Learning the Language...

I have embarked on a mission to learn European Spanish or Castellán as it is know over there. Attempting to secure a copy of Rosetta Stone has been unsuccessful especially with it costing upwards of $500...doesn't anyone have a copy I can borrow for a few day?! The goal for me is to be able to not only add a new language to my growing repertoire but also to communicate with my cariño in Spain. I want to know and understand the language well enough to have an entire conversation with him in Spanish. He has been a great teacher so far but I have embarked on a cultural expedition to know and learn about Spain and the culture. I'm not just trying to be impressive to anyone I may meet in the future but I actually enjoy learning about other cultures besides my own. What makes this experience especially great is that while he teaches me I can teach him (though he speaks English already). Who knows where this may go but I can always say that at least I put in the effort and have learned a new language.

Wigs! Lashes! Candles!

I'm directing this video at my office as part of my team's efforts to submit a funny video. I never rememner all the drama and frustration that one has to endure when directing folks until after I accept the job or task and the bull begins. Le sigh, I deal with it as best as possible and move on trying to complain to the person who I think will understand the most until I either feel better or annoy myself. Though we didn't get everything shot in one night I think we do have some potential and that the video is actually going to be funny when it is finished. There is so much more to this story than what I am typing but I will build a bridge and get over it. I really want to win after all of this!

NY Fab: The Knicks Finally Won!

I had the pleasure of being invited to the Knicks game last night by one of my great girlfriends. We sat courtside and took in the game while we occasionally peeked over to one of the scorers screens to check the Yankees/Phillies game. Throughout the first 3 quarters I could see why many of the fams had lost faith in the team and their abilitie, especially when I noticed they missed several simple layups even when no one was chasing them. I had to let out a sigh and hope for the best. Even with several disappointing misses the Knicks managed to stay ahead until the third quarter. Once the 4th quarter rolled around however, something changed, the tram began playing like they were getting paid and had love for the game. They scored, made the shots and kept their slight lead until the end winning 117 -111. I had to give it to the Knicks because they seemed to be the only NY team to win last night leaving the Yankees and the Giants to suffer defeat to their opponents.

This being my first basketball game I attended on the NBA level I would say thr experience was a great one. Its always nice to sit close enough so you can really see and get a feel of the game and the action that takes place. I personally thought that one of the funniest moments for me was watching the two old men in the front of us take close up crotch and booty shots of the Knick city dancers when they hit the court. This didn't happen once or twice it was more like 6 times. I'm not sure what that man is going to dow ith those photos but I am totally sure he won't be showing them to anyone anytime soon.

NY Fab: 'Empire State of Mind' Video

Jay-Z dropped his newest video featuring Alicia Keys for Empire State of Mind and I ABSOLUTELY love it! The black and white stills that are fused together to accompany the beat and baseline of the music reminds me of Gordon Parks' works of real people. Capturing iconic landmarks, streets and people and mixing them with the New Yorkers that live in and literally run this city is a perfect blend of what New York is all about. The lyrics speak so true to natives as well as transplants like myself, this is the concrete jungle where dreams are made. These streets do inspire you to be different, be better, be you all at the same time. There is nowhere else in the world like New York. You have to stop here on your travels to the top, come back on your journey home and stay awhile if you want to feel the energy of 8 million strong.

Another reason why I love this video is the ending where they close out singing on the lighted steps of Times Square. I share a wonderful date with my boo there and since he is not American and loves NY, this video will hold a special place in my heart.

Halloween: The Bey Everyone Wanted to See

This was my first halloween in NYC that I dressed up in costume and went out to party with the local crazies. I must say it was a lot less hectic than I thought it would be although all across the city every MJ, Prince and Snow White were out running in the streets. I decided to go all out and dress as Beyonce from the Single Ladies video.  A simple enough costume to put together but somewhat daring and risque to wear out into the big apple night. I knew that if I was going to do the look I had to go all the way with it! Cue the hair extensions, shimmery tights and shoulder pads. I did a complete transformation and look almost identical to Bey.

All of the places that I hit up immediately knew who I was and absolutely loved my outfit. I went to Eva Marcille's birthday party and there the DJ turned on the song and I did an impromtu concert for the entire party. Cameras were flashing everywhere and so many people took photos of me and with me. I wasn't sure who most of them were or where they were going to wind up until a friend of mine spotted me on Stuff Fly People Like. All in all it was a great night out with friends in a city I love. Now the only thing left to do is start thinking of a costume for next year. I must say that I thought I was going to see more people dressed like Beyonce but I personally saw none. As a matter of fact I didn't see many Lady Gaga's or Rhianna's either. I guess the days of dressing like a female popstar went out of the window with Madonna and Cher.

The Reviews Are In: This Is It!

 

The last documentation of the musical legend Michael Jackson opened Wednesday the 28th and I could not wait to see it. I made plans with my co-workers to go check it out, I knew that it was going to be an experience of great magnitude for me, not only becasuse the King of Pop is no longer with us but also because he passed away two weeks before my grandmother and I felt like I lost my entire childhood within an months time.

I'm sure you would say its odd for me to link my grandma and MJ to my entire childhood but they were very important parts. I spent my summers with my aunt and grandma in Virginia and would have a wonderful time playing with cousins, doing the crossword puzzle and also scoring lemon balls from my grandmas purse during church service. She was pretty much my first playmate and would alwaysa have a time for a game of hide and seek with me in our house. Michael envoked the performer in me, as he did with many kids, he had the coolest videos, the hottest songs, the baddest clothes, and the hugest star power. What was not to love about this man! To this day I don't know many people that were not a fan of this man. His was the first concert I ever went to at 8. I wasn't into anyone else because at that time no one else mattered to me. I can remember performing the Bad concert in my living room to cassette tape while my mom was nearby reading the paper in the dining room. That was the routine most weekends and probably a few weeknights too!

Alas, the final performance is here and I must say....I was completely moved by the documentary that the team put together. It was wonderful to see MJ full of life and being such a wonderful performer. Always the perfectionist he has to get things exactly right for the fans because after all as he says, its all for love. The effects, the time, the details, the dancers; every aspect of the show was wonderful and I know that the London audiences would have been witness to something magnetic, magical and unable to be duplicated by any other artist. Watching the film you didn't see any of the hardships Michael endured whether in his childhood or checkered adult life. He was just a man who was humble, kind, respectful and gracious enough to think of his fans and the world first. He will forever be in our hearts and minds as the greatest and will always be the King of Pop.

Style Files: Fashion Show at Madame X

I did a show for a friend of mine last night at Madame X in Soho. I'd never been to to the location before but I wasn't shocked to see nude photos, red velvety furniture and dark lighting when I arrived. The show was a kickoff to a masquerade party that was being hosted there. The collection was a mostly for the modern, chic bride and psoibbly her court. It was fun and enjoyable and if I do say so myself I love to dress up especilly I bridal dresses.

The snags came way before the show wher the makeup artist who knew she was on a time crunch decides not to show up on time but an hour after she ws supposed to get there. How she thought she was going to do 10 girls makeup in an hour I don't know, this is not splatter paint its makeup! By the time my turn came for the makeup I let her know that i was wearing one of the bridal gowns and she said "ok well then i think we should make you look like a doll!" Let's just say that when she was all done I looked a lot like a qupie doll or the face to the left....all in all not a look I would wear on a daily basis but for show purposes why not. Although it was entertaining riding the subway home after the show and seeing all the looks on peoples faces. Some laughed, some looked away and some stared and with a confused head shake went the other way. Oh well....only in New York right?

First Lady Files: Glamour Covers Michelle

Our beautiful first lady is gracing yet another magazine cover with the new upcoming issue of Glamour Magazine! Oh how do I love thee, First Lady Michelle! She looks open friendly and just enough of a cross between example mom and sexpot. The rich color of her dress brings out the beautiful cocoa color of her skin tone. In the issue, Mrs. Obama answers the viewers questions and give some good sound advice about relationships and what you should really look for.


I adore Michelle. She is a picture of strength, beauty, independence, compassion and responsibility. She is absolutely a role model that young girls should be looking to, especially nowadays. I love that she has put a large emphasis on mentoring girls and women on their worth and power that they have. That message is not projected enough throughout our communities today and its so important for young girls to know that they count, they are worth everything and then some and that they can do more if they just use there heads and sense.

Spotted! Taimak

Coming from a fitting last night in Soho I spotted the former Bruce LeRoy outside a local movie theatre with a date. I immediately noticed him because I had just seen his 'Life After' episode on BET. After all these years he still is easy on the eyes and since he still teaches and parctices martial arts I know his body is still in pristine condition!

Foodie Files: Primehouse New York

Dinner with some co-workers was a great idea when we decided to plop our hides down at Primehouse New York. The decor was very modern but with an old school feel to it, if you can imagine such a thing. The service was great although we did notice that we were the only female entorage in the place. Usually one is accustomed to smaller portions (even if it is a steakhouse) in an upscale restaurant because that is the way it should be. However, here we were pelasently surprised that the portions were actually quite large! Everything from the side table made ceaser salad to the chicken and scallops were of large proportion. How refreshing to see that a restuarant this pricey would actually still serve you an entire entree and not leave half of it in the kitchen.

I reccommend this not budget friendly establishment to have a nice meal and chat it up with your guests. Yes, the restaurant is quiet enough for you to hear your fellow man...or woman.

http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/primehouse_new_york/index.php

The Reviews Are In: Precious

I attended the pre screening of the new movie Precious which is based on the book Push by Sapphire. The film stars 26 year old newcomer, Gabourey Sidibe, as the title character along side comedienne Monique as her abusive mother, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz round out the ensemble. I wasn't sure how they were going to let some parts of the book be portrayed on screen as the material is far past an R rating. This girl is subjected to physical abuse, mental abuse, rape, incest and bullying its almost too much for anyone to take, but she is deals with it all. I was surprised and almost relieved a little that Lee Daniels (director) broke up the harsh bitterness of Precious' experiences with fade outs and scenes of comedy from the supporting cast. The film takes you on this young girls lenghty and difficult journey; there are moments where you feel like these things are happening to you. One of the most heart wrenching moments comes when her mother comes to visit her in a halfway house and she delivers some news about Precious' father.

The breakout performance here has to be Monique's as she sheds her comedic side for this dark, twisted, complicated and unloving woman. I saw that Monique actually stepped up and had true acting ability and dare I say range from the usual loud, brassy, ghetto chic that she is type casted by. I hope that this departure from her comedic roots is an indication of things to come from her. Its completely fine to be a comedienne but there comes a time when you want to throw caution to the wind and show your audience there is more to you than being a one trick pony.

As a not so important side note: Sheree Whitfield from the Real Housewives of Atlanta also attended the screening with her publicist B.J. Coleman in tow (oh how the mighty have fallen, BJ). I wanted to pull her aside and say that not only was her NY debut of She by Sheree seen as a joke, no one here in this city knows who you are and if they do don't care. Atlanta is worlds away from New York there are way more people here with way more money than you who are nameless so you may want to fall in line with them at the back of the line.

Heidi and Spencer: Celebs or Sellouts?

Spencer and Heidi have been on the reality show circuit for a few years now and although they are far from being real actors. My take on them is that they (and their management team) is doing the best that they can to keep these two in the spotlight until they can land their own show. They are reality show gold because they are such a train wreck couple! We hate them but we love them (but really hate them)! Whatever it is yes they are celebs because at least 30% of the population knows who the hell they and yes they are sellouts because Spedi would throw their own family off a bridge if only someone would tune in to watch.

I hope both of their music careers are as long as Mr. Ed's teeth and that the shampoo, leggins, bikini and other endorsement deals can at least buy them a noce vespa when the whole thing is over.

What Do You Think of J.Lo's Golden Globe Dress?

Apparently Ms. Lopez took a page from Scarlett O'Hara's book and tore down the drapes in her front room window to make this velvety carpet inspired piece. This gold Marchesa gown was not the hotness last night at the Globes. As a general rule when yuo are attending an event that has the world golden in the title, please do not wear that color to the event. We all remember how well Beyonce's outfit was recieved at 2007 Golden Globes.

Jenny we know you just pushed out a set of twins but this is not the way to display yours. The slicked back hair and bronzed look she rocked was fine; its this "I'll never go hungry again" getup that has me and everyone else doing a double take!

Sorry Jenny but this dress truly needs a Rebirth.