My love, My Family,Haiti!

12 year ago I married a man whose love absolutely sends me into orbit. I often refer to him as my Haitian Sensation. He is truly a man of strength with a drive to always do better & be better. I love all of who he is and where he originated. I have embraced both he and his country with my heart. I am so blessed to be apart of a wonderfully loving Haitian family that loves me as if I were born from its roots. Our hearts have been heavy, our mood sometimes sad, and our eyes teary due to the devastation that has befallen Haiti. The family has lost a few of its members and we still await word of loved ones that still have not been accounted for. We remain prayerful because that is what truly keeps our minds and spirit from an emotional place that is just indescribable. Haiti needs our help more than ever. However you choose to give please make sure that the organization is reputable. Every bit no matter how small will help. Many communities have and are planning drives to collect clothing and supplies please keep in mind when you are preparing a care box; shoes are greatly needed. In your prayers, please remember the areas outside of Port au Prince that still have not received aid. Haiti needs a miracle more than ever and I sure do believe in a God that is able!

sites for donations:

http://www.pih.org/

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

http://www.yele.org/

http://www.lambifund.org/

http://www.unicef.org/

http://www.redcross.org/

A gracious thank you to everyone that has shown so much love and support to Haiti. I have been moved to tears by many of my favorite bloggers who diligently tweet, blog, etc on all the safe ways to donate and/ or participate in some way that would aid in relief. Ladies, you have truly showed your heart of compassion, many blessings to you as you continue to be an inspiration. (Afrobella, brownbombshellbeauty, scandalousbeauty, beautylogicblog, kaimali and clumpsofmascara)

The picture above is courtesy of my 9yr old son. A few months ago he did a project in school that required him to make a crest representing his family heritage. I'm so proud of him!

The Lord's Prayer In Creole

Papa nou ki nan syel la,Nou mande pou yo toujou respekte non ou.Vin tabli gouvènman ou,pou yo fè volonte ou sou latè,tankou yo fè l nan siel la.Manje nou bezwen an, ban nou l jòdi a.Padonnen tout mal nou fè,menm jan nou padonnen moun ki fè nou mal.Pa kité nou nan pozision pou n tonbé nan tantasion,men, délivré nou anba... Satan.[Pas, se pou ou tout otorite, tout pouvwaak tout lwanj, dépi tout tan ak pou tout tan.]Amèn. (Thank You Ana D!)

Sam Fine Event with AmberMag.com @ DEX NY

One can only imagine how happy I was when Mr. Sam Fine posted that he would be doing some classes. Oh, I was ready for a road trip for real. I put it up on Facebook and lawd if I didn't almost pass out when the first question was Who is He? So it was my civic duty not to allow the ladies to go another day and NOT know Sam Fine..geesh! I immediately put a link on my page still in disbelief. What kind of craziness had befallen my sistas that they were not aware of makeup artist extraordinaire Mr. Sam Fine. I remember when his book Fine Beauty launched, He was like the President Obama of makeup to us chocolate girls in lipstick world (cosmetic department) I remember a group of us going to Barnes & Noble on our lunch break to get our book and checking in with the others to make sure they had gotten theirs..lol We were so inspired, we probably all had higher sales that first month.



OK, back to my story! Sam posted he would be doing a event with AmberMag.com at Dex New York. So, a road trip was definitely in order. Shout out to my husband who spontaneously decided to load the kids in the car and drive me to NYC, see that's why I call him my Haitian Sensation..lol He is so supportive! My arrival to Dex was very pleasant. The hosts were very professional and attentive delivering on quality customer service. All the compliments from makeup artist, John Henry put the experience right over the top, he is so great for the ego..lol Now, after a little mingling we were on to the classroom. In walks Mr. Sam Fine casually fly in his Tom Ford shirt, tie, vest, and jeans. He welcomes us so humbly and warm and then the Orbit Gum commercial smile (bling) he says " I have good news and I have bad news, what do u want first?" Now as you see from the picture below who can REALLY deliver bad news with that smile. The bad news: he didn't have the dvd's that we were supposed to receive that evening BUT he would personally sign & mail them with a gift. Doesn't sound bad to me at all, I thought it was an extremely kind gesture and he was truly apologetic. The man is truly a stand up guy "in it to win it!"

                                                       (sam delivers the "bad news"..lol)

Now down to business. Sam gets to know his audience; how many are artist and how many are real women. After that he begins answering questions. Out came my notebook, for some, their phones..lol "uhm, are ya'll taping me?, the smile (bling) , uhm u can't do that, the smile (bling) and back to business. Sam has the ability to make everyone feel on the same level throughout his presentation. He graciously corrects the language a woman might use that would infer her inability to do something as well as allowing the person asking the question to actually answer their own question. He never moved on to another question until he knew that the person was clear and confident with the full understanding of the topic at hand. I really appreciate his desire to see that one is getting the answer/s needed to move on from whatever holds them, whether it's the inability to put on a lash, properly cover a mark , or simply find the confidence to move from one place to the next. Sam's delivery is warm yet funny, which makes you feel like he is both a brother and a friend. Yeah, he had to reel a few back in from jumping ahead or over confidently shouting out but he is clearly use to "how we do". Everything was done with class and humor. After an hour and a half of Q & A it was time for the demonstration and some "golden nuggets"

                                                       (Sam working on the model, Salina)

                                                                     (amazing right!)
Sam works effortlessly as he goes step by step explaining application and technique. He works in very short strokes of the hand which gives him the space and freedom to build his look. Of course every one wanted to know: what does the magician have in his hat? lol What brush is that your using? who makes that? What color is that called? Sam answers, but draws us back to what is REALLY important, mastering the technique. If Sam gave his whole kit it would make no difference to the artist if they have not mastered their technique. "Know YOURSELF, and commit to YOURSELF"; "You have to know who YOU are as an artist" These two phrases were delivered repeatedly with a passion and assurance of simply wanting each of us to be the best we can be. As I stated previously, Sam delivered golden nuggets. He fully shows his support to fellow artists and he displays that you are never to big to acknowledge and admonish those who opened doors and paved roads for you to get where you are. Bravo, Mr. Fine that shows integrity and an amazing amount of character. After the class was over Sam stayed and took a picture with every single person who wanted one. Such a sweet and kind man who I pray is continually blessed out of his socks..lol (yeah, that's how my grandma would say it) I am happy to have met him and I know we will meet again. Until then, I need you all to please get the dvd( The Basics of Beauty, $24.99) it's amazing! Also, if you will, award season is coming and Sam will be BUSY ,so will you please post some comments just giving him a shout out (yes, he reads TGI..lol) Oh, and uhm, Sam would you please give Monique a super HUG from TGI and let her know we are proud of her! She is beautiful and her accolades are well deserved.

                                                                 (Sam Fine & I)

Check out Sam Fine's site click here

Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Kit Review

Over the Thanksgiving holiday I found myself strolling 125th st in Harlem one evening at the urging of my husband. A girl's dream right, to have a man that says "let's go walking down a street full of stores so we can actually go in and buy things" lol So I bundled up and obliged him. I already knew I wanted to check out Carol's Daughter so we headed in that direction. The store was very beautiful and aromatic. Customer service was a plus. I was greeted, allowed to peruse, and any question I had was answered quickly and thoroughly. On that alone I was definitely making a purchase. I decided on the Healthy Hair Kit which included, Black vanilla shampoo, Black Vanilla Hair Smoothie, Healthy Hair Butter and a comb, all for the lovely price of $29. I also grabbed a tune of the lip gloss; I'll come back and talk about it later. When I came back home I first tried the product on my niece who has relaxed hair and I was very pleased with the results. The shampoo gently cleansed her hair while delivering with softeners that did not weigh her hair down. She kept commenting on how great the products smelled and she could feel the difference it was having on her hair. I have to agree these products delivered on everything she needed, moisturizing, nourishing and strengthening. Her hair did not shed as much as it usually does after a shampoo and conditioning. I must tell you her hair is relaxed bone straight, enough said.

Now it was my turn and just I stated above the products delivered on my natural hair as well. I was greatly impressed with the thorough gentle cleaning of the shampoo, no squeaky hair people! The smoothie was very satisfying to this thick main of mine; by quenching its thirst and making it very soft and manageable. Now, last but certainly not least the healthy hair butter, oh how I love thee. I am totally moved by the alluring scents of ylang ylang, cedarwood, and patchouli all uplifting yet relaxing. My hair looks and feels great, however, I have noticed that my hair takes a bit longer to dry when I use it (don’t like that). All in all I am very happy with my purchase. Big shout out to Nicole D of at Your Birth Right for making the CD suggestion. I hope you enjoy the review!

Carol's Daughter

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I want to wish you all a very Happy & Blessed New Year! I look forward to all the fun and exciting things that The Gorgeous Ingredient will have to offer. More tips, reviews, giveaways and videos. Yes!, after many requests I have decided to push aside my fear and create some videos. Although, TGI is just two months young the response has been both encouraging, inspiring and supportive. Thank you to all of my readers, you really keep me going with confidence to continue on this wonderful journey I have started. Please send me an email or leave a comment below of any request you may have as to what you would like me to feature or cover on the blog. I look forward to hearing from you! Again, thank you for all of your support. Happy New Year! & Many Blessings to each of you in 2010!