::LDL Inspiration::Dorothy Dandridge::

A timeless beauty.....

O So What....

Don't judge me for my lack of content...it's getting harder and harder to stop and take a moment to share all the goodies that run through my brain. I vow to make a post atleast once a week...it may just be 'a' word..but I promise it will be a BIG word!

::Hair'em Scare'em::

"Hair'em Scare'em presents an extraordinary exploration through the fascinating beauty and inventive possibilities of hair as a medium for artistic expression in contemporary art and design. The book documents this palpable trend into a visual sourcebook that presents a captivating collection of hairy works in graphic design, photography, illustration and art as well as interior design, fashion and jewelry design. The extraordinary works featured in this book are the best indication of trends in hair outside the mainstream." (c) Gestalten

I figured since we were still on the topic of hair, I would spotlight this uber dope 'coffee table book' that I recently had the pleasure of viewing...if you love art,hair,or anything at all...you'll love this book. Go check it...like now!

::Hair Evolution Pt.2::Strand by Strand::

Before Hair Evolution Pt.1, when someone asked what was my favorite or best asset, I would have said my eyes hands down, but after seeing how many hair transformations I've gone through...right now today I would definitely say MY HAIR! As much as I hate my hair-along with the rest of the world-I love it just the same. Forget those catchy lyrics 'I am not my hair...' I am every bit of my hair...every strand. I believe a woman's hair directly relates to her beauty overall, or at-least the persona that she is trying to portray. Whether she is literally bald or has hair to her ankles, it's all a part of the package.

When life hands you lemons....pass the scissors!!!

Have you ever found yourself in the salon chair solely because of a break-up, or just some random life happening?(which of course at the time you thought was the end of the world). I wasn't so much of a scissor happy person, I was the one to reach for the at-home dye kit! For years my hair color was chosen simply to reflect the 'phase' I was in, or more so my mood of the month and/or year.

I began dying my hair in the 4th grade with my Mother's burgundy rinse, and yes you read that correctly...the 4th grade,(I'm the youngest child..don't be jealous of my freedom..lol).

From then on I was in love with different colors and shades, and even just curious to see how far I could push my strands. I quickly found out how far in Junior year of high school when I relaxed my hair and permanently dyed it in the same night; needless to say I had a weave over the middle of my hair for about a year!

Since then,(knock on wood), I haven't experienced any severe hair breakage during my color escapades.

Over the years I gradually focused more on styling and trying different lengths instead of my usual different color hair every week. I thought I had found tried-and-true regimen for growing my hair out only to find out from a REAL professional stylist that my theory was completely backwards. My regimen for a good 3-4yrs, mostly during college, was to wash my hair 1-2 times a week, wrap it and let it air dry, and then to grease my scalp. I only used grease when I was trying to grow out my hair, and I really thought it was the grease that was causing my hair to grow, but I've learned that it really is the stimulation from my fingers while greasing my scalp..ah ha! Well money down the drain for all that grease..lol

Then there's the point in life when you get a 'real' job...where all of a sudden you have to stop and think about your styles and/or color, simply because you have to show up in-office...ugh..the worse....lol. Honestly, I'm glad this point came along because now I get to explore a whole new road...much less traveled by me...this street is named Healthy Hair Avenue! During this exploration I began to use the Pantene Relaxed & Natural Shampoo and Conditioner, and now you can't get me to use anything else. It keeps my hair really soft, and I don't know how, but I feel like it protects it from the heat usage. Now I actually go to a stylist and she has worked wonders..I may even go natural(brace yourselves for foolery if I do)....my hair goal now is to have it a little pass my shoulders by July, so then I can start from there and cut it! LOL--Classic Me!

Throughout all the changes, there have been equal changes personally that I know played huge roles in the way I kept my hair. The average person has between 100k-150k strands of hair and I look at that as a 100k-150k ways to express myself! So carry the 3, divide by 2, round up...I should have about 124,845 more changes in my lifetime!!

::Bread and Butter::

It's that time of year..when my mind goes to paper and words(LOL)..why you ask?? Because it's invite season..well atleast it is for me...and this letterpress from Bread and Butter has definately got me in the mood for some partying!! Check out their collection over on Etsy.com.

Who's coming??.....You??...'HELLS YEAH!!!

::LDL Hair Evolution Pt.1::

Since I started my new role at work...my mind has been on nothing but HAIR..So I thought I would explore my very own Hair Evolution...some GOOD...some REALLY BAD..lol....I plan to break them down and figure out what hair regimens worked the best throughout the years! Enjoy..helpful info..the first pic is from 2003 and then it gradually moves thru the yrs stopping at now in 2009.

::LDL Fave::Diggy::

Let me Preface...this is being written for the sake of my neices..whom of which are in their tweens...and if I only had one wish...it would be that one of my beautiful neices would BAG this young man here..by the name of Diggy!! He is the son of Rev Run...and an up & coming artist. I have posted the link below to download a snippet of one of his new mixtape tracks. His mixtape is due out Nov. 24th, and you know LDL will be letting you know whether or not he is worthy of a second listen.

Besides the music, this young man has become a fashion icon in his own right. His blog(<-click)should be a fashion guide for all ages because he truly has a FANTASTIC sense of style.

Don't forget to click the link to take a listen...and if anyone spots this kid within a 100mile radius...plz give me a phone call..so I can have my neices in the building!!! LOL

Download The First Flight Prequel mp3

LDL Holiday Inspiration::Michelle Obama::

This cover solidified any thoughts I had of hosting a Holiday Party! How fab is this??? This single-handedly got me excited for the holidays and I can't wait to re-create this look for my "Home for the Holidays Dinner Party". Stay Tuned folks, and make sure you pick up this December Issue of Glamour Mag to tap into your own Holiday Spirit!!!

::Blog Watch::Sucka4Love::

Sucka4Love was started by a good friend of mine, Bobvala...and I am so excited about the new phase of his movement. Here is a blurb from his site describing his campaign/tee

'I PUT THE OH IN OHIO':

“I PUT THE ‘OH’ IN OHIO” is more than a t-shirt - it’s a way of life, inspired by people who make strides to influence culture and increase the overall progression of the state. Some are born and raised in Ohio, others have relocated to the state, but all share a common love for Ohio.

PRE-ORDER YOUR T-SHIRTS NOW

SHIRTS SHIP NOV 20, 2009

Men’s Design (M-2XL): “I PUT THE ‘OH’ IN OHIO” (Black American Apparel T-shirt #2001)

You better believe LDL will be rockin' this shirt, because I certainly put the 'OH' in Ohio.

Make sure you check his blog out at Sucka4love86.blogspot.com

and Follow Sucka4Love on Twitter http://twitter.com/sucka4love

::Poladroid::

Super Dope App....go to the site and download for Free....I've made tons of Polaroids from my regular jpegs..just from drag & drop...have fun!!!

http://www.poladroid.net/

::LDL Fave::Danny Roberts::

I recently came across the artist, Danny Roberts..and I feel like artist is an understatement... his hand drawn illustrations above are fantastic...and they are a great embodiment of his work. Please click the title above to explore his blog!!!

::High on Life::

I've been reflecting a lot lately on some of the old ways of life. Like the days when you did things just to keep up with others, or just not to give in to the norm, or hell, to simply prove people wrong! Ugghhhhh.....the dumb dayz! It's so nice to have a better understanding of yourself and the things that truly make YOU happy, it's almost like doing life over. I don't know about you guys, but I had a good 3-5yrs of foolish living....or shall I say, not living at all.

I stayed in a relationship just because I didn't want the so-called haterz to get their wish, when really there wish should have very well been my command! I've kept jobs because I wanted the so-called norm of a career, or to look like a working woman, when really I was missing out on being young, and just focusing on my studies. These are just a few examples of what most of us go through..in the dumb dayz!

It feels so good to know that I wake up...for ME...

I walk, talk, and breathe for ME....and I hate that we have to go through the bull just to get to the common sense of it all.

While I'm thankful for those moments of idiocy that gave me the knowledge that I have now, it does make me wonder how different things would be if I knew then what I know now. But I guess this thing wouldn't be called life.

Unfortunately, some people don't have their dumb dayz in their younger years, and that's where the real sadness lies.

I just hope that maybe they're reading this...and learning that noone can make you happy...but YOU. Live for you...wear those kicks for you...rock that dress for you...love that person for you...leave that person for you...be who you are..for YOU.

Dreamers.Unite.

::Where You Been?::

It's been a long time...I shouldn't left you...without a dope beat to step to....(c)Timbaland

Words that are so true because I am so super sorry for leaving you hanging! I've had a few hectic weeks, and I am finally back in the saddle of running my big mouth...so without further adieau...

::LDL Inspiration::

::R.I.P. Cincinnati::Partay Time::

I love when people in Cincy throw REAL parties!!! And this certainly by far will be a banger....so come one come all and support the movement!! October 17th @ Mockbee.... check the website www.restinpeacecincinnati.com

O and besides the party...they flyer is the BIZNESS...I'll update on who did the artwork soon.....