How Are You Uncomfortable??

I was in class last week and we were looking at a couple of magazines in the digital formats. I was paired up with a chick from East Harlem, who worked for Elle Magazine and was quite the character. This is our first class together so we don’t know much about each other. Throughout all my classes I have been very verbal about my interest in black media and all that it entails, so many people aren’t surprised when the first magazine that I would choose to read is one of the black media world. So, as we are looking at magazines I move my finger on the screen to click on Essence Magazine, not my favorite but it will do, and the chick that I am paired up with quickly turned up her nose. I was initially caught off guard by this expression but really didn’t care about it. That was until she opened her mouth and said these words, “I always feel uncomfortable reading black magazines. They only focus on one demographic and I just cannot relate to them.” Now mind you I don’t know this chick and she doesn’t know me so to divulge this information in such a vomitus way was totally off putting. If anyone knows me they will tell you that I am quite the curious kid and will question anything I don’t understand or agree with. Not to say that what I am questioning is wrong but I have always believed in strong opinions being justified. I asked her why she felt that way, I mean she is black herself and lives in Harlem! I couldn’t understand how a black woman from New York City could not relate to a black magazine. Of course she didn’t have a reason why, well not good enough for me, she just giggled herself out of it and tried to change the subject. I proceed to say that if you understood the history behind black media you would understand a little bit more. Your ancestors and mine had to fight to have their voice heard and to tell their stories. The mainstream media that you enjoy so much tells nothing about your culture and probably never will. Before I became too bothered by her and her stupid remarks I just got quiet. Which never happens! (Hey, Im trying to turn over a new leaf.) Afterwards I was no longer interested in anything she had to say. Which Im sure she could tell from my body language. I guess my issue with this is that her choice of words to express how she felt about the black media magazines was very poor. Not agreeing with some of the content and editorial design is one thing. But to completely say that you don’t feel comfortable or relate with some that is discussing issues and concerns of the very same people who you are of the same race with will never ever be clear to me. 

Forever 21 BOTTOMS Haul- NappyNikki Vlogs

http://youtu.be/5A9SPcSV55o

Bought some clothing for my lower body! Enjoy!

"Dub Eastern" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

everyday thoughts of a woman. single.natural.quirky.awkward.daring.free.

The Mane Choice Healthy Hair Challenge~NappyNikki Vlogs

http://youtu.be/4VOT1ove5Ww

Have you started a healthy hair journey?? I did! Check out my video here!

Sex on the First Date? To Give It Up or Not

Do You Lose Respect for a woman who sleeps with a guy on the first date?

This topic has always been known to cause a huge debate. No matter if you're a southern belle or a city chick a woman will always be judged by how quickly she has sex with a guy. Back in the 50's (why do people always reference the fifties when discussing something dated) women weren't as sexual as they are now. Well at least not openly. It was all about being ladylike and preparing for your life as a wife and mother. But now as far back as I can remember, maybe middle school at least, women are displayed and used as a sexual object by both men and women. In any form or fashion too. Music videos, photos, books and even video games. Women are seen as sexual objects openly available for amusement. However, the moment a woman makes the decision for herself to be sexually open she is seen as some type of whore or whatever slang term of your choice. Men can be open about having sex with as many women as they please. That same freedom for women comes with a price. They have to deal with ridicule and embarrassment from men and other women. What people fail to realize it that a woman knows within minutes whether or jot she wants to be physical with the person. Something they also don't realize is that she can change her mind just as quickly. See men don't really care about what comes out of a woman's mouth, as long as the physical features are good they will doing anything it takes to get the cookie (that's my word for vagina). Women (majority of them) need more substance before they just get naked with someone. But if she just so happens to be feeling that guy on date one and is wanting something more physical from him then she is suddenly the bad girl.

In my honest opinion (not like all of the above wasn't) women have every right to hook up with a guy on the first date. As long as she is protecting herself and making the level-headed decision for herself then it's all good. I mean I knew from the moment I saw my boyfriend that I was physically attracted to him and even had fantasies about him. That's all apart of being a woman. Hell it's just human!

MY SIMPLE MAKEUP TUTORIAL~NappyNikki Vlogs

http://youtu.be/z0WRALT3czw

Hi everyone! Here is my very first makeup tutorial. I am very excited and nervous at the same time about sharing this. I am in NO way a makeup expert, I do what I know how to do. This is all an experience for me. I am so excited to learn more about makeup and all that it entails.

Feel free to share your comments and questions below!

Thanks for watching!

Music: "Beachfront Celebration" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

everyday thoughts of a woman. single.natural.quirky.awkward.daring.free.

Being Balanced

Living in America, well living in NYC, it can become really easy to get unbalanced in life. With the stress of a busy job, families and social life our lives often begin to crumble right before our very eyes. Without realizing it we will soon be buried under this rock we call life.

At the beginning of this year I wanted to make not a resolution, but a solution for the year. A solution to keep from under that rock. I have made a declaration to make my life more balanced. That means professionally, physically, sexually, socially, mentally and most importantly spiritually. I realize that the main reason that many things that I wanted to accomplish last year didn't get done was because I wasn't focused. My mind was racing a thousand miles a minute and I had ninety different things on my plate at once. I didn't allow myself time to focus on me and the things that are most important. So, to get started on my more balanced life I did the following things:

1. Pray about my situation. I always try to consult with God on everything that I do. No matter how big or small the situation may be.


2. Make a list of everything and prioritize them. Putting things down on paper for me has always been the best method. Seeing it always makes it real.


3. Lastly, I take a big breathe and let it all out. The best thing about becoming a balanced person is becoming stress free. There is no way that you can focus on balancing your life when stress is a part of it.

All in all this process will totally rely on the person. Whatever works for you do it. There is no need to add unnecessary stress to your life. I have to tell you working on balancing my life has been the most rewarding things thus far. I definitely look forward to the future.

Let me know how you balance your life. Share your comments below.

 

xoxo

Nikki

Wet N Wild Lipstick Haul

http://youtu.be/rxeFNO3CXWM

Check out my favorite drugstore brand, Wet N Wild, lipstick haul!