Cassie Ventura's Posh NYC Apartment...

Just saw a sneak peak inside the abode Cassie calls home -- one word: Fab! Say what you will about her... her NYC apartment is uber cute. The perfect mix of vintage/glamour/chic and actually looks lived in! Kudos to you Cassie. I want to see the rest of her place!

Adventures on the Metra...

I've been back in Chicago for a little over a week now and as you can imagine, super busy with my new job and the move. The only time I really have to myself to decompress has been during my daily metra rides... oh yeah, I'm living in the 'burbs at the present moment and taking the metra for the FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE!

I'll admit that I was super nervous to take the metra for the first time. I was clueless about the actual ticketing process, conductors, schedules, and lines - - it was all very overwhelming. Having grown up in the South Suburbs my husband used the metra quite often, so he was able to offer me some guidance. Lucky for me, the system is rather upfront and easy to understand and within a week I'm feeling like a commuting pro.

Some of the things I've learned during my brieft time on the metra:

1. Whatever time the schedule states is when the train LEAVES the station, not arrives. I'm not the most prompt person, but you only need to get played once missing your train to learn that early is always better.

2. "Ride Metra" is a great iPhone app. I use this every morning to check the times for my train. It also posts any updates/service announcements.

3. It's very safe - - Having come from the world of CTA busses and trains it's a wonderful feeling to sit on the train and not worry about getting my phone/purse jacked by some bad ass kid, or having bums beg for change.

4. There are still ghetto people on the metra, but they're ghetto professionals. They have ratchet conversations, but manage to use their 12 inch voice.

5. It's completely acceptable to do your makeup on the train. One morning all the women in my car were applying lip gloss, touching up foundation, or doing their hair lol. The train is on a tight schedule so instead of running late just opt to do a few things on there if you must.
On a personal note, I really do need to invest in a pair of commuter shoes. The idea of wearing gymshoes makes my soul cry out a bit, but my feet can't handle rocking stilettos on the train. Once the Fall hits it'll be better b/c I'll be living in boots, but for the meantime any suggestions on comfy shoes are appreciated. I'm 5 secs from throwing back on my crocs lol.

 A visual of my first week on the metra...

I'm usually tweeting about the randomness I experience on the train, so be sure to follow my twitter!

Natalie's Alcove Studio

Who says you can't live comfortably in under 300 square feet!

Natalie Moore's San Francisco apartment was recently featured on Apartment Therapy's House Tours section and I immediately fell in love. The 285 sq ft studio, which is a perfect blend of glamour and functionality, is exactly the type of studio I would envision myself living in.

My favorite parts of her space? The sofa (currently on sale @ Macy's) which is everything I want... right now lol... along with the alcove for the bed. Doesn't it look adorable? I need to find a place like this in Chicago asap...

For the full tour click here

Red Tails...

It's not often I watch a movie trailer and tear up, but Red Tails has done just that. Produced by George Lucas, Red Tails is set in the 1940s and tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen that fought during World War II. More impressive than the fact Mr. Lucas is financing this movie with money out of his own (albeit deep) pockets, the quality of acting and story line is superb!

Just watching the trailer I found myself tearing up a bit. It's easy to forget how far we have really come as black people living in the US. Movies like this portray the strength we have as a people and really hits a nerve with me in a positive way. It may seem dramatic, but wow... black people were doing some AMAZING things in the 40s, 50s and 60s! It makes you shake your head at the things we see on TV nowadays and the ways in which we're not only portrayed by others, but portraying ourselves.

I like guilty pleasure TV and gossip as much as the next person, but movies like this remind you of how many more amazing things we could be doing with our lives and talent other than starring in shows like Basketball Wives or writing songs like "Racks on Racks."

I'm so very excited to support this film and amazing lineup of actors. Will you be watching Red Tails?

Big News...

Most of my friends and family already know, but this time next week I'll be getting ready to start my new job and back in my favorite city -- MY city -- the amazing CHICAGO!!!

I'm beyond thrilled to be heading back home and embarking on yet another adventure. My time in South Carolina was great for the simple fact I got to live with my husband (post deployment), and any military couple knows that the time you get together (in-person) is to be valued.

I'm already looking forward to falling back into city life and getting the chance to resurrect my favorite blog series: Adventures on the CTA!!! Yay for public transit and the daily hilarity it provides!

Pizza & Pinot

Last night I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful dinner hosted by Ladies Lounge Columbia, a meet-up group for 20/30-something professional women in the Columbia, SC area. We all enjoyed Pizza & Pinot @ Terra in West Columbia and let me tell you - - I've attended meet-ups before, but this was by far the BEST event I've experienced while living in South Carolina. It was a diverse group of ladies, all full of personality and blessed with the gift of gab. I also had the pleasure of finally meeting fellow bloggers Shanika of Life is Pichey, and Ebony of Make Me Over Eb in person. I'm always excited to meet the faces behind the blogs I read, so putting an actual face with a blog/twitter/vlog is nice.

Pizza & Pinot @ Terra

One of the highlights of my dinner? Finding out I was sitting next to two fellow cancerians! June 25th, June 26th, and June 27th all sitting happily next to one another. I have a soft spot for cancers...

If you're new to the Columbia, SC area or have been living here for a while and genuinely interested in meeting other ladies, please take a look at this group. All the ladies are super nice, professional, and have PERSONALITY!!! It can be hit or miss meeting people online, but I assure you that this is a super fun group and I'm kinda sad I'll be moving. Seriously, why didn't I meet all of them months ago! lol...

This isn't a group that's interested in collecting a bunch of inactive members. If you decide to join please be ready to put yourself out there and have a good time. Participation on a monthly basis is expected, and after one event with these ladies you'll be eager to come out for more.

For more information on Ladies Lounge Columbia click here.