FEBRUARY 2012 ISSUE
1
Contents 3
Dear iCandi
4
What Would You Do
6
music reviews
8
Fabulous Moment of the Month
9
Bucks with Bux
17
Prayer Request
30
Recipe of The Month
BEAUTY
10
taming those eyebrows
12
skin care
13
mastering the “smokey eye” look
14
PICTORIAL 10
black girls rock pictorial from past to preset look how
9
far we’ve come! photography by shanNon d photography
FEATURES
5
MY black girl rock
14
Will the queens reclaim their throne
16
a better me
18
the donut march
25
black girls rock
29
celebrate being single
12
6
D
ear iCandi,
My ex and I are considering getting back together but our circumstances are much more complicated. He’s going through a divorce and I’m currently carrying another man’s baby. Do you think this is a recipe for disaster? The love is still very strong between us. Gurrrrrrrrrrl that sounds like some "Young and the Restless", "Days of Our Lives", and, my favorite, “The Game” type of situation. Often I get questions from people asking what I think about second chances and trying for another go with an ex. To me it really depends on the ex. I really need a little more info to give you some in depth advice but I’ll do what I can. First off, wait until the divorce is FINAL!! Make no mistake; he’s still married and until he’s unmarried you need to step back! Now, whose baby are you carrying? Are you in a relationship with this man? Was it a one night stand? What’s the REAL story here? It seems like you have a lot going on right now and all you are about to do is complicate things further. You can’t control who you love so I understand what you are going through but you CAN, however, control your actions. Right now his actions need to be focused on getting that divorce final and all that might come with it (alimony, child support, moving out, etc). Your actions need to be focusing on having this baby and figuring out what you are going to do with this “other man” situation. Playing with people’s emotions is how people get shot these days so handle yours. Get some type of closure and parental agreement down before you bring another man that’s not this child’s father in their life. Now about this second chance thing, you never know, your ex might actually be your soulmate and you both needed time to grow. I’ve seen a couple situations go down where the second chance worked out for the better so it just might work. Just really consider how and why you guys broke up before, evaluate the changes you both have made as far as growth and maturing, and see if you think it’s worth another show. HEY go for it! It’s your life but make sure those “situations” are dealt with first! (Laughs) Love ya!
MsiCandi
. . . . . . o D u o Y ld
u o W t Wha
if your “married” pastor kept making obvious passes at you?
Robert SupertalentedMikelawryjackson Jr Rev Do Wrong Winston Smith Got to be more careful and rebuke him David Williams Bust him one time across his chop's Vicki Collins Find another church like I've done in the past. Llyas I-el Nashid Tell Jesus lol Tiffany Takalani Kelley I would let him know that i am not interested. If he continued to pursue me i'd report him.
@FatimaNicole Pray God will know 1st, then I will tell him off nicely. If the situation doesn't change, I'm talking to his wife. @MsiCandi I’d just say “no thank you”, pray for him and move on with my life @Ampthe3rd Get him on tape and black mail him for the church tithes money!!! @BeAyitiwhat's the passage in the bible that states thou shalt not commit adultery and/or fornication? Remind him of that.
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My Black Girl Rock! Written by Mayo Woody
We're often faced with the age old question, "What does she want from me?" This question has left us men baffled for years, even centuries. We are constantly trying to figure out how to get along with her. She seems to be so easily misunderstood. She accuses me of taking her kindness for weakness and her silence for speechless. She tells me that my friends and family consider her uniqueness strange and they call her language slang. What does she want? What does she want from me? I mean, I am constantly telling her "Baby, I love you, I am doing all that I know to do for you." But I work hard every day and I get tired boo. Did anyone tell you that it's hard out here for me too? We have to learn to be together and work together because we have to live together. I refuse to give up on us because I know your worth. I can't speak for the men in your past but I am here now to remind you that your history is meant to guide your destiny, not decide your destiny. I recognize you for who you are and I promise to never confuse your confidence for conceit or your mistakes for defeat. I know your strength and I appreciate your determination to make a better life for you, me and our family.
Your past pain has you in a box that you have obviously completely outgrown. You are by no means unaware of the power that we hold when we work together. You asked for a strong man; here I am. Take a deep breath, sit back, relax, and let me see if I can help you understand. I see beauty and strength. I see love and happiness. I love the curves of your hips and thickness of your lips. I love the future that your eyes hold and the gentleness of your soul. After a long hard day, it's the words you whisper that wash my pain away. No matter what happens, good or bad, rain, sleet, or snow, there is no way in the world that I am walking out that door. Girl, you are the cheese in my macaroni, the gravy on my biscuit, and you know how I love my biscuits and gravy. You are the ham hock in my collard greens and the corn bread for my pinto beans. If you didn't know, now you know I will do anything for you. I can't promise that we won't ever disagree, maybe even an argument, two or three? But I can promise you that you won't have to spend another moment alone as long I am alive.
Most people would say Love is the key to saving all relationships; I say it is Respect that saves relationships and Love keeps the flame lit. (Dhanti Praspani) I respect you in a way that you will never know. I vow to protect you, provide for you and love you as we grow. Now I don't have a lot of money, so I pride myself for being a man of my word and baby, I give you my word, see you have my word. So to my beautiful black queen, you are what I live, work and are willing to die for. I dig your very existence. To your mother I would like to say, "Thank You!" To her mother I say, "Thank You!" all the way back to where it first began. It started with them but it won't end with you. That same drive and determination that lived within them still lives on within you. It doesn't matter if you lose sight of where you are going. As your man, it's my job to dig deep inside you and remind you of who you are. Look, I am not trying to hype you up. I am just stating the facts. Fellas, y'all can play all yall want to but I know what I got. Contrary to what you've been told, there are plenty more from whence she came. I love my Black Queen, Black Women, Black Girl whatever your preference but my main point is to give Her reverence. I want the world to know that my Black Girl ROCKS and I ROX with her. Yeah, that's right, I said it and I mean it and I won't take it back.
J. Antoinne Music Reviews for Feb 2012 Delorean - Pause Swagga Boy/BMI Records, 2011 Delorean has flown under the radar of the mainstream world, and has now released his debut album, and it's not too bad at all, actually. While some of the songs may sound predictable and expected, his voice makes a lot of the songs work. "Hey Shawty" has the potential to sound like others before it, but it does have a bounce to it that makes you move. "Karma Love" and "Get This Money" (the latter featuring an almost awesome rap by newcomer LT) keep the uptempo grooves going, but Delorean's voice really gets to shine on the slower songs. "Personal" has that good quiet storm groove, whereas "Good Love" is probably the best song on the album, and "Call Me" isn't too far behind with both songs' awesome background arrangements. More people should take time on their production like this album. (4.25 Stars)(A)
Mary J. Blige - My Life II: The Journey Continues, Act 1 Geffen Records, 2011 Mary J. Blige has always been a mainstay on the charts; she comes, she goes, but when she comes, she lingers for a while. That said, many wonder if that's a deserved feat; this latest album doesn't truly answer that question. While the album that this one is allegedly a part two of, My Life, was an instant and deserved success, this one misses the mark. It's not horrible, just not worthy to be named as a continuation of a classic album. The last few songs make this album at least worth listening to, with Blige sounding like her classic self on songs like "Empty Prayers" and "The Living Proof", and the duet with Beyonce' titled "Love A Woman" isn't half-bad; sadly, most of the album doesn't follow along that same path. Hopefully, soon, MJB can get out some songs that actually coincide with My Life. (3 Stars)(C-)
Where there’s life, there’s music... J. Antoinne iCandi Productions
The Revelations - Concrete Blues Nia Music Distribution, 2011 This is this musical conglomerate's sophomore album, and it's definitely still on par with the awesome first one, The Bleeding Edge (get it if you can find it, trust me). Here, they continue to deliver awesome sounds laced with amazing lyrics that really cultivate a true R&B album. This is definitely one of those rare albums that you can just press play, sit back, and listen to the sounds that escape your speakers. The 70's-themed sounds of the opening song, "Something's Got To Give" will get you going on a good groove, coupled with "Behind These Bars" where you'll completely relate. Tre' Williams lets his gritty tenor loose on songs like "Until You Get Enough of Me" and "Don't Wait", easily bringing the real soul styles clear into the present. Definitely an album worth buying. (5 Stars)(A+)
Betty Wright and The Roots - The Movie S-Curve Records/Ms. B. Records, 2011 Betty Wright has been around for over fifty years, and one would wonder if she's still "got it"; well, this collaboration with The Roots definitely shows that she does. Take the indomitable soul of one the 70s and 80s starlets and bring her to the 2010s with the hip-hop band The Roots and you have no choice but to have a brilliant soul-infused live set that's definitely worth a few listens. This album sounds like it took one whole continuous take to make, with the songs running into each other. "In the Middle of the Game (Don't Change)" and "Old Songs" weave classic Betty with current Roots, and her collaborations with Lenny Williams, Joss Stone, and Snoop Dog (!) ("Baby Come Back", "Whisper In the Wind", and "Real Woman", respectively) all work well in present-day. Go ahead now, Betty. (4.5 Stars)(A) Don't Miss This!! Throwback albums you probably don't have (but should) Puff Johnson - Miracle The little woman with the big voice didn't fail to disappoint. "Some Kind of Miracle" and "Forevermore" are songs that are definitely worth a few spins from this classic album. Solo - Solo A classic album that is truly R&B that a lot of people really didn't pick up on. "Heaven" is the classic single most will remember, but don't sleep on the standard "Under the Boardwalk" or "He's Not Good Enough".
iCandi Fabulous Moment of the Month
MsiCandi FINALLY meets FANTASIA We all knew it was bound to happen! Shoutout to Stylez, the Go2Gurl, & DJ Dr Doom for all making it possible for me to meet my idol! That moment goes down in history! BLACK GIRLS ROCK!
T E A M T A S I A
BUCKS with BUX
Valentine's Day is a special day based off love. Lots of people go out for this day, but some simply can't afford to or prefer not to. I'm here to help with some ideas that can be very sweet and keep some dinero in your pockets. #1 Write a love letter or poem. Some may think that it is cheesy, but it shows that you took the time to write your love out. #2 Cook a dinner at home; it will be both intimate and you can decide what the menu would be. You can cook all your sweetie's favorites. The main way to save money during this special day is being creative and not thinking "little picture." Just think of the big things like flowers and candy and figure out how you could come up with the same thing in a smaller portion.
FASHION & BEAUTY Well hello there beau,es and welcome to the iCandi Beauty segment. In the spirit of our theme “Black Girls Rock”, my goal is to introduce to you one of the simplest yet important ways to properly “Rock” your face. Most people take for granted the impact of eyebrows. Although they may not be the first thing that people no,ce when they first look at you (if done properly), the eyebrows will compliment and oGen ,mes flaIer your appearance by enhancing your facial shape, balancing your features, and framing your eyes. Your eyebrows have the ability to enhance or diminish your overall appearance. The key to achieving the best look possible is by incorpora,ng a liIle iCandi sweetness into your beauty regimen! In true iCandi fashion you’ve got to keep it sweet!
Shape of the brow (It’s really important that you choose the best brow shape for your face)
Where does the brow arch? (now listen, rocking McDonald’s golden arches above your eyes is not a good look)
Eye shape (all brows are not created equal!! Do what is flaBering to you and your overall appearance)
Equal propor7on (please make sure both brows look the same)
Thin or Thickness (don’t make the mistake of making you’re brows too thick or too thin; keep it natural)
Pauline “Al-Nisa” Wiliams is the multi-talented make up artist for iCandi Productions (Cincinnati). Not only is she gifted with makeup art, but she also specializes in henna body art. Pauline also has a cake baking and decorating company, the “Tiers of Joi” cakery. To get in touch with Pauline about make up, henna, or specialty cakes contact her at: http://www.tiersofjoi.com http://facebook.com/mrs.pjwilliams
The Best Eyebrows for Your Face Shape and Features Typically, the innermost portion of the eyebrow should be the thickest and taper towards the outer edge. Keep in mind when shaping your brows you should take your entire face into consideration and maintain balance (face shape, eye position and forehead size etc).
Ways to Tweak Addi7onal Features If you remember these simple concepts you will surely improve your appearance exponen,ally. So whether you’re a woman with full, thick or small, thin eyebrows, we at iCandi are going to help you find the eyebrow shape that is most becoming for you. This is how to determine the eyebrow arch to best flaIer the shape of your face as well as your overall features.
Round Face For my lovely ladies with round faces, such as yours truly and MsiCandi herself, you want to emphasize the arch of the eyebrow which will help lend your face a more narrow appearance by drawing aIen,on away from the width of your face. You ladies should have a high arch and extend to the end of the cheekbone.
Long Face If you’re rocking a long face like the lovely Kelly Rowland, you want to deemphasize the arch as much as possible. This will give your face a more horizontal dimension making it appear a bit shorter. Make sure not to extend your eyebrows past the outer corners of your eye.
Square and Heart shaped Face If you have a square or heart-‐shaped face like Kyla PraI, your best bet is to use a high arch with a rounded curve on the outer ends of the brows. Rounded eyebrows will help soGen the sharp angles of the face making it appear more oval.
Close Set Eyes For my divas with close set eyes shape the eyebrows a bit closer to the inner corner of your eye and extend the outer edge a liIle bit further outward to help give the illusion that your eyes are set further apart. Wide Set Eyes A simple way to make your eyes appear closer together is to extend the brows inward a bit. But be very careful not to overdo it as this may cause you to appear as though you are constantly frowning…not sexy. Low Forehead Low forehead, low arch! To give the illusion of your forehead being a bit higher, lower the arch, but be very careful not to over arch; doing so will cause you to constantly appear surprised. Determining the thickness of your brows Allow your natural features to determine the thickness of your eyebrows. If you have small delicate features you should choose to have thinner, more delicate eyebrows. Thicker eyebrows on your face will only overpower your face and have you resembling Oscar the Grouch. Women with strong features and hair on the thicker side may want to go with a thicker brow to balance out your features; having thinner brows will cause your features to seem more pronounced and unbalanced. Balance is Key Keep the beginning and end of the brow even! If the end of your brow is no,ceably above the beginning of your eyebrow, you will maintain a stern angry look. Balance is key! Only women with almond shaped eyes that turn up at the outside edges can get away with it because their eyes are usually naturally higher on the outside than the inside of the brow. Most of all, be your own kind of beau,ful inside and out! Black Girls Rock!!!
FASHION & BEAUTY “Defining True Beauty” Written By Toria Lee aka MzHytekDiva Artistry by Toria Make Up & Skincare Tips
Skincare
Ladies, do you deal with dry itchy skin in the winter time? It may seem like the more you wear lotion and moisturizers it does not help. One remedy that I personally use for myself is shea butter and mineral oil. These two products are great because they battle both symptoms and you get great results. After taking a shower a good product to use before drying is Johnson’s Baby Oil w/ shea butter and cocoa butter. This does work wonders to keep your skin smooth and soft throughout your whole day.
Makeup Bag Essentials
These are the must haves for your makeup bag: Mascara Foundation Concealer Blush Eye Shadow Lipstick/Lipgloss Brushes
The basic steps are as follows: 1. Start with the lid. You first would add primer to
your eye lids; this will help keep the shadow from seeping into your eyes if you’re going to be wearing it all day. The best brand that I like to use for this is Urban Decay’s Primer Potion. 2. Add eyeliner. You can use the basic colors black,
brown, or grey to outline the eye on your upper and lower lash line. If you add a color you can use a darker tone of green, purple or blue. 3. Add color blend on bottom lashes. For this step
Black Girls Rock The best look for a diva’s night out is the classic smoky eye. You can wear this look in many different ways, whether it be for work, casual day out shopping, or a night out on the town with your girls or special someone. What You Need •
Eye primer (this is optional, but I recommend it to have a longer lasting finish)
•
One light shadow and one dark shadow of your choice
•
Eyeliner
•
Makeup brushes
•
Mascara
you can add color to the bottom that will be a smudge. The best way to do this is to use an eyeliner pencil to line the bottom and rub across it with your finger or a small brush. 4. Add your base color. The best way to have a true
smoky eye is to blend a lighter base with a darker base. You will start out light at the brow bone and use a shimmery shadow over your lids. You can use a shadow cream or powder, but the cream lasts longer. 5. Add dark color below the crease. This step
requires you to use a darker shadow that will go over your liner and light base, but only under the crease. This is the blending process where you can blend any way that you like best. 6. Finishing touch is mascara. You can add a few
coats of mascara to show the fullness and length of your naturals or you can add faux lashes to add volume as well.
WILL THE QUEENS RECLAIM THEIR THRONE? Anyone that knows me or has been around me knows that I greet all my Sistas as Queens, even if they don’t know it or aren’t acting like it. When we know who we are and our story then we will see the “Queens Reclaiming Their Thrones”. We have reached February and we all know this is Black History Month, and without our Queens we would have no history. I want to speak about a few Queens in our history that deserve to be mentioned, and also a few Queens in my personal life. We as a people have had some tough times being in this place they call North America. It is no secret that had it not been for a few great Queens, things could have been a lot worse.
Let’s start with a woman I truly love and adore; the one and only Harriet Tubman. She was called the Moses of her people. She led thousands out of the south on the “Underground Railroad” to freedom in the north and Canada. This Queen was so amazing. She risked her life so many times trying to free her people. This to me is an example of a selfless person. One of her most famous quotes was “I freed thousands of slaves, and could have freed a thousand more had they known they were slaves.”
Another Queen from our history is Shirley Chisholm out of New York. This was one amazing Queen, and I could write about her all day. She was the first black Congresswoman when she was elected in 1969. She served seven terms and was very effective at her job. Before Jesse Jackson and even President Obama, she made a bid for president by seeking the democratic nomination in 1972. She didn’t win the nomination, but her courage and will to even try and do what most said she couldn't shows me and others what type of woman she truly was. For that alone this Queen deserves to be celebrated.
Now I want to speak on a few Queens who have touched my life on a personal level. Mrs. Ruby Russell-Sisney-Cherry is my grandmother. This woman has showed me what a woman truly is. When my grandfather passed in 1987 she showed so much grace and strength. She later remarried and life seemed to knock her down once again. She lost her second husband but she showed even more grace and strength. Joyce Sisney-Morgan is my mother. This woman has been an example, not only for her children but for others in her family. She is a leader by nature and others look to her for advice and many other things. She is a Queen like the women before her and I know she makes them proud. Last, but certainly not least, is my wife Yammah Korvah-Morgan. She and her family came to this country back in 1987. Since then, she has been working her tail off to be the best she can be. She has given me the two most precious gifts in the world, our two sons, and I know our Queens from the past as well as the present are all proud of her. Again, I ask, “Will The Queens Reclaim The Throne?” After reading about all these great Queens. I know the answer is YES. PEACE & BLESSINGS “BROTHA INSIGHT”….
Be sure to check out Brotha Insight, Sister Rhythm, & Mr. Blacktastic on the Insightful Hour every Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm (EST) www.blogtalkradio.com/icandiradio
THE INSIGHTFUL HOUR LINE UP 2/12 “Are Blacks In Denial About Depression & Suicide?” (Aseer The Duke Of Tiers. Super Heru Radio) 2/19 “Is Reality TV Reality?” 2/26 “What Are Blood Mineralz?” (M'bwebe Ishangi Of Daghettotymz.com)
A Better Me Written by Mercedes Brown www.indiebychoice.com
It's funny how so often in life we say, "I'll never do that again" or "this year I'm making major changes in my life." Many of us make new year resolutions and break them one month into the new year. Why is that? Maybe it's because we go at it alone. There's a famous quote that says, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much!” I believe this is so true. When you're trying to make changes for the better it helps to know that there are people not only in your corner, but also on the same journey. It's hard to change when you feel a constant lack of support. If this is true for you, check out the new facebook group called "A Better Me". This was group was created for women worldwide who have decided to embark on the journey to becoming BETTER in all things. It takes humble character to acknowledge that although we are great there is still room to grow. This group is all about positive growth and taking the necessary steps together. Together we can encourage others AND be encouraged by our own words. Join the movement towards becoming better in all things. The journey to "A Better Me" has begun! Are you ready? Of course you are...take our hands! Together WE CAN!! Together WE WILL!! MAKE SURE YOU JOIN THE MOVEMENT AND “LIKE A BETTER ME ON FACEBOOK
In Our Angel Hands Thomas Chapman (The Legend) Carlos Jeff & Family Berdie Lewsis “Sista Mama” The Barnes Family Karen Daniels Toria & Family Kevin “Kdaddy” Hicks Joanne Williams Nevaeh Mccoy Phyllis Evans & Family Jose Aldanondo Robin Smith Ann Smith Lillian Smith Cheryl O’Coner Alicia Hearing & Family Matt & Michael Thompson Amber “Big Sexy” Johnson Tila Frost & Family Holly Carrigg & Family Jane Boyles Jennie Mathis Bonita King-Long Zahbria Thomson Junita Bonner All of the iCandi Supporters & Their Families
iCandi Angels R.I.P.
If you yourself are in need or you know someone in need of Prayer email us a icandipro@gmail.com We will add the name to next month’s e-newsletter. Blessings to you all! ~MsiCandi~
William & “Candy” King Kandace Pyles Brycee & Cameron Jeff JP James Romano Anna Brown Jerome Swanson James “Jellybean” House Patricia Kirkland Scott Burrows Sr. John Bruce Gilmore Jr. Julia Ann Hicks LeRoy Morgan Nadene McGowan Reshaud Jackson James Revels Jr. Betty Bailey Sally Rowland Jannie Tubbs Theodore Perry
The Donut March A Dedication to Single Mothers Written by Michael Jayce Miguel This is my first ar,cle for a newsleIer, so a moment of silence to what may be the shortest wri,ng career in history.
As we’re into Black History Month, there is still speculation and criticism for many reasons. A few of those include the 28 (sometimes 29) days that February blesses us with, and even the neglect or the lack of support to teach about Black History in our school systems. But really? Do we really expect the school systems to teach the next generation about our past when they are trying to ruin our future? Why teach children how to be strong when they are motivated to convince you that having a “good job” and going to college is the way to go? When was the last time you saw a slave master teaching his “workers” on being independent and to work for themselves and their futures? This is a dedication to single mothers. Single mothers. My single mothers. Single mothers are the modern day slaves of today’s society, and trust me, that is no disrespect to the 24 hour job that they perform with their babies. A lot of women choose to work jobs that they are overqualified for to keep a roof over their heads, food in their bellies and a smile on their faces. They lower themselves to pay the bills, all with a peace of mind, knowing that the battle has been won for the moment. My mother, Ms. Valarie, is a modern day slave in today’s world. No love, no respect, expendable by the same company that she was committed to for over fourteen years, and an afterthought. But growing up, I never saw a frown on my mother’s face. She is the strongest single mother that I know, and I love her for that.
When I was about six years old, my mother would get me up for school, way before the sun thought about rising. It was in the middle of winter, and we were COLD! I mean, COLD!!! Long johns, two pair of socks, coats zipped up to the neck, hats, boots, and gloves were mandatory in this kind of weather. Five days a week, we walked four blocks to catch the bus downtown. We get off the bus, just to walk ten more blocks to my school. It’s funny how she kept a smile on my face: DONUTS! That was the moment that my mother taught me what it is to be strong and to survive any test that may come my way. Every day I asked my mother for a glazed twisty donut. She said “yes” most of the time. So when we walked into Busken’s Bakery, the worker knew exactly what I wanted, a twisty, glazed donut and a carton of orange juice. If I tell you that a donut motivated me to excel in school, you may think that I’m crazy. But it wasn’t the donut; it was how we got the donut.
I dreaded getting off of that warm, comfortable bus, just to encounter Jack Frost and his temptation of laziness. But when that time came, and the bus stopped, we marched off of the bus and straight to Busken’s. “Donuts!!” (clap, clap) “Donuts!!” (stomp, stomp). The “Donut March” was done for six straight blocks, keeping me warm, and focused on what was soon to come. Being an adult now, I can appreciate what my mother was doing without saying a word. It was about keeping me focused on what the future holds. Without a textbook, she taught me the value of working for what you want out of life and keeping that 20/20 vision intact, no matter what the elements brought us. Rain or shine, snow or wind, it was about loving the position that you’re in, and being proud of what you can accomplish. With me being a parent myself, I can relate to what it means to sacrifice, being innovative and holding your kids’ happiness in your possession. To all of the mothers who go hungry throughout the night to keep their kids fed, thank you! To all of the mothers who work and go to school without complaining, thank you! We love you and say, thank you! Yes, Mother’s Day is just one day a year, but for the ones who are proud of themselves, it’s something to celebrate all year round. Thank you! Sincerely Yours, Michael Jayce
Make sure you check out Jayce Miguel's music on Reverbnation http://www.reverbnation.com/jaycemiguel
iCandi Challenge For January 2012
Baking Fun with MsiCandi & LoLo (and yes our food was oh so good!! Team Work!! )
If you read last month’s newsletter I challenged the mothers to pick one day in January and declare it “Mommy & Me Day.” The challenge was to block out four hours and dedicate it to your child. No cell phones, no work, no reality tv or soaps, just them and their child(ren). The mothers needed to document it by taking pics and sending them to me. At first, women were blowing me up accepting the challenge, but unfortunately a lot of them didn’t follow through and YES, I am disappointed in you ladies. Things do pop up at the last minute. Yes we have to work! Yes we need some “me time”, but if you can’t find the time to dedicate four hours to your child(ren) in 31 days, something is not right!!! The fellas were going HAM asking why didn’t I challenge the dads (it’s coming guys, I promise) and I know as soon as I do they plan to blow the women out of the box. A few ladies were able to complete the challenge and I want to personally thank them for making time for “Mommy & Me Day” and their kids. I’ve posted Tawanda Brice and her children at the Festival of Lights and Kiara “Mz Diva” Woody and her children having a serious Uno battle!
Tawanda Brice & her children!!! Got to love the Festival of lights!!! Beautiful Family Girl!!!!
Uno with the Woodys! Mz Diva and her children got together and played the all time classic game UNO! This inspired me to go buy a pack of uno cards.
#iCandiChallenge For February 2012 This challenge is for the MEN!!!!!! Lately I have prided myself on my new hobby of cooking and I think it is very sexy when a man can cook but I’ve been talking to a lot of ladies and they are saying that men of my generation (25-35) CAN’T COOK!!! This can’t be true fellas!! I know my Men Candies can not only throw down in the bedroom but in the kitchen as well. I’m challenging the fellas to cook a nice full course meal and send me pics of you actually cooking it. Don’t front. Don’t have your lady, mama, or the chef at Golden Corral cook and you take the credit. I might show up at your house for a meal, lol. Send your pictures to iCandipro@gmail.com no later than Feb 28, 2012. I can’t wait to see what you all can cook!
Black Girls Rock! Pictorial with Shannon D Photography Models: Shiwanna, BeBi, MsiCandi Location: Kingsley Plantation
Black Girls Rock! Pictorial with Shannon D Photography Business woman of 2012 Model: BeBi Location: Kingsley Plantation
Black Girls Rock! 1950s Homemaker Pictorial with Shannon D Photography Model: MsiCandi Location: Kingsley Plantation
Black Girls Rock! In honor of Black History month I’ve decided to dedicate this newsletter to Black women specifically (nothing against the fellas but my heart really wanted to honor black women). I am so proud to be a black woman. Not only are we beautiful, but we are strong, kindhearted, gracious, loyal, and the backbones to our communities!
We’ve gone from being forcefully taken from our homes to work as slaves to holding our men down, raising
families, getting college degrees, owning our own businesses, and even becoming billionaires! Although we are far from perfect I think we all should just stand up and shout this like we mean it: BLACK GIRLS ROCK!!
We went to the Kingsley Plantation to shoot the pictorial for this month’s newsletter; just being there and seeing the conditions that our ancestors were forced to deal with really hit me. I think we sometimes get so caught up in the present that we don’t reflect on our past. Look how far we’ve come!!! We are still making moves!!! Black Girls, you ROCK!!
Remember your history!! Remember what the black women before us went through. Make them proud. Stand up!! Know your worth and your potential. DON’T STOP!! DON’T GIVE UP! You are a BLACK girl and you ROCK!
No offense to my other races. You all know I love everybody and I think women period are amazing and we all rock, but today I am celebrating my BLACKNESS! I am celebrating my mother, my godmother, my nana,
my grandma, my granny, my great-grandma Parker, My IDear, my aunts, great aunts, older cousins, mentors, and my sistas in general! You have all been a true blessing in my life and from one black girl to another... BLACK GIRLS ROCK!
Oprah Winfery......... Tyra Banks................ MsiCandi
That’s right!!!! I said it!!! I have goals and dreams that might possibly put me on the same level as those two divas! For the month of February iCandi has dedicated the newsletter to “Black Girls Rock!", so why not pat my own self on the back? I’m a black girl..... well a black WOMAN and I ROCK!!
Black Girls Rock From Past to Present Pictorial with Shannon D Photography Models: Shiwanna, BeBi, MsiCandi Location: Kingsley Plantation
Black Girls Rock Do you Remember Slavery? Pictorial with Shannon D Photography Model: Shiwanna Location: Kingsley Plantation
For Valentines Day give your sweetheart a tasty treat by ordering from Kiara “Mz Diva Woody! Candy Boquets range from $10 to $20. Contact her via facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/diva726
CELEBRATING BEING SINGLE
The day before Valentines Day do two things. First buy your favorite candy. Before leaving work you are going to sneak it onto your desk to "find" it in the morning. Second call and order flowers to be delivered to you. Don't order roses. Order something elegant like Lilly's. By the end of lunch time on Valentines Day everyone will have roses. You want your flowers to stand out. On Valentines Day, dress to impress!When you look good, you feel good. Don't shortcut!
Dear Single Ladies, Valentines day is fast approaching.Already everything is turning pink and red. Hearts and cupids adorn everything from candy to t-shirts. Stuffed animals and flowers fill every available space. Jewelry salesman walk around with that satisfied look that says commission's are paying for a vacation. "Taken" ladies gush about love poems and debate on where their significant other is going to take them for dinner. They clear space on their desks for the roses they just know will be delivered. Single ladies are to be pitied. They are expected to be sullen and irritable. They are suppose to sit at home alone, watching sappy movies and crying into their Ben and Jerry ice cream. They're forgetting one important factor, Taken ladies have to depend on someone else to make their Valentines special Single ladies can do it on their own. So put the Ben and Jerry's back in the freezer, drop the tissues in the trash and turn off the t.v.!
When you find your candy, offer to share, but remain mysterious. When asked who gave it to you, just smile and answer "Obviously someone who loves me." Answer the same when your flowers arrive. Make sure you put them where everyone can see them. After work treat yourself to something special. Anything you've been eyeing but normally wouldn't purchase. Shoes, Jewelry, handbag, anything that makes you feel special. Don't go out to dinner Restaurants will be over crowded and overpriced.Instead make your favorite meal at home. Trust me everyone will be much more jealous when you tell them about your romantic candlelit, home made dinner. Finnish your day with a long, relaxing bubble bath. The next day when everyone else is asking questions make sure you let them know about your amazing perfect gift and amazing dinner. Other single ladies will be jealous. (let them in on the secret later.) Let the taken ladies wonder how a single lady made out so well on the years most romantic day for couples. Remember that when you tell everyone that "Obviously some one who loves you" did this for you, that you should love yourself everyday. Never place your self worth and self esteem in someone else's hands. Love, A beautiful Single Lady
RECIPE OF THE MONTH Chocolate Covered Strawberries Ingredients: 16 ounces milk chocolate chips 2 tablespoons shortening 1 pound fresh strawberries with leaves Directions: 1. Insert toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries. 2. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. Holding them by the toothpicks, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture. 3. Turn the strawberries upside down and insert the toothpick into styrofoam for the chocolate to cool.
Thanks once again for supporting the iCandi Brand! Be sure to go to our website for more information about iCandi Productions and TEAM iCandi! Happy February to you all and may it be filled with lots of positivity and progression! Be Blessed,
MsiCandi
Happy Birthday from Team iCandi James Lamb Feb 1 Randy Bear Bradford Feb 3 Lateefah Ragland Feb 4 Rod Welton Feb 4 Janelle Mayes Feb 5 Tiffany Johnson Feb 10 Synetta Garrett Allen Feb 14 Jose Aldanondo Feb 14 DeShawna Pruett Feb 15 Linda Cleave Feb 21 Darryl Walker Feb 23 DJ Ace Feb 25