Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year

12 days after the fact but Happy New Year all the same. The last half of 2010 was a whirlwind I changed jobs, hair textures, and attitudes all in the span of 5 months. I left my job in education after 9 years to go into the non profit sector. I also let go of a lot resentment and anger toward people and situations that were not allowing me to grow. I also FINALLY BC'ed on a random day after getting fed up with the to textures. So my new attitude, job, and short curly hair are ready to take over the world. I Obama'd out the end of my year with a whole bunch of change you could believe in! I've also decided that I am going to pass on the the ides of setting New Year's resolutions, if i need to change an element of my life I just going to make the change and follow through(Simple right, let see how this works out) ! I am looking forward to traveling more this year and hopefully looking fly in my two piece bathing suit doing it! More blogs to come let see how 2011 unfolds.

XOXOXO
Nikki

You never miss the water till the well run BONE dry

Sooooo,

For the past 2 weeks since I've given my resignation notice to my job I have seen an interesting phenomenon happening: Appreciation! All the words that I needed to hear, all the accolades that I've deserved, and all the accommodations that I wanted have been given to me. Its funny how me leaving have prompted my supervisors to treat me the way I should have been treated in the first place. Now that I am leaving they can really appreciate the contribution that I brought to the staff (hell the the whole organization). I've worked hard on my career for the last 9 years I worked my way up from a receptionist and busted my hump to complete my education while doing my job. All I wanted was to be acknowledgement for my hard work and the promotion that I deserved. I knew my worth, too bad they didn't realize it until it was too late, or maybe they did and just didn't want to let me rise above they people they wanted in those positions. I admit I didn't play politics, I didn't kiss up to the all boys club and make nice with the powers that be. I was too busy working my ass off to do the best job possible and make sure that we met our goals (often even to the detriment of my personal life ). I won't look back and think what I should have done because I did my best and I am moving on to a better job, and it is their loss trust me. Well you know how the saying goes you never miss the water until the well runs dry. I hope they survive the drought

XOXOOX
Nikki

NYC: Kinky Curly @ Ricky's

I was shopping on a lunch break with a co-worker, and I stumbled into Ricky looking for some make-up and low an behold as I strolled passed the hair products isle what did i see: Kinky Curly products. the same Kinky Curly products that were sold out for a month at my favorite Whole Food (14th Street and Union Square). So i promptly brought a bottle of Knot Today and Curly Pudding. So for all my NYC naturals looking for Kinky Curly check out your local Ricky's.

Nikki

Franklin Has Left the Building!!!!

So after months of unhappiness, stress, and disappointment.......... I got a new JOB.

I am going from higher education to working with a non profit on the secondary school level. I'm excited, I start in my new position on August 30th but it is a bitter sweet transition. I've worked for my old job for the past 9 years so it is a significant chunk of my 20's. I wish the best to the next "Franklin" that takes my place (if they decide to even hire another "one") but for right now FRANKLIN HAS LEFT THE BUILDING!

XOXOXOX
Nikki New Job!

Maxwell & Jill Scott @ MSG review

I know I said I would post a review of the Maxwell Jill Scott concert. It was sooo beyond excellent I wasn't sure that I could cover it all so I found the next best thing: footage on Youtube so you can see for yourself a glimpse of how they tore the house down











Jill Scott was amazing her voice was THE TRUTH, Maxwell was at his best and seduced the crowd. This show was so worth the ticket price plus some, and if you missed it.......well you missed it.

XOXOXOXOXO
N.

Stay Turned: Maxwell & Jill Scott @ MSG review

Hey People,

You would think that the way I raved about getting tickets to this concert I would have broke my neck to tell you all about it......but real life reared its ugly head and I had work to do this week before I started my vacation on Thursday. So stay tuned I will fill you in on Jill's AWESOMENESS and Maxwell's brazen sex talk sometime this week. I am headed to the South for some R&R so hopefully the next time you read this I will be on a porch sipping sweet tea with my computer.

XOXOXOX
Nikki

Michael even a year later we never can say good-bye

Its been a year, we still miss the music, the magic, the man
Today it all about #MJAllDay
We want to celebrate his life and his legacy

And when the groove is dead and gone, we know that love survives so we can rock forever on....

I know I know I know.....Where have YOU BEEN

I know I've been more then MIA lately, I've gone missing like Neffe's period..... In my defense life has thrown me a few curve balls and I've been preoccupied. (plus damn it I was tired I work hard I get lazy!) My professional life has been kicking my butt, and I've had to work through some issue. On my job in my department I am Charlie Brown's friend Franklin (you know the ONLY black character). So you can image how fun it is being the national ambassador for all thing "black" (which is funny because I work with other minorities), also I am one of 2 woman and lets say the "all boys club" is alive and well. So I've been in a funk to say the least for the last 2 month about my career situation, which has done nothing but aid my procrastination. I had to pull myself together put on my big girl panties and deal with it, so here I am blogging as therapy, but my job woes are another story for another time. So here we are a day before the year anniversary of MJ's passing and the day before my Maxwell / Jill Scott concert I think tomorrow will be the definition of bitter sweet. I start a three week vacation on July 1st so there is a silver lining to every cloud, so you will be hearing from me during my down down time....since the man will be off my back!

XOXOXOXOX
Nikki S.

One Year...

Today is one year to the day that I got my last perm.......

I remember because I had to get my hair done for my god daughter 1st birthday the next day and it was late in the day when I went. I had to go to a local dominican salon, the charged me too much, then didn't do a good job, and it took till 10pm at night.

Transition Tales: Bun Donut

Hi Guy,
TGIF TGIF TGIF, I don't think I can say it enough!

I wanted to share my favorite bad hair day buddy with some of you that may not be aware of a buns best friend The Bun Donut (Form)!

This hands down has been on of the best purchases that I've made during my transition. On day when my two textures are not getting along a little gel and this little donut make everything right with the world. I paid about $2.99 for mine and it was well worth every penny.

XOXOXO
Nikki

Trails, Triblations, and a Paycheck

Hello People,

Its been a while but much like poltergeist I'm Backkkkkkk!

I've been MIA while I deal with some issues I've been having on the job front. Things have been really traumatic for me, I've been treated in such a way that made me want to leave and never (EVER EVER) look back, of course I have bills to pay so currently this is not an realistic option. My work situation has given me many sleepless nights and a couple of panic attacks to boot! People have told me "Oh in this economy just be lucky you have a job", I am grateful for a job but that is not a justification to take the onslot of insensitivity and blatant nepotism that I've have had to endure. I am in a better place in my spirit right now because I know God will not give me more then I can handle, but it has been TRYING to say the least. Anywho moving on and upward from the trials and tribulations for a paycheck........My hair is in now in month number 10 of my transition, I have been sticking with 2-strand twist and twist outs as my staple style but as summer approaches I am looking for something new........any thoughts

XOXOXO
N. Stiletto

RIP Lena Horne

Class.....It can't be brought, it can't be learned, some are just born with it. the world has lost a class act.

Rest In Peace Lena Horne

New Video: Maxwell "Fist Full of Tears"

Three of my favorite words:
NEW MAXWELL VIDEO! (Enjoy the link)

http://www.vevo.com/watch/maxwell/fistful-of-tears/USSM20902172

Why do we love the "Bad Boy"

So I tuned into The Wendy "How you doing" Williams (don't judge me) because I heard Jaheim was going to be performing. His latest album is in heavy rotation in my Zune as of late and I own all of the previous albums as well. It's not just his amazing voice which is so reminiscent of old soul crooners but I am so attracted to his "street" edge (and ashamed to admit it). This made me ponder the "woman say they want a good man but go for the bad boy" argument. My late 20's was my last indulgence with "bad boy" he had tattoos everywhere, an AMAZING body, and a pension for running the streets. We knew each other when we were younger and reconnected. I though he just wanted to be friends (1st mistake) so I paid his overtures no mind, and I even remember saying to my best friend that "He was SO not the man for me, he is not the type of man I want or need as a partner"(famous last words). Fast forward a couple of months him chasing me hard, I gave in and began a relationship with him. On top of that I had the nerve to fall in love (2nd mistake), well long story short after a couple of months of dating, a break up, a year of off and on again, and a marriage proposal by text message (yet again another blog post for another time) I finally walked away. A couple of month later when I wasn't looking I met my current beau the "good guy". He is polar opposite no street edge or tattoos, he goes to church every Sunday, he is close with his family, works 2 jobs, and treats me like gold. He is everything I could have asked for in a man plus some, he didn't come how I imagined him but he defiantly came the way I needed him. So I guess my "bad boy" fantasies will be reserved for my Jaheim albums, because my "good man" reality is so much better.

XOXOXO
Nikki

PS- Jaheim's album "Another Round" will be available for digital download for $5 during the month of April, its and excellent album.

Transition Staple Style....for Now

OK so after really battling with my hair for the past two months while transitioning I finally hit my stride! I have finally found a transition style that does not make me looking like who did it and ran at work on a daily basis. I have decided that small two strand twist are going to my staple. I know its not really a big revelation, lots of naturals do two strand twist while transitioning but this is the first time that I've tried them this small on my fickle hair and it stayed and look really nice. I curl the relaxed ends with satin covered sponge roller over night (I love those rollers) wake up in the morning shake and go. I've has to re-twist a few here and there but for the most part it been a week and they are still holding strong (also thanks to Cantu Shea Butter Break Cure Strengthening Treatment and Coconut Oil) I'm going to attempt to co-wash with them in this weekend......so keep your fingers crossed

XOXOXOXO
Nikki

P.S.
I know I'm extra lazy with the pictures.....I'm working on it!

The Shoe Closet: Vince Camuto Women's Aphrodite

I saw these shoes on Shoes.com and fell in love ( http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1213193&pg=5122037 ). I don't know if its the burst of beautiful weather or my hunt for the perfect outfit for my Maxwell/Jill Scott concert, but these shoes are moving my world right now! These Vince Camuto 4 inch heels sling back pumps with the faux reptile-print are gorgeous and a bargain for a true shoeistas at $120.

The Golden Ticket!!!!!

So when I heard the rumor of this concert I thought This is too good to be true. Then Maxwell confirmed it I thought, I HAVE TO HAVE THESE TICKETS. So last Thursday with pre-sale promo code and credit card in hand I brought the ticket to the event that is going to kick off my summer! Maxwell and Jill Scott LIVE and Madison Square Garden June 25. When I say I cannot wait for this concert it is an understatement, I am beyond excited! Sooo if you have yet to get your tickets (they went on sale to the general public last Saturday) get them before they are all gone (if they aren't already)

This message has been STILETTO APPROVED!

Finally found it!!!

FINNNALLLYYYY

Hello People,
So the minute I heard that Suave was coming out with their new shampoo & conditioner line with natural ingredients I was extra excited to try them. But after a extensive search of the local drug stores in my area I came up (sadly) empty. Well as luck would have it a trip to Target this weekend FINALLY allowed me to find what I'd wanted, so I purchase the Shea Butter & Almond and Rosemary & Mint conditioners. I can't wait to try them! You know it doesn't take much to excite me these days. XOXOX
Nikki S.

Educational Decisions...

I always intending on furthering my educational pursuits even after my LONGGGGG journey to complete my Bachelors. So after some indecision on a a school (and major for that matter) and after attending a very informative Open House and i think I've finally make a concrete decision. I've decided to pursue my MPA (Master of Public Administration) with a specialization in Non Profit organizations. I am in the middle of the applications process right now so I am praying I get into the program. I'll keep you guys posted!

XOXOXOX
N.

RIP Alexander McQueen

Designer Alexander McQueen passed away today. A Fashion Artist who will be dearly missed...