Friday 28 February 2014

Our Current Women Crushes

Lupita Nyong'o. To be honest, if you haven't seen this name at least once as of late, you must be hiding under a rock! This Mexican-born, Kenyan native epitomizes the true meaning of African beauty.  From her beautiful dark chocolate skin to her perfectly sculptured arms, Lupita has been taking the entertainment industry by storm. She debuted her remarkable talent in 12 Years a Slave, earning her more than two dozen award nominations and winning multiple; a beautiful, educated, poised and talented woman by many rights. Can't wait to see what else Lupita has to offer! Here's a short clip of her story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjwYJ11RDcA


Jessica Williams is a vibrant young comedian and actress from Los Angeles, who is a correspondent on The Daily Show. In 2011, she was hired as the youngest correspondent in the history of the show at only 22 years old (talk about inspiring!). She is also the show's first black female correspondent. She is incredibly witty, entertaining and brings a new "voice" or perspective to the show. Here's a clip of her reporting on the recent Jordan Davis murder trial and pointing out the devastating yet ironic nature of the unjust justice system (from The Daily Show): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0FqaIiroxg

Instagram/Twitter: @msjwilly


Monday 10 February 2014

Our Top 5 Beauty Tips & Tricks!

1. Teeth whitening at home: After brushing your teeth with toothpaste, brush again with some baking soda (dab wet toothbrush in the baking soda) up to 3 times a week. It actually results in the whitening and brightening of your teeth.

2. Exfoliating: Mixing half parts sugar and coconut oil is a great scrub to exfoliate. Particularly helps with blackheads and ingrown hairs!

3. Inexpensive face mask: The egg mask facial is great to promote skin brightening, tightening and a healthy glow. Especially perfect for people with oily skin, as it's filled with Vitamin A, protein and nutrients. Separate egg white (beat before putting on face) from the yolk, then let it set on your face before washing off. Recommended once a week.

4. Makeup remover: Pure jojoba oil is a great makeup remover, as it takes all traces of makeup off and doesn't irritate. Simply apply it all over your face and wash off with warm water.


5. Professional at home mani/pedicure: Apply Vaseline (aka petroleum jelly) around your nail beds before painting your nails to prevent it from getting on your fingers.



 These actually work :)



-Posted by Olympia & Vanessa 

Thursday 6 February 2014

Why I will never be a "proud" Australian or American

I recently stumbled across this fantastic article when trying to find the right words to explain what is so wrong about the way many Australians celebrate Australia Day (which just came around on January 26). Australia Day, for any who don't know, essentially celebrates the anniversary of the invasion or "discovery"/"arriving"/"settling" (depending on how you see it) of white people in Australia in 1788. In contemporary Australia, many interpret it as a day to appreciate living in/being from Australia and enjoying the many freedoms that may come along with that.
While I understand that many people do not have ill intentions with their temporary tattoo Australian flags on their face, excessive drinking or their parading through the streets waving the flag,  I think it is important to remain critical of Australian society and to fully understand the implications of what happened in 1788. It is also sickening to see the continual reports every year on the gang violence that tends to occur more often on Australia Day.

It is a refreshing concept to consider multiculturalism in Australia, however I do believe that Australian identity is still tied to whiteness. As a blonde-haired, light-eyed, white woman, whenever I am abroad I am easily 'accepted' as Australian. However, sometimes when people abroad see pictures of my non-white friends, the question comes up: "Are they Australian too?" Although one of my parents is Australian-born and I grew up mainly in Australia, I have never felt tied to or "proud" to be Australian. Instead, I have always found Australian patriotism to seem like a blind eye turned to the people in Australia who DO NOT enjoy the freedoms; native people, refugees, many who are discriminated against for not "looking Australian" (see: Cronulla riots).

So I can be grateful to have lived in countries like Australia and the U.S. where I can enjoy certain liberties, BUT... I will NEVER wave a flag proudly as to some it is a symbol of pain and loss. I will NEVER assume that others who don't look like me or don't share my background have the same freedoms as me. I will certainly NEVER forget what really happened on "Australia Day" and what consequences still live on. Until we bring national attention and recognition to issues like deaths in custody, the concentration camps that once existed in Australia, employer discrimination (the list can go on...), I cannot be a "proud Australian".

"In the (Australian) anthem you’ll find no mention of stolen land – everything is young and new. And as I watch people around the country celebrate the myth that is Australia, I am given the option to either join in or shut up. Well I refuse to celebrate, and every Australia Day my heart is broken as I am reminded that in the eyes of many, I am not welcome on my own land."- 

"Most Australians don't know – or don't want to know – about the extent of the violence that accompanied European colonial settlement and that is still synonymous for black Australia with Australia Day."- 


- Posted by Olympia