Eartha Kitt Passes

Geez, I totally forgot Santa Baby on my Christmas mix below! I just logged into Yahoo! and read that Eartha Kitt has passed away of Colon Cancer. She was 81.
Peace to boski43 for the video tribute.

Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt;Henri René

Love, Peace & Soul

Fist Listen-->> Jay-Z "We Go Hard"

Hot new music and Vid from Jay-Z feat. Santogold: We Go hard seen on Brooklyn Bodega. While it's no 'Swagger Like Us' I can definitely hear this being an anthem here soon.
Find this track on the forthcoming Notorious soundtrack.

Jay-Z on iLike - Get updates inside iTunes

Wanda Wednesday

Lol, Wanda is a contestant on a dating show!

Take 5-->> Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga or Hot Yoga is a series of 26 yoga poses done in a room, usually maintained at a temperature of 100-105 degrees. This temperature promotes a massive amount of sweat which rids the body of toxins. It also makes the body very warm, and more flexible.

So I am 2 classes into the Bikram 30 days for $30 challenge and well, not sure if you would call it taking 5, it's more like...I mean I don't really know what it is like but that room is hotter than July and I am doing it!
I have taking my body through a lot in a year that marked my 34th year on earth, and included a move from the west to the east coast. I have partied and socialized and eaten whatever I have wanted and am feeling the effects are not exercising or eating like I should. I am going to use this time just before the new year to detox my mind body and spirit in an effort to honor the hard work that was done, and usher in a fresh 365 days to go out and hit it a little, harder, faster, bigger and badder;-)
And yeah, I can totally do this pose!

Kanye Wrote A Book

So, Kanye wants to help you get fresh like him. He co-wrote Thank You And You're Welcome!; a book of Yeism's to, as he puts it:

"creating then celebrating your moment!"

I love it.

How T-->> Tipping

I love it! Finally a full on guide to tipping that extra hand that was just extended to you via a delivery or getting your bags at the airport. I was signing into my Yahoo! account when I came across, well, these tips!

Bartender
Base Pay per Hour: $7.30
Tips per Hour: $10.30
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 59%

Fortunately for this service provider, we all tend to get a little more generous as the night goes on. But, it's a good thing when you consider that bartenders are getting the majority of their income from the extra dollars we place on the bar. Typical tip: 10-15 percent of the bar bill.

In general, including at an open bar, I put down $1 for every drink every time.

Waiter/Waitress
Base Pay per Hour: $4.60
Tips per Hour: $9.90
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 68%

Wow, nearly 70 percent of your waiter's income is based on that tip that you give. So, if you think that a bottle of wine would make a nice addition to your steak dinner, be ready to pay the service charge along with it. Typical tip: 15-20 percent of the bill, 20 percent at fine restaurants or if you have a large group.

Don't be a douche and act like you don't have to tip your waitstaff. Unless they totally ignored your needs, or got your order really wrong, tip! Not only does the waiter/waitress have to report their tips for taxes, they sometimes have to share with their Busboy. And at minimum wages.

Hairstylist
Base Pay per Hour: $9.90
Tips per Hour: $3.50
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 26%

Oh, if you could only get that perfect cut and color before those annual holiday get-togethers. You can! Just remember that your hairstylist relies on you to provide nearly 30 percent of their income. Typical tip: 15 percent of the total.

have always been confused on this one cause I think you are supposed to tip the shampoo girl a few bucks and then if your stylist is the owner you don't have to tip.

Log onto Yahoo! Hot Jobs for several more helpful tipping tips;-)

B. Rocka Got Jokes

Last night I was walking down 5th Ave. and past by the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. I smelled 'greatness" in the air not to mention that tons of security and official looking cars lined the street for several blocks. And war protesters had formed across the street and had been stashed behind a barricade. My former roommate and now friend Adam has been all over this election year like it was the world series and keeps me up to date on the goings on. Sure enough, this morning he informed me that their was a dinner and B. Rocka (that's what I call the president; yeah President) was in attendance. Had I have known, my derelict ass woulda sho' nuff have tried to sneak a peek into the festivities. Thank the heavens for YouTube! This shit is funny. Enjoy.

First Look-->> Retro Kidz

It's all about the early nineties here in New York. The clothes, the lingo and the music pumping out the stereos. Every time I go to Dunkin' Donuts for coffee, I get to here Mary J from like the first album or some other tunes circa 1992. It's great and I love it cause that's right around the time that my love for New York hit hard.
Now, for the past couple of years here in Brooklyn, there has been a set known as the Retro Kidz that takes it to another level. I have seen one or two in person and it's just so uncanny how they pull this off. Taken from their Myspace page:

"We just want people to have fun again, be stylish, and express themselves."

The shit is fresh to def but I lived through it and keep my style moving into the future. But it takes every kind of people to make the world go round. So without further or do, straight outta Bed-Stuy...I introduce you to the Retro Kidz "New Era"!

Take 5-->> Bath Salts

I lead a busy life. Like, for real. And sometimes the only time I have to myself, especially now that I have relocated to NYC, is when I bathe myself. For this reason, and because I love to stay balanced, I love to end my days with a nice, steamy bath. Having the luxury of a bathtub is quit divine so I try to keep it luxurious with the bubbles, and scented oils and bath salts to soften the water and detox my mind, body & spirit. A great low cost way to achieve this is with Epsom Salts. Now, you can just add the salts for your sore muscles. But if you want to get all fancy here are a few quick receipes for you try. Can the church say "Om";-)

Taken from EHow.com:

The first thing you will want to do is find your self a pretty bottle with a lid or a cork, then go to your local drug store get a bag of epson salt. and your favorite oil such as mulberry,etc. or you can even use favorite perfume. pour your bottle full of the salt to get your perfect measurement, then in a mixing blow pour your salt from your bottle and using a eye dropper add 3 or 4 drops of you desired scent into the salt, mix well and re-fill your bottle. Then place the lid back on. The next time you take a bath use about 6 tbl. to a full tub of warm water sit back and relax, until all is dissolved

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And DivaVillage.com :

EPSOM SALT SCRUB #3:
GET SOFT AND SMOOTH FEET
We all notice how smooth and soft our feet feel after a day at the beach. That's because of the combination of the exfoliating powers of sand and salt water. To get this feeling at home without walking on hot sand, simply soak your soles in a foot bath of Epsom salt. Add one cup of Epsom Salt to a tub of warm water. Soak for ten minutes. Then, mix two cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub the entire foot, concentrating on the heels and ankles to remove any dry, rough spots.

Have A Great Weekend

Fashion First-->> The Handbag

Yes, we are at the dawn of the fall season and for most women, myself included, we need a new handbag! Along for looking for a winter coat I am on the hunt for a lush purple handbag. One that is big but not too bulky as to cause anger on a crowded subway.
In this vid the Today Show gives you some great tips all under $100.