Hip Hop Project's "Virtual Classroom" - - Demetria Lucas (aka A Belle in Brooklyn)

Demetria Lucas, better known as the voice behind "A Belle in Brooklyn," recently sat down with the Hip Hop Project to participate in their virtual classroom series. Among the many pearls of wisdom she offered up regarding her lucrative career in writing, relationships and education, my favorite was advising folks to "spend money on experiences and not things." Yes, that Gucci bag may make you smile, but using that same money to travel to a different country will create lasting memories and provide a bigger bang for your buck.

As someone that has had a love of writing since I was a child, I enjoyed listening to someone that has gained much success in the field, yet is still growing and on their journey. It's inspiring to be reminded that following your heart and going for your passion in life can truly pay off. I also was reminded that you can always improve and develop... something I've been interested in doing personally with my writing and blog - - just having more of a focus, although I'm such a random person that I feel my blog does often reflect my scattered thoughts lol... Now, whether that's a good thing or not I have no clue.

Sidebar: Watching this video actually made me more of a "Belle" fan. I think I like her better "in-person" than online... I'm digging her style... and can I jack that hair color! Super cute...

My Weekend...

Back in 2008-2009, when I stayed in someone's club, lounge or restaurant on the regular,  I would write "Weekend Review" posts. My party girl lifestyle has definitely simmered down, but my social life has not completely flatlined.

This weekend I was on the hunt for a cute, low-key brunch spot to catch up with one of my besties and fellow blogger Kcalana1. Since I'm staying in the suburbs for the time being I didn't feel like driving up North to all of the fab spots that keep the liquor flowing. I decided to keep things a little closer to home and search in Hyde Park. I'm still on the fence about Hyde Park as a place to call home. It's a super cute neighborhood, but the insane amount of homeless people and lack of parking makes me wonder...

Anyways, we decided to check out Valois Restaurant, a cafeteria style eatery on 53rd (between Harper and Lake Park). The place had over 100 reviews on Yelp and averaged 4 out of 5 stars. The food was good and the prices were even better! My entire breakfast cost about $8 (2 eggs, grits, ham, english muffin and orange juice) and the service was prompt.

The only drawbacks to eating here were the parking situation and 'cash only' policy. I guess I've been living under a rock (aka South Carolina) because I had no clue that it's no longer free to park on Sundays!! I got a $50 ticket on Sunday and was highly annoyed. I felt like I was in an episode of "Parking Wars" as I ran to my car just as the meter man (isn't meter maid just for ladies? lol... am I crazy?) wrote my ticket.

I also ventured to the 59th St Harbor with another bestie and fellow blogger SexyandtheChi. I had never been to the marina before, but let me just say it was an experience. I've been on yachts (when I was younger my mom had one...) but I had never seen folks that own boats party in the parking lot of their marina. I guess gas is too expensive and nobody even wants to set foot on their boat lol. Another sight to be seen? The parking situation! Folks were parked in the lot... on the grass, on the sidewalks, on the curbs - - it was a mess! The only thing worse than the parking setup was the nightmare when we tried to leave! I've never been gridlocked in a parking lot. It took forever to get out of there and I couldn't have been happier to hop on Lake Shore Drive and whiz away from that place.

So, how'd you spend your weekend?


Weekend Haunts

Valois Restaurant
1518 E. 53rd St.
Chicago, IL 60615
773-667-0647


59th Street Harbor
5900 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60615
312-747-7019

Kim Kardashian’s Music Video “Jam (Turn It Up)” Directed By Hype Williams [Video]

**Update** Guess the video got pulled down just that fast! lol... Kim K stays on top of her stuff!

When her song didn't take off Kim Kardashian did a great job of making sure the music video never saw the light of day. The following is a clip I was sent via Bossip.com and although it's short, I don't think it's too shabby! Kim Kardashian is definitely NOT a singer, but Hype Williams did a wonderful job, as to be expected.

What do you think of the video?

200 sq ft Parisian Flat Remodel...

I've always dreamed of living in Paris and calling my very own Pied-à-terre home. This 200 sq ft Parisian flat remodel was recently featured on ApartmentTherapy.com and as usual, I was amazed at the amount of space (or lack thereof) people can comfortably call home.




Parisian Flat Before...



Looking at all of these wonderful studios makes me question whether Americans truly are excessive, wasteful and less efficient? My husband and I just moved out of a 1000 sq ft apartment that we were more than comfortable in and the thought of downsizing was freaking me out... but if 2 people can share 400 sq ft and smaller without a problem should we all be thinking about making the most of our space instead of having a "bigger is better" attitude? Hmmm... thoughts?

Macy's "Shop for a Cause" 2011

Macy's is having a great deal going on today and tomorrow...

If you donate $5 to their "Shop for a Cause" charity event (benefitting March of Dimes), you'll receive a card allowing you to receive 25% off all purchases today and tomorrow!!!

I just saved a bunch of money on bras (which they're having a great sale @ the State/Lake location), so I urge everyone to get in the giving spirit and instantly reap the rewards.

Breast Reduction Surgery...

I've toyed around with the idea of getting a breast reduction for years... but imagine my surprise when after glancing at before and after pictures I realized, "Fuck, I really DO look like a before picture." My jaw was seriously dropped and my eyes started to water... is my body changing before my eyes? My boobs were always big... then somehow they became HUGE! Ginormo even...  but recently I've noticed a major change (which I blogged about) and I'm starting to become more self-aware, self-conscious, and slightly insecure about my large rack. My posture is affected, the straps digging into my skin cause headaches, and I'm tired of not being able to have clothes fit me properly. I guess you could say that I'm just over having a big, disproportionate chest and want to fix it asap.

 The catch? I'm not 16, 19, or even 24... I'm 27, nearly 2 years into my marriage, and almost certain that I'll have kids within the next 5 years. Breast reductions (which are usually accompanied with a lift) are not recommended for women that plan on nursing because the surgery can cause complications with the milk supply - - basically you don't have food for your kid. I'm not a parent, but it would do a huge psychological number on me not being able to connect with and nurture my child via breastfeeding. On top of that, doctors don't necessarily recommend reductions to women that plan on becoming pregnant because pregnancy changes your boobs and guess what... all that beautiful surgical work they do will change, even if slightly... and Lord knows once I get my dream rack I don't want to go back to the racks on racks (on racks...) that I have now.

Have any mothers had the breast reduction surgery and been able to breast feed without any problems? Did you experience issues with your newly constructed boobs post pregnancy? Has anyone else considered getting a breast reduction, but been nervous because they have yet to become a mother?