Ok, so I know it's been AGES since my last update -- and for that I apologize. It's just that life has been sort of a whirlwind, and well, my time hasn't exactly been my own. I'm not using that as an excuse, exactly; I'm just saying that I've been busy.

 
Let's see what's happened since my last update: I've graduated from my Master's program, started a new job in NYC, moved to Brooklyn, moved to Manhattan, and come pretty close to losing my mind a few times. That said, God is STILL GOOD, and I'm finally getting the hang of this crazy city. I now know how to navigate the subway, hail a cab like a lady, ignore immense amounts of outdoor foolishness, and deal with a crazy/lazy landlord (hence the move from BK to Manhattan).
I've started writing restaurant reviews for Heed Magazine (it's a fantastic new lifestyle magazine, founded by the brilliant Saoul Vanderpool -- make sure you check it out), and I'm also the communications director of a Manhattan non-profit.

I am absolutely going to try to keep this thing updated regularly, because well, I have a story to tell. And I think people should (and might actually want to) read that story. My opinions and thoughts are always my own, but I'm finding more and more people who agree with them, so that means it's time to put them down on paper. If I may say so myself, I'm back and better than ever!

xoxox, C

p.s. A name change may soon be in the work. I'll always be an NJ BAP, but I work for too hard for that to be how I am identified. Stay tuned!

The Cast of "The Best Man" Reunites for 12 Year Anniversary of Film Release

Recently, the cast of the 1999 hit movie "The Best Man" reunited to celebrate the twelve year anniversary of the film's release. Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Sanaa Lathan, Taye Diggs, Terrence Howard, Harold Perrineau and the rest of the all-star cast met for a private soiree at BOA restaurant in West Hollywood.

The cast and director. From left:
Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Sanaa Lathan, Harold Perrineau, Melissa De Sousa, Monica Calhoun, Director Malcolm Lee, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut and Terrence Howard

Sanaa, Nia and Regina posing pretty

Director Malcolm Lee had had this to say about the reunion:

"On Saturday, January 29th, the cast and the director of the 1999 film, The Best Man, which opened at #1 in the box-office, got together in West Hollywood for drinks and dinner to reminisce, catch up and discuss the future. It's hard to believe we all haven't been in the same space for over 12 years, but it was like we've seen each other everyday. It was a joy to reunite with the "Black Pack", one of the best casts ever assembled in my view. Judging from the laughs, conversation and smiles we'd all love to find a way to collaborate again. God willing it'll happen."

Find a way to collaborate again?!? Um, can you say The Best Man II?! I'm sure Lance and Mia would still be happily married (though I bet he'd have learned his lesson never to underestimate her again) with a few kids and a dog or two. Harper and Robin would be happily married. Harper would still be writing, but he'd have long since learned his lesson about writing about friends. Quentin and Shelby would be divorced, and fighting the whole time (a la Tasha Smith and Michael Jai White in "Why Did I Get Married). I don't know what would have become of Julian and Candy. The romantic in me would want them to be married, but the realist in me...who knows? And Miss Jordan...fly, fabulous Miss Jordan would be as fancy as ever, still doing her thing, and looking gorgeous while doing it!

I know I'd pay to see that sequel! I remember going to see "The Best Man" when I was a college freshman, and watching it on a weekly basis with my girls once it came out on tape (yes, tape). *Sigh* We need more movies like this!


*cues intro to Stevie Wonder's "As"...

I Just Want To Be Impressed...

I know, I know - it's been a while. I don't know what to tell you. I'm in grad school now, and I have more work than I'd ever dreamed I'd have, so everything else is on the back burner. As I near the end of the quarter, I'm busier than ever, but after talking to a friend in class who's suggested I start a blog, I decided I needed to get this thing back in gear. Thanks for reading... I've missed y'all.

Ok, so here's the thing. When do I get to be impressed? I'm tired of meeting people (guys) who think I'm supposed to be impressed just because they do basic things. When I say basic things, I mean, they simply have a job and aren't in jail. Or don't have kids, or if they do, take care of those kids. Whoopee...same here!

Why do some people think that they deserve a pat on the back for doing things they're supposed to do anyway? I'm not gonna pat you on the back because you pay your bills and taxes...that's what you're supposed to do! I don't understand why people think we're (women) supposed to swoon because you're a "good guy" and because you have a "good job." Forget the job, bruh, let's talk CAREER.

And while I'm ecstatic that you've managed to stay out of jail, what else are you contributing to society? Do you volunteer? Do you coach Pop Warner football or kids' soccer? Are you active within your church community? Do you give back to your community in any way? What's the last book you read (not magazine, BOOK)? Do you have any hobbies? Or do you just sit at home, and think that because you are who you are (who exactly are you, by the way), women are supposed to swoon.

I don't know, somewhere along the line, I (and most of the women I call friends) were taught to want more out of life. Mediocre just isn't good enough...never has been, never will be. I'm not angry, I'm just saying...want more, do better, and TRY! That means a lot. And yes, those traits actually do impress women. Not everyone needs a dude who makes seven figures a year, but please trust and believe that being well-rounded never hurt anybody. Expand your horizons (learn a different language), and tastes (try a different type of food), and interests...that’ll get you a long way. *insert the “The More You Know” jingle here*

The Top Five Deceptions That OFF Men Use

The battle of the sexes is a phenomenon that is as old as the ages. Men always complain about women doing certain things, and vice versa. At the bottom of the debate lies the fact that we will never fully understand each other, and I honestly believe that we aren't supposed to. It just is what it is.

Now, after arriving at work this morning and pouring my cup of coffee, I sat down to check my work e-mail account. In it was an interesting message from my friend about a blog she frequents called SingleBlackMale.org. The link she sent (http://www.singleblackmale.org/2010/09/01/women-fake-looks/)was for a post called "Top 5 Physical Appearance Deceptions Women Use." The article was funny, and the videos the author included gave good examples to back up his claims. From what I read, the article was written in fun, with no hard feelings. It is with this same spirit that I drafted my response...the ladies' version, if you will.

Now, before you read further, please understand that I'm not an angry woman - in fact, I'm far from it. I believe that the majority of men (and people) in general really are good. As with any group, there are a few who give the rest a bad name. My post calls attention to this group.

The SingleBlackMale.org calls the wearing of hair weaves, heels and girdles deceptive tactics women use to fool men, and make ourselves more attractive to them. I will admit to the heels and the occasional shaper (girdle just sounds like such a dirty word)! But what about men and their deception? While it's often less physical (although those drawn-on hairlines and Bigen-enhanced haircuts were never cute), they are still just as, nay, more deceptive than women.

#5 Naw, Baby, my cell phone battery died!

While we know it can and does happen, if your phone battery is ALWAYS dead or dying, it's time to either replace it, or be replaced.

#4 Naw, Baby, you know I make $xxx, xxxx a year!

While there may be an actual job, sometimes it's not what you make it out to be. Just because you work at that law firm, it doesn't make you an actual lawyer. Just because you work at that hospital, it doesn't make you a doctor. Just be honest...it'll make us respect you more. If there's not an actual job, keep it moving, Homie.



#3 Naw, Baby, I'm not cheating on you!

Women never respect a cheater. In all honesty, we'd respect men a lot more if, instead of cheating, they'd just opt to leave. No woman wants to be number two (three, four or five) in a man's life. There are always more fish in the sea, believe that.



#2 Naw, Baby, I'll never do it again!

In my Maury-watching days, I saw this man on the show more than a little bit. Honestly, I believe Maury is scripted, but if it isn't, and if I saw this man walking down the street, I'd want to give him a Louis Vuitton beat down, simply for putting his wife through this heartache. Seriously dude? You cheat on your wife, and tell her in front of the whole world?



#1 Naw, Baby, we only keep in contact because of the kid(s)!

While this is sometimes the case, most of the time it's not. If she's as terrible as you say she is, why are you still dealing with her on that level? Please refer back to #3 for the rest of this answer.

(4:25-6:32)


So there you have it. Neither gender has a monopoly on deception or truth telling. And the differences are what attract us to one another. Some exaggerations are harmless, and others aren't. That's why it's so imporant to observe and take the time to get to know the person you're choosing to be with. The hope is that once you know a person, and accept that person for who he or she is, the need for deception will be nonexistent.

NJ BAP's 2010 Emmys Best Dressed List

I've always found it interesting to hear who "fashion industry experts" deem the best and worst dressed at awards shows. Sometimes I agree, but I often don't. Fashion and style are largely personal, which in reality, doesn't give anyone the right to truly judge who looked best and who looked the worst. So these are MY observations of who looked the best, based on what I saw. Some of you will agree, some of you won't - and that's perfectly fine. Like what you like, when you like...because I know I sure do!

*All photos have been lovingly borrowed from Jezebel.com's "Emmys Fashion Roundup: Good, Bad, And Ugly" - http://jezebel.com/5625304/emmys-fashion-roundup-good-bad-and-ugly/gallery/ *

Claire Danes

Ok, I thought Claire Danes looked gorgeous! That DRESS! What can I say? I'm a girly girl, and I love sparkly things. The dress was simple, yet elegant, and it worked well with her shape. She kept the accessories to a minimum, and I think she could have worn a simple diamond bracelet, but because the dress was so sparkly, she gets a pass.

Jenna Fischer

I also liked Jenna Fischer's gown. I'll be honest, I didn't love the hardware at the bust or around the waist, but the color, fabric and general flow of the gown are gorgeous! As a die hard The Office fan, it's always refreshing to see her in something other than business suits, cardigans and dress shirts. I think this is a good look for "Pam." "Kelly Kapoor" would be proud!

Jayma Mays

I really liked Jayma Mays' gown. It was simple, classic, and just very pretty. A lot of ladies opted to wear navy gowns last night, and that makes a lot of sense, because I've always said that navy is just like black, but with more style and personality. It's the perfect color to wear when you want to look regal, but not stuffy. I don't really care for her accessories, but she looked really pretty. AND it doesn't hurt that she's a character from two shows I love...Ugly Betty (R.I.P) and Glee! Color me happy!

Carrie Preston

Ok, I loved Carrie Preston's look! The gown is abstract and pretty, but the contrast between the turquoise and terra cotta in her gown and her hair is AMAZING! The style of the dress is extremely flattering, but honey that COLOR CONTRAST is great! If I'd been on that red carpet, my eyes would have directly gone to her because the whole look is just eye catching. Good job, Carrie! Or Carrie's stylist, or whoever dressed her. She looked great!

Christina Hendricks

I think I really liked Christina Hendricks' gown, but I'm not quite sure. The color is GORGEOUS! I like certain aspects of the dress - the cut, the pleats, the sleeves are all great! I'm not sure how I feel about the fringe...I think it's ok. What I don't care for, however, is the design on the bodice. I think it makes the dress look unnecessarily mature. Maybe if designer Zac Posen had alternated the panels between the lighter fabric at the hips, and the darker color of the rest of the gown it would have worked better for me. That might be too much with the fringe, but in that case, the fringe could have gone out the window. All in all, Christina looked very pretty and I think the gown was a fantastic pick for the Emmys!

Kristen Wiig

I liked Kristen Wigg's dress. I think it was fun, and different. What I didn't like, however, was the fit. It looks like she's wearing her older sister's dress, which stinks, because Kristen is a REALLY funny lady.

Heidi Klum

My last mention is none other that Ms. Heidi Klum. Her LBD was ok, but that's not why I'm mentioning her. She WORE that dress! Now I understand that she's a model, but she and hubby Seal also have like 12 kids (I enjoy the art of exaggeration), and she STILL looks phenomenal. Get em, Heidi!

Happy Father's Day, J.N.!

As Father's Day approaches, it's only appropriate that I dedicate a post to my Dad, J.N. He's truly the greatest!

I guess I'm what you would call a "Daddy's Girl." I'm the middle child of three, and the only girl. My Dad and I have always been close - in fact I still let him call me by the pet names he's called me for 28 years. And before you ask, no, I'm not telling! If you know me, or if you know him, you already know! ;-)

My Dad is seriously one of the kindest and gentlest men I've ever met. After serving Jesus, his family has ALWAYS been his top priority. He and my mom will celebrate 31 years of marriage in a few weeks, and their relationship stands as a testament that marriage, and BLACK marriage really can work. Dad has set an example for my brothers to follow as husbands (one is married, one is dating), and he's also taught me (through both word and deed) what to expect from the guys I choose to date.

I know Chris Rock says that you aren't supposed to celebrate people for doing things they are supposed to do. I get that. However, in a time when so many men are opting not to take care of (support/nurture/get to know) their kids, the men who do should absolutely get their kudos. Not only is my Dad a great father, he's also a wonderful son. As I type this, he's on the phone with my Grandma who lives 1,100 miles away, conducting their weekly Bible study.

So yeah, I just wanted to let it be known that I really do have the best father in the world! Happy Father's Day, J.N.!

Disrespect Starts At Home

Video courtesy of Komonews.com

I'm sure you have seen the video clip of the Seattle police officer punching a teenaged girl in the face. I know that's what people are calling it, and the punch is one aspect of the video, but in my opinion, it is not the major issue.

If you watch closely, or really, if you watch the video at all, you'll see the struggle that was taking place from the very beginning between the officer and the girl he was trying to arrest. Apparently, the girl in the black shirt was being arrested for jaywalking, and was trying her hardest to resist the arrest. Her friend in the pink clearly had an issue with it, so she started trying to pull the police officer off of her friend, and she ended up pushing the officer. To me, that is where everything went left. What gave the young lady in the pink the idea that she could strike a police officer? Even before that, what gave her the idea that she had the right to interfere with an arrest? I think it started at home - more specifically, with a lack of home training. Now, please understand that I think the police officer was wrong for punching the girl in the face - he could have done something else. But I get the idea that he'd be under similar scrutiny if he'd maced or tased the girl. The fact is that a police officer has the right to subdue a person who is interfering with an arrest. The girl should have respected his authority as a police officer, and let him do his job. In stead, she treated him the way she would have treated one of her peers, and got in his face and pushed him. Let me reiterate the fact that the cop did not have to punch her in the face, but he did need to do something to get the situation under control. After the girl in the pink was subdued, he went back to try to restrain her friend, who was STILL resisting arrest.

I know it sounds like a cliché to say that kids today have no respect, and I guess it some ways it is a cliché. However, it is also true. Today’s kids have a lot less respect for adults than they did when I was growing up. Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought to put my hands on a police officer, teacher, or my parents (I would not be alive to tell the story if I had). That wasn’t something I had to be told – I just knew it was wrong. Somewhere along the way, though, this girl learned that it was ok to put her hands on somebody who wasn’t doing what she wanted them to do.

Should the police officer be punished? Maybe, simply because he could have exercised better judgment than to punch a teenaged girl in the face. In the long run, though, he should be allowed to keep his job, and any pay, benefits, etc. that he would normally receive.

This isn’t a racial issue (so please don’t try to make it one). That is precisely why I waited until this last paragraph to even speak on race. This is simply a situation where a girl thought she could disrespect authority was taught a very valuable lesson.

People Don't Write No More...

Where are the real songwriters? I'm sitting here listening to "Never Keeping Secrets," by Babyface, and it just hit me - you really don't hear lyrics like this anymore. Nobody sings about love, it's just all sex, and "how much money can you give me," and my "bi**h is badder than yours." I mean, I guess there's a time and place for everything, but it seems like the time is overwhelmingly ALL the time, and the place is the whole of Planet Earth.

I don't know what it is, I guess people and standards have changed. I'm not meaning to sound old, because I'm really not, but there are very few new artists who sing about anything of real substance. Anyone who knows me knows I love Anthony Hamilton's music. Anthony sings about life, love and real situations.
To quote Anthony's "Never Love Again":

A man don't usually fall no more than twice
And if he does you'll never know 'cause he won't say
For the fear of being used, taken twice by the heart
It's in his nature to be afraid
He starts to wonder if it's really right, to let his past take control of his life
Maybe I'll run into hope, someone that's right for me
And share love freely and fall in love again.

That man is singing about something he knows!

Now take a gander at these lyrics from The Dream's
“Rocking That Thang":

Girl I'm in love with you baby, and I want you to know
That I'm hooked on your body, and I'm trying to be yours
Hear my words for their worth
Ain't just tryna get in your clothes
Okay, I'm lying. Damn you fine
And uhm...

Lol, what an appropriate ending to that stanza. "Um...what?!?" To each his/her own, but how can people listen music like this ALL the time?

When did people stop expecting substance in their lyrics? You know what, I'll tell you - the moment the first R. Kelly album went platinum. People (mostly your cousins), love to talk about how talented of a writer R. is, but really, his lyrics are pretty basic. I think I've discovered his lyric writing strategy - as long as it rhymes, and makes people dance, it's fair game. Think about the "Ignition" lyrics. And no I'm not typing them, because most likely you already know them. That song was HOT the year I graduated from college, and I'm not gonna lie, I liked the remix, but mostly to laugh at. Let's be real – lyrics like these are the reason he's not in jail now! It really seems like, in our community, as long as you can make people dance, you can do no wrong. That's sad. I wonder if they'll make a movie about him like they did Jerry Lee Lewis.

Now don't get me wrong, I like a catchy song with basic lyrics every now and then (Jamie Foxx's "Blame It" is one of my favorites), however, my musical taste is mature enough that I see a song like that for what it is. Simply put, it’s just a fun song, not something to emulate or really see any substance in. And no, I'm not saying that lyrics always have to be deep, but just like the company you keep, I'm convinced that listening to stupid, mindless music all the time makes you stupid and mindless.

I Enjoy Being A Girl: Nails

So nails are my new obsession. I've always been into basic nail care, you know weekly manicures and of course pedicures every two weeks in the summer. But recently, I've been really into nails...new polishes, designs, techniques, etc. I guess it all started with my desire to try Minx. While watching an episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, in which a group of them went to get Minxed. I'd been wanting to go for a while, but I'd forgotten, so while watching RHOA, I set a Blackberry reminder to call the next day for an appointment. The next day I called, and made my appointment with the Minx specialist, and the rest is history.



My first Minx manicure, September 2010
Manicurist: Shabela C.





My second Minx manicure, April 2010
Manicurist: Shabela C.





OPI Axxium gel laquer in Bubble Bath.Bubble Bath used to be my shade of choice a few years ago. When I say shade of choice, I mean I got that color EVERY week!
Manicurist: Shabela C.




Mint Candy Apple (Essie) and pearl nail design, June 2010
Manicurist: Shabela C.



My manicurist is the best! She stays abreast of all of the new trends, and colors, and because of that, I usually end up getting whatever color she recommends. As a result, my favorite colors of 2009-2010 are: OPI's Russian Navy, Essie's Mint Candy Apple and OPI's You Dont Know Jacques. As I said earlier, I used to get OPI's Bubble Bath EVERY week! After I got tired of Bubble Bath, I moved on to Essie's Waltz, which is a little more white, but I love it, too. More recently, though, I've embraced color. So much so, in fact, that it's weird to look down at my nails and not see color. I just love being versatile!

While I'm shouting out my nail technicians, I also need to tell you about my pedicurist, Helen. Helen does the best pedicure ever! She takes her time, and really pampers your feet. The polish selection at her salon, Hollywood II Nails is pretty much only OPI and Essie (I'm a polish snob, so you know I love that), and she has just about every color.

So yeah, I thought I'd share. I'd love to hear from my readers about their favorite colors, techniques, etc.

Who Really Cares?

So everyone is up in arms about a rapper who will remain unnamed's comments about how he prefers white women over black women*. Big freaking deal! He's entitled to like what and who he likes - so is everyone else.

Does he sound ignorant? Of course. But why is everyone surprised? This man isn't a well respected scholar. He's not a theologian who's been charged with the task of enlightening the public or educating children. He's a semi-famous rapper. I mean really, his claims to fame are:

I don't take 'em out to eat
I ain't here to trick or treat
I ain't trying to fix your weave
I ain't heard of that
I'm just here to train ho's
Put 'em on the main road
Teach 'em how to 'Change Clothes'
I know you heard of that

and

...To keep my hands in my pants, I need to glue 'em with glue

*insert side-eye here*

The reality is this, sistas wouldn't even be checking for said rapper if he was not just that, a semi-famous rapper. Nobody would even care about his comments. I,for one, wouldn't give him a second look if I passed him on the street. He’s not my type. I’m educated, I work everyday, and I’m not trying to settle down with, marry and raise a family with a man who thinks, sounds or looks like him.

This situation is not a loss for us. News flash - said rapper's girl probably isn't with him for any reason other than his semi-successful (and I mean that in a nice way) rap career. If he prefers women who'll do whatever he says, and who treat him like the bejeweled trout-mouthed king he aspires to be, so be it. Not a loss! Get over it!

Having said that, I'd like to know what exactly black women need to do to stand by our men. I'll tell you one thing, I'm not gonna stand by a guy who is clearly misogynistic. Respect me, and you'll get the same in return. And this really isn't a black or white issue - it's a common sense vs. sheer ignorance issue. Why is it only women who are told our standards are too high? If I've worked hard, and if I'm taking care of my business, why shouldn't I want someone with the same values? I think that's just an excuse for piss poor dudes to express their sense of entitlement. I believe in giving credit where it's due. I also believe in telling it like it is.

* If you're unfamiliar with the rapper's comments, check them out here, courtesy of Vibe.com. http://www.vibe.com/posts/slim-thug-black-women-need-stand-their-man-more

Let's Try This Again

Hi Lovelies! I know it's been a while, and I'm sorry. I've been busy! I'm going to try (key word "try") to update my blog regularly. People always tell me that I should blog, which is flattering, but also a bit discouraging because I DO blog! I just don't do it like I should. I'm a very opinionated person, and I have a comment for just about everything, so why not share them with everyone?

Let's see. Life is pretty busy right now, work is cool (both my 9-5, and my baby...Blush Bleu Events), church is great, family is great. I'm just in a place where I'm trying to figure out my next move. I don't have anything to complain about per se, but I feel like my life is lacking excitement. I have a good social life, but part of me feels like I should be utterly fabulous by this point...and I'm just not there. I'm not complaining; don't get me wrong, it's just that I'm not the "fake it till you make it" type. I'm not gonna sit up here and act like I'm not trying to keep myself on a budget, cause I am. I'm almost 30 (I'm holding on to that year and a half for dear life, lol), and I have to make responsible decisions. Having said that, I try to do what I can do, when I can do it. And it normally turns out pretty well. :-)

Sidebar: Why do people lie about little things? We both know you aren't doing it like that...I'm just too nice to call you out. Lol, see, I told you I have a comment about everything. Being humble really is the way to go. People will like you better if you're humble. Ok, enough with the PSAs (for now).

Random thought: Where is my Emily King CD? I bought it a few years back, and it fits me perfectly. I need to find it, so I can put it in my iTunes! Also, Frank McComb needs to do a show in the United States SOON...preferably in New Jersey or Philadelphia so I can go. Mellow, soulful singing from REAL singers warms my soul!

Ok, that's enough for this post! I'm trying to go to bed earlier, so I can actually get eight hours of sleep. Until next time! :-)

- C

Follow me: twitter.com/NJ_BAP

Rants and Raves - September 2009

1. Why is it that I always spend more at M.A.C. than I intend to?

2. Is it just me, or are the flight attendants on U.S. Airways flights becoming increasingly rude? Don't blame me because you hate your job!

3. Please do NOT go through unethical means to get somebody's phone number! Guys (or girls), just because have access to a lady's (or guy's) phone number because you work together, are in the same organization, etc., it doesn't give you permission to use it without their consent. Trust if he or she wanted you to have it, they'd have given it to you!

4. I just can't watch "Jon & Kate Plus 8" anymore. It's not the same :-(

5. People who constantly complain about Tyler Perry and his movies need to take a seat! If you want to make "better" movies, do so! This make makes movies that are aimed at the Black community, period. Some of the characters can be a bit much at times, but they're nothing if they aren't realistic! Even the most bougie people out there have/had at least one family member who acts/acted like Madea. Get over it! I don't see you selling out any box offices...

6. Why do people volunteer lies? If I've never asked you for anything, why would you lie to me about what you plan to do? OFF!

7. Tyra Banks just needs to stop. She tries so hard to remain relevant...it's not working! I stopped watching ANTM like two years ago.

8. I miss "Girlfriends." I was watching a rerun on BET the other night, and got a little sad. Same with "The Game."

9. Nail salons in the hood do great designs! Suburban salons do great French manis/pedis, but if you want a fab design, you have to go to the city.

10. Yelp.com gives GREAT restaurant reviews. Real reviews, by real people (including yours truly!) - check it out!

New Attitude!

Hey there fellow B.A.P.s! Miss me? I've missed y'all!

As the summer comes to a close (I refuse to believe it's over), I can honestly say that I had the best summer I've had in years! I was up and down 95 a few times (between NY and DC), went to NC, Tennessee and Puerto Rico - all in all, I had a ball. Because I work in government, my summer doesn't really begin until July 1, but I had an action-packed July and August.

Oh, and I cut my hair. Now anyone who knows me (and most of you don't) know that cutting my hair was a BIG deal! Don't get me wrong, I never had waist-length locs, but my hair has always been on the longer side (shoulder length and longer) and well taken care of. I've been natural for the past 4 years, but after a mishap with a prescription shampoo (e-mail me for the details), I suffered severe texture damage, which left me unable to wear my natural curls. I pressed my hair once a week for about six months, and then alternated between salon presses and twist sets. Once summer hit, I was ready for a change, and I'd been warning my hairstylist for months that it was coming. I'm pleased to say that my stylist gave me the PERFECT cut - I love it! I'd never considered myself to be a short-hair girl, and other than my asymmetrical (Rihanna) bob two years ago, I'd never really had short hair. But now all of that has changed! I don't know, short hair just makes me feel different...sexy and more mature. Lol, my father has even taken to singing Patti Labelle's "New Attitude" to me, because he says he can tell a difference. Whatever it is, I'm embracing it! My experience has taught me to be confident in me, and nothing else. For years I feel like I hid behind my hair...I was always "the one with the hair." And while that was flattering, I feel like I fell prey to "being" my hair. Ladies, we have to be comfortable with ourselves and know that we are beautiful regardless! Of course we all have our days when we'll feel less than fabulous (who doesn't?), but just know that you make or break your look and your attitude!

Rants and Raves - June 2009

1. When will people who have NEVER watched "Jon & Kate Plus 8" stop trying to act like they know what they're talking about now that the family is all over the news?

2. Whoever wrote "Birthday Sex" needs to be tarred, feathered, banished to a room with Damon from "Friday After Next."

3. Why do some bloggers take themselves so seriously? You write and gossip about other people's lives for a living, but get mad when a celebrity calls you out - what kind of sense does that make? Just because someone is famous, it doesn't make EVERYTHING they do our business!

4. I hate it when I get a Facebook friend request from somebody I don't like, who I know doesn't like me. If we can't stand each other normally, why would I want to be your Facebook friend? Stop being nosey!

5. I can't stand people who always feel the need to "one-up" others. If you don't sit your "Penelope" (from SNL) tail down...you sound just as foolish as she does! For those of you who aren't familiar...meet "Penelope."

6. I'm sure I've said this before, but I'm gonna say it again. If you're gonna ride in the left lane, you need to MOVE! There is no reason why you should be driving 65 in the left lane on 295 or the Turnpike!

7. Why do movies seem to be getting more and more Satanic? Seriously, who even wants or needs to see all of that!?! Jesus, please be a fence!

8. TruVibe is fabulous! Check them out! http://www.myspace.com/truvibeproductions

9. Why don't I get WEtv? This is what I'm missing, and I'm NOT pleased!

10. Who chose Ashanti to play Dorothy in The Wiz? And is that person aware that you have to sing, dance AND act simultaneously? This should be interesting!

Jon & Kate Plus 8

As a long-time and faithful fan of TLC's "Jon & Kate Plus 8" it is only fitting that I devote a post to the controversy surrounding the show. While the couple's separation is public, and as the divorce rumors grow, the media seems to be forgetting about the feelings of eight very special little people - Cara, Mady, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah and Joel. While these kids have been on TV since they were in diapers, they do not deserve to have their family's business dragged through the mud. Whatever their parents' issues are, the kids deserve their privacy. I can't sit here and even begin to act like I know how it feels to have my parents separate (they've been married for 30 years), but I can only imagine that it would be 100 times worse knowing that the entire world was talking about it.

Now, don't get me wrong - it's obvious that this couple has issues. And it seems like America saw these issues before Jon and Kate did. They're two very different people, with two very different personalities. However, I've said from the beginning that I don't believe that Jon cheated on Kate - mainly because he's just not that stupid. I think he's just tired of having his family's business and dirty laundry aired on national television once a week, and all day long on holidays. They have very different personalities, and I think they got tired of butting heads. I'm not here to pass judgment or blame. Instead, I just hope and pray that they get it together for their kids. This is a Christian couple, a couple who just renewed their vows last year and promised their children that they would be together forever. What better testimony would this couple have, than to have weathered this storm and come out better and stronger because of it? Instead of passing judgment and assigning blame, we need to pray for the Gosselin family.

Guess Who's Coming to Scranton?

I *heart* NBC and its writers! Seriously, they found a way to make an already perfect show even more perfect. Enter Idris Elba! *swoon* Elba made his The Office debut last night as Charles Minor, the new Jan/Ryan. He came to Dunder Mifflin, ready to work, but it seems like his character sees himself as the only one who really takes company time seriously.

Of course he would show up on the one day that Jim (John Krasinski) takes his torment of Dwight (Rainn Wilson)one step higher by actually donning a tuxedo and bowtie for work. I'm hoping that Elba's character won't turn out to be another "angry black man" - we all love Stanley (Leslie David Baker), but one angry brotha is enough! I am very interested to see how Elba's character will progress on the show, especially considering his character's struggles with Jim and Michael (Steve Carell).

Ooh, how could I forget?? The hands-down, funniest moment of last night's show was Kelly (Mindy Kaling) discussing the struggles that her children with Minor (wishful thinking at its best!) would have being the children of a Black-Indian couple, literally knocking down the camera guy in her attempt to find Minor before he left so he could ask her out. Just as funny was Angela's (Angela Kinsey) progression as one who finds Minor "not unattractive" to one who seems to fancy him (she stole his scarf).

Hooray for Idris and The Office!

I...SIMPLY...CAN'T!

This video is hilarious! This Mother (pronounced "Mutha") is schooling the "sang-uh" ladies on how to wait until he "puts a ring on it!" I HOLLERED when I saw this! Enjoy!

Now They Are ROLLIN'!!!

One of the other blogs I frequent posted a video about Memphis' own "Mo' Money Taxes," so I felt compelled to share that one, as well as a few others. I first saw these tragic specimens about 5 years ago when I went to Memphis to visit family for Christmas. I want to say that the beauty shop video was the first one I saw, and shortly thereafter I saw the "ATTENTION!!" video. The last one is one I just saw today. I know I shouldn't laugh, I know, but I can't help it. We've GOT to do better!

The 'Howl at the Moon Tour*' Hits Vegas

So I didn't watch the De La Hoya-Pacquaio fight this weekend, but apparently it was a "Man down", "Code 10" situation before the first punch was thrown. Why people continue to let Keyshia Cole sing our Nation's theme song is beyond me. Jazmine Sullivan,Beyonce,Jennifer Hudson, and 1989 Whitney Houston....where are you when we need you? I wasn't even going to mention the "Dreamgirls" wig, turned backwards to be "different." She should have learned from Effie White that fake hair doesn't always cut it. Chick looks like she used an entire can of Aqua Net to set her coiffure. Ruining what's left of the Ozone Layer is not what's hot in the streets.



*Terminology borrowed from C&D

Michelle Obama: Style Icon

Our soon-to-be First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama, Esq. (gotta love that)is already proving to be something of a fashion plate, and I do believe she's on the fast track to becoming a full-fledged style icon (I'm talking to Jackie O. proportions). Please don't forget what happened when she wore that $148 Donna Ricco dress on The View! It's no surprise that a number of designers are beating down Mrs. O's door, submitting their sketches for their idea(s) of the perfect ensembles her and the girls for the upcoming Inaugural events. Some of the ideas are FLY, and some aren't so fly. Take a gander and let me know what you think!


Here are my top choices for gowns for the many Inaugural balls that will be thrown in and around the District.

#1

Badgley Mischka

#2

Christian Lacroix


#3

Christian Lacroix


#4

Monique Lhullier


#5


Christian Lacroix

A few designers have also submitted daytime attire, that I'm assuming is for the actual swearing-in.

Here are my top choices.

#1
This one literally made me gasp! I love it!

Who else but, Christian Lacroix.

#2

Considering the fact that this (and all) Presidential swearing-in will take place outdoors in January, I'm gonna need Peter Som to design a fabulous winter white coat to go along with this ensemble.

Here's my top choice for Malia and Sasha for a ball.


These designs by Bonnie Young are fabulous without being too "grown."

For the rest of the designs for the already fly Obama ladies, visit WWD.com.