Ruby Dee & Queen Latifah Winners at the SAG Awards

The legendary Ruby Dee & Queen Latifah took home awards at the 14th annual SAG awards. Ruby Dee won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her work in 'American Gangster' and Queen Latifah won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries for her work in 'Life Support'. I like watching these award shows, but not so much for what goes on in doors, but I love to watch the glitz & glamour on the "Red Carpet". But this year it was special to see a wonderful actress like Ruby Dee finally get recognized for all of her hard work. It's trailblazers like her that paved the way for actresses like Halle Berry, Jennifer Hudson, and Queen Latifah. This is going to be a busy season for Ruby Dee because she has also been nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actress category. So make sure you watch on February 24 to see if see walks away with an Oscar. I know her husband the late Ossie Davis is looking down and cheering her on.

Savvy Hairstyles:Blond Ambition

Mary J. Blige

Beyonce

Eva Pigford

Many years ago I went and bought a box of Dark & Lovely hair color because I wanted to be a "blond" (blonds have more fun, right?) But since I didn't know the proper way to take care of color treated hair, it all fell out. So the conclusion I came to was that black woman should not have blond hair. But over the years that has changed because I have seen many sistahs achieve the blond hair I desired with the help of weaves,wigs and just learning how to take better care of their hair. I think Mary J Blige, Eva Pigford, and Beyonce really look great with blond hair. The goal is to make it look natural at all cost, so you really need to have the right skin tone (more yellow/bronze undertones) and the right shade of hair color and of course the right hairstyle. Now I do know some sistahs that really should just leave the blond hair alone and go back natural, because they haven't mastered this look. But in the mean time if you want inspiration I think these four sistahs definitely have "Blond Ambition".

Savvy Sistah: Nancy Wilson

Nancy Wilson is a classy jazz singer with a smooth voice. When I saw her in the Essence Magazine a few years ago it was hard to believe that she was born in 1937. I think alot of the young female singers of our day can learn alot from veterans like Ms. Wilson. This "song stylist" has over 70 albums, three Grammy awards and a career that spans over 50 years. She has won numerous awards including a NAACP Image Award, Trumpet Award and she even received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To prove that she still has what it takes at 70 years old she won a Grammy for The Best Jazz Vocal Album for "Turned to Blue". This classy, polished and talented silver haired songtress is still on top of her game and she's my Stylish & Sophisticated Celebrity of the Week.

Ladies! Take Care of Yourselves

It feels so good to be back to blogging! I have been sick with the flu for five days and I have made up my mind that, "I never want to be sick again". Between using Tylenol Cold & Flu, DayQuil, NightQuil, and Robitussin, my cabinets kind of resemble the medicine section at Walmart and I think I will be immune from any disease for the next two years. But one thing I did realize is leading up to this shutdown was that I really wasn't taking care of myself. I wasn't eating right, sleeping, exercising, or making sure I had on warm clothes when I went outside. (I sacrificed my health to try to look cute and now I'm paying for it). So ladies don't be like me, start taking care of yourself now before you have to pay for it later.

Savvy Style: A Stylish Twist on the Kaftan

Jennifer Lopez in mint green one shouldered Kaftan by Versace

Black full length silk caftan by Temperley London $2539 www,net-porter.com

Multi-colore print sheer cotton kaftan by Emilio Pucci, $539 www.net-porter.com


Multi-colored print cotton kaftan by Emilio Pucci, $815 www.net-porter.com

Chocolate crinkled cotton kaftan by Melissa Odabash, $249, www.net-porter.com

For years my mother would come home from work and put on one these beautiful house dresses. And every time she walked around the house, especially if we had guest visiting she always looked presentable, sophisticated and comfortable. We'll today when she wants to lounge around the house she still wears one, but they have really evolve over the years. A kaftan(sometimes spelled caftan) is worn all over the world by men and women. And not only can it be worn around the house but many use it as a cover-up at the beach or you can put on cute pair of sandals and you'll have a chic dress to wear to a party. Although you can find kaftans anywhere (I even saw them at the beauty supply store) I think the one's offered at http://www.net-porter.com/ give a new twist to an old design. "The Kaftan" comes in many styles, lengths and colors so you'll never have a problem looking stylish around the house, the beach or a party.

Product Review: Infusium 23

My product review for this week is Infusium 23 leave-in treatment. I have used the Original leave-in treatment for many years and I have always experienced really good results. And now Infusium 23 has new packaging and a new "ologie" collection that include leave-in treatments that work to repair your hair based on a certain need. Leave-in conditioners (treatments) to me are a must-have if you want to have healthy hair. Their purpose is to offer continuous moisture and vitamins that nourish , protect and strengthen your hair long after you have shampooed and conditioned it.

If you lack moisture: The Moistur(ologie) line hydrates and replenishes moisture to dry hair.

If your hair needs more strength/protein: The Repair(ologie) line strengthens hair and protects it from damage that leads to breakage and split ends.

If your hair is prone to frizz: The Frizz(ologie) line helps to tame and smooth frizz-prone hair.

If you have colour treated hair: The Colour(ologie) line enriches and protects colour treated hair.

The Infusium 23 mission has not changed since it was created in 1924 and that's to "transform damaged, dry, frizzy, chemically treated and fine hair into shiny, silky, manageable hair".

Their leave-in treatment is good for all hair types and you can find a 16 oz bottle at Walmart for $5.84.

Savvy Home Decor: Glass Art Showpieces

Art Glass Vase by Caleb Siemon, $1050 http://www.guild.com/

Art Glass Plate by Jeri Goodman, $220 , www.guild.com

Glass Art Perfume Bottle by Mary Angus, $365 , www.guild.com


Art Glass Bowl by Janet & Rick Nicholson, $1055, www.guild.com

These beautiful artistic pieces were created using blown glass. The colors and designs are so elegant, vibrant and unique, I can just image what the artists were thinking about when they created these wonderful pieces. I searched through pages and pages of photographs from artists at "The Artful Home" and I found so many bowls, platters and vases, that I simply fell in love with them all. So if you want to add a boost of color or a uniquely designed sculpture to your home decor, how about starting with one of these Glass Art Showpieces.

All these pieces can be found at "The Artful Home" www.guild.com

Double Duty: Skincare from your Kitchen Cabinet

Left to right: Organic Honey, Chamomile Tea Bags, and Apple Cider Vinegar.

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I have always been what you would call a "kitchen chemist". I like mixing things and making up new products. But what I really like is creating new beauty products just by using basic items around the house. I started this years ago when I got my first pimple and I read how toothpaste could double as a zit cream. After such good results, I started looking in my kitchen cabinets for other things that I could add to my skin care regimen. One of the best facial masks I've ever used was plain honey. It will moisturize and tighten your pores, just put a warm cloth on your face to open your pores, apply honey, leave it on for 7-10 minutes, and rinse with warm water followed by a splash of cool water . The day I ran out of my astringent I was able to make my own using 1/2 apple cider vinegar mixed with 1/2 water. This works great because it restores the pH balance to your skin and helps to fade dark spots. And who doesn't love an at home facial. All you have to do is pour warm water in a bowl and add a chamomile tea bag, cover your head and bowl with a towel and relax for 10-15 minutes. So the next time you run out of any of your skin care products just go look in your kitchen cabinet and see what items can work double duty.