Glamazon Diaries Helps Us Survive The Summer With Summer Picks!

By: Jessica Downer OJ&B Intern

Beauty Savvy, product junkies entered product heaven at Glamazondiaries.com’s Summer Picks Product Review and cocktail social this past month. The attendees of the social got a first look at Glamazon’s top picks of summer beauty trends in the Alma G Salon and Spa on East 21st street. The air in the room was buzzing with excited social goers waiting to see what top products would be featured this summer.

Essie featured their 2011 Bridal Collection entitled “Borrowed and Blue”. Though most people associate white with weddings, this line gives the bride to be a pop of color to the traditional white. The polish colors are named after traditional parts and people of weddings including made of honor, a nude polish with a touch of pink, first dance, a bold red, and the title blue polish borrowed and blue.


Above: The Essie "Borrowed and Blue" collection.

OPI, another featured nail care product, featured their “Texas Collection”, a line dedicated to The Lone Star State. Wearers of the polish will be delighted with the vibrant array of colors with names that represents Texas. These names include: Houston We Have a Purple, Guy Meets Gal-veston , a popping pink, and Y’all Come Back Ya Hear?, a summery orange.


Above: O.P.I's "Texas Collection." (Editor in cheif's's Note: Texas betta werk)

CND brought out their Tropical Coral Nail polish. This product features a rich and creamy, two-coat, fast-drying formula, an ergonomically designed bottle with a rubber cap, which allows users easy opening, and a state-of-the art brush with clear, triangular-shaped nylon bristles for flawless application.


Above: CND's Tropical Coral Nail Polish Essie, CND, and OPI contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde.

Make up lovers could enjoy SULA brand make-up. Keeping with the summer theme, SULA featured many coral and summer themed items. This included Eye Shadow, Coral lipstick, Coral Paint & Peel polish, Lip and Cheek stain, and Blush. If you wanted to add a summer smell to your look, SULA provided their sun-kissed citrus perfume.

Above: SULA brand make-up.

Dr Dennis Gross skin care featured their Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel. This two step anti-aging face peel has essential vitamins, antioxidants, and extracts to aid in fighting aging, Brightening skin, and improving overall complexion. The variety of all natural ingredients ensures results in users.


Above: Dr. Dennis Gross' Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel.

Have processed, damaged hair? Then Redken’s new Extreme line with Interlock Protein Network is the product for you. The Interlock Protein Network (IPN) uses advanced stregtheming and repair to bring about 96% stronger healthy hair. Extreme brings together a hair care regimen to give weak hair a kick. The line includes Extreme Shampoo and Conditioner, Extreme Anti-Snap, Extreme CAT treatment, Extreme Strength Builder, and Extreme Strength Builder Plus.


Above: Redkin's new Extreme lien that is perfect for processed and damaged hair.

Nature’s Gate featured their Glow Lotion. This seven skin conditioning moisturizer, nourishes dry skin and gives skin a natural-looking glow without frying in the sun. The skin-protecting antioxidants help with the moisturizers to leave your skin super soft and supple.


Above: Stay soft and supple with Nature's Gate Glow Lotion.

For fashion lovers, Melissa Shoes and Knockaround glasses (see opening photo) were also featured. Melissa Shoes provided comfortable styles in their stylish, Melflex shoe. The shoes are made in an ecologically friendly way, with all the material utilized, not wasted in some way . Wearers could enjoy cute styles with a tutti-fruity scent coming from the shoe.

Knockaround sunglasses brought an array of colorful glasses to complete your look while adding great UV protection. Lucky Brand Sunglasses featured a straight brow bar and clean-cut edges, that makes the shades stand out and makes wearers look fierce in this summer.

Paradisepearls.com featured their Pink to Pearl Freshadama Freshwater pearl necklace. These high quality “akoya” pearls are the top .01% of the freshwater pearl harvest and have subtle undertones in their shiny, pearl to pink color.


Above: The Pink to Pearl Freshadama Freshwater pearl necklace.


Above: From Left to Right: Alex Liang of Kenton Magazine, Misti Schindele of Entertanista.com, Shaunequa Brathwaite of TempleofGlam.com, Makeda Saggau-Sackey of Glamazon Diaries (host), and Jonathan Valdez of Orange Juice and Biscuits. Attendees enjoyed high quality Oriel Wines, and Tru Blood, from the popular HBO show.

For more information visit Glamazone Diaries by click here.

OJ&B Remembers Amy Winehouse

I loved Amy Winehouse from the second that I heard her voice back in 2007. I was working at KTSW 89.9 and my friend Kristen who was the music director at the time was playing Amy while I was helping to organize the music closet. I remember asking who's album she was playing and Kristin simply said, "Amy Winehouse." I told her I had to buy it ASAP!

That same year Amy went to SXSW in Austin, Texas and she left everyone in awe. The whole festival was buzzing about Amy Winehouse and her soulful retro voice. The next thing I knew Amy's hit song "Rehab" was all over the radio and it seemed like people could not get enough of Amy. Soon after she started soaring to the top, Amy's personal problems seemed to be the topic of all of the entertainment news outlets. We would often discuss Amy on OJ&B when it was a radio morning show and I ALWAYS hoped that she could pull it together.

Amy's voice was rare and haunting in a good way. She could cut right through you with her retro sound that seemed like she traveled by time machine to from the 1960's and came to grace us with the golden sound of soul. Her album "Back to Black" was one of my favorite albums to blast in my car and have one of my pretend concerts to while I would drive around town. Amy's song "Valerie" has to be my favorite song of hers. It speaks to me in all kinds of ways and my friend Julia and I have a little dance that we do when it comes on. "My Tears Cry On Their Own" is my favorite song from "Back to Black" but there is nothing like listening to "Me and Mr. Jones."

You all know that I love everything retro and I LOVE dressing like the late 50's and early 60's. Amy's beehive always made me so happy!! I think that more people should rock a beehive all the time.

Unfortunately Amy is now a member of the 27 Club. This club is for famous musicians that have all died at age 27. It includes legends like Janis Jopin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain. All of these musicians changed the face of the music industry and spoke to millions of people.

When I think of Amy, I will think of what her music meant to me and her huge beehive. I will think of her songs and of her voice. Thanks Amy for giving us some amazing music that will live on forever.

I will leave you with a few videos of some of my favorite Amy Winehouse songs. These live performances show just what a talent and gem she truly was.

Amy Winehouse singing Me and Mr. Jones live with just one guitar. BREATHTAKING!:


Amy does an acoustic performance of one of my top 100 favorite songs "Valerie":

Amy Winehouse in 2007 performing "Rehab" Live at the Levi's/Fader Fort at SXSW in Austin, Texas

The 90's Are All That! Nickleodeon To Bring Back 90's Programming on Teen Nick

This post is for the guys and gals that grew up in the 90's. Sorry, I am not talking about those people who were born in the 90's and for some reason seem to not know any pop culture references of the past other than Madonna. I am talking about those people who went to Camp Anawanna to Salute Your Shorts, had Clarissa to Explain It All, Went on Adventures with Pete & Pete, knew about Alex Mac's Secret World, questioned if you were Afraid of the Dark, heard Legends of a Hidden Temple, knew that Kel not Keenan loved orange soda, remember that the first NickToons were Doug, Rugrats and Ren & Stimpy (they showed them in that order), and could sing the theme song to All That like it was your job. PHEW!

Yes my friends, Nickleodeon recently announced at their upfronts in NYC that they will be reshowing their legendary 90's programming that basically locked in their place in pop culture history!

Before that iCarly mess and whatever else the kids are watching these day and are tricked into thinking it is good, we had amazing shows that were not all about finding dates in jr. high and kissing. Seriously though, have you seen these kid shows these days? Everyone is dating and making out all the time. I don't think that Clarissa would approve or that Donkey Lips and Z.Z. over at Camp Anawanna would ever have any of that! I mean Sam (insert guitar riff here) would come into Clarissa's room via a ladder in the window and they would never even touch. If that hussy iCarly had a guy climbing into her window she would go from iCarly to iTeenMom in 2 seconds!

The promo says that The 90's Are All That is a "late night block for grown ups who grew up on 90's Nick." It just sounds weird and crazy and why is it on Teen Nick? Just put in on regular Nickleodeon during the day and evening. Trust me, these kids these days not only need it but they will also LOVE IT!

Check out the line up for The 90's Are All That as of now. (Where is the Mystery Files of Shelby Woo and Kablaam? lol)

Aaahh!!! Real Monsters * The Adventures of Pete & Pete * All That * The Amanda Show
Are You Afraid of the Dark? * Catdog* Clarissa Explains it All * Double Dare * Doug
Hey Arnold! * Kenan & Kel * Legends of the Hidden Temple * Nickelodeon GUTS * The Ren & Stimpy Show * Rocket Power * Rocko’s Modern Life * Rugrats * Salute Your Shorts * The Secret World Of Alex Mack

Amazing right?! Makes me want a Hi-C and Dunkaroos really bad!

Check out the promo for The 90's Are All That Below and I tribute to 90's Nickleodeon! Yay childhood!

BFF App Changes The Way You Help Your BFF Pick Outfits!

"OMG YOU ARE TOTES MY BFF!!"

That is the kind of text that you do not send to just anyone! Only your one and only BFF (Best Friend Forever) is lucky enough to receive a heartfelt text like the one above. Besides getting fun texts, another benefit to having a BFF is that you always have a person to help you get ready for a girls/guys night out, a job interview or a really big date!

For some BFF's helping each other pick out the perfect outfit can be a challenge because not every BFF lives in the same city. Even if you do live in the same location as your BFF it can still prove as a challenge to seek outfit help as they may be stuck at work or in a traffic jam.

All of these dilemmas can now be a thing of the past thanks to the new BFF (Best Fashion Friend) app that you can use on your Android smart phone. You can also access it online if you do not have those phones and/or prefer doing things on a computer screen and on your iphone soon!


Above: A sample conversation with one possible way to utilize the BFF App!

BFF is a smart phone app that gives you instant access to a hand- picked group of friends who weigh in on your style dilemmas. Easily snap a photo, create looks using items you own or want in your wardrobe, and best of all, share looks with your BFF’s for real-time advice. No more impulse buys. No more guessing about what will go with what. No more riffling through your cell trying to find the pics of shoes and clothes and having to go from pic to pic to see if it will look good or not. With the BFF App it is all there in one spot. You can organize the pictures in your "closet" by shoes, skirts, pants, shirts and more. Now when you take a picture you can store it in your "closet" just like you do with the actual item. Style. Ask. Wear. It is that simple!


Above: A screen shot of the BFF App. Once you decide what pieces from your "closet" you want to work with you simply put together the look and if you want help you send it to your BFF's! It is that easy! Below: Everything can have it's own category for easy access and sharing.

Inspired by growing interest in street style and society’s expectation of instant gratification, the fashion experts of Arsenic 9 created this app to offer a simple tool that will facilitate everyday questions asked by all. At $1.99 BFF App is available on iTunes and in the Android market. A bargain to solve daily dilemmas and to eliminate mms cost and save time!

I am absolutely in LOVE with this app! I think it is brilliant and I can totally see myself using it. My friends are ALWAYS asking for my styling advice from Texas and this app will really help us out. It also reminds me a lot of Cher's closet from one of my favorite movies ever, Clueless.

This can be an amazing app for professional stylist to share outfits easily with their team and clients. They can put together looks after they have pulled and send them to their clients who can then rearrange and approve.

Remember, There are friends… and then there are Best Fashion Friends.

For more information about BFF please check out their website by clicking here.

P.S. Added bonus! Since this is a brand new app, rush over and get it so you can have any user name you want! Forget those underscores and numbers after your name... well, if you hurry!

OJ&B In The Press: OJ&B Gets A "Showt" Out From The Showt!

I was thrilled when I was told that The Showt.com was going to be featuring OJ&B in their "Look & Listen Section! The Showt is a website for the "Gay Sophisticate," meaning that they like things that are fun, fab and classy like OJ&B.

I love when other great websites show love for Orange Juice and Biscuits! My favorite part is when they called OJ&B "Valdez’s boutique breakfast blog!"


Above: Orange Juice and Biscuits' featured as one of the main stories on The Showt's home page. It reads, "The Showt Can't Get Enough Orange Juice and Biscuits."

Special Thanks to the Showt's editor-in-chief Ty Kuppig for the "Showt" out! Loving the love!!

Make sure to check out my feature on TheShowt.com by clicking here. While you are on the site, click around for some amazing finds and fun reads!

OJ&B Gets Seal Of Approval From CNN Showbiz!

According to Klout.com, a website that tells you how much pull you have online, I am influenced by the likes of Good Morning America, The Village Voice, Gaga's Stylist Nicola Formichetti, CNN Showbiz and Nene Leaks from the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Based on that information and the fact that Klout also says I am influential about fashion, lifestyle, bow ties and PR, I would say that Klout has me all figures out!

I chose to share some of this info on Twitter and to my surprise CNN Showbiz actually tweeted me back! After I responded I received another tweet from them that simply read, "Love your Blog!" After I collected myself from almost falling out I said thanks and screen grabbed it like there was no tomorrow.

As an Entertainment Journalist this meant so much to me. The best part was when I got a text from my friend Julia saying that she saw it on the website and she was right! There I was chilling with all of the celebs on a huge entertainment news source. It was a dream come true!


Above: A screen grab from CNN's entertainment blog The Marquee with their twitter feed. My friend Julia sent me a text that read, "I was just reading about Modern Family and there you were."

It is the little things in life that really make me happy. To some people this may not have been a huge deal but to me it was! I always think about little things like the college kid who may be on their phone or ipad reading OJ&B instead of taking notes or girls gossiping and saying, "OMG do you read Orange Juice and Biscuits?" No matter what you do in life, enjoy the little moments that are happening now because that is what makes life fun!

Video Exclusive: Jessica and Hunter Talk With OJ&B in NYC!

Recently, comedy duo and YouTube sensations Jessica and Hunter came to NYC to host their first ever NYC Pride party. I was thrilled that they agreed to meet with me directly after their big event for an exclusive interview! J&H had me literally LMAO which is rare for me to do in an interview.

We talk about everything from Lohan to Britney and Gaga to sexting and gay marriage. NOTHING is off limits with these two!

I "LURVE" that I get a chance to talk to with the comedy legends of YouTube! First Very Mary Kate and now Jessica and Hunter! Chloe Sevigny you are next!

I hope you have as much fun watching this as I had filming it!


Special thanks to Beth Crosby and JC Gardiner A.K.A. Jessica and Hunter for taking time out to do the interview! Also to Tyler Wallach for editing the interview and to Haley Turner for filming!


Above: Jonathan Valdez with Jessica and Hunter. Hunter and I are totals going to start sharing clothes!

OJ&B Horoscopes: July 2011

Above: A Zodiac wallet from the Jimmy Choo Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection

See what OJ&B sees in the stars for you with July's Horoscope!


Aquarius: Fireworks are not the only sparks flying this July Aquarius! You have a personality that people are naturally drawn to and the way you've been twerking lately has had people taking note. Keep doing your thing. If love is what you are looking for then July is the time to get what you want. YOU BETTA TWERK!

Pisces: Destiny's Child was NOT playing around when they sang about Bills, Bills, Bills. It may seem like there is nothing you can do to get a head of your finances but remember there is no shame in seeking help. Call your bank and ask them if they can lower some fees or even remove some. You may be surprised to hear a yes. Research programs that can help you get your finances organized and help you budget. You can do it put your back into it!

Aries: You have been meeting a lot of new friends that support you and want you to shine in all that you do. Older friends who are negative and hate on you are not worth it. Go with the positive and let all the negative Nancys have a huge pity party full of bad attitudes and fashion.

Taurus: You keep trying and trying and nothing seems to be happening but remember that you have to run the race to win the prize. If you are not trying then how can you ever reach your goals? Every "no" will make you stronger and they also make that one "yes" that will change everything taste even better!

Gemini: Does an ex lover or friend want you back? Know that most people are stuck in their ways and chances are they have done what they did to you many times before. Let them know that if you choose to give them a 2nd/4th/20th chance that it will be the last. AND MEAN IT!

Cancer: You wanna go-o-o all they wa-a-ay just like Britney in her crunk club jam. Just make sure that you are 100% ready before you make any huge decisions. It may feel like it is now or never but remember that there is always time for lining up your ducks. The more prepared you are the more confident you will be. If you are 100% sure then you better get after it Boo!

Leo: Your moon is in the house of opportunity this month. Things that have been cooking are almost ready to be enjoyed. You are working so hard to make sure that you are doing what you want and you need to remember to enjoy the now. Miley was right when she said that it is ALL about the climb!

Virgo: All your friends seem to be getting married and having kids, right? Well you are not them and they are not you! You cannot compare yourself to others because everyone has their own journey. Besides, you know that you have way to much stuff to do to be tied down at this point in your life. Enjoy the you time while it lasts because you know when the time comes you will put all you have into your fierce family.

Libra: Are you really having fun? No, really? Life is about enjoying yourself so make sure you are not just working and not playing. Spice things up with a funky new hair do or buy some fun and fab new clothes. Remember to laugh because most things are really not that serious. If you do have to have an ugly cry a couple of times it is OK! Kelly Cutrone always says, "Sometimes a breakdown is a breakthrough!"

Scorpio: Watch what you say and do on social media! That is your assignment for this month Scorpio! Putting crazy party pictures of you and your friends on social media is not cute or hot. Not every picture that you take needs to be uploaded to the Internet for the world to see. Be careful of what image you are putting out there because everything you have online is part of the brand that is you. It would be a shame if you missed out on an opportunity because you were acting like Taradise!

Sagittarius: If things have felt awkward between you and someone close in your life then this is the month to figure out what is wrong. Make sure you have a talk with them before things get out of control. Sometimes a small misunderstanding can lead to unwanted drama or hurt feelings. If you ask them what is up and they pretend like nothing is wrong make sure you try your best to convince them they need to spill. Throwing shade back and forth is just bad news bears for all involved.

Capricorn: One of the hardest things in the world for people to do is to genuinely be happy for others. There are enough haters in the world and you do not need to be one of them. Try your hardest to always be happy for others when they do well and see how your life transforms with all of the positivity flowing in. Being jealous is so ugly and not on trend. Remember, God does NOT like ugly!

*Disclaimer: These Horoscopes were written for entertainment value by the creator of OJ&B, Jonathan Valdez, and should not be taken seriously at all! If something does come true though holla at your boy!

OJ&B Salutes The Star Spangled 'Kini!

I can honestly say that nothing makes me happier than seeing a good ol' fashioned star spangled 'kini every single 4th of July. I find them absolutely HILARIOUS! There is nothing funnier than a patriotic hoochie showing of her goods and her love for her country all at the same time.

I have gathered an army of 'kini clad ladies that let their liberty bells hang out so their freedom can ring. In the words of Jennifer Coolidge in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde, "You look like the 4th of July! Makes me want a hotdog reaaal bad!"


Above: Cindy Crawford says "Stars and Stripes Forever" in her spangled 'kini.


Above: Gisele Bündchen looks like a fierce firecracker in her 'kini made of tiny sparkly American flags. Oh, and also note the matching 2002 Nokia phone with patriotic faceplate. She betta werk those electonic sounding ringtones!


Above: Raquel Welch better get it in her star spangled monokini, gloves and cowboy hat. She was so a head of the curve with that monokini!


Above: To quote Slim Shady, "Jessica Simpson, looks oh so temptin' on this cover of GQ that she did in her spangled 'kini.


Above: Pamela Anderson is just showing everyone what an typical American Woman looks like, right? Now that I look at it, she totally is rocking Raquel Welch's gloves, hat and boots. Was that Pam digging through her laundry?


Above: Hi, hi Miss American Pie! Remember these girls from the hit teen movie American Pie? Why is Mena Suvari (far right) always at Fashion Week ? I really just wanted to show this picture because it had Tara Reid a.k.a Taradise in it. Also, why is Alyson Hannigan (far Left) the only one who is not spangled? I am disappointed!


Above: How can you have a salute to the star spangled 'kini and not have a pic of Heidi Montag pre surgeries? Spiedi was the American Dream.


Above: Recently, Gretchen Rossi, one of the Housewives of Orange County (which I never watch), wore a star spangled 'kini. It was not so much spangled as she just had one big star on her who-ha. Luckily she wore this 'kini or I would have never blogged about her.

And now for the grand finale. You know the part where they shoot off all the fireworks at once?


Above: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. That is really all I have to say about this monokini and this patriotic hoochie. I better not see you watchin' the crackas this weekend wearing that and some junderwear and boots thinking you look cute.

Once again HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY FROM ORANGEJUICEANDBISCUITS.COM!! LET FREEDOM RING!

Also thanks to all who serve and have served in the military!!!

Red, White and Bevs! Summer Cocktail Recipes That Will Make Your Flag Wave!

It is time for another 4th of July! This means time to party in the U.S.A with your friends and family! Luckily our friends at Belvedere (always better than Goose) were kind enough to share some summer and 4th of July cocktails with OJ&B for my AMAZING readers! I have a feeling that these summertime cocktails will definitely make you wave the American flag like Beyonce!

Liberty Summer Punch

10oz Belvedere Vodka
15oz cranberry juice
2.5oz lemon juice
3.5oz Aperol
5oz orange juice
Dash bitters Dash simple Add all ingredients to a jug and stir. Garnish with orange slices and lemons.

Belvedere Pineapple Mary

1.5oz Belvedere Bloody Mary
3oz Fresh Pineapple juice
.75oz Fresh Lime juice
2 bar spoon Simple syrup
2 dashes Orange bitters
1/8 bar spoon smoked paprika (hot)
Garnish with a pineapple chunk.

Be sure to let me know if you try any of the recipes and have a 4th of July that is Miley in cut off deimn booty shorts, cowboy boots and an Ameican flag kini top worthy from OrangeJuiceandBiscuits.com!