Amber Rose and fiancé Wiz Khalifa are expecting their first
child – a boy – together this winter. Recently, in a revealing interview with hip
hop magazine XXL the 28-year-old American
model, and her fiance, 25-year-old rapper Wiz Khalifa, spoke openly to Vanessa
Satten about their relationship and their life during pregnancy (see here).
The most intriguing and revealing subject discussed during
the interview was Amber’s plans on giving birth – “I’m going all-natural. I’ve
decided that I’m going to have an all-natural water birth. No medicine…”
Although, Amber’s all-natural birth plans are unconventional
– with most women opting for drugs – natural births are becoming increasingly
popular among expecting mothers. According to, the American Pregnancy Association, “over the last 30 years…water birth
has grown in popularity.”
Water births are believed to be “gentler for the baby and
less stressful for the mother.” Nonetheless, Amber Rose did not decide to give
birth naturally simply, because it is believed to be “less stressful;” her
decision was made in part to having the right to gloat. – “…I want those bragging rights! The next time Wiz has a stomachache
or anything, I’ll say, ‘I popped out a baby all-natural.’”
Since, Belladonna is a blog dedicated to empowering women, I highlight an influential woman every month from all walks of life in "Woman of the Month". In the past I have highlighted the work of: Maya Angelou, Nancy G. Brinker, Florence Griffith-Joyner, Alicia Keys, Larisa Latynia, Sylvia Lawry, Michelle Obama, and Virgina Woolf - just to name a few. This month I have decided to highlight the inspirational work of Eunice Kathleen Waymon better known as Nina Simone.
Nina Simone was an influential African-American pianist and singer who incorporated various genres into her music including classical, jazz, blues, folk, gospel, and pop. According to, Eric Wendell, "Nina Simone defied categorization by blending classical, jazz and popular music into an unconventional and highly personal idiom: over four decades, she galvanized audiences with albums and performances replete with deep passion and keen attention to emotion. Fiercely honest, Simone was admired for her eccentricity and individualism. She was known for her spirited personality on and off the stage, which included flirting with audience members and voicing her opinions about social topics of the time. The legacy of Simone's music and message can be heard not only in jazz but amongst the many pop artists who cite her influence, including Jeff Buckley, Alicia Keys and John Legend..."(Jazz.com)
Recently, Nina Simone's legacy has become even more of a hot topic in the media with various debates on the controversial depiction of Nina Simone in Nina - an unauthorized film written and directed by Cynthia Mort. Aaron Overfield, content manager of Ninasimone.com, weighs in on the debate with an open letter, stating that, "The most frustrating people are the ones who imply everyone should
just shut up and 'wait and see' or 'leave them alone.' That kind of
attitude and oppression is not in the spirit of Nina Simone whatsoever.
Quite the opposite. Nina was vocal, defiant, a warrior, an activist. She
would not have simply shut up and sat down. She would’ve shown up at
the studio with a shotgun to speak with Ms. Mort and slapped the makeup
off Zoe. So let’s get that straight first. We’re going to talk about
this and those of us with strong, impassioned opinions are going to
express them.
We will not be silent simply because it annoys those who aren’t in agreement. Zoe’s complexion (the level of her 'blackness') has taken the
forefront in the discussion. Her complexion as well as her
phenotype/features. We’re going to have to address this since obviously
it is dominating the outcry against this project, understandably so.
However, I believe this issue is a byproduct of the much, much larger
issue: the total gentrification of Nina Simone. This occurred at the
inception of this film so it’s no wonder the script and casting have
come to symbolize the total fictionalization of Nina as a person and as
an artist."
Do you know what today is - what every Wednesday is? I did not know until recently that every Wednesday is considered Hump Day. I guess that shows how out-of-touch (uninformed) I can be when it comes to youthful lingo. Still, I try to remain current; I'm 23 years young for Christ's sake.
For those of you who are out-of-touch, like I was, and do not know what Hump Day means, the Urban Dictionary defines it as:
1. The middle of a work week (Wednesday); used in the context of climbing a proverbial hill to get through a tough week. After hump day, the weekend gets closer.
2. Wednesday, or the hump of the week
The absolute BEST day of the week, the day of maximum hope that maybe, you might make it out of this week alive. A particularly good hump day can last you the rest of the week, and by Doomday morning (Monday) you survive by anticipating hump day. Nothing goes wrong on hump day...
Hump day has nothing to do with sex. Unless one wants it to. I like to declare the existence of hump day just to see people's faces. Usually being conservative and all
"Do you know what the best thing about Tuesdays are? Its the day before Hump Day!" "What's hump day?" "It's the hump of the week!!" (they all shake their heads in pity) Click hereto get further understanding of this fairly new American English term.
Lifetime has a new series - The Conversations with Amanda de Cadenet - and I am so excited about it. The concept of the series is to present:
"...an honest, authentic and raw view of the
shared issues affecting women today[.] Each episode of 'The Conversation
with Amanda de Cadenet' will feature de Cadenet having powerful and
in-depth interviews with some of the world’s most famous and influential women,
including, among others,
Jane Fonda,
Lady Gaga,
Gwyneth Paltrow,
Miley Cyrus,
Eva Longoria,
Kelly Preston,
Alicia Keys,
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand,
Donna Karan,
Ivanka Trump,
Olivia Wilde
and Gabby Sidibe.
Together with de
Cadenet in the comfort of her or their own homes, they -- many for the first
time publicly -- will tackle a wide variety of topics universal to all females,
including sexuality, body image, career and finances, relationships, love and
loss, politics, human rights, transformation, breakthrough and perseverance.
'The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet' will also feature 'Women on
the Street' segments in which women from all walks of life also reveal their
personal feelings about their lives and the world today." (Lifetime)
It appears that everything that I hope to accomplish with this blog - empower and inspire women - is being done within this series; the women are talking about issues that matter to us, issues that we rarely discuss with one another, issues that we need to talk about.
The first chapter in the series ranges in subject matter and it is packed with exceptional advice and words of encouragement. While, there is so much that could be extracted from the first episode, I will conclude with one notable quote made by Zoe Saldana on the subject of men: "They're extraordinary creatures and sometimes we deprive them of their own battles...They have their own stories. They have their own nightmares, and women we have the power of the word and we can make or brake a man, which is a sentence. To abuse that power is to make you just as crippled as the men who abuse women..."
While, I am trying my hardest to wait patiently, it just isn't working. It seems as if I can't get out of college fast enough - come January 14, 2012 I will be receiving my Bachelors in Psychology from George Mason University.
In addition to graduation, I feel like a 8 year old excited for the month of November. I really do get full of joy in November; I think it's because I love the christmas decorations, being with family, as well as the merrily and giving spirit of people - corny, I know.
Moreover, I can't wait to buy a few cd's, watch some brand new shows, and go to the movies. It appears that the end of year is "prime time" for producers, and I have to find the time for all their creations in conjunction with studying for exams. Below are a few expected releases I am waiting for.
The Rundown
1. October 24, 2011, Coldplay, is the expected release their sixth album, "Mylo Xyloto." The bold new album was produced by Markus Dravs, Daniel Green, and Rik Simpson; it features additional
creative input by Brian Eno and even Rihanna, contributing vocals to “Princess
Of China.” Moreover, the "awe-inspiring" album includes tracks like: "'Charlie Brown', an upbeat hook-laden Coldplay classic in the making, the high flying 'Hurts Like Heaven'"(itunes) and their hit single "Paradise." 2. "Remember when Boys II Men came out with their "Legacy" compilation?" (itunes) That was about ten years ago, and I've been waiting for their return of classic soul ever since. I truly loved every track they released on "Legacy," but I think my favorite song they harmonized on was "If I Ever Fall In Love Again." With great vocals and songs, their expected release of "Twenty" on October 25, 2011 is a must buy. Although, there has not been any singles released nor much publicity, I know the album will be superb - at least I'm hoping.
3. "With his wit and old school rhyme influences," (itunes) Wale is a relatively new rapper from the DMV (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area and he is making strides toward taking the hip hop throne. Similar to Kid Cudi and Lupe Fiasco, Wale "embraces innovation and tradition with equal regard" (itunes) and his album "Ambition" is expected to be just as- if not more - creative than previous albums. "Ambition" is expected to be released November 1, 2011. To sample a few tracks from the album, you can listen to his smooth sounding "Lotus Flower Bomb" single and/or his more upbeat single "Bait" on Itunes, now.
4.As an aspiring jewelry designer, I am super excited for Lifetime's latest competition series, Project Accessory. It will be hosted by actress and model Molly Sims and it will feature 12 designers, who will compete and "showcase their unique vision for accessories." (Lifetime) The new show will premiere October 27, 2001 at 10:30/ 9:30 c.
5. Expected to be
in movie theaters October, 28, 2011, Anonymous, highlights "the
debate over whether William
Shakespeare could have written the body of work considered the
greatest in
English literature;" (telepgraph.com) although, some may speculate, the idea is "a wild
fringe fantasy unsupported by any evidence." Nonetheless, this film -
directed by Roland Emmerich - is highly anticipated.
6. "Immortals follows the story of Theseus as he battles against the titans
in order to save ancient Olympus. Theseus is the bastard son of the
king, and his quest will have him become the country’s greatest hero." (starseeker.com) Directed by Tarsem Singh, this movie is expected to be released - potentially in 3-D - on November 11, 2011.
7. "The chemistry with producer Howard Benson enters it's third phase - [with the album 'Break the Spell'] - securing Daughtry's place as one hard rock's compelling bands." (itunes) Daughtry is expected to release it's third album on November 21, 2011. For those - like me - waiting for their album to hit the stores, you can satisfy your thirst for more Daughtry by listening/purchasing their latest single, "Renegade" from Itunes.
8. While, Red Tails, will not be released this year, it is still a must see movie that I had to incorporate into my list; this movie is suppose to be released next year - January 20, 2012. I can't wait to see it! Directed by Anthony Hemingway, this action packed movie tells "the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first
African-American pilots to fly in a combat squadron during World War
II."
Test your knowledge on the subject of removing unwanted facial hair by answering 4 quick questions.
1.What percentage of women remove facial hair occasionally?
A. 85%
B. 50%
C. 43%
D. 10%
2. What is folliculitis?
A. A receding hariline
B. Excessive facial hair
C. A lazy eye
D. Infection of hair follicles, often from shaving or waxing.
3. Does facial hair removal make hair grow back thicker or faster?
A. Yes, especially if you have fair skin
B. No, there is no conclusive evidence that hair removal results in thicker, faster, darker,
or coarser hair growth
C. Only if you have naturally curly hair
D. Only when hair is removed infrequently
4. Whats the best way to prepare skin for facial hair removal?
A. Exfoliation, which removes dead skin cells and allows for improved adherence of facial
hair removal products
B. Cleansing with warm water to soften hairs plump them up for easy removal
C. Applying a hydrating balm before treatement
D. All of the above
The ANSWERS
you may or may not have expected...
1. A. 85% of women occasionally remove facial hair
2. D. Folliculitis is an infection of hair follicles, that often comes from
shaving or waxing.
3. B. There is no
conclusive evidence that hair removal results in thicker, faster,
darker
or coarser hair growth.
4. D. The best way to prepare your skin for facial hair removal is by: exfoliating, cleansing
with warm water, and by applying
a hydrating balm before treatment.
Knowing the facts of facial hair removal you may want to take further steps to ensure your maintaining beautiful and silky-smooth skin the right way with a great product.
Dr. Marina Peredo, MD, "is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist. Her expertise in advanced
laser technology, laser assisted liposuction and cosmetic facial skin
rejuvenation techniques make her a national trainer for aesthetic
procedures.
Dr. Peredo conducts numerous clinical studies that help
new products get FDA approval. Additionally, she is a fellow of The American Academy
of Dermatology and a member of The Skin Cancer Foundation." Read more about her click here .
Moreover, Dr. Peredo recommends the New Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo stating that it is " a gentle two-step treatment for beautiful, visibly hair-free skin."
This product is a uniquely formulated two-step system designed to gently yet effectively remove unwanted facial hair, leaving skin beautifully smooth, conditioned, and visibly hair-free. This gentle hair removal system contains a Skin Guarding Balm, applied before the removal cream, that hydrates the skin to minimize irritation, redness, and other tell-tales signs associated with hair removal creams.
Sourced from Elle Magazine, October 2011
POP CULTURE
Beyoncé has beautiful and seemingly silky-smooth skin; recently her radiating skin shinned through in her latest music video "Countdown." Have you seen it yet?
It's amazing! Personally, I love the layout of the video, which feels like "a pop-art book or art gallery;" furthermore, it is full of fabulous references and many critics agree - to see two critics give their reviw click here. However, there has been charges brought forth of plagiarism by Belgian choreographer, Anne
Teresa De Keersmaeker who claims that Beyoncé has crossed the line from
referencing to copying. In a statement that was translated from Dutch to
English, De Keersmaeker says: "This is plagiarism ... This is stealing. What's rude
about it is that they don't even bother about hiding it. They seem to
think they could do it because it's a famous work."
After all is said and done I still love the "Countdown" video. Similar to her references to Audrey Hepburn in "Happy Face,"
Beyoncé obviously incorporated De Keersmaeker's work into her music video. I see no harm done; all I see is a successful video that utilized great pieces of work.
Plastic surgery
is a growing epidemic in America. Bradley University has reported that
“According, to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), in
2008, Americans underwent 10.2 million cosmetic procedures, paying out just
under $12 billion (Mann 2009). While the general economic downturn has led to a
slight decrease in such procedures, cosmetic surgery has increased dramatically
in the last decade. In fact, while the majority of procedures are performed on
women, men’s use of cosmetic procedures has increased 20% since the year 2000
(Atkinson 2008).” Furthermore, a trend in American pop culture is the rise in
teen plastic surgery. Some, of you may say "Okay, and...so whats the big
deal."
ITS A BIG DEAL
Numerous research studies have highlighted the
severe health risks involved in cutting the flesh. Dregu et al. (2009) studied
six patients who underwent seemingly successful breast augmentations for
aesthetic reasons; there were no complaints of pain after surgery, however 10
years later dense tumors were found in 5/6 patients. Today, there is a
consensus among medical doctors that late complications can arise due to
silicone implant failure, and is recommended to be medically addressed as soon
as detected. While, it is known that cosmetic surgery has improved, there are
still grave risks involved. Clark et al. (2008) found that multi-system organ
dysfunction can arise after silicone injection; in their study two transsexual
male’s sought out silicone injections in the hips and buttocks. After, receiving
1-2 liters of silicone injections, the two patients reported feeling
“nauseated, lethargic, and then los[s] of consciousness.” Ultimately, one of
the patients gradually recovered, while the other never regained neurological
function and died.
Furthermore,
Most cosmetic surgery
procedures indicates an individual that is socially pressured by cultural
ideas. Bradley University
has stated that many people feel that “surgical interventions
[are] sad indictment[s] of a culture with rigid and narrow ideas of beauty—a
culture that values youth, sexuality and appearance more than experience,
character and substance (Jeffreys 2000).” People who partake in these surgeries
for non-therapeutic reason are more likely to be struggling with their body
image. It seems to me that we must do something as community to promote
self-confidence and to communicate to others the importance of loving ones’
self as they are.
I understand that
sometimes we don't feel as good about our appearance as we should; at times I
feel that way, but there are actions that can be taken that are less risky
like: changing the way you dress, changing your hair color/style, changing your
body through exercise, etc. For example...
