9/9/09

Happy 9/9/09

I'm not into the whole numerology thing but for those of you who are..here is an interesting article I found on Fox5 Atlanta.

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/dpgo_9909_special_day_lwf_090909_3394391

Polaroid Gets a Major Upgrade

I'm an 80s baby so I can somewhat remember the time when photos were instantly printed using the old-skool Polaroid camera.

It was big and loud. Once the picture printed, you had to blow it and fan it...in hopes of getting a good shot (cracking up just thinking about it).

Well if you still have one of those cameras, hold on to it, its value is going up. Meanwhile, for the rest of us who are searching for Polaroid to make a comeback in this 'digital age,' it seems like they are doing just that.

Take a look at this....

The PoGo instant digital camera works like your regular 5 megapixel digital camera – just point and shoot. It has all the bells and whistles: a 3″ LCD screen, an electronic timer, movie recording with sounds as well as minor photo editing functions. But the one thing this camera has that others don't....there is an opening on the side of the camera where the special Zink photo paper is printed.

It takes about 40 seconds to get a 2″x3″ photo. It has a sticky back making it easy to be used on scrap books or a bulletin board. The photos are smudge proof, water resistant, fade resistant, and tear proof.

I'm sold.


And get this, it's only $195 which is comparable to other digital cameras.


The downside is that it only lasts for about 20 photos before the lithium ion battery needs recharging. Well shoot! That won't work. I take 20 pictures in 20 seconds.


Plus, I can only imagine the headache that would come with trying to order a printer cartridge or more black sheets to print photos.


Oh, well...I guess my camera search continues. But for those of you are are interested:

http://www.geekiegadgets.com/store/?itemID=B001RIYUJQ&item_title=Polaroid+Pogo+5.0+MP+Instant+Digital+Camera

SASSY SPACES: A Single Girl's Bedroom

PHOTO COURTESY: VANITY FAIR

Since I'm a decorator at heart. You will see frequent posts of stylish room makeovers. Don't worry fellas, there will be something for you too. ~Elise

EVENT FAB: My Sordid Life

FOR MORE INFO OR TO BUY TICKETS.. http://www.projectcaregulfcoast.com/

The President's Back to School Message

Tuesday at noon, President Barack Obama will air what has become a controversial message aimed at the children of the United States.


Many conservatives have expressed a fear that the address would be used to push a partisan political agenda. I read the speech and President Obama avoids any mention of controversial political initiatives. He repeatedly urges students to work hard and stay in school.

"This isn't just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country," said the president.

The text of the 18-minute speech was posted on the White House Web site so people can read it before its scheduled Internet broadcast to schoolchildren. I read it...then I read it again. There is no political agenda!

IT IS A MESSAGE TO OUR CHILDREN...FROM AN OBJECTIVE SOURCE...WHO HAPPENS TO BE THE PRESIDENT...THAT MANY CHILDREN ADORE!!


I'm surprised at all the hoop-lah and drama throughout our school systems. I have a close friend who teaches gifted children. And out of 34 students, so far, only 13 parents gave her permission to allow their children to participate.

I am floored. It seems as though our country has become so polarized that we believe that our president is an enemy and not our leader.

I will admit I did not agree with much of what Bush did during his years in office, but he was still the leader of my country.

On Sunday, Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan said that parents who are threatening to keep their children home Tuesday to avoid Obama's speech were being "silly." Duncan says that the message of the speech is simply to encourage children to finish school.

FYI: President Obama IS NOT the first president to give a speech addressed to school children.

**President George H.W. Bush delivered a nationally televised speech to students from a Washington school in fall 1991, encouraging them to say no to drugs and work hard.

**In November 1988, President Reagan delivered more politically charged remarks that were made available to students nationwide.

There is nothing wrong with a president encouraging young people across America to take advantage of a good education.

I hope that you will allow your kids to watch the speech. I don't even have kids yet, but one day, they will be reading or watching this speech. ~Elise

For those of you who want a hard copy, here it is: http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

Let's Talk Fall

Labor Day is the unofficial start to fall. So break out the flirty long-sleeved blouses and and suede pumps. Don't you just love the fall!? You can mix pieces from the summer all while previewing the winter. Here are some of my fall must-haves:

All of these timeless pieces are from J.Crew Enjoy! ~Elise

Chocolate Beet Muffins: Surprisingly good!

Double Dark Chocolate Beet Muffins

• 1 C. whole wheat flour1 C. all-purpose flour
• 2 t. baking powder1 t. baking soda
• 1/2 t. salt1/2 C. Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 C. chopped pecans or walnuts
  1/4 C. butter
• 2/3 C. Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 C. packed brown sugar2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 C. beet puree*
• 2/3 C. buttermilk1 t. vanilla extract
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees
• Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper cups; set aside
• In a large bowl, whisk together first 5 ingredients until well combined.
• Stir in the half cup chocolate chips and nuts; set aside.
• In a small saucepan, melt the other
• 2/3 cup chocolate chips and butter over very low heat.
• Stir to combine and set aside to cool until lukewarm.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, beet puree, buttermilk, vanilla and melted chocolate.
• Pour the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined.
• Don’t over mix.
• Immediately spoon batter into 12 well-greased or paper-lined muffin cups.Batter should completely fill the cups.
• Place muffin pan in a preheated 375 oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Muffins are done when they spring back when touched lightly in the center (or when a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean).
• Don’t overbake!
• Cool muffins for 10 minutes in pan then remove them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

*Canned beets may be used in this recipe but I strongly suggest using fresh ones if possible. To prepare beets: Cut off the greens leaving about one inch attached. Don’t cut anything off the root end. Gently scrub the beets being careful not to cut the skin. In a medium saucepan, cover beets with water, bring to a gentle boil and cook, covered, 30-45 minutes until tender. Drain and let sit until cool enough to handle. The tops should pull off easily or they can be cut off. The skins will slip right off. Puree beets with a little bit of the cooking liquid in a food processor until they are the consistency of applesauce.

It is what it is

There are things I used to do all the time which I’m glad to say I no longer do, if I can help it.

I know who I am and I make no apologies for it. Like it, or not.

Some are things I’ve always hated but felt I had to do, and others are impulses I’ve learned to curb through practice and years gone by. I haven't figured it all out yet...but I know one thing, I am wise beyond my years!

Here are just a few things I’m so over:

• Wearing control top pantyhose
• Wearing pantyhose, period..unless I'm interviewing
• Buying random gifts for people who can't afford to do the same
• Giving advice to people who've already made up their minds
• Downplaying my success
• Loaning money I REALLY do not have. NO ONE has "extra money"
• Spending time w/people out of obligation
• Flirting back to be polite
• Guessing what someone is trying to say
• Reading into what 'he' does say
• Teaching a man 'how to date'
• Pretending that I remember everyone’s names
• Wondering if someone liked me
• Wondering if he’ll call
• Wondering if I got the job
• Staying to the bitter end because I think I might miss something
• Eating too little so I’d be thinner
• Eating too much because I was starving
• Wearing too little and freeze my ass off
• Comparing my life to others
• Answering the phone when I’m busy
• Having a long drawn out convo by texting. CALL ME! Texts are 1-liners!
• Wondering for more than a minute if I’ve caused offense
• Saying yes when I really want to say no, and no when I want to say yes
• Second guessing myself
• Punishing myself for not going to the gym. WHATEVER, just do it tomorrow.
• Giving him a 3rd chance
• Explaining my decisions to those who are clearly clueless!
  

What are some of the habits and hangups you’re glad to have left behind? ~E

The Condo Search..

So the first stop on my condo search was fab. I was ready to sign almost immediately. Furniture included and everything. EXCEPT...I couldn't get over the fact that it one had 1 bdrm. SO, I had to pass. But I wanted to share the pics. I will post pics of the new condo very soon... ~E

No More Reading Rainbow:(

It was designed to encourage kids to read. Now after nearly 30 years, Reading Rainbow is going off the air.

I can still remember the theme song as a write this post. LeVar Burton, who is also known for his role on Star Trek, made reading cool. Every episode I looked forward to a new reading adventure.

While it's been years since I watched an episode, I can't imagine PBS without Reading Rainbow.

***singing: take a look, it's in a book, on reading rainbow....reading rainbow!***



And for you hip-hop heads....



So long Reading Rainbow....

New Drake and Trey Songz

I love this song (the edited version).

His Work

I'm convinced that God cracks up at me at least twice a day. From making plans for my life...to going down a different path than the one he specifically told me to travel. Life is amazing but I'm convinced it gets even better when you decide to make God a part of your life.

Don't get me wrong, I don't sing praises in the church choir ever Sunday morning and I don't read my bible every night. But I am a faithful servant who knows where my help comes from and I don't mind shouting it from the mountain top. I am always in prayer. And I always tell Him 'thank you.' I look to Him when things are good, I go to Him when things are bad. When there is confusion or discernment, I know He is my help.

I am preparing for the next journey in my career. I told God that I didn't want to do local TV news anymore but that I love to write and that I love being in front of the camera. I told Him of my concerns with quick deadlines, mergers, layoffs and money. I told Him that I wanted to be in position where I am seen by millions but still be close to home...and as usual He provided me with an answer.

Within the next couple of days, I am convinced that another door will be opened. I like to think that doors are never closed. They are always cracked so that we can get a glimpse of what's on the other side...you just have to push to get in.

I've been pushing and I've been praying....and it's almost time.

Stay tuned....~E

I had to have them

In my celebration of "forward thinking," I bought myself this pair of shoes! Luvin' them!!! Aldo is quickly becoming my new best shoe friend. Their shoes make me smile. ~E

Oh How I Luv Quizzes...

So, I'm on of my fav new blogs http://lifeislikechaoticbliss.blogspot.com/2009/08/fun-questionaire.html and I found this questionnaire. Everyone knows I love these things.

1. What is your salad dressing of choice? Low fat ranch but I luv trying new dressings
2. What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? green apples and peanut butter
3. What are your pizza toppings of choice? Chicken and cheese
4. Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right
5. Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Wisdom teeth
6. What is the last heavy item you lifted? My books for class
7. Have you ever been knocked unconscious? No, thank God!
8. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No!
9. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Aubrey
10. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Ummm, No.
11. Last run-in with a cop? Last week when I interviewed the police chief.
12. Last person you talked to? My mom
13. Last person you hugged? Ms. Smith a teacher with my volunteer program
14. Favorite Season? Spring = sandals and skinny jeans!
15. Holiday? Thanksgiving. Good food followed by great shopping!
16. Day of the week? Thursday
17. Month? January, a month of new beginnings. Plus, it's my bday month!
18. First place you went this morning? I haven't left the house today. Too much work to do!
19. Do you smile often? All the time.
20. Do you always answer your phone? I hardly ever answer the phone.
21. It's four in the morning and you get a text message who is it? Work
22. What flavor drink do you get at Sonic? Ewww. Sonic.
23. What's on your wish list for your birthday? Nothing yet.
24. Can you do push ups? Yes. 5 man push ups and 5 girl ones. lol.
25. Can you do a chin up? I haven't tried since the 4th grade. But probably not.
26. Does the future make you more nervous or excited? A little bit of both
27. Ever been in a car wreck? Yes. This lady totaled my new car at 15. I was pissed!
28. Do you have an accent? My southern drawl comes out when I'm w/family and friends
29. What is the last song to make you cry? Music doesn't make me cry.
30. Plans tonight? Gotta finish writing this treatment for a PSA.
31. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? NEVER. I'm so thankful too. God is good.
32. Name 3 things you bought yesterday? Nothing
33. Current worry? My next and final move in TV. I prayed for choices..and I have them
34. Hate right now? No Hates
35. Met someone who changed your life? All the time. That's how you grow as a person
36. How did you bring in the New Year? At the Fritz Estate with friends. A GREAT party!
37. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Watching TV
38. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? It's 9a.m.?!? Wow. It was 7 like 5 min ago

I Luv These Jeans

GAP 1969 Premium Jeans

These are $70 jeans that feel like $200 jeans.

You gotta pick up a pair!

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=48597&vid=1&pid=673940

Who's that girl?

Hey bloggers...I'm back.

So with all the side pieces and models...reality shows and publists, a lot of new faces are popping up in Hollywood. My favorite at the moment is Amber Rose.

This girl is FAB-u-lous.

I Wikipedia'd her, and here's what I found....

Amber Rose (born October 21, 1982) is an American model and former exotic dancer, best known for her relationship with musician Kanye West. She has appeared in several music videos, including the Ludacris video for his single "What Them Girls Like" and Young Jeezy's video for "Vacation". Rose was also the subject of a semi-nude photo spread for Smooth magazine, and has been a guest on Sirius Radio's "Shade 45’s Lip Service", where she was interviewed about her sexual orientation, sexual history, and hygiene by Q Da Kid.[1] In 2009, Rose posed nude for a Louis Vuitton print advertisement featuring Kanye West's new line of sneakers.[2]
Amber Rose is the daughter of an Italian-American father and Cape Verdian mother. Rose is known for her distinctive appearance, specifically her buzz cut hairstyle, which she bleaches blonde. Rose claims that her head is the only area of her body where she does not completely remove hair. Rose is open about her bisexuality and says she enjoys relationships with both men and women, although not simultaneously.[1]

First of all I am shocked that she is younger than me! But she's still fab none-the-less.

The blogosphere beats her up for being a video chick. They also claim she's a gold digger. But you can't hate the girl, she's fabulous and she wants to be with someone fabulous. Can you blame her? Sure, Kanye is not my favorite person in the world but he is good at what he does.

Amber is stylish and she has a body most women would kill for (my shotgun is ready). Her cute blonde buzz cut and style choices make her the one to watch.

Definitely worth the "girl-crush" as the teenagers say.

Who's that girl? She's Amber Rose

Photo courtesy: YBF

Hurricane Katrina: 4 Years Later

So I felt the need to share a progress report on Hurricane Katrina.

It's been four years since the storm caused so much devastation on the Gulf Coast. The eye of Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast, killing hundreds, destroying thousands of homes and businesses and changing lives forever.

The aftermath of Katrina broke through the levees in Louisiana, leaving the Crescent City under water.

Since the storm, thousands upon thousands of volunteers have helped rebuild the cities. However as the four-year anniversary approaches, many people don't realize there is still so much destruction.

Redevelopment will take some. The central areas of the cities look fine, but if you journey on the outskirts, it's hard to miss some of the destruction. There are still people who haven't returned to their storm battered homes. There are still many businesses that will never return. Believe it or not, there are still FEMA and MEMA cottages sitting atop vacant land. This is especially dangerous since the coast is at the height of hurricane season.

City governments battle over whether or not to build "affordable" housing. In the meantime, so many people are left without a place to live.

Of course Louisiana and Mississippi's affluent were rebuilding within months of the storm. You can't miss the four story homes, boats and fancy design that sit along the beachfront. Those storm survivors are fine. However, it's the everyday citizen who still struggles four years later.

Hotel and nightlife helped New Orleans rebuild, while the casino industry is keeping Biloxi and Gulfport afloat. The unemployment rate in both South Mississippi and New Orleans is lower than the national average.

In New Orleans, events like The Essence and Jazz Festivals are back to pre-Katrina levels. The revenue generated is obvious when you travel through the heart of the city.

In Mississippi, all but one of the casinos are back up and running. Plans are in the works to build a seafood museum, a welcome center and revamp parks and other city property.

But what about living?

I understand that you must attract visitors but more people seem to be fascinated at the remaining destruction rather than museums and parks. Leaders should focus on attracting residents NOT visitors. Who would want to live in an area where there is still so much destruction and crime. If people have no place to live or work they will do whatever it takes to feed their families.

That's the real problem Mr. Gulf Coast.

I'm sure that people are thankful for the continuous support from the rest of the nation. But come on, take some accountability! It's not all about nightlife and restaurants. There has to be a balance between live, work and play. Otherwise, I'm afraid your 20 year projection plan will take 40 years. That is..if Mother Nature remains as kind as she has been over the last few years. kind.

Mavens and Misfits: Part 2

It's been awhile but I am back to blogging. Hopefully I haven't lost too many followers during my hiatus.

I'm semi-excited about the mis-fits and mavens postings. I just don't want to have one of those blogs where I dig into what the celebrities are doing and who they are wearing. But for those of you are into that sort of thing....this last one is for you.

My fashion maven would have to be the lovely Rhianna.


Lately she has become known for her fierce hair cut and tasteful tatoos.
Over the past few years, Rhianna ihas set the tone for being youself and loving it.

She's not afraid to push boundaries or step outside of the box. She is a trendsetter.


Whether she is decked out in all black, with a splash of unexpected nail color, or she is glamed up in coutoure, Rhianna's style is a force to be reckoned with.






You go girl! You are definitely a sexy style maven!






♥Elise


Now..................for those who never seem to get it right.

What in the leather hell is this!?!

This is a photo that emerged this week of the one and only Lil Kim.

Over the years, Kim has gotten worse and worse. Her style is the epitome of skank!

Yes ma'am, skank.

I understand her need to be sexy but she hasn't grasped the concept!

Lord, help this chile.

I am so sick of seeing bad lacefronts, pumped up lips, hot pants and cropped tops.

Get it together Kim!

We know she loves Chanel and Vouitton but her fashion screams Fredericks of Hollywood.

There are women who get it...Eve, Peppa, hell even Trina does an okay job of dressing sexy without going over board.

Kim has made a name for herself and needs to stop trying to grab attention with get-ups like this one.

Ewww. Just nasty....a nasty misfit indeed. It's a hard earned title!

Stay Tuned....~E

Notorious

Since I'm in the movie spirit today...I cannot wait until the movie Notorious drops!

Of course all of the movie trailors before 'Cadillac Records' were minority movies. I thought that was hilarious...because clearly us black folk don't support any other movies. Funny.

Anyhow, I'm not a big hip-hop head but I think Notorious is going to do exceptionally well. Of course the kids are going to support it but I also think that those of us in the 25 to 35 bracket will also support the movie.

If the trailer is any indication of the movie's excitement, I'm sold. Plus, it features Angela Basset...and we know she doesn't sign up for any crap!

Check out the trailer below...

http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/10/24/notorious-movie-trailer/

REMEMBER: Notorious hits theaters January 16. Keep in mind, we have to support it opening weekend to make the numbers count!

Stay tuned...~E

Cadillac Crap??

Sorry for being late on the post guys...but just wanted to say that I saw 'Cadillac Records' last week and I must say, I enjoyed the movie.



Going into the theatre, I didn't know Mos Def and Cedric the Entertainer had very large roles in the film. So did Gabrielle Union.



Marketing-wise, the movie was all about Beyonce.



I have nver been a big fan of Beyonce. I think that she is a cute black girl who can hold a note, is a good performer and she appeals to white America. Is that talent? I don't know...



I understand marketing and the attempt to use Beyonce in blockbuster films to sell records but it hasn't worked in ANY of her films. She can't be credited with Dreamgirls because it had an all-star cast.



Well, I was impressed with Beyonce's (SMALL, SMALL) role in Cadillac Records...but the numbers show that people weren't running to the theaters to see Sasha Fierce.


Here is what Myra Panache had this to say about Hollywood producers giving a non-talent like Beyonce prime movie roles:


Beyonce being cast as Etta James in “Cadillac Records,” is a perfect example of musical success not transcending into “box office” success. The movie only grossed $3 million dollars. Beyonce also flopped in “The Fighting Temptations,” and she only scored success in “Dreamgirls,” because it was an ensemble cast.
I’m a Beyonce fan but I will be the first to admit, she can’t act and she has terrible diction. Why not cast a “real” African-American actress who has a drama background in this role?
There are so many excellent African-American actresses in Hollywood who could have done justice to the Etta James role yet Beyonce continues to be cast in plum film roles.
She doesn’t even think enough of the acting profession to take classes and learn how to act. Instead, ego and exposure seems to be driving her to land as many acting roles as she possibly can.
Singers, Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross and Cher took the craft seriously and their hard work and diligence paid off with Oscar wins or Oscar nominations.
It’s inconceivable to wrap your mind around Beyonce’s upcoming portrayals of Eartha Kitt and “Wonder Woman.”
Usher was fresh off the success of “Confessions,” when he was cast in the film, “In The Mix,” it was a major flop.
Hopefully, Hollywood executives will begin to realize that these non-actors bring no credibility to the screen and they don’t generate box office dollars with their lack of talent. (Source)

She said it, I didn't. But I will co-sign on it.

I know my Beyonce fans are hating me right now. lol. I still love you. Love me back.

Muah.

Stay tuned...~E