Styling Kinky Hair

Check out my new tutorial video on easy hair braiding styles for little ethnic girls.

 The video involves my daughter she is a free spirit so she does not like to sit still so I'm asking that you bare with me as I try to get her to sit still for the video.

Shopping Black Owned

Upgrade your wardrobe

Are you tired of walking into retail stores looking for an outfit that shows off your curves but leaves nothing to the imagination? I know I am. You want to look sexy but sophisticated at the same time. There are a few stores in the Chicago area, black-owned, that can assist you with that. This isn't to put down other stores but I am all about black empowerment. It's our turn to experience financial stability. 

The first store is Pancakes Boutique located in Bolingbrook, IL. Pancake Boutique. The store has a website and Facebook page ( Pancakes Boutique Facebook ) you can check out to see the other services she has to offer. The clothes sold at the store give you the confidence of a  sexy, powerful woman without you feeling exposed. The owner is also an event planner and often hosts events aimed at teaching women to be wives instead of a domestic partner. The owner is so multi-talented making her the definition of black excellence.

The next store is just as trendy, it does not have the services to offer like the previous one but you can still walk out satisfied with a new wardrobe. It is called Kiwis Boutique and it is located in Chicago, IL.  The clothing is bolder in a sense but still conveys the same message. "I am a sexy, sophisticated, powerful woman. Hear me roar." The store has a website ( Kiwis boutique website ) and Facebook ( Kiwis Boutique ) page as well. The items sold here are a little pricey for me but could be ideal for others more focused on the price of their clothing.

The last store is online-based but it has clothing for men, women, and kids. It is called Blacklustre. This is their website: Shop Blacklustre. There isn't much clothing options but it is inexpensive and the owner gives back to their community. According to their website, they fund scholarships and have a program for taking care of the homeless called Cause we Can. They offer different payment options on their website and you get free shipping when you spend $40. That's at least two of their clothing items. You can't get any better than that when most websites want $60 for one article of clothing.

If you're looking for more motivation and empowerment of women check out these podcasts made by successful resilient women. InfluentialPod on Apple podcast. Listen to their stories of overcoming challenges to reach their goals.

Earn free gift cards online

Have you ever been in line behind someone and saw them use a bunch of gift cards to make a purchase? You might have looked at them and wondered, "How did they get all of those?" There are plenty of different ways to earn free money online if you have a laptop of a phone with tons of space.
These websites include:
*Mypoints.com*
*Swagbucks.com*
*Dash.tap2earn.co*
My points have a variety of ways to earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards. You can take surveys, watch videos, play paid games, and shop online. The most effective way to earn points if you are not a big online shopper is to participate in surveys. They even have a refer-a-friend program where you and your friend earn points from each other. You get 25 points for someone signing up using your link, you earn an extra 750 points when your friends redeem at least $20, and a 10% for all the bonus points your friend earns.
I have personally redeemed two $25 visa online gift cards and one $5 Walmart gift card. Feel free to use my link to sign up. Mypoints sign up

save up to 60% on select RUSPEPA products on Amazon

save up to 40% on select Aoycocr products on Amazon

Swagbucks is similar to my points. You can earn Swagbucks that can be redeemed for gift cards. First-time users are currently being offered $10 in Swagbucks for signing up. This site lets you earn points from surveys, videos, playing paid games, and online shopping. Unlike my points, you can earn points from watching an unlimited amount of videos. The referred program is the same as my points. You and your friend earn 300 Swagbucks once your friend earns 300 Swagbucks within 30 days. If your friends miss their deadline you can still earn 10% of their earnings. You also get a 100 Swagbucks bonus if they install the Swagbutton to their laptop or desktop. Sign up for Swagbucks here. Swagbucks sign up

The last website, dash.tap2earn, does not only offer gift cards but you can earn money from people just clicking on your link and signing up and completing tasks. You do have to complete a certain number of tasks which include downloading apps or completing offers and have a certain number of referral sign ups before you can cash out. The good news is once you cash out once, you no longer need to meet the requirements to cash out again. I have seen cash out as much as $500, but this depends on how many true friends you have. There are different ways to receive your payment: cash app and Paypal, mailed check, and bitcoin. Sign up for an endless supply of money at Tap2earn sign up

Cajun Fried Shrimp

If you are anything like my family you like to cook simple and quick dinners. I have good news for you if you like seafood, shrimp is very easy to cook and doesn't take long to prep. It can be unthawed by adding the amount you want to use in the bowel and running cold water on the shrimp while rotating for even thawing. I usually use medium-size shrimp that I can buy at Walmart for around $6 and they also have a value size bag that is around $11. The value size bag has double the shrimp and the bag can be sealed for storage use. You don't need to use a lot of different seasonings if you buy already made cajun seasoning. After rinsing the shrimp dry them off and start to add seasonings.
This is my measurement for half of a 12 oz bag of medium-sized shrimp:
1 Tbsp Black Pepper
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Onion Powder
1 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning
Toss the shrimp with your hands to spread it evenly throughout the shrimp. Feel free to use as much of a spice to your liking. Before you can fry your shrimp you are going to need some type of mixture to help the flour/cornmeal stick. You can crack two eggs and add a splash of water or you can dip the shrimp in buttermilk. I personally love the buttermilk route and you can make it at home with the right ingredients. To make homemade buttermilk you just need milk, vinegar, or lemons.
1 Cup Milk
1 Tbsp white vinegar or,
1 whole lemon
When you add the vinegar or lemon the milk will start to curd and after 10 minutes you will have homemade buttermilk. The shrimp is dipped in this mixture before it is breaded. Last, you are going to have to make the flour mixture.
1 Cup Flour
1 1/2 Cup of  Yellow Cornmeal
You can always just coat the shrimp in cornmeal or just flour but it won't be as filling. Make sure you toss the shrimp around in the flour mixture you want to make sure you get every nook and cranny.
Finally, after the shrimp have left the flour mixture it is time to fry it. The skillet you are using should be over medium-high heat, add one shrimp to the oil and if it sizzles feel free to add in more. Shrimp does not take long to cook especially if you buy it pre-cooked. You will know the shrimp is ready to be taken out when the coating becomes a tan brown, which is usually after a minute and a half. This dish can be served with fries, rice, spaghetti, and it can also be eaten alone for a quick bite to eat.