Natural Hair…Don't Care

Not only has it been a while since I’ve posted, but I have definitely not posted about natural hair for a LONG while! I am exactly 18 months natural – technically it has been longer than that, as I have not had a relaxer in my hair for over two years. But my “natural debut”…

Be Exceptional!

In line with our recent posts about deconstruction, letting go of the past, and setting goals, today’s post basically takes us to the next level of being…be exceptional. As always, I like to start with a definition. According to Merriam-Webster, ‘exceptional’ means “better than average…” My parents always encouraged my sister and I to “do our…

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

This and That With Calandra would like to thank all our subscribers and readers for all your support throughout 2012. We wish you and your families a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy and Blessed New Year. Looking forward to a great 2013! Peace and Blessings, Calandra

A Christmas Reflection

This thought began as a Facebook status update, but soon proved too lengthy and I thought it would be better served as a quick blog post. There is nothing more peaceful than sitting in silence by the lights of the Christmas tree. I have treasured these moments annually since I was a little girl. I…

Cocktails & Class

I am fortunate to have teamed up with two of the most industrious ladies I know. My best friend of over 25 years and I formed SGF Events in November 2011, hosting beauty events and themed makeup parties. Through mutual connections on Facebook, I met Ginger Jones, creator of Make Beauty Your Business. Together, the…

Giving the Gift of Independent Music

This year, I have enjoyed my personal journey into independent music. This and That With Calandra has vowed to support and share with our readers independent music and its artists. So I felt it only fitting to encourage you to support independent music – give yourself (and others) the gift of independent music. If you…

Be it Resolved: No More Resolutions

In a flashback post, Sloughing Off 2011, I mentioned that I don’t believe in making New Year’s Resolutions. I made them when I was a kid, just because I thought that’s what you were supposed to do. As I got older, I realized that “resolutions” can be made at any time, not just during the New…

Giving Thanks: 2012

Around this time last year, I posted a blog entitled, Giving Thanks. As I said last year, I can’t wait for one day of the year to give thanks, just like I can’t wait for New Year’s to make resolutions. But in this season of giving thanks, I have to stop and say a few…

Just Say No: The Holiday Toy Edition

Up until now, I have considered myself fortunate in that my children have never been whiny or continually asking for toys every time they see a commercial on television. Actually, that has happened in part because the only channels they watched up until this year were Sprout, Nick, Jr. or PBS Kids, neither of which really…