Parting is such sweet sorrow . . que the tears!

Wow, my blog is fairly new, yet I skip a few weeks of posting regularly & I receive so many nice & concerned "what's up with that" e-mails! How sweet of you to ask about moi! It's tres appreciated.

Actually, life is "gettin in the waaaaay of what I'm feelin", to quote the talented Jilly from Philly. If you don't know who Jilly is, STOP right there! Now, click on the link, take a look around & get acquainted. I'll wait..... Ok, you ready... let's roll.

So, I promise to return soon & update you with the latest this & that. It's an untimely departure with so much going on in the juicey world of entertainment. With the "Dancing with the Stars" finale fast approaching (go Emmitt!), Tom dissin Lady O (how dare he) & all the sad yet expected break-ups from Reese & Ryan (ok, that was surprising) to Britney & K-Dread (yeah, okay - that's about as surpising as Nicole Richie's secret gastric bypass surgery)

BTW, that K-Dread thing, that's all me - no duplication there, I came up with that, go ahead, share it but source U.B.A aiight?

Ok, till we meet again - better than ever - I leave with you with a few lyrical gems!



Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon. ~Doug Larson


When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no "I'll start tomorrow." Tomorrow is disease. ~V.L. Allineare

Peep my Princess Style!

I'm not really a handbag kinda girl. I find the price of Coach, Prada & Gucci to be ridiculous because at the end of the day, it's just a bag! I know I'll get flack for this since some women LIVE for the latest release by these labels & there's hundreds of bag blogs to prove it! Anyhoo, according to this fun little quiz, I've got Princess style when it comes to handbags.

Check my results below & CLICK HERE to take the quiz yourself.

You’ve got Princess style!

Your regal hankering for handbags showcases the best of the high-low mix, much like Tinseltown’s fashionable royalty Jennifer Aniston, Teri Hatcher, and Paris Hilton. From designer satchels to niche-brand carryalls, you know how to put it all together for a classic, stylish effect.



Ok, moving on to some looks I'm feeling at the moment!


This dress is so classic but so versatile at the same time. Love it!

Laundry by Shelli Segal Matte Jersey Dress

This pump is sexy & sophisticated! You can easily pair it with a simple suit or lovely little dress for a business lunch. A nice clutch & some pearl earrings would add that "Breakfast at Tiffany's" feel. Tres adorable!

Being a lady all day can be exhausting for some, so slap on these suckers with a pair of dark denim jeans, a sexy halter chemise with a cute shrunken blazer, some hot hoops, soft curls & crimson lips for a fun night out! Toot, toot, hey, beep, beep!!! Remember that diddy? No, not Puff Daddy! Diddy as in song... nevamind

GUESS? 'Merri' Sandal

Now, these are LOVELY because I ADORE the color. Don't hide these under slacks. They deserve to be shown. Keep the outfit simple, grab a bronze clutch & dazzle em!

Salvatore Ferragamo 'Tiberia' Pump

I like these boots but I'm not 100% sure why. Maybe I'm just hesitant because their by Jessica..

Jessica Simpson 'Jacky' Boot

If these were a different color, would I think they were ugly? Hmmm

Jessica Simpson 'Sabria' Pump

I like this handbag. It's kinda upscale doctor's bag meets night out with the girls. Classy medicinal if you will?!

eElliott Luca "Luxe" Satchel

According to THIS, I'm a STRAIGHT SHOOTER when it comes to my guy! Tell me something I don't know. Although I loved the reference to 1940's movie banter, so my thing!!

Take the quiz to check your GF persona. Might be surprised!

Here's the rest of my girlfriend style:

The Straight Shooter:

You've got a good mix of sass and sensitivity. Sure, sometimes he annoys you. But you do your best to finesse it with a sense of humor and the knowledge that, hey, he's only human. You know a good relationship is like 1940s movie banter -- it's all about the back and forth. Balance is key to you, and you excel at being a peacemaker and solving problems with a firm, but loving, hand. (And, let's face it -- a hand with a nice manicure.)

Okay, so this is kinda old news but it's too sweet not to share!

WAIT !! I was all set to gush over the sweetness of this story since I've had it in my files for a minute but then I spotted this pic (below) & I wondered what bride would want to include what appears to be a 'CENTERFOLD SHOT' as part of her wedding album?? I mean, honestly, the wedding album is seen by so many people, like her family as well as the grooms!

Lawd, what in the world will Big Mama think?! Maybe that her baby boy is marrying a hussy?!

Then, I noticed not 1 but 2 nudy shots of Mrs. Tracy McGrady in their wedding video! I can just hear the elders snickering while watching the video at the family gathering.

"Hmph, & to think, she had the neerrrrve to wear white?" "I tried to tell that boy she ain't right."

Well, at least the featured song was classy. It's one of my favorites, sung by the great Diana Krall. But, after seeing the below pic of the bride & then another thong shot in the video, I wondered if "Laffy Taffy" would have been more appropriate? Dang, no wonder they didn't get married in a church! Ooops, did I say that!? Form your own opinion, click on the link below to check out the wedding video!

Click here to watch the wedding video & read the adorable write up on their nuptials below:


NBA player Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets married his longtime girlfriend, CleRenda Harris.


The couple, who dated for 10 years, were married in Los Cabos, Mexico, on the beach in front of 40 guests, including McGrady's teammate Juwan Howard. Pastor Kirby John Caldwell, who delivered the prayer at President Bush's inauguration, officiated.

The couple's daughter, Layla, 3, served as flower girl. McGrady, whose nickname in the NBA is "T-Mac," carried his 9-month-old son, Layman, down the aisle to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

"It was the cutest moment," wedding planner Mindy Weiss tells PEOPLE. "The weather changed completely right before they walked down the aisle. It suddenly got cooler and a breeze came in from the ocean. It felt surreal. It exceeded any expectations. They're so excited to finally be married."



Defintely, NOT AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL:

And everyone thinks the life of a model is SOOO easy....... CLICK HERE for what has got to be a really tough day for one model in particular!



Till next time, enjoy this mint of a quote.. .. ..

The goal to turn a gold-digger into a housewife is one that is never successfully fulfilled. Women who seek a life of excess are the ultimate hustlers, with a game plan which rivals that of any pimp. Their intellectual savvy coupled with undetected manipulative game-play renders even the most carefully calculated player completely brain-numb. This is in fact the reason why gold-diggers never go out of style, for man will die in his relentless pursuit of this unachievable task.

For man, the chase is always so much sweeter than the reward. The reward being, an arm trophy, some eye candy, a lifetime of headaches and a helluva story to tell on his deathbed.

- Urbynpoet7

Chow baby!

Violence is NEVER the answer!

I'm against the war. I'm not overly political or religious & I don't label myself as a liberal although my views are considered far from traditionalist conservatism. I oppose war due to the fact that so many innocent people die. Any life lost is a tragedy no matter how despicable the crime or the perpetrator simply because everyone, whether idiot or saint, has someone who suffers when they die. Having said that, I understand the position of sacrificing one life in order to save thousands as in the case of the 911 terrorists. Unfortunate but necessary.

Another act of violence which disturbs & infuriates me is domestic (click on the above pic to view the cycle in its many forms). Every 10 seconds a woman is abused at the hands of her partner. The act of violence in itself is an issue of control & beating a woman is undoubtedly an issue of control fueled by insecurity. To feel so insecure in your ability to maintain your relationship that you have to succumb to violence is PATHETIC. When I recently heard about THIS STORY, I was sickened by the fact that a grown ass man would force his 13 year old son to videotape him verbally assaulting his wife before smacking her, throwing her to the floor and kicking her.

The assault resulted in 51 minutes of footage. Later that evening, the husband/father played the tape for his three kids to demonstrate why he beat their mother. He paused the tape several times to highlight moments where their mother pissed him off to the point of violence, which righteously justified the swollen bruises on her face & body! By doing so, he felt he was "educating" his kids, I guess.

In addition to the beatings, which unlike many abusive relationships, started almost a decade into the marriage, his wife was "timed" on how long it took her to return home after leaving work. She was also ordered to call her husband "master". She was slowly alienated from her friends & family. Fortunately, she had a concerned boss who kept detailed notes of each time she saw bruises on Susan and eventually helped her leave this arrogant, madman. The abusive asshole was eventually sentenced to 36 years in prison, which is the longest sentencing in New York history for domestic-violence in which the victim was not killed.

To date, the wife focuses on spreading domestic-violence awareness by presenting the video at police academies in order to put a personal face on this epidemic.

As I watched the footage of abuse, I noticed the son often turned the camera away from his parents at the exact moment his father slapped or kicked his mom. I could only imagine what must've been going through his young mind. Those images will never leave him, that's for sure.

It also saddens me to know that had the tape not existed, had her boss been less observant or concerned for her employee's life, Susan may not be here today. Her three children would most likely be parentless with a past filled with haunting memories of violence that lead to their mother's demise and a future dark with uncertainty. Not to mention, the extreme possibility that they too may repeat the cyle of either abusing or being a victim of abuse at some point in their lives.

I honestly don't think there's a single American family that has not been affected by domestic violence at some point in its history. We all have an aunt, cousin, parent, or distant relative who has been a victim of this senseless, controlling act brewed from insecurity. Whether it's talked about, swept under the rug or addressed head-on is the issue. It's such a touchy subject because intervening can be dangerous especially when so many women refuse to leave.

"Domestic violence does not only happen to adults. Forty percent of girls age 14 to 17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend, and approximately one in five female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner".

Fortunately, my mother raised my sister and me (yes, that's grammatically correct) with a strong sense of self. I think that's important for every young woman to have. If you don't develop a sense of moral values as a young woman, you run the risk of leaving yourself open to being treated like shit as an adult.

I talk to my younger cousins & nieces all the time about the importance of respecting themselves and having self-esteem. If you don't know who you are and what's important to you, it's easy to find a chauvinistic man-child more than happy to provide you with that definition in the form of degradation, disrespect and abuse.

Remember the ole' saying, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." Well, it's a fact and it's up to adults to educate the youth on respect for self as well as others. The state of our future depends on it!

This post is long enough as it is but I could say more about the legal system & how the laws against Domestic Violence are not strong enough. THE LAWS TO PROTECT WOMEN WHO LIVE AT THE HANDS OF AN ABUSER ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH!! She basically has to be killed in order for a justifiable punishment to take place which further explains why so many victims are afraid to leave. Many abused women are so cut-off from a support system that they have nowhere to turn and with the justice system failing to provide a way out; they stay & continue to endure the abuse which will only intensify if she attempts to call the police for help. After the abuser is arrested and forced to spend 1 measly night in jail, what do you think will happen when he returns to the home that she can't afford to leave considering she had only one night to plan her permanent escape? C'mon now, she'll endure the beating of her life on top of the previous beating that lead to his arrest the day before.

The laws need to change, but with so many career politicians on their own agenda of false promises, corrupt politicking and lashing out at their opponents in an ugly merry-go-round of the "blame game", who has the time to tend to the REAL matters at hand? Our world is in so much trouble . . . but that's a topic for another day.

If you or someone you know is involved in a domestic violence relationship, or if you want to learn more about it, please call The National Domestic Violence Hotline, open 24-hours a day, at 1-800-799-SAFE or click here

I promise to return soon with something a lil less heavy. I just needed to scribe about this here topic, because in a less politically correct manner - thiz bullshit really pisses me off!

I leave you with these:

Quotes of the day:

Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.
Salvor Hardin

So, these political activities will create friction in and of themselves, and in this environment of friction there'll be additional violence.
John Abizaid

Chow

It's Time To Talk Beauty!

Lately, I've been dishing on the latest celeb chat but I wouldn't be worthy of my blog title if I went tooooo long without discussing my ultimate addiction! So, without further delay, let's talk beaute' shall we?

It's rare I try a product that I love from start to finish. I often buy products & end up giving them away to my fam or friends because they simply don't meet my simple requirement of "doing what it says it will do". Afterall, who wants to buy a product for acne prevention only to find it makes your skin worse?!? What's the point? I can't stand it when a product promises dramatic results only to find out it doesn't even come close. Simply irritating. So, I was delighted to find the Steep Clean Cleansing Milk by Bliss delivered on its promise without fail.

Steep Clean is a deep pore cleanser for oily/congested complexions & from the very first use, it did just that. My pores got smaller with each use & my skin just felt clean every time. Initially, I wasn't thrilled with the blue "detergenty" color nor the smell but I barely notice the scent now. This is my daytime cleanser & although I just ran out, I'm adding this product to my "REPURCHASE" file for future reference. It's a must buy for oily/acne prone types!!

If you're a true girly girl beautaaaay addict, then you know pedicures are a treat but who has time or the loot to shell out $40 or more each month for such an indulgence. Honestly, nowadays, it's all too easy easy to find simple steps to recreate this spa treat in the privacy of your own home. I love to treat myself to a relaxing pedi (*Mario Tricoci offers a Shea Silk pedi to die for - - honest!) during the summer months but it's more of a hassle in the winter time. The drying time alone is a waste considering you're bound to withstand a polish nick or two as soon as you slip back into your boots or heels. So, save yourself the cash & time by perfecting your own at-home-pedi. If you need to know the steps, lemme know, I'll be happy to send you a recipe.

*SIDENOTE - If you're ever in the northwest burbs of IL, try the Shea Silk pedicure at the Mario Tricoci in Bloomingdale IL, ask for Cheryl - she is the bomb! TRUST.

Anyone who is as serious about soft heels as I am will not hesitate to invest in a genuine Diamond Foot Buffer! Honestly, you haven't felt soft heels until you've enjoyed this investment of a tool. There are numerous options to choose from, I use the Diamancel #11 which is an excellent buffer for active women on the go. These things are not cheap (can you say Ebay) & I actually hesitated for years before purchasing one. But, it will last you forever, is super easy to clean & works like new each time. Love!

For the softest feet you can imagine - NO JOKE - pair your new diamond file with the Shea Butter Hand Lotion by Burts Bees. Yes, the hand lotion! Slather it on once your pedicure is complete & prepare to be in shock at the uber-super softness of your feet..... A little goes a long way - you will thank me & Burt of course.



If there's one item I am always in search of, it's got to be THE ULTIMATE EYE CREAM. I mean a reallllly good one, as in depuffs, de-lines, smooths, soothes, wide-awake look, eye cream. If you know of one, don't be stingy. Pay it forward!! I have yet to find the holy grail product but I know it exists so my search continues. This one is not the holy grail but it's really good. I must say, I never expected to be impressed with Bliss products & yet so-far, so-good. Who knew? : )



Why is it that I have 10 glosses of the same shade, but as soon as I see a similar shade, my eyes get all wide & happy as if it's the first time ever?! This beach bronzey lipgloss is purrrrfect for any skin tone & tastes yummy too! Who can beat that? BBW has made some HUGE strides in the bath & beauty bizzness the last 5 years or so & they continue to expand their product line. Last week, I found this gorgeous lipgloss which is a perfect soft bronze color PLUS it's moisturizing & a lil sparkly. Think soft shimmer not Cheetah-girl. But that's not all, it also has a sweet (not really gingerbread) taste that isn't annoying, make-you-sick-tasty. For $6, give it a try, you know it's going to be history after the holidays so get it while it's hot!


Calling all Costco LOVERS!!!



I love Costco! Where else can you find a home entertainment center, 2 dozen organic eggs, the latest novel on the best sellers list, a lazy boy recliner & 100% Cashmere sweaters by Ralph Lauren? Honestly, it's the ish! Every holiday season, Costco turns into this virtual wonderland of all sorts of cute gift ideas that you'd never think of until you see it there & instantly think "GOT TO HAVE IT" plus their prices can't be beat! The other day, I picked up 8 travel-size Smashbox lipglosses plus a carrying case with built-in mirror for $10.99.

Keep in mind, 1 Smashbox lipgloss sells for $15.00, so this is truly a steal! Run, hell, fly to your local Costco for this product! Think stocking stuffers, perfect gift, or how bout something for you, just because! Talk about trick or treat!!

The set includes the following shades, visit the site & check em' out:

DESIRE (makes a great highlighter over a darker shade)
FINALE
FEATURES
SASSY
ACCESSORIES
BEAUTY
BLUR
POUT

Keep 1, gift 7, gift 1, keep 7 - choice is yours....

Speaking of that fast-approaching holiday where you can dress up, grab a bag & go door-to-door begging for goodies, remember that awful little saying passed down by generations "Trick or Treat....blah blah blah..... yea, you know the one. Well, I have something much better to smell or wear for that matter, it's the Breathe Fragrance Mist Romance-Amber Myrrh scent. It smells devine, not flowery, fruity, cookie or anything else edible, since I can't stand smelling like a bakery! Honestly, if I want to reek of an alcoholic beverage (think Pina-Colada-Coconut), I'll just go a bar. This fragrance smells like a woman should ... sophisticated, soft, fresh & clean. It's a real deep-inhale, "pass someone on the street & they will surely turn-around" kind of scent.....yes, it's that gooood!

Okay, this should hold you for a while! If you happen to purchase one of these items after reading the above, hollaback & lemme know what u think.....

I'll leave you with a sassy, beaute' quote of the day:


"Discretion is being able to raise your eyebrow instead of your voice."
Anonymous

Chow!

It's Friday.......... I need a drink!

How can a job that doesn't endanger your life make one so miserable? I promised not to turn my blog into a job-hate rant so I won't go there..... peep this little lyrical lovely for blog-groupies everywhere.

blog to me in a way that I’ll forever want to hold you

caress me with verses that seem to linger in my ear

you penetrate my thoughts with your blogetic presentation

leaving behind mere whispers of a voice I long to hear......

Now that's gangsta!

Before you right-click & copy/paste the above, know that it's COPYRIGHTED.

Seeing as how my work was recently boosted, yes, boosted! As in all-out stolen, thiefed, 5 finger discount, hope nobody saw that 'ish, tooked! Not by a commoner mind you, but a respected well-known member of black religious society. He stole it, he published it, he claimed it but I have the original. I ain't namin names & I ain't trippin since it was my fault I slipped & didn't acquire the rights to my work at the time. But KNOW this, I forgets nothing & it ain't over.... he knows who he is....IT AIN'T OVA!


She's Forever Your Girl!


Too bad nobody gives a damn.

What's the world coming to when Britney Spears can bite the hell out of a cheeseburger & it sells for $500. But Paula Abdul can't sell a date, a shopping spree & a trip to NYC? That's right, noONE bid on Paula's ebay date so the site pulled the listing after 4 days! Now, that's gotta hurt!

As in; Prom date shows up to the prom with someone else cuz he forgot he asked you HURT!

As in; Spending the day at the spa, new hairstyle, new clothes, professional makeup, mani & pedi only to show up @ the party, run into your ex & his new girl has on jeans & a t-shirt that says "Vote For Pedro" & somehow looks 10x better than your azz HURT!

Just sad!

Paula's a hot mess now & we all know it but in 1989, she was the 'ish & I was her biggest fan! Oh shut up... like you don't have someone famous who you're embarrased to say "I used to LOOOOVE them". Paula could dance her butt off & in HEELS at that!!!

Beyonce who!? Let's not forget it was Paula who first donned a pair of pumps & tap-danced, jumped around, & straight got her boogie ON! I loved "Forever Your Girl" but I saw the end coming when she went for album #2 & had a miserable performance (remember Vibeology) at the MTV music awards that left both of us feeling sad, depressed & ashamed. After that, I knew her 15 minutes had officially expired but it didn't matter because it was a hella of 15 minute experience... BTW Janet, Paula will take that "THANK YOU" any time you're ready.

Moment of silence to respect the technique!
Click the link, watch & be impressed....

CELEBRITY RIDDLE:

Q: What do Angelina & Madonna have that Britney supposedly wants???
A: I'll take "African Baby" for 500 Alex.

Ding! Ding! Ding! You are correct!!!

I really hope this news is false. Honestly people, African babies are not handbags, you can't shove them in the back of your closet as soon as they go out of style! If you're a danger to your own kids why screw up the life of a kid that you don't have to buy, oops, I mean adopt.

For some reason, I just see celebs going to third world countries visiting orphanages with their checkbooks out all "I like this one, no wait, wait, that one is soooo awesome!", "Does it come in a 5 or 6 month model cuz a 6 month model would be so perfect for my Vanity Fair photoshoot next month!" "I hear they photograph better".

One thing's for sure, when these kids get older, their going to have one heck of a book deal..


I LOVE BARACK OBAMA!!!


I would love to see him as the next president! Besides really caring about the state of the world, he is very comfortable in his own skin & knows who he is. Plus, he has a REAL family that doesn't just play one on TV. U know what I'm talkin bout. He is genuine & he certainly has my vote whether he runs or not!! No, that was not a typo or grammatical error... WHETHER HE RUNS OR NOT..


A new hotty-hot-hotness has arrived! Thank you Oprah!

(pic doesn't do him justice but it's the only one I can find)

I've been tuning in to the Oprah show every Tuesday to witness the adventures of her road-trip across America with her B-F-F Gayle King. I think Gayle is naturally hilarious by the way..

To meet her fitness goals, Oprah has a road trainer with her courtesy of Bob "boy-am-I-a-lucky-fitness-pro" Greene. The road trainer is Chris Robinson & he seems really easy-going with a great smile & an obvious love of fitness. Gayle's admitted she thinks he's a lovely distraction while O acts like she hardly noticed. Chile puh-leeze. Fine is Fine & HE is FINE! All I can say. Fine.


WHAT A LOVELY SURPRISE..... (personal moment interruption)

So, the other day, I had a rough day at work. Okay, every day is a rough day truth be told but as usual I vented to HIM. As usual, he listened, sympathized, praised my underpaid work achievements & so it went. Then, today at around 1:15pm, I received an e-mail from the front desk. The subject was FLOWERS & I immediately dashed out there to see a beautiful bouquet of roses in a pretty glass vase. HE sent them just because he wanted to brighten my day. What a sweetie! 10 years & he's still full of surprises. Okay, now that I've clearly sickened you, here's a pic of the bouquet & I promise I'll move on...




Before I bid you bonne nuit, I MUST share this:


HILARIOUS QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"We don't necessarily discriminate. We simply exclude certain types of people."
Colonel Gerald Wellman


Honestly, seemingly intellingent people say some of the dumbest 'ish you'll never hear!!

Okay, till next time

Here we are...... again!

By again, I mean - Hump Day. So much to say, so little time......

What a difference, a deadline makes......

24 little hours..... I love that song. I just put the finishing touches on my very first article édité! I'm tired, red-eyed & stressed & questioning whatever made me think I had the chops to write for a living? I don't know how people do it. I'm waaaaaaay too critical of every word that floweth from my pen PLUS I have a huge disdain for proper grammatical structure so WTF am I thinking?! Oh well, I'll keep at it till carpal tunnel kicks in or my bloodshot eyes falleth from my sockets - - whichever comes 1st.

Moving on.....

The story of Marianne Pearl's life is both heartbreaking and inspiring but I had no clue that Mrs. Pearl is a black woman, or is it that she's more like 1/8 or 1/4 or 1/2?? Who knows but it's making headlines since Angelina Jolie, or A.J. as I like to call her, was cast to play the inspiring widow in a biopic of her life. I'm hearing the craziest things about the filming process such as Angie's playing the role in blackface!! Honestly, have you ever?!?

I mean really, does this pic look like blackface to you?



The media comes up with the most ridiculous 'ish sometimes. First of all, Marianne Pearl is light as day & I can't see A.J. even considering such nonsense! In the words of Mike Tyson - "simply ludicrous"!

Word on the street or at least here is that Jennifer Aniston was set to play the part when A.J. smoothly swooped down and stole it right from under poor Rachel. Daaang, sound familiar?!

sidenote: A.J. is one thing but JENNIFER ANISTON!?! C'mon now, she COULD NOT pull that off. (just look at the pics above if you doubtin)

Dancing Drrrraaaaammmaa!

It's not exactly news But there are just a few things I have to say about the "Sara Evans Divorce Rocking Dancing with the Stars" fiasco.

* She seems nice enough but she should've been GONE weeks ago

* She should've been GONE weeks ago because she CAN NOT dance

* Her best dance routine was to one of my favorite childhood songs! (NO COMMENTS FROM THE PEANUT GALLERY)


* BRING BACK WILLA & MAX since this is all unexpected and now the show will be 2 couples down instead of 1

* Cheryl is the best PRO on the show!

* Emmitt is my favorite "star"!

* Mario is the best male dancer!


BUT ENOUGH OF THAT....

Could it be? Another rather entertaining network production entering my already too-full-to watch-TV schedule?

I'm really feelin the latest series to be added to ABC's Thursday night lineup. Six Degrees is chock-full of interesting characters, buzzing story lines & some not so shabby eye-candy I might add....

* Jay Hernandez (Carlos)
Nice-guy hotness! Carlos is your typical "nice-guy" lawyer searching incessantly for a mysterious bad girl he defends in the first episode.


* Campbell Scott (Steven)
Drunken stupor turned sober hotness! Steven is a brooding older, out-of-work photographer who struggles to pick up the pieces of his fallen career thanks to an ugly addiction that cost him his family.


MY FAVORITE:
Dorian Missick (Damian)
New York Swagger Hotness!! Damian is a hustler turned straight-laced limo driver with a dirty past. But more importantly, he's tres fine - he really reminds me of Mos Def (peep the voice) but his look is less 'off-center' & his voice is REAL NICE! (did I say that already) : ) Me likey... nuff said


Okay, I dished & dabbled enough for today, I'm really exhausted so if this ain't entertaining - pardon my faux pas!

I leave you with a little light-hearted LISTING to tickle your bloggin fancy....

Oh waitaminute, I just remembered I have to share one more thing!!

I heard there's a network execs meeting planned as a result of the Grey's Anatomy Brawl I reported last week. I really hope this isn't the kind of meeting where one of the main characters (BURKE) who doesn't like another main character (MCDREAMY) gets his walking papers in the form of a sudden (gasp!) exit that leaves us wondering..huh..where's..did-you-hear-anything about Isaiah quitting..... WTF?....so I really hope the guys squash this nonsense & let the fabulousness of Grey's continue!!

BUT, let's be real for a minute, say Isaiah does get the ole' boot-in-the-kisser, I want THIS GUY to replace him! It would be tooo much competition for ole' McDreamy & McSteamy combined! TRUST.

Okay, on with the listing....

I'd Love To:

* Win the lottery
* Retire NOW
* Work from home
* Do what I want
* Have no worries
* Sleep as much as I want
* Quit my job
* Travel back in time
* Have my grandmother with me
* Publish a book of my poetry
* Retire my parents (from working that is)
* Know for sure that heaven exists
* Establish the J.I.L. Camp Dream for kids in poor communities
* Have more time to:
- Relax
- Spend time with loved ones
- Enjoy life
- Read
- Take my time
- Do anything... beauty
- Write


That's it for today... thanks for coming out, god bless....?????? (those who KNOW, can finish the rest)

Chow

Inspired by Passion!

Do you have a passion for something? You know, like some people have a passion for volunteering, or educating others about a subject they love, say, beauty for instance? Is your passion so strong that you could pursue it without financial gain even if it meant sacrificing your time and energy? Some people live their whole lives without experiencing true passion for anything other than their significant other (if that).

Passion is defined as: "a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept." I admire anyone who follows their true passion against all odds. It may start with an idea, followed by an attempt to bring that idea to life, maybe the first attempt fails, followed by a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, maybe a 7th, but nevertheless they persevere. They make revisions & keep trying because it's their passion, which makes the mere thought of giving up simply unimaginable.

Today, I met two young men with incredible passion. They share a passion for building an entertainment conglomerate with established branches in the areas of music, publishing, promotional modeling, event planning and multimedia. Together, Morris Brent and Robert Bell operate SoRaw Design & Entertainment based here in Chicago. After responding to an open call for freelance writers through "that website I love to peruse in my spare time", I received an invitation from Morris to attend an orientation meeting to join the "Ultimate Entertainment Resource". Naturally, I immediately paid a visit to the SoRaw Design and Entertainment website to get a better idea of the company, especially the magazine.

After visiting their site, I thought I had a clear idea of the magazine's concept as well as the company overall. At first, I thought "another Vibe, XXL, or The Source, mixed in with a little King" but after attending today's orientation, I realize my initial impression was grossly underestimated. The committed driving force behind SoRaw can only be described as: passion lead by consistent motivation resulting in measurable success. I was impressed to say the least!

Throughout today's presentation, Morris & Robert were professional, organized, honest, down-to-earth, and open to sharing the company with their staff. Although Morris is the CEO, he said SoRaw's organizational structure "runs horizontally not vertically" & after a decade spent dealing with corporate politics & ruthless ladder-climbing, that was a breath of fresh air to me. See, writing is not my day job, (well, in a sense it is, but not on my terms by any means) it is my passion! And to receive the opportunity to contribute to an established organization of artists with so much left to accomplish and explore, well, that just intensifies my passion ten-fold!

I have a good feeling about this..... Promise to keep you posted!

Hump Day Ramblings & Writers Block

The only thing exciting about Wednesday is the fact that it's two days away from Friday bringing us thisclose to the ever exciting weekend, right? Yesterday I spent three steadfast hours glued to my computer researching material for an article that I am anxious to complete. I planned on finishing it tonight but got home late & the second I sat down at my desk, writers block kicked in so what better way to turn it around and wet my writers palette than dishing on the latest this & that!



1st Up: Posh Spice says she's Uggggly naked!
Now, I know you all remember Victoria "Bend it like" Beckham from the upbeat yet unusual pop girl band - The Spice Girls. I was not a fan of the group or unusual songs like "If You Wanna Be My Lover" though they caught my attention with a ballad titled "2 Become 1 ." The song was not vocal mastery but it sounded rather normal considering their previous work so I'd let it play on the radio without turning the station. Now, back to Vicky's ugly nakedness - okay, so she says that childbirth has left her body a little ragged and a lack of a "bum" has left her wishing for a little more bootyliciousness if you know what I mean.

Well, that's often to be expected when one gives birth! Personally, I thought she'd say it's because she's a grown woman who weighs less than a small child (minus the medicine balls injected into her chest... really, can you say "overkill"). I promise to elaborate on this topic in a future post cause I gots LOTS to say about this whole skinny craze nonsense but as for Posh... well, would we even care if weren't for HIM!



2nd Up: Madge wants an African baby!
I heard Madonna was planning a trip to Malawi to possibly adopt a baby there.... I also read that ole' Guy wasn't really feeling the idea. Now, I know they have two children together and apparently two nannies. I remember watching Madonna in a documentary not so long ago, that featured the star with her two children looking a little, um, how do you say... FREEKIN EXHAUSTED! The kids were running everywhere, she looked spent and Guy, well, he was nowhere to be found. Now, you gotta figure having two nannies has got to free up a lotta yoga time for the material girl so when she does spend time with her kids, it should be enjoyable right? Apparently not, cuz D.S.S. looked as though she was going to quickly speed dial her nannies as soon as the cameras stopped rolling... so I ask, WTF with adopting a baby in Africa? Honestly, I think A.J. did it from her heart but if Nikki Finn is just doing this to try to compete or keep up with her..... she'll be in for a rude awakening!



Neeeeexxxt, Grey's Anatomy Brawl??:
I heard there was an altercation on the set of my favorite TV show. . . apparently Patrick Dempsey and Isaiah Washington got into it after Dempsey complained about other actors arriving tardy to the set. It has been reported that Isaiah choked Patrick and a "violent brawl" ensued. Oh no, say it ain't so! If this were reality TV, someone would have to pack their bags, say good-bye to their fellow roomates and head home, followed by a video montage of their best moments in the house set to some emotionally stirring song. (too much Real World, I know)

.. Ok, back to Burke & McDreamy! I love 'em both & considering Grey's Anatomy is so yummy yum yum!, I don't want to see it suffer any bad press or folks 'ego burstin' on the set. Chaundra Rimes is just making a name for herself in this business, don't "hood it up" now, fellas. Act like you been somewhere aaigght! I know what it is, Washington's sweatin that sexy ad campaign Dempsey struck with NY & Co..... it's cool Isaiah, can we get him a deal over-here please!?! Let's see now. . . NY & Co's rival is ummmmm, aha! - The Limited! That's it, just give Washington and Sandra Oh a hot & heavy advertisment for "The Limited" and all is love again.



Site 2 Peek: Have u ever visited the website for Sephora, MAC or Smashbox cosmetics ONLY to purchase a lipgloss and got to browsing around?? After a minute or so, you notice the cost of the mascara you crave or lipstick or latest shade of blush and suddenly you realize you could pay off a small cell bill for the price of one more item. Been there, relate to that!

Well, how exciting would it be to afford the whole darn website for less than $100? Yea, the MAC website for less than $100.... dream on! I found a wonderful little site where you can do just that because I did and it was soooo much fun when that box of goodies arrived, let me tell you! If you love beauty like I love beauty, you'll LOVE this site because every item (except the makeup bags) is just $1, yes, ONE DOLLAR!!!

Click here to watch a video of E.L.F featured on STRIPPED (i love this show)

Eyes. Lips. Face features numerous items from lipsticks to powders to gloss to makeup bags to U NAME IT! The quality's good, shades for all skin types and you can not beat the price. I'm not a blush girl so I skipped that product but I ordered everything else that struck my fancy covering every category and my order came to about $67!

Try it, you'll love it & if you leave with nothing (how could u!), you at least have to try the nail polish remover pads! I kid you not, these things are fantabulous, smell good, are uber moisturizing and 1 pad can handle close to all 10 fingers. Trust - - - you will love!

Oh so much more to say but slumber calls & I must answer in order to make it through yet another dreadful day at my 9-5! Positive, positive thoughts .... I leave you with a lil quote:

"If you cannot get people to listen to you any other way, tell them it's confidential." - Patrick Murray

Chow!

Celebs don't rule this city so check your ego with your luggage!

Beyonce Knowles is no Petite-Patty by any means. As a matter of fact, she's the only female celebrity (besides Kimora) to stand next to Tyra Banks without looking like a dwarf. Standing next to J-Lo, she makes the Latina star look frail in comparison yet somehow her clothing label looks so small the sizes should have an 'A' in front of the number as in "Anorexic 4", "Anorexic 5" and so on.

As I visited the House of Dereon display, I checked out the entire line and quickly realized everything in this line is cut small. I wondered how women built like Beyonce could possibly fit the clothes she designed, so the fact that her recent trip to Chicago ended with a disappointing interview does not surprise me in the least!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE INTERVIEW

She had a fashion show at Macy's one day and headlined the fall fashion extravaganza known as Glamorama the next. Considering the reason for her visit was exclusively to promote her clothing line, (House of Dereon) why wasn't she prepared? Why were the merchants complaining about the size of the clothes they received? Why were all the models featured in her runway show so damn small? And why couldn't she handle the questions asked without turning to mommy for help?

If you are going to launch a clothing line, why not design clothes your fans can afford right off the back? Her clothes are so overpriced that she is in the process of creating a less expensive line for regular people like her FANS. That just seems arrogant. Does Beyonce think her career started with high-end couture? She started out singing about Bills, Bills, Bills for goodness sake! People who can afford high-end couture fashion don't fret much over bills Beyonce. She couldn't afford high end clothes herself which is why her mother had to make those hideous outfits for the entire group! But fast-forward 9 years, a few grammy's and millions of record sales later and suddenly she's forgotten who made her the household name she is today.

I find it odd that Baby Phat and J-Lo's lines are much more reasonably priced when both Kimora Lee-Simmons and Jennifer Lopez have a few years on Beyonce and I am sure they have been strutting around in couture fashions longer than Bey has. Or perhaps they are simply better business women, maybe it's both.

Given her celebrity status, I am glad the reporter was not intimidated and went straight for the real questions concerning the local merchants in Chicago. I also think Beyonce should have addressed the questions asked of her. Her mother just made the situation worse by refusing to discuss it! The interview became a spectacle the minute Tina declined to discuss it "on air" and shut the interview down completely. Actions like that speak volumes about the phony image Beyonce portrays and further fuels speculation that she's not all that bright and a manufactured artist.

She spoke very highly of herself while promoting her latest CD "B-Day" so she should be ready and willing to offer up answers like the "STRONG, CONFIDENT, INTELLIGENT" woman she claims to be and certainly acts the part in her videos. But this interview shows that when the going gets tough and the light shining on Bey isn't highlighting her best qualities, she quickly shuts down and turns to Mama Tina to take the reigns.

What kinda woman is that? More like a little girl who obviously has spent too much time being coached on how to be pretty, appear flawless and serve Jay-Z to know what it takes to stand on her own two feet and weather the perils of her success. This may have served her well when she was a kid but "Suga Mama's" 25 now and from her latest CD and interviews, she's "handlin the damn thing" so she needs to get on her bizzness and see to it that she is aware of what's truly going on. If the stores didn't receive correct sizing then she should have made sure her people delivered the sizes they needed. Or is it the sizes don't exist because unlike Europe and California, Chicago is a food town and honey, women here, well, we eat!

Maybe she needs real management instead of mommy and daddy making decisions because the apron strings are obviously in desperate need of being cut. The lady asked her a question about her clothing line and she looked at her mother who was obviously frazzled herself. Celebrity's must know that into every successful career a little rain must fall and either you handle it or it handles you. If you handle it properly, you can bounce back stronger than ever but if it handles you, your entire career will be over in a flash!

I guess Beyonce "must not know bout Chi, she must not know bout Chi"

P.R. - American Crew Essential Shave Oil

After reading an impressive review for this product, I decided to try it out. I was surprised by the small bottle (1.7 fl oz), considering most shave creams are sold in generous sized cans. This lightly scented oil produces a very smooth shave, so the end result is that it fulfilled its basic purpose but I expected more! Whenever I use a product that's made for a man but recommended by women, I expect the WOW factor. In this case, the drawbacks outweigh the positives by far. This oil gives a very chilly sensation to your skin, and the oily "gook" it produced in my razor, I could certainly do without. It made it difficult to rinse off the gobbledy-gook between each full swoop across the skin. So much harder that I also had to wipe the blade using a face towel, this actually ripped a few holes in my washcloth so not so great. I think I get better results using plain ole hair conditioner or my new love.... Caress Shower Gel - smells great, easy to use, smooth shave, - every time! I will not purchase this product again.

TGIAF!!

The weekend's almost here (Hallelu!) so why not post something laid back, fun & just because right!?!


Favorite things!

Words: Fantabulous (mine), Neo-Urban (mine), Tres, Upscale, Edgy, Vibe
** Update: okay, I found out I can't take credit for "Fantablulous" since I just found out I share the love of this word with a fellow blogger and sista-friend "Coco_fiere"... thanks for the comment!
Foods: The perfect steak fry, Lawry's Prime Rib (California Cut), Chicken Pastina Soup, Byron's Hot Dogs & a hundred other things I shouldn't have.
Thing: IPod, My bed
Places: They don't exist anymore but in memories.
Song: "Lost Without You" by Robin Thicke (Alan Thicke's kid, yes, THAT Alan Thicke), "If I Were A Bird" by Floetry.
Time: Toss up between 1980, 1989, 1991, 1993-1995, 1997-1998
Position: Self-employed (Hey, u read it like u want & I'll read it like I want)
Movie: Many but definitely anything with Carey Grant & Irene Dunne...whatapair!
TV Shows: "24", "Arrested Development", "The Office", "Greys Anatomy", "Chappelle Show", "What About Brian", "New Adventures of Old Christine", "Dancing With The Stars", "American Idol", "Kevin Hill" (best show ever to be canceled), "Fashion Police", "The Actor's Studio", "Entourage", "Weeds" & Sex In The City - (as if!) .... ya know, when I have time to watch TV & all : )
People: I have em, but they already know who they are.

October's Entrance brings Reflections o' Chi

So, what does that mean? Well, for us Chicagoans, it means it's time to haul out the winter clothes we so anxiously put away last May. When I was a kid, my mother would stock away our seasonal clothes in preparation for the new season coming up. For the first 8 years of my life, I had to share a bed with my older sister since we didn't have our own bedroom. (modest beginnings people, tres modest) Our clothes were neatly organized in a dresser located in my parents bedroom. With such little space, my mother would pack away our seasonal clothing into decorative tin cans that I believe originally held popcorn or something or other.

Well, 14 years later (or perhaps a few more, give or take) I still pack away my seasonal clothes and now I must unpack them because one thing October represents here in the W.C. is the "just around the corner" freezing cold weather that you never get used to no matter how long you live in the Midwest. I'm born & raised in this city and it never fails to surprise me how every year, it gets hella cold & every year we say the same thing as if it hasn't happened for the last hundred or so winter's in Chicago "wooo-weee it's cold out there!". We walk the downtown streets shoulders raised to our ears, hands hovered over mouth furiously blowing out white icy air, shuddering in disbelief that it could actually be "this" damn cold outside.

But that's part of what makes Chicago the great city it is, even with the freezing winters, high crime rate, cab drivers from hell & all the other wonders that make one think "relocate - sure, why not!" , I love this city - I grew up here and while California has it's warm weather, regular celeb spottings and is pretty much the pulse of all things "entertainment" and New York has it's theater district, Times Square, all things Fashion, chic magazine houses and is the place to pay your dues before going to Cali and blowin up, I'll take Chicago because this city has character, history, and most importantly, all things me!

From Grant Hospital (where I was born) to the house on Lorel where I spent the early, early years of my existance (all I remember is the cold basement floor & the long winding staircase with the black shiny banister) to sitting in my grandmother's kitchen on Kenmore. Before I was old enough to attend school, we'd spend our days people watching from her window, taking trips to the deli for corn beef on rye, a pack of grape bubble gum & big old fashioned buttery soft glazed donuts fresh from the oven. I loved the smell of Dove East Cleaners and the local butcher shop. Years later, I'd enjoyed handfuls of candy from the train station on my way to Swift every morning.

From there, we moved to the large building on Wolcott Ave, where every saturday morning, I'd grab my cabbage patch kid & walk with my mother to the Jewel on Lincoln, hoping we'd stop at Grocerland on the way home. There, I'd beg for the latest Barbie or Bop magazine. It was in this neighborhood, that I watched a girl get "jumped" into a gang, where I saw lots of crazy activity and heard the frightening sounds of domestic violence going on in the apartment above ours. The next morning, the same couple who caused me to cover my ears in fear, walked out the building and through the courtyard as if love had found them. He was unharmed. She had a cast on her arm. Frightening. It was here that I became a latchkey kid and discovered "crazy man". That neighborhood was brimming with chaos but I really liked the size and style of that apartment. It was huge with an old fashioned closet in the bedroom I shared with big sis. Finally, my childhood started (or so it felt) and ended with the two-flat on Ashland Ave. I was 9 when we moved in and 21 when I moved out. All the years in between were filled with a lot of laughter, silliness, fights, sadness, love, togetherness, life, death and all things that make a family whole.

So with all that I've experienced in this great city, I could never deny it! Chicago is my family's history, no matter where we all ended up, the details will forever be etched in the granite of this town known as the "City of the Big Shoulders" .... if you don't know..... now you know!

Solid Article on Bey's success!

Yes, I like Beyonce's music although I do think she's more well manufactured star than natural "It" girl but these days who isn't? I'm not a member of the AARP but I was an unusual kid so I much preferred American Movie Classics over cartoons any day! This love of watching films rippling with old hollywood glamour, snippy one liners, haughty fast talk accents, sizzling wardrobes & PURE ACTING without scenes packed with violence, in-your-face sex, or stacked with derogatory language, gave me a real insight to what talent looks like since it was part of my early childhood before R rated was even an option. Not only did the actors of old do it with style & distinction but they also endured work environments and pay that would make todays celebrity shudder in shock!

So, without further delay, I encourage you to read this very insightful, fact based article about the success of one of today's hottest stars. I agree with every word - if you don't - well let's just agree to disagree - chow!

Beyonce Article

4 Easy Pieces

It's no secret that I love to shop but I am no fashion snob! From high end to low end prices, I love it all. I have a good eye for quality as proven by all the compliments I receive on my varied stylish assortment of pumps a la' Payless. The funny thing about those compliments is always the look of surprise on the complimenter's (is that a word?) face followed by "Payless!? Realllly?" Yes, Payless - don't hate - navigate - as in the website if you don't wish to pay the actual store a visit. Snobs! Personally, I love the little high of finding adorably styled shoes at a fraction of the cost for high-end pumps, flats, sandals, etc. Throw on some dark shades if you must & get down to Payless pronto - unless you have some sort of aversion to saving yourself some cash ..

Check these out!

So much to love, so little to spend!

Ok, hopefully, I will convert some of you label-whores out there to give the old P.S.S. a try! Now, moving on to a few deliciously yummy finds - I love this Stretch Dress by Shoshanna!

Here are few more lovely, little numbers that I would very much like to call my very own & yes, I know summer's over but here in the Chi, we cherish our summer's since our winter's are nothin nice! Soooo, I'm holding on to the thought of warm summer days a tad longer than I should.

This Stella McCartney Crepe Dress is an interesting twist on the little black dress, no?....




• Black crepe.
• Gathered bodice.
• Drawstring scoop neckline.
• Cap sleeves.
• Slim skirt.

The following dresses inspire visions of a summer breeze, soft curls, a fresh pedi & strappy sandals. They are both "sexy without trying too hard" since they hug & curve in all the right places. Fitted top, lose bottom & vice versa - important rule of fashion.

Cream/Chocolate Cotton Printed Braided Back Dress



Tie Strap Bandana Dress