STRONG ENOUGH TO BEAR THE CHILDREN... AND GET BACK TO BUSINESS

#Motherhood 

Like most women I wear many hats throughout my life. I am a daughter, wife, coworker, poet, art lover, manager/supervisor, business owner, red lipstick addict, nail polish addict, maid, short order cook for a lunch time menu only AND A MOTHER! 

I have a daughter and a son I love dearly. My daughter is growing up so fast... I literally can't believe it! I look at her and still see that little baby I held, the baby with 2 ponytails and 2 bottom teeth, the baby who sat in her car seat singing with me as we commuted to and fro (Bitter Sweet). 

Now she's ready to fly the coup. 

Being a mother is hard work. Some areas we excel and in other areas we can do a little better. The balancing act of #motherhood and life is one that can never be described as easy. You do the best you can and remember to smile along the way. 

My daughter and I tend to lose our minds when Beyonce's song WHO RUNS THE WORLD... GIRLS comes on. 

She laughs every time I scream out the part where Bey sings STRONG ENOUGH TO BEAR THE CHILDREN AND GET BACK TO BUSINESS! 
#MyLife  

 Hug her while you can.

Remember to be supportive. 

Share your fashion sense with your little girl.

 Look at her when she's talking.

Remember to smile.

Photos info

New Wave Limited Edition Nail Polish by Marc Jacobs

If you know me...  then you know I am a bonafide #nailpolishaddict. I love everything from the caviar look, velvet shellac, to the latest craze of sea shell polish. 

I'm a total sucker for glitzy, shimmery and quick drying lacquer.

While perusing the aisle in Sephora, I decided to try on Marc Jacob's Limited Edition New Wave polish (because I'm a SUPER junkie for blue nail polish).

Photo credit. http://www.marcjacobsbeauty.com/

Word on the street is... this varnis gives you the wet look and it's an extreme wear polish (confetti is falling). 

Like any chiq (chick), I love ALL shiny wet polishes. Why you may ask? To me this means a top coat is not totally necessary (tap dancing). 

The moment I applied this Navy blue polish I fell in love (I know... Again lol). 

1. Easy to apply formula.
2. The shine was evident. (One coat and I was hooked).
3. The drying time was pretty speedy!! 

Of course this polish was not $ 1.99! It was $ 18.00 but I was worth it! Not to mention my daughter will definitely use this polish therefore, it's worth it (Mother and daughter moments are priceless). 

Long story short, I'm a happy camper!  

Take a look! Tell me your thoughts.

A bold color with vivid shine against my choqolate skin! 

Love it! 

THIS IS CHOQOLATE CHIQ APPROVED!

Btw... I recommend using a base coat (this color can stain your nails and a top coat (finish your mani with a top coat for extra protection).

(B) Beyonce + (B) Braids! = A+

BEYONCE does it all!!

She's a super star, mother, wife, business woman and humanitarian! Beyonce's work ethic amazes me! 

She works hard! and that is #NoLie. 

 BUT WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT BEY! IS THE WAY SHE ROCKS HER BRAIDS! 

Bey has worn every weave/wig possible... whether it's blonde, strawberry blonde, honey blonde or auburn. She has just about sported every possible hair do one could create! 

MY FAVORITE STYLE ON HER ARE ACTUALLY WHEN SHE WEARS HER HAIR BRAIDED! JUST TAKE A LOOK! 

I'm sure you will agree. 

 BEY KEEP THE BRAIDS MAMA! You look fabulous! 

Photo sources: iam.beyonce.com, huffingtonpost.com, rollingout.com & dopecelebkids.tumblr.com

It's all about the Stroppy baby! (butter London you ROCK)

HELLO WORLD! 

I was lucky enough to attend Nordstrom's Beauty Trend Show in San Francisco with Blinging Beauty, Tracey Brown this year (Yay me!!). 

Nordstrom's Beauty Trend Show was all about the latest Spring/Summer Beauty and Fashion trends. Let's be honest! This is the season to show off your radiant skin, amazing smile and of course the perfect time to show off your mani! YES your hands are just as important as your face is darling! 

While watching the models rip the runway I saw one model in particular wearing the prettiest purple nail polish I've seen in a while! I simply fell in love with that color. 

As the show progressed a butter London rep joined the stage and mentioned the Laura Mercier model wearing the beautiful purple polish! AND she hit the runway again! I was so elated. I quickly snapped a picture and added butter London's Stroppy to my beauty shopping list.

butter London's Stroppy nail lacquer titled Stroppy!! Is a happening color ladies! I thought to myself hmmm... Stroppy is an interesting name for such a dynamite color polish! (AND YES... I looked up the word and read the British version of the word. Click the link for the definition of Stroppy http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/stroppy) 

At any rate, I am in love with Stroppy! This purple polish says FUN!! FUN!! FUN!! The Laura Mercier model rocked this color beautifully. This varnis is an eye catcher no matter who you are or what shade of choqolate (chocolate) you categorize yourself under.  

The glittery and shimmery specks throughout butter London's Stroppy nail polish really adds life to this vernis.

Long story short STROPPY is 
Choqolate Chiq APPROVED!  

Photo credit: butter London
To purchase: http://www.butterlondon.com/Lacquers/Purple-Nail-Lacquers/Stroppy-Nail-Lacquer.html

Rest In Peace Karyn Washington -

This morning I woke up to hear the sad news regarding Karyn Washington's (founder of For Brown Girls) death. Apparently she committed suicide (Bless her soul). Needless to say I am still in shock and very sad about this news. I pray that her family be comforted especially during this time. 

Someone reached out to me to participate in the For Brown Girls project called The #DarkSkinRedLip Project. I was elated needless to say. After-all, I have a true love for red lipstick but after reading her site, I immediately connected with what this was all about. This was about more than red lipstick or rapper A$AP Rocky's ignorant comments/opinion on #darkskin women who wear red lipstick. The real life lesson here was actually all about uplifting one another, self love and being proud of dark brown skin. 

For Brown Girls served as a platform where women with pretty smiles, choqolate (chocolate)brown skin and countless shades of red lipstick were a divine display of true beauty.

You may find it hard to believe that some dark brown skin women and girls grow up believing their skin is not beautiful. I'm here to tell you it's true. For Brown Girls gave dark skin women a place to share experiences and celebrate who we are. I believe in the mission of For Brown Girls and I'm grateful for Karyn Washington's drive and determination to create a safe place for brown skin girls to shine.

We all must realize true beauty starts from within. It's the beauty from within that makes you radiant. This is true for every ethnicity, nationality and every shade of brown.

Karyn Washington may you rest in peace. I will never forget the great work you started.

Links for Brown Girls: www.forbrowngirls.com

Lupita and Lancome are a match made in heaven!

Oh the joy that flood my soul... when I read, Lupita was chosen to be an Ambassador for French beauty brand Lancôme.

Lupita's smooth, dark choqolate (chocolate) skin tone and stunning smile aren't the only things that make her captivating... Check out her beautiful words below regarding the start of her journey as Lancôme's Beauty Ambassador.

"I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman's freedom to be herself," 

Lupita is the perfect example of #InsideOutBeauty. 

Congrats Lupita Darling!!! Rock on!!

AND... yes the bold blue eyeliner she rocked is by Lancome Darling! 

Eliminate Dry and Drab Hair - DIY Avocado, Honey & Olive Oil Hair Mask

DIY Avocado Hair Mask 

Did you know avocados are known for keeping your hair hydrated?!
It's true! Avocados are great way to prevent split ends also. I'm sure you wondering how, right? It's all about the natural avocado oil. This light weight oil is easily absorbed into the scalp and into the hair shaft. You can never go wrong with this natural oil. 

The next ingredient you'll need is honey.  Honey is the almighty humectant. This natural humectant draws the moisture to your hair (this is great for those who suffer from having really dry hair... like me). It's full an antioxidants as I've said in my HONEY post. 

The last ingredient is olive oil.
Olive oil gives your hair added shine and seals moisture in.

LOCK YOUR MOISTURE IN and throw away the key!

 SHABBY HAIR  YOUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED!

The answer to your your dull-as-dish-water hair can be found in your kitchen (I crack myself up)! 

Deep conditioning accompanied with this DIY Avocado Hair Mask is the ticket (Get on board).

Ingredients: 

1 ripe avocado

1 Tbs olive oil (feel free to substitute with your favorite oil ex. almond or jojoba)

1 Tbs honey

Instructions:

Open the avocado and remove the seed. Scoop out the flesh of the avocado and place it in your bowl. Add a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of olive oil into your bowl. Blend ingredients. If you want a smoother consistency, use a simple hand mixer.

Next, apply this mixture generously to your hair, first making sure your hair is damp for maximum absorption. Part hair into four sections and massage the avocado paste into your hair. Feel free to use a wide tooth comb to distribute the mixture evenly.

Once your hair is saturated with the Avocado Hair Mask, cover completely with a shower cap.Leave on your head for 30-35 minutes and allow the mask to deeply penetrate hair. Rinse the mask out completely with warm water and follow through with your normal hair routine.

Now let's say you don't feel like whipping up a hair mask... Check out Blinging Beauty's perfect alternate Burt's Bees Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment! (Click here for the original post) 

Pics courtesy of www.med-health.net, www.thenibble.com & www.health.com 

SHE'S THE BOMB WITH A BEAUTIFUL SMILE!

She's a talented, beautiful dark-skin, actress AND she has a smile that can light up a room. Do you know who I'm talking about?  

DID YOU KNOW... Lupita was inspired to become an actress by watching the movie Color Purple! (YES THE COLOR PURPLE) Lupita said, "When I saw Whoopi Goldberg and she looked like me, I was like, 'Oh, I can do this!'" WHOOPI INSPIRED LUPITA!! It seems so rare that you ever hear anyone mention Whoopi Goldberg for inspiration BUT why not? 

Now for my Whoopi rant! Throughout my life people have said, Qi you have a big smile like Whoopi Goldberg! (Some people think this is a horrible thing and that it's not accurate.) Quite naturally I say thank you and THEN I say... I wish I had Whoopi's money! I'd really smile like WHOOPI THEN! (I am cracking up... but I am so serious)

We all know... no one is perfect but we cannot deny the many accomplishments Mz. Goldberg has achieved... to name a few... She is one of the few persons to win an Oscar, a Grammy, a Tony, and an Emmy. She has been seen in over 150 films, and she was once the highest-paid actress of all time. Her humanitarian efforts are more than a notion and she is an activist (Power to the people). 

Of course we all know...she is (MY FAVORITE) a moderator and co-host of The View, Whoopi actually replaced Rosie O'Donnell (I totally forgot Rosie was on The View).

NOW FOR THE NEWS YOU MAY NOT KNOW! DID YOU KNOW! 

Whoopi Goldberg & Ben Silverman sold an Interracial Romantic Comedy to ABC called Iman and Andy! I KNOW RIGHT?! YES I AM SERIOUS!  

Here's the scoop (Courtesy of the Hollywood Reporter) "Iman & Andy is a thirty minute comedy about two 20-something interracial coworkers at an online magazine who have been secretly dating. They are forced to work on a relationship advice blog when thenew editor-in-chief exposes their relationship." ( I cannot wait to see this one) 

LONG STORY SHORT! WHOOPI is actually BEYOND inspiring! BUT what I LOVE the most about her is the fact that she is happy with who she is! despite what people may say. WHOOPI! YOU ARE THE BOMB!! ROCK ON!  AND LUPITA YOU HAVE IT RIGHT!! 

Who Is The Choqolate Chiq?

Who is the Choqolate Chiq? 

I am the following: 

I am a mother, wife, big sister, and a daughter. I am dark skinned, African-American woman from San Francisco, California. I have an awkward sense of fashion (I believe ugly items can be cute), I have super coily #naturalhair and I cannot live without music.

I am best known for...

My big smile, awesome sense of humor (this opinion may vary), and my red lipstick addiction. 

Why do I call myself the Choqolate (pronounced chocolate) Chiq (pronounced chick)?

I am the sweetest, dark choqolate, brown skin chiq you'll ever know!! 

Did you know... 

I grew up thinking my dark skin was deemed as ugly and undesirable (sad face).

Unfortunately, I remember what it felt like to hear someone say, "dark skin is ugly" and I remember being treated badly because of my dark skin tone. I will admit these things were very hurtful to my self-esteem. (Don't worry this did not ruin my life. This experience taught me a lesson.)  

As I grew older, I began to realize my skin was really beautiful. My dark brown skin was not a curse or some thing to hate. My complexion looked like #Choqolate. I learned to love and embrace the skin that I am in.

Random fact about me:
I love celebrating womanhood no matter the skin tone, ethnicity, size or shape. 

Random fact about the blog post called Choqolate Chiq :
This page is meant to encourage all women, while paying attention to darker skin women who need that extra encouragement. 

I want women everywhere to be proud of who they are. Whether you are white choqolate, light choqolate, milk choqolate or dark choqolate... OR no choqolate. 

It's important for you to know that true beauty comes from within and shines on the outside. 

This Choqolate Chiq is all about #InsideOutBeauty.

HELLO WORLD... CHECK IT OUT!!

Hello World I feel like I need to share my interesting internet finds. I've been wanting to blog about the fun things I find online BUT I've been MIA due to work and what not BUT I'm back (Hello World)and I found some very COOL finds online. For my Pho Fans! I found the perfect definition of Pho. "What is Pho? Pho is food. Pho is: “Phở (fuh) n.Traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup."
I love Pho!! It's mmmm mmmm good. Pho Keeps me warm and comfy on the inside.
While checking one of my favorite sites yankodesign.com
(check out yankdodesign.com... lots of cool things on this site)
I saw this and thought! I need share this! This is really cool!
(I love all in one items)

you can find the article and pic on the site mentioned below (check out the site!! one of my favs)
http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/07/28/what-the-pho/


Amongst my finds we have this fashionable piece AND its a cell phone... can you imagine that!

if you don't believe me check out this link http://gzbreath.com/

Check this one out!! I want one!! LOL!!
"It’s the “Sound Lounge” Actually a concept from none other than designer Sharifah Nasser, the sound blaster! This is a coffee table that is also a sound system."
I thought to myself... coffee table that's a sound system... I love all in one items!!
Check out the link http://www.yankodesign.com/2010/03/29/sit-on-sound/

reminds me of the good ol' days! Remember these... some of you do... maybe some of you don't
this is actually for sale on ebay (60S RETRO AWA RECORD PLAYER RADIO COFFEE TABLE)

AND... IS CHOCOLATE SEXY!! of course ChoQolate is Sexy!!
CHECK THIS OUT!! if youre into design YANKO is the spot to check out. They have the latest and the greatest and last but not least EVEN YANKO DESIGNS knows that CHOCOLATE is SEXY!
ChoQolate is Sexy folks LOL!!http://www.yankodesign.com/2010/03/29/chocolate-is-sexy/

I'M BACK

Hello World... I'm back
I've been super busy!! working on a Sassy Girl Tees photo shoot!! This has been quite the experience. We (Me and Marna) were so busy trying to pull this thing together. It was our first of many photo shoots. I'm excited and I can't wait to see how it all turns out. SO many things to do... such little time. We need an intern LOL!! I'm running around like a naked chicken. When I run around like a lil featherless chicken I surround myself with tons of music.
MUSIC is my calm in the midst of the storm.



Like the rest of the world I am saturating with myself with Sade! Yes she is so Sassy!! I love the new Sade CD!!







I'm a huge Corinne Bailey Rae fan!!
Check out her new one THE SEA
Love this cd! I love Corinne... I've submerged myself into the sea... without drowning LOL!!

AND lately you can find Mz Badu's new single floating around online of course I'm talking about Mz Erykah Badu! I love Erykah Badu she is sooooo Bad-uuuu LOL
Waiting patiently for her new cd New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)

Check out her single by clicking the link below
http://stupiddope.com/2010/02/07/window-seat-by-erykah-badu-ft-uestlove/



















I've joined a gym and had a training session that kicked my butt BUT I know if I stick to what the instructor said I'll be ready for the summer. YEP I'll be all Sassy-Li-Cious!

I've been slacking on the water thing (thumbs down for myself) I fell off the wagon aaaaagain.
Why is it so hard to do the right thing? Why can't I just drink water all day?? every day???
Pray for me please LOL because I am struggling in this area. I'm still a faithful lil walker every Saturday getting my 2 miles in weekly. Thank you again to all the walkers in my group (I love you guys)

So were done with February 2010!! Black History Month, Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year (Year of the Tiger... NOT TIGER WOODS!! I don't wanna hear his name for at least another 8 months LOL)

February always seems to go so fast. Once again I want to thank all of the people who paved the way for me as a young black woman. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate your heart and soul. I hope to make all of those before me PROUD.

NOW were in March... Marzo!! March is my birthday month!!
What shall I do?? anyone have any ideas for me?? I'm taking suggestions.

Happy LOOOOOOOVE Day

Hello World and Happy Valentines Day!! LOVE IS IN THE AIR!!

NO, I'm not giving any TIPS OR TRICKS FOR COUPLES!! BECAUSE YA'LL KNOW WHAT TO DO!!

Tips Tricks Ideas (Children)

Once again this day is celebrating and recognizing love
Parents don't just stop at giving your partner a Valentines Gift!!

Make sure you involve your child; in this day and age we need to emphasize the bond called love with our children especially
When you plant the seed of love and cultivate it will grow and spread
It's never to early to express love to your child!
We as parents should always show our children how to love, have compassion and respect throughout the year that way they understand LOVE is more than just Valentines Day... It's away of life.

Here are some ideas:
Cards
Parents you can buy OR even make your child a card
Show them the love!! let your children/child know that you love them
Get them that lil box of heart shaped candies
Healthier snack Make a fruit bowl full of love and eat it together
Communicate to your child how much you love them!!
It works!
You'll be surprised, kids today are craving for that love and attention!
Give them a memory about the times they spent with you on valentines day AND maybe they will carry this tradition on.
Valentines day cups... Valentines day cider Raise your cups to LOVE!! make sure you say cheers!! I guarantee you... your child will put a smile on their face
Buy a Valentines Day Cookie for yo babies!
Valentine's Day Coupons for kids (You can make these easily Moms and Dads)
Valentines Day Scavenger Hunt
Have the kiddies look for the Cards/Candies
Make a list called Things I love about you (this can be used for anyone)
This is really easy and effective. Sit your child down and tell them the things you love about them and give them a written copy of all the things you love about them!! This is good reinforcement. It doesn't have to cost money to show your love for your loved one
AND of course... Dinner and Movie always works!
Love your babies parents!! Let them know you love them!! I promise you will put a smile on their face


Tips Tricks Ideas (For yourself)

LOVE is in the air!! and if your single! Love yo self!!
You deserve it
You've been taking care of business!
Time to show yo self some love
Thats right!! Dinner!! A good dinner!!
Movie!! a good movie!!
Spa Day, Shopping, Ice Cream, Get yourself a special dessert
Bottle of Wine, OR just relax!! Get that new CD! Get the Sees Candy Box for yourself. Get dressed up for yourself if you want too! When you look good, you feel good and why not feel good about yourself! Make yourself happy!! This is now time to celebrate you and loving yourself! Get some flowers for yo self!! put them in a vase... smell the sweetness WHY!! because you deserve it! Unconditional love for yo self is healthy! Turn this day into... It's all about me and I have somethings I'd like to do for me. Buy some new underwear!! anything!! New PJs LOL! It's all about you!! and you love you!! Now sho yourself some love

Don't just say its another day. It's another day to express love to someone... OR yourself... AND IT DOESNT HAVE TO BREAK YO WALLET!! Get creative folks!!

We must all remember it's important to show LOVE all the time!! NOT JUST ON THE 14TH of February

FEBRUARY 2010

HEY EVERYONE!! so I know I haven't blogged in a while. I've been pretty busy these days.
It's February 2010!

Let me first say... Happy Black History Month!! I can't let this month go by and not think of my past! I actually get pretty emotional about it because I know I could not do anything that I'm doing now without someone breaking some sort of barrier for me.

Many people have endored sooooo much pain and torment just so that I and many other people like myself could read, vote, drink out of a fountain, swim in a pool, sit in the front of the bus... so many things!! I'm so thankful for them. Now don't get me wrong... I'm thankful for my ancestors everyday BUT I'm thankful for this month of extra celebration LOL!

One of my favorite songs written by James W. Johnson, Lift Every Voice and Sing
Lift ev'ry voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise, High as the list'ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won. http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/72



OK so now... I've been a naughty water drinker... meaning... I fell off the wagon! UGH! I'm starting all over again with drinking at least 64oz of water every day!! I need water! You need water! We need Water!!











I'm still doing my walking every saturday with our walking group and we are the best! Although it's been rainy out here in the Bay Area were still walking YEP! were in the malls walking the whole mall!! and let me tell you to walk a mall for an hour!! is work!! I love my walking group! they keep me motivated and they keep my smiling!! Thank you ladies!

I'm promoting good health! I'm all for healthy living!! Get that excercise in! Drink you water!! Take care of yourself and ladies... always remember to keep it sassy AND FELLAS!! make sure you show LOVE!! to all your Sassy Girls!!