Sep 30, 2009

Orgasm? Come again (literally)

Late night HBO is addictive. Be it shows like Cathouse: Bunny Ranch or Katie Morgan's Sex Tips, I've always been drawn to learning more about sex. I swear my dream job would be to produce segments of "Real Sex" though I'm not sure if that show is still on the air. I am a fairly open person when it comes to matters of the sexual nature. I think that since I was raised in an open-minded household and not viewing sex as a bad thing, I don't have some of the issues people struggle with. I also think that having a healthy sex life and appetite is a major factor in living a happy life.

For anyone that has found themselves curious about the ins and outs of orgasms, fret no more. The Pleasure Chest will be holding a free workshop on achieving The Ultimate O, Tuesday 10/6 from 8p - 10p. The workshop will offer attendees the opportunity to "learn all about anatomy, techniques for coming with a partner or solo, how masturbation can help you expand your orgasm, g-spot orgasms, anal orgasms, and tips and toys that will boost your GPA (General Pleasure Average)."

Since this is a complimentary workshop and registration isn't required, everyone is advised to arrive early as seats are limited and usually fill up fast.

What: The Ultimate O Workshop
Where: The Pleasure Chest 3436 N. Lincoln Ave.
When: Tues. 10/6/09
Time: 8p - 10p
Cost: Free, no registration required




As an added bonus, if you're in the market for a new toy, oils, costume... anything to spice up what's going on between the sheets (or any place for that matter), The Pleasure Chest will be having their first annual Big Bang Sale (love that name) 10/3-10/4. If you're eager to get stuff to start your weekend off right, check out the sneak preview this Friday. The festivities will kick off at 7p and feature a savings of 25% off the entire store - - with some things being marked 40%-50% off. Enjoy free cocktails while a dj spins music and you feed your inner sexual deviant.

Sep 29, 2009

Fried Chicken & Champagne

While I'm one of the few still wrapping my mind around chicken and waffles, One Sixty Blue is on to something new: Chicken and Champagne. This Fall the Michael Jordan owned West Loop restaurant will be featuring a 2 pc fried chicken dinner accompanied by glass pours of premium champagne.

The Amish-raised chicken (which is tossed in a light coating of espresso and gumbo file powder) will be served with hand-sliced potato wedges, an Asian pear slaw and buttermilk drop biscuits topped with housemade honey butter - - all for $8!! Yes, you read that correct. All of that amazing food for $8. Pours of Dom Perginon ($25/glass), Moet ($8/glass) and Craft Beers ($4) will be available as well.

Scheduled to start Wednesday Oct. 7 (and every Wednesday this fall), you can get a special sneak peak of what's sure to be a great spin on an American favorite tomorrow (9/30) from 6p-10p in the Blue Bar.


What: Chicken and Champagne
Where: One Sixty Blue 1400 W. Randolph St.
Time: 6p - 10p

For more information visit the website here.

Sep 27, 2009

Love Unstoppable: Fred Hammond

Gospel music lovers rejoice! Grammy award winner Fred Hammond will be in Chicago on Tuesday celebrating the release of his new cd, Love Unstoppable, with an interview, mini-performance and cd signing. The event will be held at the Harold Washington Cultural Center and costs $20 (includes a copy of his new cd). Doors open at 6:30p with the atypically intimate event beginning at 7p. Tickets are can be purchased at The Music Experience 1959 1/2 E. 73rd St 773.493.0154 or online.


What: Fred Hammond: Love Unstoppable


When: Tuesday 9/29/09

Where: Harold Washington Cultural Center


Time: Doors open at 6:30p, Show at 7p


Cost: $20 (includes a copy of
Love Unstoppable cd)

Sep 25, 2009

Super "Bowl" Sundays

Tired of the crowded bar? Want something better than your friend's couch? If you're in search of a way to freshen up your Sunday football routine 10Pin might be right for you.

The bowling lounge is now featuring their Super "Bowl" Sundays where you can watch all the games while enjoying food/drink specials and $15 all-you-can-bowl for 3 hrs of bowling. This is sure to be a popular option so make sure you reserve your lanes by phone (312.644.0300) or online.

10Pin Chicago
330 N. State St.
www.10pinchicago.com

The doctor is in...

After becoming a household name as the go-to doctor for over 5 seasons on the Oprah show, Sept. 14th marked Dr. Oz's debut into the world of daytime television with his own program, The Dr. Oz Show. The show, which airs on Fox Chicago @ 10a and 4p, features the knowledgeable doctor speaking out on all things related to health.

Producers of the show along with Dr. Oz will be making an appearance this Saturday, 9/26, at Woodfield Mall. Feel free to come out from 10a-3p and share your healthy questions with them. Some of the questions could actually make it to air on a future show.

If you weren't aware, Dr. Oz is currently the Vice-Chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University. He also directs the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine program at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Rest assured that you're getting information from a very qualified source.

What: Dr. Oz answering all of your healthy questions
Where: Woodfield Mall - 5 West Dr. / Schaumburg, IL 60173

Time: 10a-3p

Gap Casting Call

My friend Natalie has entered her beyond precious daughter Brooke into the babyGap casting call for adorable kids. In addition to receiving the opportunity to have their photo appear in babyGap and GapKids windows nationwide, the 4 winners will receive a $500 gift card and a trip for four (4) to see Disney's "The Lion King" in NY or Vegas.

I wanted to reach out to my blog family and ask everyone to support baby Brooke in her journey to become a Gap baby. To vote you can click the link here or visit www.gap.com/castingcall and enter id # 336810476. You can vote once a day through November 17, 2009 using a registered email address.

A panel of judges will narrow all entries received down to 20 finalists (5 boys, 5 girls, 5 baby boys, and 5 baby girls). Those finalists will be voted on by the public from 10/23 - 12/6, with winners being announced in January 2010.

Sep 24, 2009

Elongation Nation

The theme of episode 3 was elongation. Being petite models, the ladies are forced to bring their A game every time - - always having to appear longer than they actually are in print and in person. After practicing their walks with Ms. Jay Alexander and the fiercest 9 yo strutting runways around the world, Diva Davanna, the girls appeared in their first show for designer Kevan Hall. The challenge of appearing in the show with 5'10" models made some perform average, but Brittney rose to the top. On the flip side, Lulu scraped the bottom of the barrel. During their practice, Lulu had been adamant that her walk needed no help because it was her "signature walk" she'd been doing "forever".... Ummmm......

Newsflash:
To all aspiring models - - you don't have a signature walk until you make it and folks know who you are. Being a contestant on ANTM and refusing to change your "signature walk" is absolutely ridiculous to me. Obviously, your "walk" has gotten you nowhere as of now so maybe you should keep an open-mind and try to soak up all the knowledge you stand to gain by being a part of the show.

When the photoshoot rolled around the ladies worked with a scaled down set to help make them appear bigger. A surprise front runner was Kara who seemed to finally master her face angles and have her jaw line photograph softer. Two of my favorites, Nicole and Erin, didn't disappoint this week and were able to deliver pictures that made their bodies seem very long - - Nicole looking like she was over 6'0".

Elimination time rolled around and Ms. Lulu "my signature walk will never be changed" was the contestant sent packing her bags. After having a sub par walk and producing a lackluster photo, the judges decided she no longer had what it took to be be America's next top model.


Nicole



Kara


Erin

Sep 23, 2009

'The Hills' Season 6 kick-off party

The 6th season of The Hills will premiere on MTV Sept. 29th @ 10p... but if you'd like to get an early dose of all the drama, resident bad boy Justin Bobby will be hosting the kickoff screening party this Friday (9/25) at Lumen. The cover is $20 but you can RSVP to info@lumen-chicago.com for no cover before 11p.

I've always been a fan of The Hills and Justin Bobby. He still has that sexy, bad boy, "kinda dirty and needs a shower to get the grease out of his hair" swag that I love!!


What: The Hills Season 6 Screening Party


Where: Lumen Chicago - 839 W. Fulton Market


Time: 9p


Cost: $20 (no cover with RSVP to info@lumen-chicago.com)

Sep 22, 2009

Heineken & GQ Magazine party

Heineken & GQ Magazine will be hosting their "Give Yourself a Good Name" party on 10/8/09 @ Crimson Lounge. The party will feature complimentary drinks and no cover (need we say more?) as well as music by DJ Clinton Sparks.

The "Give Yourself a Good Name" campaign was launched in March and targeted towards giving consumers the opportunity to "give themselves a good name" through their actions, words and choices. Heineken USA Chief Marketing Officer Christian McMahan said that the campaign is urging people to "be the person your grandparents think you are" while driving home the message that "character glows in the dark". If you're looking to have a good time while supporting a good cause, come out to Crimson Lounge on 10/8/09 for the party.

What: Heineken & GQ Magazine "Give yourself a Good Name" party

Where: Crimson Lounge - inside of Hotel Sax 333 N. Dearborn St.


Time: 8p-11p


Cost: No cover - RSVP to GQ@zapwater.com


2009 Essence Empowerment Conference


Fall is officially here and along with the beautiful sights of the changing seasons we too can shed old things and prepare ourselves for the new. Friday, October 30th Essence magazine will host their 2009 Empowerment Conference: A Day of Transformation.

The $50 ticket will give you access to speakers such as Mellody Hobson (President of Ariel Investments), Kenetta Bailey (Sr. VP of WE tv), Robin Robinson (Fox Chicago Anchor), Angela Ingram (VP of Communications - Clear Channel Chicago), Carole Brown (Chairman of the CTA board), and Michelle McKinney Hammond (author and motivational speaker) just to name a few.

Topics to be covered include:

- Transform your finances
- Transition to a new career
- Create your personal brand
- Network effectively
- Launch, nurture and grow your business

Despite being during a weekday, I urge everyone to use a day of PTO and invest in yourself. The conference is aiming to not only empower women, but offer key strategies to help attendees attain a higher level of success. This is sure to be a must attend event for women in Chicago. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased here.

When: Friday, October 30th, 2009
Where: Hyatt Regency Chicago - 151 E. Wacker Dr.
Time: 9am -330pm
Cost: $50

Sep 17, 2009

Friday Night Fun

Looking for something to do tomorrow night? Sprite Green will be hosting their Satellite Installation One party at the Harris Theatre Rooftop in Millennium Park. The event will feature the RSVP Gallery in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood (specializing in pop art from around the world), as well as performances from various G.O.O.D. Music recording artists.

This has undoubtedly been the summer of the "rooftop party" so come out and celebrate the end of summer with the best of Chicago's funky art scene. To RSVP click the flyer.

When: Friday 9/18/09
Where: Harris Theatre Rooftop in Millennium Park 205 E. Randolph St.
Time: 8p
Cost: RSVP Needed

Sep 16, 2009

Smile with your Eyes

The 2nd episode started off with the ladies meeting with Wilhelmina Models President Sean Patterson. Along with Photographer and Judge Nigel Barker, the ladies were given the opportunity to make a lasting impression on Patterson (the season winner will be calling him boss) in an interview setting. Some did well while a few struggled to come across charismatic and memorable. A surprise elimination sent home 1 girl, Ashley, who aside from her large eyes was not that noticeable.

The ladies then went to "smize" training with Tyra who drilled them on her signature "smile with your eyes" technique. They had a competition and the winners were awarded a 5-star dinner with Patterson.

The photoshoot featured the girls topless and donning long wigs while posing with horses and their jockeys. A few of the top performers were Erin, Brittany and Nicole who managed to exude tons of emotion in their photos and impress the judges.

I liked the surprise elimination though I wish Bianca would be sent home. She is quickly emerging as the bitchy, whiner of the house constantly complaining about everything on photo shoots and causing discord among the ladies in the house.

Erin

Brittany

False Advertisement?

The other night I saw an infomercial for the Kymaro New Body Shaper which pulled random ladies out of the mall and asked them to try on this "revolutionary" shaper. I watched as one overweight lady after another tried on the shaper and eyed themselves in amazement in the mirror as they looked at how their bodies had been "transformed". This got me to thinking about how fine the line is between smoothing out a few things under a clingy dress and appearing as if you've undergone a tummy tuck via a body shaper, i.e. false advertisement.

The Kymaro New Body Shaper infomercial seemed to be showcasing overweight women wearing ill-fitting clothes. I mean, first off you shouldn't wear things that don't flatter your body regardless of what size you are. On top of that, it seemed to be masking the larger problem - - the urgent need for a diet/exercise routine. Many women wear spanx from time to time to smooth a few things out here and there because certain outfits can be unforgiving... but I'm curious to know where we should draw the line. The market is flooded with body shapers promising to suck in your stomach, push up your boobs, give you an ass - - when is enough enough? I'm a firm believer that you should do your best to look nice but when your clothes come off you won't be able to fool anyone.

Sandra Pt. I




Sandra Pt. II - - Poor girl came out the dressing room FEELING herself and I bet nobody could tell her shit. lol... Smh


Sep 14, 2009

Game 1: Bears vs. Packers

After hearing much buzz about Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler I was excited to watch him in action. I hadn't seen any of the pre-season games but was assured by various friends that "they really meant nothing" (I'm assuming that Cutler didn't do anything too impressive during this time because with all the hype surrounding him, true Bears fans would have been ready to boast...) Last night I watched as the Bears played a relatively lack luster game losing 15-21 against Green Bay.

As for Cutler, I think he looks like he's been hitting the bars up North a bit too much. What NFL quarterback has a double chin? On top of looking like the spawn of Alec Baldwin or brother to oil heir Brandon Davis, Cutler looks as if he's on a steady diet of cigarettes and beer! Lord... I'm clueless as to how much money he's making but can someone throw in a Kanye Workout plan because he's not easy on the eyes. There were multiple times during the game where he looked winded and as if he needed to receive a quick dose of oxygen. I'm not sure if he hit a few lines before the game but something about him seems like he'd be hooked on some kind of drug. A friend of mine has maintained that Cutler is an amazing quarterback and blamed his performance on the mishaps of offensive coordinator Ron Turner. I am not knowledgeable enough on Ron Turner to argue this point but I will say that the first part in being a great quarterback is at least having the appearance of a winner - - this, my friends is something Cutler is lacking. I hope they limit his snack intake and up his cardio.

Cutler has the opportunity to redeem himself when the Bears host the Pittsburgh Steelers on 9/20. Their 1st home game is sold out and as everyone knows Bears fans are a bit nuts so let's hope this game is entertaining and interception free.




Separated at Birth? Cutler, Davis and Baldwin.. they must be related!

Sep 10, 2009

Smaller package, Bigger fun

To say I know what season ANTM is on would be a lie. After my all-time favorite Eva "the diva" won season 3, I came to terms with the fact that the once addictive show was going downhill... slowly fading into the black abyss of reality tv when the faces, names and seasons run together. When Tyra announced that she was opening up the current season exclusively to ladies 5'7" and under it made my ears perk up. Another reality show was the last thing I needed but the lure of seeing women my size sucked me in.

Last night I watched the season premiere and I think that I'll be sticking around. Something about seeing women that looked like real people made me happy. Your girlfriend, co-worker, next door neighbor, these girls looked like everyday people. They were cute and exuded a model quality about but in a more believable package.

These are my personal favs...

Ashley
22 yo

5'6"






Courtney
22yo

5'4"





Rae
21 yo

5'6"





Nicole
18 yo

5'7"





The show airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on the CW. For more info check out the site here.

Sep 9, 2009

Grilling 101

The holiday weekend came and went and I'm proud to say that I managed to successfully grill ALL of the food for our bbq - - in turn feeding 10+ people. I was nervous about attempting to use the grill but had received some tips and things went pretty smoothly. Even having my makeup melt under the extreme heat of the sun couldn't keep me away from my bbq duties... and in addition to being able to add "Grill Master" to my growing list of culinary feats, I learned a new way to balance my social butterfly skills - - designate a friend to be your "grill asst" lol. Not only will your grill asst keep you company, but they can be put to work by running food back and forth.

Despite being deemed a female only bbq, a party is never truly a party until you have some crashers. We were graced with the presence of a few of Harvey's finest men in blue and thank God they came bearing gifts! If you ever want to crash a party, come with some bottles of good liquor in your hands and you'll be met with a warm smile - - at least you will if I'm the one throwing the event.

In addition to the great food and company, the conversations that sparked had everyone on the edge of their seats! Let me tell you, people were getting worked up over the debates that ignited. Men and women will probably always go head to head on our varying relationship styles and levels of commonsense. While many were spazzing out and consistently going left on one another, I was more toned down (probably due to being grill master and the 6+ drinks I had downed - - all I wanted to do was smile, talk a little shit, and re-up my drink lol ) One of the funniest things I heard all night was Naval Base rationalize his method of numbering women and how he prefers to keep a squad of 3s over choosing to just find 1 dime. I'd go into the system but that's require a lot of work. lol... just trust that it's hilarious.

So, for now, I'm okay with being one of few women that will man, or should I say (WO)man, the grill... Just keep a drink in my hand I'll make all of your bbq dreams come true!!! Hope everyone had a fun holiday.

Sep 1, 2009

Montblanc event for UNICEF

I wanted to share with everyone a fun shopping event to benefit the U.S. Fund for UNICEF taking place 9/9/09. Montblanc will be hosting a shopping event at their 900 N. Michigan Ave. store from 7p-9p. They're donating 10% of all retail sales made during the event to support UNICEF's education programs. For additional information and to RSVP, please call Montblanc @ 312.943.1200 by Sept. 1st


UFC 102: Maia vs Marquardt

Within 21 seconds of the 1st round of their fight, Nate "The Great" Marquardt was able to put a stop to Demian Maia. Previously undefeated, Maia more or less walked into an incredible right hook thrown by Marquardt. Seeing that his opponent was not only knocked out but probably seeing a multitude of stars and birds, Marquardt could be seen pulling back and not taking advantage of Maia's vulnerable state and throwing more blows. That's what good sportsmanship is about. Many other fighters would have landed a few more punches to insure the job was done. The ref called the fight 21 seconds in and there you have it folks - - Nate proved why he's so great by being named the winner.

To see the knockout:



And if seems that Marquardt's nice guy demeanor oozes out of the cage and into interviews as well. Catch his post-fight wrap up:

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