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2012: A New Year, A New Me

I decided to not make any resolutions this year, but to continue to move forward with decisions I have made for my life. One of those decisions is to live a healthier lifestyle. I would blame this on the need to drop some pounds, but I’m more vain than that. What triggered this choice is my current battle against the onset of adult acne.

I’ve never had acne before and all my life have had nice, clear skin. I come from a family of women with this trait and when I started to break out, I didn’t panic since I knew how to treat and care for my skin. However, these breakouts were different; they didn’t clear up quickly using my usual methods. I tried facials and eventually tucked my tail and went to the dermatologist. I was prescribed an antibiotic, but was overwhelmed by the nauseating side effects. I went back to try something else and was prescribed a drug I had never heard of before. Through some online research I discovered this drug had worse side effects, including “drug-induced lupus”. I definitely was not putting that in my system.

It was then that I decided to focus my attention on how to clear up adult acne naturally. I learned that the origins of acne lie in both my kidneys and liver not being to do their jobs effeciently, and that in order to correct this my body needs to be detoxed. I thought about this: what had occurred over the past year to fill me up with these high levels of toxins?  The answer: Plenty. Working full-time, running my own business, and being wife and mother is a serious load, on top of daily occurrences that cause stress that I don’t consider, like driving in crowded LA streets. Dealing with different people, different personalities, and different issues in a high pressure environment was more than enough to bring this on. Now it’s time for me to correct it.

I’m starting this year with a physical and mental detox and continuing with the exercise plan I implemented in 2011. For the next 15 days, I will be eating only raw fruits and vegetables, and juices made from both sources to bring my body back to center. This won’t be an easy task, but as my husband always reminds me, nothing worth having ever comes easy. I am committed to this 15 day fast – no matter how hard it gets I won’t break. I’m excited to see how the body can heal itself with food and even more, I’m looking forward to seeing my complexion improve. Additionally, I’m purging myself of 2011 stresses – especially those things that aren’t personal to me. My focus is making me a better me so I can reach my highest potential as wife, mother and entrepreneur.

What changes are you making for your life in 2012?

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Anti-Aging: Environmental/Free Radical Damage

Environmental/Free Radical Damage is responsible for 90% of the skins aging and contributes to fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness and elasticity, uneven skin tone and age spots. To combat this kind of aging choose  products that contain:  Antioxidant Actives. Antioxidant Actives include:  Vitamins C & E which are essential for tissue repair & to strengthen the skin’s natural defenses. Enzymes of Melon & Co-Q10 neutralize free radicals & stimulate the skin’s metabolism. Peptides like Carnosine, Matrixyl & Demaxyl, increase collagen/elastin production & prevent cell wall damage. Minerals such as Eukarion 134 mimic the body’s own defense enzymes to detoxify the effects of free radicals or stress. Polyphenols of Castaline prevent the deterioration of collagen/elastin & increase cellular energy. Consult with your Esthetician to select the products best suited for you. If you don’t have an Esthetician, or have any questions, please feel free to contact me and I will be glad to help you.

 

Sherilyn Rhymes, L.E. has been practicing her passion in the skin care and make-up industry for over 12 years.  She continues to learn and explore new areas of skin care and dermatological studies on an on-going basis through the world renowned International Dermal Institute in Carson, California. Sherilyn’s goal is to “save the world one skin cell at a time”. Leave a comment for her if you have questions – she will respond!

 

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Webwatch 2012

More than 40 million new websites hit the Internet this year and with so much information available, it’s difficult to decipher what to check out and what to pass by. Luckily, Mr. Lehman and I have done the hard work for you and have a few suggestions for sites to keep an eye on in this year to come.

Garth Trinidad Sound|Adventures of an Anomaly: Garth Trinidad is a Los Angeles legend for a myriad of reasons, but is best known by Angelenos for being at the helm of the best radio LA has to offer as the DJ for KCRW’s Chocolate City, Monday – Friday from 8 – 10 pm on FM 89.9. In his 16 years as a DJ, Garth has befriended some of music’s most notable artists (check his KCRW archives for in-studio guests) and as such, his website, Garth Trinidad Sound is packed with information most of us wish we had direct access to. From Monday to Thursday Garth posts his musings on music and culture, free music downloads, articles and events he’s been made privy to and shares the information with the good people of Los Angeles – and anywhere else you may be when you tap in. In lieu of a copy of his personal contacts this will do, as visiting Garth’s world will leave you steps ahead of the rest in terms of where the good music, good culture and good vibes in LA live and thrive. While in his world, pay a visit to the Moja Moja project he curates as well. Moja Moja takes what Garth does with Chocolate City to a multimedia level and provides a platform for listeners to discover urban and international alternative music and culture.

New Culture Society: Are you certain you know all that the West Coast has to offer? Do you feel like you keep your finger on the pulse of what’s next to come? If not, then you should visit (and subscribe) to New Culture Society. This group of young LA residents has pooled their interests and resources to put together a funky, happening website that highlights what’s current and next to come on the Best Coast regarding cinema, literature, fashion and music. Individually, the staff showcases an impressive resume so collectively, it’s a home run. Black Is friend, Merc80 is a part of the team and put us on to this new project and we look forward to seeing what’s coming up with NCS in 2012.

KimmayTube (YouTube): There are TONS of websites dedicated to natural hair – TONS. Everybody has some of the same information, some of it conflicting, and for anybody thinking about transitioning to natural hair or maintaining it, the entire process can be convoluted if you search the web for information. Enter KimmayTube, a YouTube channel that clarifies it all. Watching KimmayTube is like watching a good television station dedicated to natural hair. It’s awesome – and it helps that our host, Kim Love, knows what she’s talking about. Her own hair is a testament to the versatility of natural hair and debunks all myths that Black hair is difficult to manage and unable to grow to great lengths. Visit KimmayTube for tips on growing and maintaining natural hair, learn tips on how to determine what products work best for your hair, and watch tutorials for everything from washing and detangling to various styling techniques. While there, visit her site, Luv Naturals to purchase many of the products Kim uses in her videos.

Issa Rae: The woman behind The MisAdventures of Awkward Black Girl has more in store for those of you looking for programming online. Visit her personal website and get familiar with her other two shows, The F Word and my personal favorite, Dorm Diaries for more hilarious webisodes to mix up your weekly programming. The first season of MisAdventures wraps up on January 12th and we are anxiously awaiting what season two has to offer.

Moovmnt: Mr. Lehman, the editor-at-large here at Black Is has the most discriminating ear when it comes to music and shuns most American radio for streaming what he considers great music from global resources online. As such, he is constantly looking for sites that will introduce him to music he hasn’t before. Enter Moovmnt, a site that’s primary focus is to introduce its visitors to great music – period. Go here to learn about independent artists and producers that you won’t hear much about via mainstream media outlets.

Spotify: The trouble with the internet is that there is much opportunity for one site to outdo another. Though there is room for everybody to do their thing, sometime a site just stands apart and that’s where Spotify comes in. Sorry, Pandora, but Spotify changes the game in free music streaming by allowing consumers to truly customize their listening experience. On Spotify you can listen to an entire album of an artist before deciding to purchase, or listen to an artists’ complete catalog. You can also create playlists of your favorite songs for free. Spotify was founded in Sweden and headquartered in the UK so the amount of world music available is pretty vast.

BHCP: Yes, BHCP stands for Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. With the renovation of our mall almost complete and the surrounding area deep in the throes of gentrification, the mall website is a hub for what’s going on in our community. Check the BHCP Redevelopment site for community events, free concerts, business openings, and status updates on construction to know what’s happening in our neighborhood. All of this transition is happening for us, so let’s support it!

Sickly Cat: Our brother site remain relevant in 2012. Sickly Cat continues to be the premier site for unadulterated infotainment. Check this site daily for only the most interesting findings in world news and strong opinion pieces. What makes this site unique are the variety of contributors and therefore, opinions about everyday issues. It’s worth it to jump into the conversation and give feedback in the comment section – most likely, you’ll receive a reply from the author themselves. Expect this site to explode with news and commentary during the 2012 presidential campaign and election.

Mr. Moody’s Neighborhood: Based in Atlanta, GA Mr. Moody’s Neighborhood is a real, in-your-face, adult podcast discussing a variety of social issues. From relationships to parenting, the host Mr. Moody pulls no punches with his commentary and the show will inform you while keeping you in stitches. What we love most about this site is Mr. Moody is a husband and father and much of his commentary comes from his experience in those roles. He’s definitely about keep the Black family unit tight and we can’t help but love that. Again, this is for adults only as Moody isn’t editing his thoughts. Put the kids to bed, pour a glass of wine, sit back and listen to a new show on a Thursday night. Guaranteed you will be back for more. You can also subscribe via iTunes and check out past episodes you have missed.

 

 

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LA EVENTS: Holiday “Hybrid-Ice” Skating Rink Open at BHCP!

The Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza has opened an ice skating rink for the holidays! From now until December 31st, bring your family to BHCP between 12 – 8 pm for some ice skating fun for only $5! On Thursday, December 15th at 5pm, join KJLH at the skating rink for a real treat! The rink is located in the Center Court. See you there!

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Skin Atony (Sagging)

Skin Atony is defined by a sagging or drooping of the skin.  It is most common on the lower half of the face, but can also be present in the brow area. Choose professional treatments and products that firm, tighten, lift, hydrate and stimulate.  Ingredients to look for: Sweet Almond Oil & Wheat Proteins lift & firm.  Aosa Algae protects collagen & elastin. Glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s) hydrate. Caffeine, Coenzyme A & Chinese Herb Exract address what is commonly referred to as “Turkey Neck” by stimulating cell energy & draining idle fat cells, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) acts as an anti-oxidant. Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide) reduces fine lines/wrinkles. Consult with your Esthetician to select the products best suited for you. If you don’t have an Esthetician, or have any questions, please feel free to contact me and I will be glad to help you.

Sherilyn Rhymes, L.E. has been practicing her passion in the skin care and make-up industry for over 12 years.  She continues to learn and explore new areas of skin care and dermatological studies on an on-going basis through the world renowned International Dermal Institute in Carson, California. Sherilyn’s goal is to “save the world one skin cell at a time”. Leave a comment for her if you have questions – she will respond!


 

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Black Myths: The Urge to Eat the Swine

With Thanksgiving around the corner I came across an article that may be helpful, humorous, and informative to some of you pondering on having The Ham, over for dinner. Here are a few myths and religious beliefs that are out there regarding Blacks and eating pork. Read on!

I get really excited when I meet a black man who eats pork. This is not so simple if you live outside the South and want to date a man younger than 45 years old. In certain parts of the black community, eating swine is a cultural no-no.

Alas, this can be a dating challenge in my world.

I went on a blind date with a guy who didn’t eat pork. I know this because he had trolled my Facebook page and had seen that I was a “fan” of bacon. He confronted me and turned up his nose as I rhapsodized about the beauty of bacon. He told me why he didn’t eat pork by quoting a 20-year-old Rakim rap song.

We never went out again.

Recently a friend came by my house, and I had just finished cooking my favorite Saturday snack of sliced avocado with crumbled bacon. The lingering smell of fat offended him. I had to tune out as he extolled the virtues of turkey bacon. Turkey bacon is crap.

Pork bacon, on the other hand, makes me smile. The juiciness of a pork roast is more succulent than a pot roast. Broiled pork chops with balsamic vinegar and fresh basil is a quick, yet fine, meal. Luckily for me, pork is the “it” meat in many restaurants — from pork belly to high-end pork rinds. Yes, there is such a thing as high-end pork rinds.

For some black folks, however, the pig is not the “other white meat.” Instead it represents filth and a nasty animal that will afflict you with all kinds of diseases. (See Elijah Muhammad’s How to Eat to Live.) Anti-pork ideology is a throwback from the black power era, when militants demonized pork. “Pig” also became a pejorative for the police.

As black consciousness in the hip-hop generation — those growing up in the 1980s and 1990s — blossomed, pork didn’t fit into the diet. In Ice Cube’s classic “It Was a Good Day,” he raps: “I don’t know but today seems kinda odd/No barking from the dog, no smog/And momma cooked a breakfast with no hog.”

I don’t begrudge eating choices that are based on religion. But even for non-Muslims, this no-pork edict is weighty. When my friends and acquaintances deride pork, I think it’s more out of habit than based in fact. Something clicked in the black community about the pig.

Leni Sorensen is an African-American research historian at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate who specializes in food. She says it’s a myth that slaves ate parts of the pig because it was the nasty animal that slave owners dumped on them. A butchered hog was not considered a punishment for slaves.

Sorensen says everyone back then chowed down on the hog. “Pork was the primary protein because it stored easily, salted easily, cured easily. It was more subtle and varied,” she explains. White elites called all pork “ham.” And the idea that pigs are inherently dirty? Not true, she says.

“Certain kinds of political ideas come out of the last third of the 20th century. I do think much younger people have bought into layers of mythology,” Sorensen says. Black people today — especially urban Northerners — are less connected to agriculture, soil and cooking. Sorensen also says that many urban blacks, as a result of political ideology, began rejecting soul food or traditional country food that harks back to their ancestors’ Southern roots. In a way, they’re rejecting images of an enslaved past.

Full disclosure: I stopped eating pork at age 12 because of aforementioned peer pressure not to eat “swine.” A close friend and neighbor shocked my impressionable mind about the “disgusting pig.” My bemused parents indulged me and would fry me up turkey bacon. They also talked about me when I once sneaked a barbecue rib, all the while protesting that I didn’t really eat pork.

But all roads lead back to bacon for me. At age 22 I had a piece of real bacon, and I’ve never looked back. I couldn’t believe what I had given up! To this day my mother says she doesn’t trust anyone who doesn’t eat pork. I think she’s joking.

I know that the American diet is fatty. Black people have higher rates of diabetes and hypertension. Healthier eating is paramount for our individual and collective survival. One friend who stopped eating pork says she did so because her family cooked too much of it in every meal. I get that. My relationship with food involves moderation, culture and socialization.

The pig is not the sole culprit when it comes to bad health. I have a small group of pro-pork foodie friends who trade emails about bacon marmalade, heirloom pigs and pork recipes. We realize we’re an anomaly, but slowly we’re trying to convert our peers. (Seriously, take a bite of real bacon.)

I’m dating a new guy — a wonderful, engaging man. On our second date, he ordered pork chops. Jackpot! I shouldn’t have been surprised. He’s 45 years old.

Source: The Root

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On The Subject Of Anti-Aging Products

All anti-aging products are not equal.  The anti-aging category is a huge umbrella.  There are different ingredients that address different concerns.  The areas where we show our age the most are the, decollete (chest), throat, hands and the eyes. In the next several weeks, I will break down the various components of the Anti-Aging category for you:

THE EYES HAVE IT: The skin around the eyes is six (6) times thinner than the skin on the rest of the face.  DARK CIRCLES – look for an eye cream with Vitamin K and the peptide Haloxyl.  hese ingredients improve microcirculation, help to strengthen fragile or damaged capillaries and reduce dark rings under the eyes.  PUFFINESS – look for an eye cream that contains Caffeine and the peptide Eyeliss.  These ingredients drain, improve microcirculation, increase the strength of capillaries and reduce puffiness.   EXPRESSION LINES AND WRINKLES – look for an eye cream with the peptides Argireline & Myoxinol.  They work together synergistically providing a myo-relaxing action to reduce expression lines and reduce the appearance of lines & wrinkles.  You also want the peptide Matrixyl. This corrects wrinkles by introducing a small fragment of collagen into the skin thus stimulating the production of collagen by more than 200%. Consult with your Esthetician to select the eye product best for you. If you don’t have an Esthetician, or have any questions, please feel free to contact me and I will be glad to help you.

Sherilyn Rhymes, L.E. has been practicing her passion in the skin care and make-up industry for over 12 years.  She continues to learn and explore new areas of skin care and dermatological studies on an on-going basis through the world renowned International Dermal Institute in Carson, California. Sherilyn’s goal is to “save the world one skin cell at a time”. Leave a comment for her if you have questions – she will respond!

 

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Slump Savers

I had a minor setback a few days ago. Instead of letting it get me down for longer than a day I gave myself a lesson on creating GREAT energy.

I got up and decided that I was going to make a plan and then work that plan at all cost. Before I could do that, I had to get my energy back to where it was before things didn’t go my way. Here is what I did to get out of my slump. 

  • Get motivated– Sometimes I need a little extra push so I got on youtube.com and watched some dynamic motivational videos. Dr. Dennis Kimbro will get me up and ready to fight the good fight every time! After a healthy dose of  Jim Rohn, Jack Canfield and Les Brown I was back to feeling more than capable.
  • Start reading– I’ve always been a reader. Dr. Kimbro said something on the video that made me feel like a slacker. He said, “Readers are Leaders.” I realized I hadn’t read a book in awhile. Immediately, I went to my personal library and picked out a Stephen Covey bestseller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I’m a leader so I must read.
  • Eat healthy food– Along with getting my mind right, I thought it was a good time to get my body right as well. I made baked catfish and a huge pot of greens. Yummy and nutritious!
  • Plan, plan then plan some more-I wrote a plan for each area of my life that needs some fine tuning. I was as detailed as possible so that now I just have to follow my road map.
  • De-clutter– I got rid of anything I don’t need. I cleaned out my car, emptied out boxes full of papers. I felt so light and refreshed when I was finished.
  • Decide to be decisive– I had a huge decision on my hands. I decided to go with my first mind and leave it alone.
  • Find peace– Water is always a place I can go to find a little peace of mind. A friend and I took a drive down the coast of California just to gain perspective. It worked.
There will always be things that don’t go the way we plan them. The key is accepting it for whatever the hidden blessing is and keep it moving. Energy is everything. Keep positive energy around you and become that ray of light. It is a guarantee it will come right back to you!

Mikki Bey is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist who believes in the power of the universe to bring her all the desires of her heart. Fearless, determined and capable – she’s a bad mamajama! She can be reached at mikki@mikkibey.com.

 

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There Is An Art To Properly Cleansing Your Face

The majority of people are not getting their faces clean. They throw a little cleanser on, lightly move it around with their fingertips, then rinse it off.  And they are only doing this once a day. To ensure that your face is properly cleansed a pH balanced cleanser (milk or gel) for your skin type and/or skin condition should be used twice a day.  If you wear make-up, a double cleanse should be done at night. The first cleanse will remove oil & dirt, the second cleanse will remove make-up. A washcloth or facial sponge should be used to remove the cleanser to ensure that your face is really clean.  Think of it this way…would your floors get clean without using a mop? Remember to launder your washcloth or facial sponge in hot water at least twice a week to kill bacteria.

Sherilyn Rhymes, L.E. has been practicing her passion in the skin care and make-up industry for over 12 years.  She continues to learn and explore new areas of skin care and dermatological studies on an on-going basis through the world renowned International Dermal Institute in Carson, California. Sherilyn’s goal is to “save the world one skin cell at a time”. Leave a comment for her if you have questions – she will respond!

 

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Exfoliate!

The most underestimated step in the home skin care regimen is exfoliation.  In addition to being the number two anti-aging product, dermatological studies have shown that proper exfoliation aids in getting rid of pre-cancerous surface skin cells.  There are three types of exfoliants:  Enzymes, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) and mechanical (scrubs). Enzymatic exoliants are good for sensitive skin & for use around the eyes.  Hydroxy Acids are great for treating acne & hyper-pigmentation.  Mechancial exfoliants are well appreciated by men (great before shaving) and non-acneic teens. Remember when selecting a “scrub” type of exfoliant, never use one with shells or seeds.  They have been proven to put micro-lacerations (small tears) in the skin that are not visible right away. Consult with your Esthetician to select the exfoliant best suited for you. If you have any questions or do not have an Esthetician, I will be happy to help you.

Sherilyn Rhymes, L.E. has been practicing her passion in the skin care and make-up industry for over 12 years.  She continues to learn and explore new areas of skin care and dermatological studies on an on-going basis through the world renowned International Dermal Institute in Carson, California. Sherilyn has worked with many of the top skin care lines and has had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients with all skin types – from preparing celebrities for the “Red Carpet”, to clearing up teenagers’ acne for their prom.  In addition to being a practicing Esthetician, she has also joined the ranks of educator, teaching with one of the most eminent skin care companies in the world. Sherilyn’s goal is to “save the world one skin cell at a time”. Leave a comment for her if you have questions – she will respond!