Extreme V-Necks

The growing trend of extreme male v-neck shirts is one that is killing me softly. I feel like overnight guys went from crew cuts to plunging necklines, often showcasing their not so stellar physique, sometimes nappy chest hair, or ken doll pecs.

Now, there are people like Tyson Beckford that get a pass, I mean - the man is gorgeous and I personally don't mind almost seeing his belly button with that ridiculously low v-neck shirt... but for others (*cough* Evan Ross *cough*) please save my eyesight and raise your neckline up a bit. Really though, where did this trend come from and why are guys so quick to jump on board? Do you feel sexy with your nipples almost exposed? Do you like showcasing your chest for the world to see?

I must say that I haven't seen too many brothers in Chicago rocking this style and thank God for that. It has an unusually high "suspect" level that will get associated with you if you dare to dip your collar that low.

The white guys I've seen rocking them as of late have a certain "douche bag" essence about their persona... Like, their v-necks are hanging low and they're the shit (times 2) and you can't tell them anything! lol... I was tempted to take a pic of this group of guys I saw yesterday but they looked like a bunch of "MTV True Life - I have a Jersey Shore house" rejects so I kept it moving.

All jokes aside, regardless of your race - - if you're a man please say no to this "trend". Let's leave the plunging necklines to us ladies because we've been rocking cleavage since the beginning of time and know what we're doing.

Electrik Red

The brain child of producer The-Dream (and Tricky Stewart), Electrik Red is the latest female group out on the scene. Compromised of former dancers and friends Naomi Allen, Sarah Rosete, Binkie Reevey and Leslie Lewis, these 4 have been involved in the entertainment industry for years... most recently as backup dancers for Mariah Carey, Usher and Ciara. Finally able to break out on their own, their debut album "How to be a Lady, Volume 1" features a funky mix of R&B, Electronica and sounds reminiscent of Vanity, or if you let them describe it, "a cornucopia of amazingness in your fucking ears."

Listening to their album you'd hardy be able to tell it was the product of an intense 2-week studio session in Vegas, but the ladies managed to put their game faces on and crank out what I consider to be flavor for your ears.

"Drink in my cup" or "We F*ck You" are sure to get you and your girls ready to ride out to the club or you can slow things down with "Blind" or "So Good"(which also features Lil Wayne on the remix). However, my personal favorite is "Freaky Freaky".

Since the majority (if not all) of the tracks were written by The-Dream (who is an exceptionally talented man himself) it was hard to not love the sound these ladies exude. Basically it's The-Dream's lyrics and production quality presented to us via these fabulous 4 ladies that can not only carry a note but keep our attention with their svelte physiques, vivacious personalities and dime piece looks.

These women are ready to change up the music game and inspire "other women to just for it" says Naomi, the group's lead singer and Toronto native.

I feel like they have the total package and am excited to see what they have in store for us. Their debut album "How to be a Lady, Volume 1" is in stores now. Please go buy it and support these chicks - - the album is hot and a must have for the summer!

Friend Lover


Drink in my Cup

Adventures on the CTA - Love is blind?

I'll admit that there have been instances where I've seen someone on the bus and deemed them worthy of a "CTA bus relationship" lol. You know, you ride the same bus everyday, share a smile, maybe even a hello... but it usually stops there. This is the latest addition to my CTA bus relationship file.. or as I like to call it, my BBF (bus boyfriend)...

Last weekend as I was riding the #147 to Water Tower with Caramel Kisses I was blown away by this amazingly attractive guy that wheeled his way onto the bus, literally. From the waist up this guy was the business. I mean, the bulging veins in his arms were making my mind race... his arms/shoulders were a nice size...even his neck game was on point.. and his face? Very easy on the eyes. This guy was definitely "jaw drop" worthy. It was hard to miss the wheel chair dude was rolling around in but I almost looked past it until my eyes made their way down to his calves... which were the size of my arms. *sad face* (Atrophy is an mf'er) This got me to thinking, could you be in a relationship with someone that was handicapped/paralyzed? I'm not talking about having something happen to the person you're already involved with and being faced with the decision to stay by their side... but instead meeting someone and falling for them despite their disability. I have to admit, I don't think I could do it. I want someone to be capable of chasing me around the house... and not just zooming around a ranch style home... but like skipping steps in a townhouse. Maybe if we met online and had a connection it'd be possible... but, ehh... well, I don't know if I'm being shallow or just realistic. I think it all boils down to the lifestyle you lead and how active you are.

So, my question is have you ever dated someone that was paralyzed/handicapped? And if so, what was your experience. If not, could you ever see yourself doing it?

** Please ignore the orange outfit. He was doing a bit too much. lol..**

Nail Art

My mother is a firm believer that your mani and pedi should match. She's a bit old school and has been rocking her OPI shade of red since I can remember...so I know she would be irked by my latest creation (the last time she saw my nails she told me that they looked a little "ghetto" lol...)

But I was recently inspired by my favorite makeup artist Lauren to try this out. Sorry Mom...this is the closest I can come to having matching shades. lol...

My Black is Beautiful

Saturday, May 30th the My Black is Beautiful tour will be rolling into Chicago. This free event will feature a celebrity discussion panel moderated by actress Tasha Smith (panelists include Angela Bassett, Michaela Angela Davis, Daphne Valerius and Troi Tyler), keynote speech by actress A.J. Johnson, and performances by Lalah Hathaway and Eric Roberson. There will also be various "conversation rooms" where topics such as financial management, self-esteem/inner beauty and health/wellness will be discussed. For those looking to get pampered:

~ makeovers will be provided by the Cover Girl Queen makeup studio
~ facials and skin analysis by the Olay Skin is In Studio
~ basic salon services by the Pantene HAIRmony Salon
~ color consultation by the Clairol Beautiful Collection

Other event features include:

~ healthy, beautiful smile challenge with Creast-Pro Healthy
~ style challenge by Tampax
~ spoken word in the Let it Flow Lounge by Always
~ yoga classes and health screenings in the Healthy & Wellness pavillion

Door open at 11am and the event runs until 7pm. While the event is free registration is required. Please click here to register or visit:

www.myblackisbeautiful.com/tour_events/2009/chicago.php

After the event I will be a hosting a "keep the conversation going" dinner at Leona's on Taylor St. This is a way to keep the spirit of sisterhood alive and converse about the various topics of the event. If you'd like to attend please shoot me an email.


Location:

My Black is Beautiful Tour 2009
UIC Forum - Main Hall
725 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Chicago, IL 60608

Leona's
1419 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60607
*4 blocks west of Racine

Shop & Share - 1 day left

If you shop at any Jewel-Osco store in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin on May 25th, May 26th or May 27th, 5% of your total purchase (excluding tax) will be donated to ARFhouse Chicago, a no-kill animal shelter. Just hand the signed slip to your cashier and help ARFhouse Chicago raise money to help homeless pets.



Founded in 2006, ARFhouse Chicago is a no-kill animal shelter. The organization is 100% volunteer run and affiliated with ARFhouse in Sherman, Texas - the 3rd largest no-kill sanctuary in the United States. While monetary donations are always appreciated (ARFhouse is a 501(c)(3) status organization and all donations are tax deductible) you can always help in other ways - - adoption, donating supplies, volunteering your time as a dog walker, or even sponsoring a pet.

If you're planning on doing some grocery shopping please go on the days listed and help out this cause that's very near and dear to my heart! It's a great way to support a charity and not have to go out of your way - - simply print out a form and take it with you... and please feel free to pass this along to everyone you know!

If you'd like more information on ARFhouse Chicago click here.

For a copy of the flyer click here.

Here are a few of the wonderful dogs your donations will be helping out:

Peanut

Nadia

Dollie

Caspar

Brittany