Timeless Beauty: Lena Horne

As you all know, Ms. Lena Horne, the beautiful sultry singer and actress left us a couple weeks ago. Ms. Horne helped break racial barriers by changing the way black women were represented in film by refusing to play roles that represented African-Americans disrespectfully. Ms. Horne electrified audiences with her beauty and rich, emotional voice.

She also became involved in civil rights activities. She protested racial separation at the hotels where she performed. She took action so that she and her musicians would be permitted to stay in those hotels.

Ms. Horne had the voice of an angel and was the epitome of glamour. Her witty personality was always fun to watch and she always carried herself with class and grace. RIP Ms. Horne.

Just Do It!

I like to think of myself as a pretty creative person. I have projects listed in my mind, created vision boards, filled binders with inspirational quotes and photos all waiting to come to fruition. I've researched, explored, taken classes, even reached out to people for help to make these things happen but as I look over notes/vision boards/journals that I compiled over the past few months I realized I have a ways to go.

The past year of my life has been a serious roller coaster. In August I was involved in a car accident that left me in the hospital for weeks with injuries that still bother me until this day and probably will for the rest of my life. I remember every detail of that day like it happened just a couple hours ago, from the moment I woke up to the moment it happened. I was slapped in the face with my own mortality and it left me feeling scared, alone and helpless beyond words. Exactly 24 days after that I closed on my first home. I was feeling high again and it felt so good. Soon after iKandy LLC went into business. I was finally pursuing my passion for makeup and I was on cloud nine. Then I lost the man who had influenced my life the most, my grandfather. Talk about a blow, it hurts bad, real bad. A couple weeks after that my beloved home was broken into, I never felt so violated in my whole 25 years of living. This chain of events left me feeling weak, confused and down right broken. I do a such a wonderful job of hiding my feelings that the people closet to me would never know. I mean you would have to REALLY know me.

So I said all of that to say, I'm no longer wasting time. Its time for me to revisit the notes, take another look at the vision boards and make it happen. I haven't been myself for a long time but I'm back and so much stronger than before. I'm going to document my projects on this blog. This will still be a beauty blog but just with a little extra flava. Hope you like!

MUSE: My Mommy

I have the best, most beautiful mommy in the whole entire world and come to think about it she is my first muse EVER! She has always been supportive and has always pushed me to pursue makeup. She has high cheekbones and really deep set eyes... a makeup artist dream. These photos were taken by iKandy's hautetographer herself, Mary D.

Friday's Cocktail

“Pretty is something you're born with. But beautiful, that's an equal opportunity adjective.”

Unknown Author

Chocolate Martini
6 parts vodka
1 part chocolate liqueur

TUTORIAL: Pretty in Purple

Sleeping Beauty

Ever wake up and look in the mirror and say to yourself "what in the world!? I don't remember drinking any alcohol last night!?" Well unless you have been drinking there are a few steps you can take to make sure you wake up on the right side of the bed!

Step One: Try to get a least eight hours of sleep!

Step Two: Never go to bed without washing your faces. Whether you are wearing makeup or not, its a must!

Step Three: Drink a glass of water. When you wake up in the morning your skin will be hydrated and dewy.

Step Four: Tie your hair up. Though 'bed head' can sexy sometimes you don't want to press your luck because there's a pretty high chance that it will look a mess. (Tip: tie your hair with a satin or silk scarf. This will help retain moisture).

Step Five: Moisturize your skin. Waking up with dry cracked skin is not cute and I'm sure your boy toy will appreciate you NOT cutting his legs with your feet all night.

Super Diva Step: Do one hundred sit-ups. You'll have the flat abs we all desire in no time. (I should take my own advice :-)

Friday's Cocktail

“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”

Dr. Seuss

Summer Breeze Martini
6 parts citrus vodka
2 parts melon liqueur
1 part dry vermouth
1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Melon ball

The Ten Natural Hair Commandments

I – Thou shalt be thankful for the hair that adorns thy head. Your hair is your ‘crown of glory’ treat it as such.

II – Thou shalt not idolize the hair that adorns another’s head. The hair on your head is unique, it’s what makes you you.

III – Thou shalt not take the hair that adorns thy head in vain. Be aware of the damage that chemicals and heat can cause, some of the damage is irreversible.

IV – Remember to take the necessary time to pamper thy hair. Create a routine, set aside specific days for sealing your ends, massaging, trimming, washing, conditioning and styling your hair. A healthy head of hair will be your reward.

V – Honor thy mother, father and ancestors for the beautiful traits that they have bestowed upon thee, one of which is your natural crown of glory. Wear your natural hair with pride.

VI – Thou shalt not attempt to use a fine-tooth comb to detangle thy hair. Even before using a wide-tooth comb, use your fingers to detangle, and when detangling always start from the ends and work your way up towards your scalp.

VII – Thou shalt not be ashamed to wear your natural hair in public. Wigs, weaves, braid extensions etc. are all wonderful temporary ‘protective’ and ‘transition’ styles, but they don’t compare to the beauty of your natural hair.

VIII – Thou shalt not kill the hair follicles on thy head – with high heat, harsh chemicals or tight styles. Stay away from pore clogging, dry scalp causing petroleum based products; use natural essential oil based ones instead. Be gentle with your hair, seek out professional stylists who have experience in styling your hair type.

IX – Thou shalt not bad mouth thy neighbor’s hair. Be respectful and encouraging to those who have not yet chosen to wear their hair natural. Negative comments will only turn them away from the natural hair community.

X – Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s hair; thou shalt not covet it’s texture, nor it’s curl pattern, nor it’s length etc. Appreciate the hair that you were blessed with. Try different styles and accessories that accentuate your very own personality and style.

Source: Clutch Magazine. To view article click here

MUSE: Shakita of iEvents

Love this girl... she's my business partner, workout buddy and friend. Shakita gave plenty of attitude in these photos and the camera loved it. These beautiful photos were taken by iKandy's own photographer, Mary!

Friday's Cocktail

"As we drive along this road called life, occasionally a gal will find herself a little lost. And when that happens, I guess she has to let go of the coulda, shoulda, woulda, buckle up and just keep going."

Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

Honey Tangerine Martini

2 ounces Absolut Mandrin
3/4 ounce Campari
1 ounce freshly squeezed honey tangerine juice

Orange peel strip to garnish