably my very first swoon tune!!!
I love this song so much, that if I saw Paul Young on the street, I would probably kick him in the nuts for his awful ear-raping remake. Okay "ear-raping" was harsh, I admit. But that's how much I love the original! LOL
Your Eyes - Adam Pascal (From "Rent")
Okay, I'm super-embarrassed to be placing Adam on this list twice. Look at his picture, even he's going "Really, Audrey?!?". I'm harmless, I assure you! LOL
But you know that famous "Ovaries Exploding" gif, very popular on Tumblr? Well, yeah... this song does that to me!!! Seriously, though... Adam? Please stay very happily married!!! Because if I ever... EVER.. catch wind that you're single, I might be forced to make a fool of myself! I mean MORE than I just did by just typing that last sentence! LMAO
I call this song a HERITAGE swoon tune. Because my wonderful grandmother Vivian, swooned over this song, my Mother and Aunt swooned... and my sister and I swoon as well. We are three generations of swooners! LOL
I have a feeling that my children will be swooning along with me to this song one day!
And there you have it... my Top Ten Swoon Tunes!!! What songs top your list? I'd love to swoon along with you, so leave a comment!! :)
I've never considered myself a hater of slim women before. I never even partook in the "skinny women are evil" campaign... even in jest. This is something I'm especially proud of, because in being full figured for most of my adult life, I've had random strangers speak so disrespectfully of me... all because I dared walk into their field of vision being the size I am. I never felt good after those encounters, so I am not about to make anyone feel that way. Ever! But something happened to me last week that really opened my eyes. It's not my finest moment, I admit... but there's a revelation in the story, so I'm inclined to share it.
For my daytime walks, I like to walk up to Lafayette Avenue and circle Von King Park a few times before I make the trek back home. The park is beautiful, and has the only working water fountain in Bed-Stuy, it seems.. so its a good place to go and get hydrated while walking, since I never carry water with me (I know.. major no no!). The first time I tried to lap the park, I thought I was going to die. Now, I can do 5-7 laps, something I am very proud of myself about.
I'm a life long insomniac, and my sleep schedule gets wonky at times. Such has been the case recently, so my "daytime walks" have been happening around 4 or 5 pm. And lately, when I've been circling the park I've encountered this woman jogging. She's... amazing! She glides around the blocks effortlessly in her little running shorts, ponytail swinging to and fro, much like the woman pictured above.
When I first laid eyes on her, to paraphrase comedian Louis C.K. (I know I quote him a lot, but really.. sometimes he puts things EXACTLY the way I would!!), I had to stop walking, because I needed my whole body to hate her with! LOL
Why did I hate her? Because she made me feel like a major chump for daring to walk my big ass around this park, panting and sweating like a hooker in church while she jogs past me... thin and beautiful and glistening. She actually effin' glistens... she doesn't sweat!!! I felt horrible about myself, and experienced a "Oh, what's the use?!?" moment, so I stopped circling the park around two laps and walked back home, contemplating walking someplace else from now on, until my sleep schedule gets right, and I could get to the park earlier.
What's funny is that this whole situation was that this was also the day that I took the photo of myself that I shared in my last Get Healthy entry. I went home and told my Mum about this woman, and she said to me, "Don't worry.. this time next year, you'll be jogging along side of her!". She went on to tell me that she can very clearly see that I have lost weight and that my attitude and posture has improved since I've started walking. Which was great to hear, because as I've said.. I don't see it yet. I feel it, definitely, but I still look like the big girl I always was. And she's fine.. she's great in fact. But I wanted to see some evidence that I'm on the right path.
And I had an epiphany. I didn't hate this women because she's perfect and I'm not... I didn't hate her at all, but I envied her because she represented something I thought I couldn't achieve. She was like a carrot dangling over my head that I had no chance in hell of catching... And seeing her pass me by when she jogs felt..... cruel to me. When I reflected on this some more, my attitude changed. Because that carrot?!? It's TOTALLY something I have the capacity to catch. And I will catch it. It might not be next year, as Mizz Lennid predicts, but it will happen. And I took the picture in part as a reminder to myself that I have already made great strides and will continue to do so. Which is a perfect opportunity to say....Thank you, Everyone, for the words of encouragement here, on Twitter, and on The Miss Moon's Musings FaceBook page!! Your excitement about my progress is a big part of what keeps me going!
So when I saw the woman again, instead of hating her (Really, hating myself.. let's be honest!) I sent her a silent "Thank you!", and repeated my thanks each time she lapped me around the park. Because she represents the possible results of the path I have started: A women who is fit, healthy, and effortlessly pacing Von King Park like a mickey ficky BOSS... her ponytail whipping to and fro. Perhaps one day, when I am feeling especially brave I will thank her personally. For now, this post is a start. :)
So it's been a little over four months since I've been unemployed. While I've done my best to make the best use of this time, I think it's time to shake things up and be a bit more proactive in my job search.
One of my favorite things to do is invest in a KILLER job interview ensemble... something that has just enough of my personality, a splash of professionalism, and a liberal application of "Check me out, you know you want me for this job!!!". I've always found that when there is a kick ass look hanging in your closet, you get excited about the prospect of wearing it on an interview. When you're excited about the possibility of going on an interview, you're more excited when job searching. And when you're excited about job searching, that energy and intent can be conveyed in your application.
This results in a job interview... which results in an opportunity to rock your interview duds!!! And in the very best case scenario... it results in your getting that great job!! So I searched the internet for the past few days, looking for outfits that I would actually wear on a job interview. I've put together three in total, and I want to know which of the three looks, (if you were a prospective employer) would MOST make you want to hire me.
Now keep in mind, I'm not looking for a job on Wall Street, which would require me to wear a suit 5 days a week. My perfect opportunity would be a job where I could wear jeans if I wanted to... but honestly, I rarely do. I really really like this outfit and I think if I rocked this with my white blazer, it would really be an eye catcher:
Top: ASOS CURVE Jersey Top With Peplum Hem ($39.99, ASOS) Pants: Slant Pocket Slim Leg Pant ($39.99, Avenue) Shoes: HILSER Flats ($50.00, Aldo Shoes) Necklace: Encompassing Peacocks Indie Necklace ($25.99, Ruche)
This look is a bit more colorful, which I am all about, but I don't believe it's SUPER overwhelming as to appear unprofessional in a job interview.
Top: Lime Leaf Print Top ($35.00, Evans USA) Cardigan: Women's Plus 3/4-Sleeve Cardigans ($36.94, Old Navy) Pants: Flared Leg Trousers ($59.95, Lane Bryant) Shoes: SM Women's Heaven Multicolor Flat ($39.95, DSW)
Now, I am generally ALL ABOUT pants when going on a job interview. But chalk it up to getting older and more adventurous, I would welcome the opportunity to wear a skirt on an interview now. And to celebrate my new-found chutzpah when it comes to job interview apparel, I've selected this outfit:
Top: Printed Poncho Blouse ($29.50, Ashley Stewart) Skirt: Bespoke Perfect Black Pencil Skirt ($48.00, Simply Be) Shoes: Seychelles Freesia Flat ($79.95, DSW) Bag: Hurley Prism II Book Tote ($40.00, Zappos)
There you have it. Three looks I could sincerely see myself wearing on a job interview. Now it's up to you which one I invest in: Look One, Look Two, or Look Three.... so be sure to leave me a comment with your pick!!!!
Spring has officially sprung across the globe, and although I'm (unfortunately!) still unemployed, that doesn't mean there aren't items on my "To Buy" list! Spring essentials, if you will, that would definitely make my days brighter! So let's get right down to it, y'all!!!
First up on my list is a two-fer (So yes, it's being counted as one!) courtesy of Simply Be. I LOVE this outfit! I think it is very, very "Audrey Hepburn discovers Color Blocking".. which I think makes for an AWESOME combination! I love the Tipped Shirt, which I can totally see rocking on a job interview, and then wearing it with the Color Jeans in Wine (as pictured) on the first day of work! LOL Speaking of colored jeans...
I have two pairs of skinny jeans, which I love, but are both way too big on me now (First sign that Miss Moon's Getting Healthy? Could be...). I think I am definitely in need of an upgrade, and since it's all about vibrant, jewel toned colors... why not rock some colorful skinny jeans? I'm am really diggin' these Colored Slim Leg Jeans from The Avenue. Blue is my favorite color, and I can see myself rocking these jeans with loads of different combinations... including with the Tipped Shirt I just mentioned!
I know it doesn't seem like it here in NYC, what with the 80 degree(!!) weather and all, but April showers do indeed bring May flowers. Spring is definitely the time to invest in a good jacket to wear over your clothes. And for me, I always try to pick a simple black one that I can jazz up with a funky spring scarf. My pick is the Women's Plus Short Trench Coat by Old Navy, which is my go to place for savings and style with savoir faire. (I swear, if this blog had a drinking game... it would be take a shot every time I went the alliteration route! lol)
I've mentioned before that I've adopted a fitness routine that includes walking for an hour a day 5-6 days a week. I've recently upped the stakes and walk twice a day, giving me essentially two hours of exercise each day that I do it. A lot of the time I walk and listen to music that motivates me to keep going. Recent favorites have been "Radio" from the hit Broadway show Memphis, "Tortoise and The Hare" by the amazing Jazzyfatnastees, and (Don't judge me) "Did it On 'Em'" by Nicki Minaj. Yes, I have a very eclectic taste in music! LOL
But the number one song that I play during my walks is "The Woman Who" by the beautiful Lamya (who left this Earth way too soon!), which is such an amazing song about, well, the woman who changes her life, makes her dreams come true, and lives happily ever after... wearing her "red magic shoes", as the lyrics say. Which of course, is my motivation for getting the Converse Ox sneakers in Cinnabar. This item is one I've actually purchased and am currently waiting to receive. I am well on my path to bettering myself, but I'm certain a pair of red magic shoes will help me travel the course in style! :)
This last item is obviously a "when I get my first paycheck" purchase, unless I hit lotto (which I don't play, so it's unlikely) or some rich person stumbles across this blog and goes "Hey! I like this plucky gal's style, I'm going to buy this bag for her!" (Which is equally as unlikely! LOL), but I am madly in love with this Fiorelli Large Havana Satchel from Asos, so hopefully it will still be in stock when my finances are. LOL
What has caught your eye and is on your list of Spring Must-Haves? Leave a comment with the items you're most excited about (Links would be great, too!)
My Christmas was very much inspired by the "Just Joan" episode of the television series "Girlfriends":
When Joan complains about the dating scene and her social life, Maya challenges her to empower herself, accept her singleness and go out to a trendy restaurant alone.
I decided that being newly single during the holidays did NOT have to be something to feel sorry for myself about! What better gift to give myself on Christmas than the gift of empowerment?!?!? So I got myself all dolled up and headed out on Christmas afternoon.. complete with my new favorite lipstick!!!!
Yes, y'all... I was rockin' a red lip on Christmas!!!!!!! I couldn't afford to dine at a fancy bistro, so I decided to do something within my price range.
So I took myself to the movies. I saw "The Darkest Hour" in 3D... It was actually a pretty good movie. I had a blast sitting in the front of the theatre with my popcorn and soda... dressed up to watch this adventure.
After the movie I walked around Downtown Brooklyn... And it didn't feel awkward, or pathetic to be walking around by myself on Christmas, in fact I saw a lot of people doing it.
It was an amazing day, and one I am very proud of myself about. There's a stigma with many women about going out by themselves to the movies or even to dinner, as Joan expressed in the episode of Girlfriends. Even my Mum who is in her 60s remarked that she had never dined out or gone to the movies alone before. She looked at me with a bit of pride, I think... as I decided to take the holiday into my own hands and set out on my own adventure that day.
Do I feel tremendously empowered? I will say this... I did have a kick ass Christmas, and that alone is empowering!!
How super excited am I to have been nominated for The Versatile Blogger Award?!?! So much gratitude and appreciation for Sass n Curlz for nominating me!!
Here are the rules:
Nominate 15 fellow bloggers.
Inform the bloggers of their nomination.
Share 7 random things about yourself.
Thank the blogger who nominated you.
Add the Versatile Blog Award picture on your blog post.
I know so many Blogs that deserve this title, it was hard for me to narrow it down to 15!!! Here are my picks (in no particular order):
http://backtocurly.com/
http://www.kiffecoco.com/
http://www.beautyfash.com/
http://afroartnerd.blogspot.com/
http://www.commecoco.com/
http://michellesphotos.wordpress.com/
http://belladuafe.blog.com/
http://creativeurbanista.wordpress.com/
http://thebohemiandiva.wordpress.com/
http://www.weeshasworld.com/
http://chocolateorchid.blogspot.com/
http://makeupandbeautyjunkie.wordpress.com/
http://naturallyahsiek.blogspot.com/
http://www.natreview.com/
http://talecia-godclothesandfood.blogspot.com/
7 random things about me:
1) I sing all the time! I get songs stuck in my head and sing absentmindedly.
2) I cannot go to bed unless I figure out what I'm wearing to work the next day.
3) I'm really enjoying being single again!!!
4) I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up. Well, I have an idea, but I don't know how to do it yet.
5) I'm blessed to have some kick ass friends in my life.
6) I dream of visiting Eleuthera (in the Bahamas) by the time I'm 40.
7) I'm obsessed with the movie Megamind.. it's so funny!!!
Here's something you may not know about me: I'm painfully shy when it comes to meeting new people. I find myself feeling as awkward as a 12-year-old at their first boy/girl dance. This is something I strive to improve about myself, so I was very excited (and nervous) when I heard about the newest natural hair event sponsored by Curly Girl Collective, Curl Crush.
Curl Crush was an event that first and foremost celebrated natural hair like most events do, but with a little something extra that made it totally unique. Taking a cue from the ever-popular speed dating events, Curl Crush gave everyone an event to sit and meet with stylist, bloggers, and other curly girlies for five minute "dates" to discuss products, techniques and just to bask in each other's beauty. I took a big, deep gulp and RSVP'd "Yes".
Held at the beautiful Taj Lounge on 21st Street in Manhattan, women from across the tri-state area braved the rain that day to hang out on a work week and enjoy the festivities.
In addition to the "speed hair" sessions, guests were invited to participate in a scavenger hunt that required chatting with fellow guests to answer questions like, "Who big chopped this year?", "Who is presently transitioning?", and "Who has a hair steamer?", while sipping complimentary signature drinks for the event. I had such a blast and I'm so glad I went... and participated in a speed hair session!
Here's the first group getting to know one another....
Even the fabulous texture guru Dickey of Hair Rules joined in on the fun!
After five minutes were up, it's time to switch and meet your next curl crush!
Curly Girl Collective partnered with NaturallyCurly.com and (the fabulous!) Shea Moisture to host this event. Gia Low, one of the founders of CGC told Essence Magazine, "The energy in the room was simply golden!" "The women here gained a sense of sisterhood, inspiration and empowerment which is so instrumental in the natural hair community," continued Charisse Higgins, also one of the group's founders.
The lovely ladies of Curly Girl Collective welcoming party goes to the night's festivities.
Me (and my rain soaked curls!) with Raena, whom I met during our "speed date". Our conversation went from hair to makeup, and thanks to her, I am the newest member of the Cult of Ruby Woo. See? Not only did I face my fears of meeting new people, but I rocked a red lip while doing it!!! Talk about a two-fer!! LOL
I met Courtney a few months ago at another event, so when I bumped into her... I had to request my old and new "curl friends" to pose for a picture together. How DOPE are her earrings!?!?!?!?
Another highlight of the event was meeting Chai of Back to Curly, whom I've been such a major fan of for ages... I didn't snap a picture of the two of us (Booo, me!), but be sure to check out my cameo in her recap of the night.
In addition to mingling, there were some great vendors present, selling goodies that would make a welcome addition to any natural's home. After drooling from afar all night, I snatched up a tote bag, ankara hoop earrings and hair bows from QuellyRue Designs... I've been rocking the heck out of those earrings, so I have a feeling you'll be seeing them on me sometime soon!
For those who didn't want to shop, there was an opportunity to get your hands on some killer prizes in the raffle, one of the main prizes being a Huetiful Hair Steamer. I wanted that steamer... badly, so I purchased copious tickets in the hopes of bringing that baby home! I didn't (Awww!), but I did walk away with three of the raffle prizes, which included an amazing gift basket full of Miss Jessie's, Beautiful Textures, and Oyin Handmade products... in addition to two(!!!) Shea Moisture Gift Sets.... so I have no complaints! LOL
This event was definitely a highlight of the year for me, and I cannot wait to see what the wonderful women behind Curly Girl Collective think of next, because they sure do know how to throw a party!!!!!
My name is Audrey. I have been called many, many things. My Pirate Sistahs dubbed me Pirate Yemaya Chalice Moon, Mother of the Secret Realm (or Yemmy for short), which I remixed P-Diddy style into Miss Moon the Brooklyn Geechee. This blog is basically all about me and my life. I call it the rantings, ramblings and revelations of your average Brooklyn Geechee.
I have a lot of interests, and I admittedly get a bit dorky about them. So this blog will be about music, movies, politics, tv, getting healthy, and as Lisa Jones dubbed her book Bulletproof Diva (a must read!)... tales of race, sex, and hair.
I hope you like it. And if not, I welcome constructive criticism.
My only rule is be nice or leave.
Posts
