Last month I attended a press conference, on behalf of the Belly Itch Blog where, Star Trek, Roots and numerous other TV and Film roles star...

Last month I attended a press conference, on behalf of the Belly Itch Blog where, Star Trek, Roots and numerous other TV and Film roles star LeVar Burton introduced the Reading Rainbow App for iPad.

After his announcement, I hoped to meet Levar in person to get more information about the app but excited fans and press kept him busy. So I left the event without one on one time with Levar not to mention a missed photo opp.

I had another chance to meet Levar and discuss the Reading Rainbow App during this appearance at the Soho Apple Store for a demo and story-time but I was already scheduled to be somewhere else. Another missed chance!

As a fan of the Reading Rainbow TV show and Trekie, I was starting to feel like the universe had a wicked sense of humor. Then I received a 3rd chance to connected with Levar!

I was invited to speak with Levar about the Reading Rainbow App during a one on one phone interview. Cue the angelic music! Finally! While I wont get that photo opp, I would have my moment to talk education and tech with Levar!

And that's how I received a phone call from Levar Burton. That's right Levar Burton called me. After making some small talk, where I learned how witty Levar can be, we started the interview.

Onica : What made you decided to launch the reading rainbow brand as an app?

Levar: I'm a lover of tech and devices. When we first started discussing this project I noticed the ipad and tablet devices really becoming a useful tool and wanted to tap into that. You have to remember that the idea of using a tablet to read and store information was something I was already use to from playing an engineer on Star Trek. I was already tapped into this idea of having a reading device for children. I wanted to use this angle with a device that children can hold in their hands. It's the same idea of story telling but now in a digital way.

Onica : Yes children these days are growing up digitally, but that comes with pro and cons. Kids now have short attention spans. Was that a concern?

Levar: Not for me. I truly believe you can engage children with storytelling. We've done so much research and it's shown that kids will keep engaged when they enjoy the story. Again it's all about the storytelling. The apps have so many different sections and ways that children can enjoy and keep them engaged

Onica : I've checked out the App and love that it's has an education focus instead of just random gaming playing. Can you talk about that

Levar: I'm big on education. Providing educational content is what I'm about. Some of the elements we carried over from the original Reading Rainbow show included the video and story telling. This really helped us provided that content for children to learn from.

Onica : Since the launch of the app, what has been the response? What's next for the app? Will you continue to be involved?

Levar: There has been a tremendous response to the app. We're working hard to keep up with the interest. I have invested so much time and energy in this app. I'm not going anywhere.

We're continuing to develop the app and deal with any issues that come up. We're working on a new release as well as continuing to update the website and parent section for the app. We're also working on getting the app into the android market. We want to make it available to everyone.

At this point I let out a loud whoop on behalf of all the families who use android devices. Levar thought that was funny and assured me he got my back.

While I'd like to think he'd do that just for me, the reality is that he's committed to developing this app for all families. Don't believe me? Then check out what he himself said in the video below.

The App brings together books from numerous acclaimed children's publishers. Each book comes alive with audio storytelling by celebrity actors, including spoken word Grammy winner Burton himself, and features light animations and related activities to enhance the story.

Designed for children 3-9 years of age, the Reading Rainbow App delivers a library of hundreds of curated books and all new videos presented in a world of adventure and discovery. Traveling to themed islands, such as Animal Kingdom, My Friends, My Family and Genius Academy, kids find a variety of books and videos customized to their age and interests.

To download the Reading Rainbow App visit - www.readingrainbow.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/ReadingRainbow
Twitter - www.twitter.com/ReadingRainbow

This week I attended an event, hosted by LovelySkin where I was able to tour their Pop-Up store and learn about the latest skin care and bea...

This week I attended an event, hosted by LovelySkin where I was able to tour their Pop-Up store and learn about the latest skin care and beauty products. During the event I learned that LovelySkin.com is more then just a beauty website. It's also a personal guide to find some of the best skin care products available.

Please Note: I was invited as media and received a gift bag after the event containing samples of the mentioned products. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

Founded 13 years ago and under the direction of board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Joel Schlessinger, M.D., the LovelySkin website sells dermatologist-recommended products that have cosmetic, anti-aging, and pharmaceutical benefits. With over 170 brands and 7000 products, the LovelySkin skin will be your one-stop shop for make-up, skincare, fragrance, hair care and more.

During the preview, I learned about the following products you can find on the website.

Colorescience Sunforgettable is the first SPF 30 & 50 mineral powder with broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection. Unlike traditional sunscreens, Sunforgettable offers immediate, water resistant protection in a weightless mineral formula that is free of chemicals, making it ideal for all ages and skin types. In addition to the various shade options, Sunforgettable is also available in different application options: SPF 30 Brush ($50); SPF 50 Brush ($60); 6g Jar ($34); 10g Jar ($45)


Okara Active Light activating leave-in fluid repairs and restructures highlighted, bleached hair with Okara extract. Natural Acacia Honey extract nourishes and protects against fading and yellowing with antioxidant benefits. SRP: 3.4 oz. $26


FixMySkin, containing 1% hydrocortisone in a unique balm that repairs damage and offers a solution to common skin problems. They treat dry skin, chapped lips, psoriasis, eczema, insect bites, poison ivy, seborrheic dermatitis and allergic skin reactions to cosmetics and other products. Available in vanilla and a pleasant flavorless option the balms come in three sizes for body, lips and face. SRP: Lip: $8, Face: $10, Body: $12


Avène Skin Recovery Cream is a lightweight moisturizer specially formulated to address the needs of hypersensitive and irritated skin. Also actively repairs the damaged hydrolipidic barrier of the skin. Utilizing the groundbreaking, patented D.E.F.I (Device for Exclusive Formula Integrity) air-tight safety cap, the formula stays completely sterile from the first pump to the very last drop. SRP: $32.00 / 50 mL / 1.69 oz.


Glytone Anti-aging Night Cream is a dermatologist-recommended night cream that revitalizes skin firmness and elasticity within the skin’s surface to visibly smooth the look of lines and wrinkles. Formulated with a unique blend of Peptides, Vitamin E, Glycolic Acid as well as with Red Tea Flavonoids, it delivers antioxidant protection and anti-aging benefits. SRP: $89.00 / 1.0 Fl. Oz. / 30mL


Skin Active Perfecting Peel has a unique blend of 10% glycolic acid and 10% citric acid in an amphoteric complex. Formulated at a higher pH than in-office glycolic peels to be suitable for home use. Contains 3 month supply: recommended for weekly use.

To find these and tons of other products visit www.LovelySkin.com

Many people might think allergies happen only in the Spring time but they happen during the Fall season also. Please Note: I was invit...

Many people might think allergies happen only in the Spring time but they happen during the Fall season also.




Please Note: I was invited as media and received a gift bag after the event. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.



This week I attended a fall beauty event sponsored by Zyrtec where I was treated to a mini-makeover while learning tips to survive the fall allergy season from beauty expert Rebekah George



While sitting down for my mini makeover, Rebekah George explained a few quick and easy ways to diminish eye puffiness and which colors will help draw away from facial redness caused by allergies.



First tip of course was to take a ZYRTEC, which starts working the first day you take it, and provides 24 hour relief. Rebekah other makeup tips included:

For Eyes

• Avoid irritating your eyes by applying mascara just to the tips of your lashes – it gives you the look of an open and defined eye with less risk of upsetting eyes.
• Rim your inner lids with a white pencil to help brighten up eyes and wake up your face.
• Stash two spoons in the fridge at all times. Take them out and place on top of your eyes whenever your eyes are puffy. The metal from the spoons holds in coldness longer so you get better results than using cucumber slices.
• Stick with lighter shadow colors – taupe, khaki – they are made with fewer dyes so they are less likely to bother your eyes. Bonus – they are in this fall!

For Face

• You don’t need to go overboard on makeup to combat Allergy Face - the key is less is more.
• Store makeup brushes in a sealed bag to prevent dust from setting in or wipe them off with a tissue after each use to reduce contamination.
• Try an ombre lip to keep the focus on your lips. Burgundy is also a major trend this fall, so consider trying a deeper color on the lip

For Nose

• Use a copper bronzer and pink blush combination to really give skin oomph to help reduce redness.
• Use a lotion with a green tint to help disguise redness from constant blowing your nose.
• Always buy fragrance free lotion-treated tissues.

To hear more beauty tips from Rebekah visit www.youtube.com/zyrtec and www.ustream.tv/zyrtec

For more information about allergies, product information, and special offers, visit www.zyrtec.com

Like most women, I try to take care of my skin and keep it healthy. But finding products suited for "black" skin is sometimes a ch...

Like most women, I try to take care of my skin and keep it healthy. But finding products suited for "black" skin is sometimes a challenge. Some products don't moisture my skin enough while others are made with chemicals that cause my skin to blemish and breakout. These days I prefer to use skin care products that are as close to natural as possible.

I was recently introduced to the MAKARI products which are made with all natural plant extracts from the earth.

The MAKARI line has no bleach, no chemicals and no hydroquinone, which is known to be harmful to the skin. Instead MAKARI using ingredients as algae, aloe vera, caviar, citric acid, lemon, malic acid, mulberry, salicylic acid, seaweed and vitamin C, to naturally heal and clear the skin.

I was really interested to see if the MAKARI skin care line could help even out the blotchy areas in my skin-tone and help give me a more even skin toned look. So I received and review the following items during my usual morning "wash my face' routine


Clarifying Exfoliating Antiseptic Soap - exfoliating soap for face and body.

My Thoughts - The soap doesn't form a bit type lather. It's more sheer and light when applied to my face. It washed off easily and didn't leave my skin feeling tight or dry.


Skin Repairing Clarirying Serum - helps remove unwanted pigmentation, discoloration, dark spots, acne scars. Etc.

My Thoughts - The serum is very potent. A little goes along way. It goes on smooth, hydrates really well and leave a bit of a sheen to the face.


Body Milk - gently hydrates, even tones, and protects the skin.

My Thoughts - The body milk is scent, which if your sensitive to you should be aware off. It very rich and full bodied but smooths over the skin and blends in well. I used all over my body and was pleased that my skin didn't turn ashy and dry in a few hours. The milk kept my skin hydrated.

Overall the products are well made for black skin. I used them for a few weeks and no break outs or blemishes. I do see a difference in the smoothness of my face. There was also some evening out of my skin-tone but it's subtle. I think with continued use there will be more of a difference.

Also the products are made to work together. Perhaps if combined with other products from the skin care line I might see a more dramatic change. I checked the website to see the other products I could use and found out about the Night Treatment Cream


The Night Treatment Cream claims "after just one application of this intensively nourishing and hydrating cream, you wake up to younger-looking, blemish free, more even skin" That's some powerful stuff. Right now it's on sale for 30% off!

While on the website I noticed they have a store in Harlem area. I visited the store to learn about their other products. To see my photos visit my Google + photo album: Black Skincare with Makari Products Line
So if your looking a luxurious skincare line designed exclusively for ethnic skin, try Makari de Suisse beauty line. To learn more about MAKARI full line of products visit their website. You can also follow them on Twitter and on Facebook

Please Note: “I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and #Mikari #CBias #SocialFabric

Recently I attended the launch of Salon Series by Ouidad at Sephora Times Square. At the launch I learned about Ouidad, who for over 25 year...

Recently I attended the launch of Salon Series by Ouidad at Sephora Times Square. At the launch I learned about Ouidad, who for over 25 years has been hand mixing hair treatments in her New York City flagship salon.

These treatments were made using natural ingredients like Mediterranean Bay Leaf that cleansed both the hair and scalp. After seeing how successful her personal hand mixed products were in her salon, Ouidad worked to develop a line of products everyone who needs better hair care can use.


Featuring four advanced treatment products, Salon Series by Ouidad works to treat the health of both the hair and scalp using formulas containing ingredients like macroloba, bay leaf oil and mongongo oil. Ouidad herself – the internationally recognized stylist and pioneer of curly hair – has personally formulated each treatment.

The Salon Series by Ouidad Collection includes

Omega 3 Replenishing Hair Treatment Price $36 for 6 fl. Oz.

Ideal for dry, damaged and tired looking hair, this formula delivers increased radiance, shine, and softness, nourished hair shaft and healthy, hydrated tresses.

• A potent blend of Omega fatty acids (Omega-3, 6 and 9) helps restore the natural lipid barrier of the hair and fortifies its protective surface layer.
• Includes Flax Seed Oil, Passion Fruit Seed Oil and Acai Pulp Oil to re-hydrate the hair shaft and replenish lost moisture.
• Certified organic Macroloba Oil, harvested from the Amazon rainforest, promote softness and shine as it conditions and repairs the hair.

Mediterranean Bay Leaf Exfoliating Hair & Scalp Treatment Price $36 for 6 fl oz

As hair and scalp are cleansed of build-up and residue, hair growth is healthier and scalp feels fresh and hydrated. Ideal also for an oily or dry scalp with excessive product build up.

• A complex of Bay Leaf Oil and rich, natural actives inspires healthier hair growth by clearing scalp and follicles of build-up, soothing and improving the condition of scalp and aiding in the delivery of nutrients to hair roots.
• Natural AHA complex of Sugar Cane, Lemon and Apple Extracts for gentle enzymatic exfoliation of the scalp.
• Fennel Seed Extract to increase microcirculation and oxygen flow to the hair root for deeper absorption of the nurturing Bay Leaf Oil.

Biotin Lightweight Reparative Hair Serum Price $42 for 2 fl oz

Ideal for weak, brittle, over processed hair and loss of volume, this hair serum results in stronger, healthier, fuller hair and improved hair growth.

• A deep penetrating technology enhances the deposit of healthy hair growth actives, including Biotin, down the follicle to facilitate the absorption of nutrients and speed repair to damaged hair.
• This potent serum infused is with Biotin and a rich vitamin cocktail (B3, B5, B6, C and E) to strengthen hair while energizing follicles
• Silk amino acids moisturize for instantly softer, silkier hair.

When a salon visit is not a possibility, the new Salon Series by Ouidad offers luxurious treatments to boost the health of both hair and scalp hair at home.

Salon Series by Ouidad collection is available exclusively Sephora stores and www.Sephora.com

To learn more about Ouidad visit www.Ouidad.com

Please Note: I was invited as media and received a gift bag after the event. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.