Ladies Love Lyrics: Glenn Lewis "Something To See"

This song stopped me in my tracks to day. I used to play it constantly back in 2001. I thought that Glenn Lewis would have a great career. I was wrong. His debut cd was just plain dope, lyrically and musically. His voice is so soothing to me. "Something To See" wasn't a single and it should have been one. It was one of the best tracks on the cd. Let's get into it and it's lyrics. 

"I was thinking you and me could start again, fulfill a dream
Read that somewhere we would find a paradise
Walls of change have clearly fell, showing loves cry out for help
But if you only try with me, you'd see that we

Should be trying to find a cause for our own flaws
But know that just to be with you
In a love that's truly free
That could be you and me

It'd be something to see
'Cause you know we're too far gone
To ever be the same way we've been so long
It'd be something to see, we can make it if we hold on
The way it should be with love leading us along..."

It's My Hair: Straight Hair Don't Care

I've been a very good naturalista for the last few months. I've spent more time on my hair. I deep conditioned often. I gave myself hot oil treatments and clipped my ends regularly. I avoided heat like a former friend who did me wrong. I've had a lot of fun playing with my hair. I am still very partial to a braid out or a bantu knot out. I combat "bad hair days" (aka days when my hair didn't dry all the way or the style didn't come out quite right) with buns. And, then came the day that I got bored with my hair. So, I did something I haven't done in over 6 months. I decided to flat iron my hair. *gasp* I know I was shocked too. This was an adventure to say the least. 

I started by rubbing my whipped shea butter mix throughout my hair. My homemade shea butter mix is shea butter, grapeseed oil, a little vitamin e oil, and glycerin. It is my favorite thing to use in my hair. Then I sprayed my hair with Fructis Flat Iron Heat Protector. I proceeded to spend the next almost 2 hours straightening my kinky, coily tresses. When it was finally straight, I couldn't believe how long it was. I haven't truly seen the length of my hair in at least a year. I also clipped my ends. I then decided to take it one step further and curled my hair. I wanted a full, bouncy look. That is exactly what I ended up with. My hair was so thick and pretty once I was done. I was more than satisfied with my results. It's been two days and I still cannot stop touching my hair. I have been pin-curling it at night to keep my roots straight and my ends curled. I am not sure how long I will keep it this way but I really like it. I probably won't use heat on my hair until the end of the year. This luxurious look is a winner. Get into my tresses, people!! 

Rant: Don't Put Me In A Box

The other night I had an epiphany. This will be my last year being in the 25-34 or 30-34 box. You know the age box on every application and/or survey. I am not prepared for 35. I feel like my life has been moving at warp speed since turning 30. I'm at the age now where I thought I would have my life perfectly together. After turning 30, I believed that a marriage and babies would happen before 35. I should have already transitioned into being that version of myself. I thought I had things figured out. I think that was my mistake. The universe decided that I was wrong. Now that 35 is fast approaching, I am contemplating life in general. This isn't much of a rant more of a thought. I don't feel my age nor do I look my age. But, there are things that I know that I need to do. This age box thing really threw me for a loop. Life is interesting to say the least. 

Ladies Love Lyrics: Jilll Scott "The Real Thing"

Don't you hate when you forget about a really dope song? I know I do. It's the way I felt when Jill Scott's "The Real Thing" played on Spotify last night. I completely forgot how much this song makes me happy. I've always felt that the lyrics were perfect to describe me. It was my theme song back then. I haven't heard it in years. I played it at least 7 times last night. So, I had to share it here. Get into these lyrics and Jilly from Philly's vocals. They are both e-very-thing!!

"You gotta do right by me it's mandatory baby
Sweeter than your favorite ice cream be,
bask in my glory baby
Don't play no games, that'll ruin thangs
And make me leave ya or mistreat ya and you
don't want that
Don't hesitate, I could make you great
Like Cleopatra Jones I could set you straight 

[Chorus:]
I'm the real thing in stereo
I got a little highs I got a little lows
Follow this melodic flow
I could make it shine I could make it glow. (repeat twice)

I'm more than a toy for your satisfaction
I'm a pay-per-view for the TV screen,
your main attraction
Your phosphorus, I'm your energy
When your lost and you need some focus
come see me
I'll entice ya man I do it all the time
In the morning in the evening
when the doves cry
I can feed you gut,put you in a tub
When I turn it up yeah brotha you know
what's up
A little bubbles and a body rub,
turn off the water (drip drip)
Don't think about dessert I got enough
And a whole lot more to give!"

This Reader's Review: Part XXIII: "Divergent" Trilogy

I spent my weekend reading the "Divergent" trilogy. I was interested in it because the "Divergent" movie just opened in theaters.  The movie trailers peeked my interest. Also, Zoe Kravitz is in the movie and I really like her. The trilogy is set in futuristic Chicago. People are split up into 5 factions based on their talents. The 5 factions are Dauntless, Erudite, Abnegation, Candor, and Amity. The main character is Beatrice "Tris" Prior, a 16 year old Abnegation girl. The trilogy is built around Tris and her choices. She is a very interesting character. Other notable characters are Tobias (Four), Christina, Caleb, Will, Uriah, Marcus, Evelyn and Peter. Each interesting in their own right.  I love the way she grows from her first scene and her last scene. I finished the trilogy in 2 1/2 days. But, I do read incredible fast.   

I wanted to like the Divergent series. I had high hopes. They did not live up to it. They trilogy is well written and the story flows quite well. But, there is a disconnect somewhere along the lines. I just wasn't that into it. I liked some of the characters but towards the middle of the second book, I started to figure out what was really going on and I didn't like it. I hated the ending of "Allegiant" completely. The movies may be better but I no longer feel the need to rush out and see them. Maybe I am not the intended audience. I read all three because I like to finish what I start. I doubt seriously that I will ever read them again. I just felt unfulfilled once I was done. That is never a good feeling after reading a book.  I read a lot. It's my favorite thing in the world. This was an interesting way to spend a weekend. I wasn't overwhelmed by the plot of the series. I wanted so much more from a dystopian novel. It wants to be "the Hunger Games" but it fails. If you are curious about this trilogy, I say check it out for yourself.  

Guess Who Is The "Naturally Fierce" Feature?

I was so excited to see my face on the Global Couture IG feed as the "Naturally Fierce" Feature!!! I loved it. The above pic is one of my faves. Loved my braid out, my natural hair. Also, my makeup and eyebrows were on point if I do say so myself. I was extremely happy that day. You can read my feature on Global Couture. I love Patricia's site because it is geared toward natural hair. I love the info I learn there. Get into it. Oh, there is one mistake on it. I received my first relaxer at the age of 8 when I was in the 4th grade. The age was omitted. Anyway, it's a great read about my natural hair journey. Please check it out!!

Around These E-streets (XII)

• The new initiative to Ban Bossy is unique. Please visit the site, learn and get involved. In the words of Beyonce', "I'm not bossy. I'm the boss!!" 
• The missing plane is crazy. This story freaks me the hell out. How does one just lose a plane full of people? The non-explanations are frightening. 
• There are things I read that really blow my mind. Like this story. A 48 year old white woman who is HIV positive said she didn't know white people could contract the virus. Excuse me?!? This is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard. It is 2014 and people need to wake up. It is not a Black and Brown disease only. 
• Chimamanda Adiche defended Beyonce' last night. She also states that "Whoever says they're feminist is bloody feminist" and I totally agree. Her book "Americanah" is next on my to be read list. She is so dope to me. 
• Happy International Day of Happiness!! Also, watch Congressman John Lewis dance to Pharrell's "Happy."

• The Boondocks is coming back 4.21.14. but, there seems to be some drama. According to this article, Executive Producer and Creator Aaron McGruder may not have anything to do with it. What?! I don't know what to think. I hope that the man who gave us Huey and Riley is still working on his show. I'll keep an eye on this story. 
• I don't think there is a person lower than one who hurts, harms, kills kids. They are the lowest form of scum. This story broke my heart. RIP Lylah Aaron. #years old is way too young to die. 
• As a kid, Jem and the Holograms was one of my favorite cartoons. There is now a Jem movie in the works. Who's happy about this?!? Me, that's who!! I'm sure it'll be "totally outrageous!!" If you do not get that reference, you are way too young!! 
• The below video is hilarious. This kid is so serious. Please watch! 

Get Into It: Target's Beauty Box

I LOVE a good deal. I couldn't buy this one quick enough. Target is offering their Beauty Box for $5 and free shipping if you use their RED card. The Beauty Box is filled with 5 beauty products. A mascara, a lip gloss, a BB body cream, a dry shampoo, and a hair spray. 5 products for only $5?!? How great is that! I was most excited about the mascara. I do like makeup but I love to do my eyes the most. I am all about eye shadow, mascara and eye liners. I am always on the hunt for great mascara. The beauty box is a great investment. 

Beauty Box Includes:

1) TONI&GUY Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray (2.5 fl oz): Want beachy hair without hitting the surf? Spray from root to tip for salty, sultry texture and subtle, windswept waves.

2) L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara (.22 fl oz): Stretch and lengthen lashes for a fluttery, winged-out look with this unique mascara formula and revolutionary asymmetrical Butterfly Brush.

3) Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo (1.7 oz): Give hair a rejuvenating boost with this paraben and colorant-free formula made with natural tapioca to instantly absorb excess oil with less residue.

4) COVERGIRL Smoochies Sizzle Gloss (.44 fl oz): Pucker up. Sheer color meets sizzling shimmer in a moisturizing formula that’s always stunning, never sticky.

5) Jergens BB Cream Light (2 fl oz): Finally, a multi-tasking beauty cream in a quick-drying formula that goes on sheer and delivers visible results in just 5 days.

Of the five, I am in love with three of them the most. The L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara is my hands down favorite. I love the coverage of it. It does not clump and it separates my lashes. And, it lasts all day long. I have ditched my normal Revlon mascara for this one. It is a win. The Jergens BB Cream is great. I love the way it makes my skin look and feel. I love it so much that I am looking into a BB cream for my face. I am also planning on purchasing a full size of the Jergens BB cream. The Covergirl gloss is cute. It smells great and has great coverage. I am not that big of a fan of the glitter in it but I still like it. I used the Herbal Essences Naked dry shampoo last night. I am on the fence about it. I don't know if I truly feel like my hair is clean. I will give it another try soon. I have not used texturizing spray yet. But, I will. All in all, this is a great deal for $5. Get yours before they are all gone! Get into the Target Beauty Box.

Movie Review: "Veronica Mars"

Seven years ago one of my favorite shows "Veronica Mars" was cancelled. I was heartbroken. I loved the main character Veronica for many reasons. She was smart, funny, and sarcastic. These were all traits I saw in myself then and now. Veronica Mars is played by Kristen Bell. The show was based on a teenage girl who's best friend was violently murdered. Veronica is the daughter of Keith Mars, one time Sheriff of small town Neptune, California. After he is ousted as Sheriff, he becomes a P.I. Veronica works for her Dad as a secretary who picks up a lot of tools of the trade. In short, she becomes a teenage P.I. Through three seasons, Veronica works her way through high school and the beginning of college solving crimes. She was, to me, a modern day, Nancy Drew. And, as a kid, I was a Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys fanatic.

The movie was everything I wanted it to be and more. The movie is centered on a high school friend's murder. And, as per the usual, Logan Echols is the main suspect. This brings Veronica back home just in time for her ten year high school reunion. So many old faces pop up throughout the film. Wallace, Mac, Gia, Dick, Piz, and Weevil all resume their roles. The movie is just under 2 hours. I laughed from the opening scene to the last one. There are some new big names attached to the film like Justin Long, Dax Shepard, James Franco, and Jerry O'Connell. The movie is really great for fans like me. There is a possibility of a second movie or even a series via Netflix. If you were a fan, you have to go see this movie. Veronica was the same but different. You can tell the growth in the characters. The script did a great job of staying true to the essence of the show. That made me too happy. I left the movies very excited to see it again. One of the final scenes is a repeat of a scene from the show. I loved the nostalgic feel of it. Get into it: "Veronica Mars" movie.

So, You Had A Bad Day

You ever have one of those days where you want to give up and give in? Where nothing goes your way? When you feel like the universe is conspiring against you? Yes? That's the kind of week this one was. Nothing good or great happened. I had an insane case of writer's block that I could not shake. It was awful because I have a deadline looming and I haven't written a word that I want to share. The weather hasn't been that great. This drinking only water thing is getting old quickly. I am just agitated and I'm not exactly sure why. So, this week, I have faltered on my happiness project. I couldn't shake the negative thoughts from seeping in. I didn't add one happy thing to my gratitude jar. This was a bad week.

At first, I was upset at myself for falling short. But, then, I remembered I'm only human. Every day will not be all sunshine and rainbows. I get that. I just don't want to let life happen to me. I am striving to live my best life ever. My 2014 will not be a repeat of my 2013. I refuse to let that happen. So far, the 2 1/2 months of this year have already been worlds better than all of last year. I have made a more conscious effort to embrace my life. I've also had trouble sleeping all week. I know that has a lot to do with my mood. It's Friday and I plan to shake all of this off. One bad week does not a bad life make. I refuse to just exist when life is a gift. Some days are better than others but every day I wake up looking down at the ground and not up is a good one. I cannot deny that. Hope you guys have a great weekend!!

Get Into It: Marsha Ambrosius' EP "FVCK&LOVE

Marsha Ambrosius dropped some new music last week in the form of an EP. It is called "FVCK&LOVE." It's 6 songs deep and I love it. When I first saw the name of it, I read it as "FVCKLOVE" I knew I would be a fan instantly. Lol. Although I was a little wrong about the title, my opinion of the music was right on. Marsha is one of my faves. These songs are actually album worthy to me. If this is the direction that her second cd is going in, I am sure none of her fans will be disappointed. This EP is just to hold her fans over until her second solo cd "Friends & Lovers" is released later this year. My favorite song is "Friends & Lovers" for so many reasons but mainly because #LadiesLoveLyrics!! I really love this project. "FVCK&LOVE" can be downloaded here. You can check out the songs below. Get into Marsha's "FVCK&LOVE."

"Friends & Lovers" - 

"We've been through some of the hardest times.

 But, we made it through it all. 

We made it through. 

I've been to hell and back for you. 

I'd do anything that I could for you.

Oh, I took you in after you lied to me 

and you cried your tears.

And there I was sorry for all I had done to you

now here we are again

We can't be friends and lovers.

It will all end in us hurting each other.

No, we can't be friends and lovers.

Oh I love you but I can't do this again."

These Are Just My Random Thoughts...

• The Saints just cut some of my fave players: Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, Lance Moore and Darren Sproles. WTF?!? I do not know what the front office is doing but I do not like it. I am sick over this. They were a major part of the heart of the team. Next season is looking hella shaky. Smh. 
• I really dislike change. Truly. I don't like the way relationships and friendships change. I like people to be the same with me. Especially if I've let you into my life and heart. It's simple, don't play with my feelings, bro. Don't do it. 
• I am totally and completely obsessed with Netflix's "House of Cards." This show is e-very-thing!! Francis J. Underwood aka Frank is the king of everything. In a week's time, I have binge watched almost all of the two seasons. I will def finish it later today because yes. It's a political show that is so dark.
• For a while, I had baby fever bad. It was an actual ache in y heart. I think I am getting over it. I've convinced myself that being a mother just may not be in the cards for me. The reality is I am a 34 year old single woman who has no desire to date any man right now. So, no man means no baby. That could truly be my reality. I'm not getting any younger. And, I also have trust issues now. So, my dream keeps slipping further away. It is what it is right?
• Crawfish are currently running between $6-7 per pound!!! This is insane. I really want some today but I refuse to pay the 5. That price is way to high. Blame the horrific winter polar vortex for the small crawfish and the raising prices. *le sigh*
• I am so ready for it to be Spring already. This winter has been long and cold and horrible. I am so it.  I need some sun and warm weather in my life. My oh so legs need it. I wanna wear sundresses and shorts and bask in the sun. I need it in my life.

• I discovered this website a few weeks ago. It's called "The Quiet Place." It has become one of my fave sites to visit to just unwind. I really love it. You guys should check it out. It would help you out too. 
• I am a girly girl. I have always loved makeup. I love doing my eyes the most. I recently have been getting into lipstick. I dived in the deep end and started with a red. Now, I am obsessed with purples. I found my perfect shade. It;s by Avon and it's called "Powerful Plum." It is now a must for me. I need more. Who knew I would get to be 34 and fall in lust with lipstick?!?
• I like to solve problems. If there is an issue, I wanna work it out. I do not like letting things linger. Closure is something I demand. And, when I don't get it, it bothers me. I hate for things to go unsettled. This is where I am with something in my life. There is no ending there. It's annoying. It's truly out of my control. I may never really get the answers I deserve in this situation. But, it would be nice if it didn't stay on my mind. Like I cannot shake it. 
• It's been a week since I started my March Challenge. I had a very good first week. Drinking so much water is a new experience but I had to do it. I have been sleeping better which is awesome. The iron supplement has been working wonders as well. I won't weigh myself until the end of the month. I just feel really good about this journey. Yay me!! :p

Ladies Love Lyrics: "Lost Queen"

Pharrell is dope. That is my overall opinion of him. He can do no wrong. He supplied my life a theme song a few times in the form of songs; "Frontin" (featuring Jay Z) and "Happy." I was very excited to hear his new project "G I R L." On first listen, "Lost Queen" was an immediate favorite. I love it. The beat and the lyrics are perfection. I like the whole cd but find myself playing this one track more than others. Get into the audio video above and the dope lyrics below. Oh, and go cop Pharrell's "G I R L" because it's worth your coins!!

"I think you are a lost queen
Let me serve you, serve you
Hot sex and gold, shiny things
I think you are a lost queen
Let me serve you, serve you
Remind you that you are a lost queen
I think you are a lost queen

I don't have a problem with multi-tasking
Taking care of you is my number one passion
Put it before my eyes, you know I'ma smash it
Only if you want it, want it
You don't have to ever think about asking
I can read your mind, girl, of course I have it
Can I start you up? It's automatic
Get your motor running, running, vroom-vroom
I'm never too busy to tell you that you're pretty
Ain't gotta ask me to
Surprise you in the city when your day is going shitty
Ain't gotta ask me to..."

Happy Mardi Gras!!

It's Fat Tuesday here in New Orleans and that means happy Mardi Gras!!! It is cold, windy and wet here. It is on record to be the coldest MG ever. For that reason alone, I am home where its warm. No parades for me today :( I'm a little sad about it. But, I went to parades all weekend and last night. So, I've celebrated the Mardi Gras season. I just wanted to spread a little Mardi Gras spirit with you guys. My 5 month old niece Sydnei is spending the day with me and we are having our own celebration inside. Happy Mardi Gras, people!!!

Get Into It: "House of Cards"

Netflix is well on their way to putting mainstream media out of business. Already scoring a win with the hit with their original programming, I can finally call myself a fan. I've been hearing great things about this relatively new show "House of Cards." I finally sat down to check out episode 1 of the first season. I feel like I am super late getting on this "House of Cards" bus. But, nonetheless, I am on it now. This passed weekend I decided to watch episode one to see if it was worth my time. It was. I am now more than halfway through season one. I cannot get enough of Francis Underwood and the rest of the cast.

"House of Cards" is a political show based in the White House. It deals with relationships, politics, good and bad, right and wrong of everyday people. I love how there are no inherently good or evil characters. Everyone has some interesting point of view. This show is entertaining and exciting. I love the way the stories intertwine. Frank and Claire have the oddest relationship. They are married and are partners in every sense of the word. I like them. They always seem to have each other's back. It's the kind of show that seems to be made for me. I am really enjoying it. You guys show check it out if you haven't already. Netflix is two for two with original series. "House of Cards" and "Orange is the New Black" are both amazingly written and acted shows. Get into them on NetFlix. 

Giving The Answer His Due

Allen Iverson had his jersey officially retired by the Philadelphia 76er's earlier tonight. This was a bittersweet night for me. I am a total fan of the man. Have been since the first time I saw him shake a few players and drive to the hole. I was mesmerized. Yes, I noticed he was cute. And, this was before the braids and tattoos. Allen was simply adorable to me. But, I was a basketball fan and the man could ball. I had never seen a man who is short by NBA standards with so much heart play the game with such intensity before. Allen owned the court every time he stepped on it. In that moment, he became my favorite player and the Sixers were my team. For a decade, there was nothing anyone could tell me about my player or my squad. They were it for me. So, tonight was special. The crowd in Philly showed up and showed out for AI. His speech made me cry. The crowd was loving him shouting "MVP." It was an epic night that ended with his #3 banner being raised to the rafters. Beautiful send off for Philly's own adopted son. Great job, Allen.