My sister and her family live in Ohio. I know, doesn’t sound so exciting because we hail from the hustle and bustle of NYC. We visited for the weekend so that our little ones can get together and spend some quality time beyond FaceTime. It is nice to be away from the rat race and settle a little in suburbia. They live a cute town called Mason. It is here that we went to Prasco Park ballpark, sponsored by Chik Fil-A for the night. Free food and snacks were distributed all night. We also went to the sweetest Farmer’s Market,Findlay Market, reminds me a little of Paris with the flowers framing the base of the building windows. I’ll be back Cincy.
We enjoyed a free ballgame, snacks from Mr. Softee and Chick Fil A at Prasco Park.I lived in these H&M sandals that I purchased last Summer for 10 bucks!Spent some time at Findlay Market. This market has a real historic, Parisian feel. Great fruits and veggies on the outside and meats on the inside.Fruits on display at Findlay Market.I got the greatest fresh fruit icy pop at a little store called “Panda”. This nook was so charming.Inside of Findlay Market I found “Velvet Smoke BBQ”. I had an amazing pulled pork BBQ sandwich and 3 cheese mac n cheese.As you walk up to Findlay Market you are greeted by the cutest Coffee Truck called “Urbana Cafe”.What did I wear? My Old Navy striped T, Aero distressed denim, H&M sandal along with my Gucci canvas tote.
We are only a few days into summer and the midday sun reminds us that even though we love the heat, it’s necessary to stay cool. These are a few ways that I stay cool while I’m outside basking in the summer sun.
Bright colors just says summer. I’ve worn and loved this red and gold French Connection blouse for years.
Water is essential and I’m an avid drinker but I try to get at least one drink of coconut waterdaily. Coconut water naturally quenches your thirst and actually adds electrolytes that you lose when active. I like mine with the pulp (tiny bits of young coconut) inside of the drink. Put a fun, colorful straw in your container, bottle or can and you will feel like you’ve been transported to the isle of Jamaica. Coconut wata good fi yuh data!
This “Jamaican Choice” coconut water is slightly sweet. They’ve added a little sugar to make the taste more appealing to most.
What is the purpose of Summer if you can’t enjoy ice-cream? Ice-Cream is and always will be the ultimate Summertime treat. I like keeping my own container in the freezer along with some ice-cream cones. I do not need for the ice-cream truck to drive down my block for my ultimate treat. It’s conveniently located in my freezer. My most recent trip to StopandShop was fantastic because all of my treats were on sale. Friendly’s ice-cream (chocolate and vanilla) along with sugar cones (StopandShop brand) were under $5. My coconut water was $1.
Friendly’s ice-cream atop a StopandShop sugar cone. Delish!
Zendaya Coleman was chosen to portray RnB songstress, Aaliyah, for a Lifetime television biopic. Well, Aaliyah’s family is not pleased and there are many critics out there who are also upset about the actress chosen to portray Aaliyah. Most are upset because Zendaya is biracial and not 100% Black! I may be in the minority here but I think Zendaya is a great choice.
Zandaya is a Disney star who was selected to portray Aaliyah.
One of our favorite designers, Vera Wang, opened a boutique on Rodeo Drive this week and Keke Palmer and Rachel Roycame out to celebrate with Vera. If you haven’t done so already, you must visit Kohls online or in store to check out their Vera Wang line. Vera comes through with quality appealer and accessories at a great price.
Keke Plamer posed with Vera wang at the opening. Keke wore Vera designs on the red carpet.Rachel Roy walked the carpet in a casual, chic outfit.
King Bey aka Yonce shared some pictures from her celeb filled, “On The Run” , trailer that she dropped a few weeks back. Beyonce and Jay Z, in spite of all of the breakup rumors and elevator scandals, are getting ready for their Summer tour. One thing’s for sure, it shall be epic.
Bey in a line-up with the Jones sisters, quincy’s daughters.Beyonce and Blake had some grins behind the scenes.Bey and Jay
This month’s Curlbox box is titled “The fresh, Fab and Unfiltered Box”. Sometimes unfiltered is great because it means the surroundings are so beautiful that the moment is best shared with absolutely no filter. So lets’ dig into this box with some no filtered photos!
List of Goodies in June’s Curlbox:
I get a little excited when I see this box. Many products in this month’s box, as with most months, were too big to fit in the box itself. That’s always a great thing.
The Classic and Beautiful Curlbox Black Box.Cantu Hydrating Cream ConditionerCantu Cleansing Cream Shampoo
Both of these Cantu Shea Butter products are sulfate-free. Shampoos and conditioners free from sulfate can aid in helping hair appear less dry and frizzy. There is also no silicone, paraben or mineral oil for the ladies/men who try to avoid these products. This looks like a score for the folks at Cantu. I really enjoy their curling cream so I can’t wait to try this shampoo and conditioner.
I affectionately call these products in my box, “the Smalls”. These products actually came inside of the box. Some great finds here.
We will start with the “Lottabody Control Me Edge Gel”. I wear my hair up in a high bun or pony tail most Summer days so it is nice to have this in the June box. My edges requires maximum control when wearing my bun. Sidenote: Does anyone remember the “Lottabody Setting Lotion” for wash and sets in the 90s? Um, that was a staple for me. Ok, on we go. Next up, “Softee Extenshine Argan Oil’. Argan oil has great benefits for skin and hair. I use a dime size just to add a little shine to my hair when wearing it out. The “Bee Mine Luscious Hair Moisturizer” can be used for your twist outs and braid outs. There is also the “Ogx Kukui Oil”, shampoo and conditioner pillow packs. I have never heard of the kukui nut oil so I’m looking forward to trying it.
The Curlbox Magazine.On the inside of the Curlbox mag there is a description of all of the products in the month’s box along some cute pictures of Myleik, Curlbox’s Chief Experience Officer.
Hello Brooklyn! It is only you that can bring us a flower shop and bar combo. I checked out Sycamore this Wednesday night and I had a fantastic time. I have to admit, it is like no flower shop I have ever been to but it sure as heck reminds me of a cool bar. The atmosphere is super friendly and just hipster enough. The bar is nothing compared to their gigantic, beautiful backyard! I fell in love with the tiny glowing lightbulbs and feel of urban greenery. There was no food on site that night so we went down the street and ordered some phenomenal brick oven pizza, that was allowed into Sycamore. We paired that with a glass of wine and beer from the tap at the bar.
Sycamore’s Beautiful Backyard.There is a wide selection of drinks and friendly bartenders.Our brick oven pizza paired with drinks from the bar.Cheers!
List of Things I loved: Awesome Backyard Space, Great Bar, Cool People, Drinks and BYO Food.
Twitter and Instagram have all been buzzing about North West’s recently pierced ears. Blue Ivy’s hair has been a constant source for criticism for what seems like since the first time the public caught glimpse of her. There are people critiquing Bey/Jay and Kim/Kanye’s ability to parent based on hair and pierced ears! The priorities are ridiculous to me. There are so many children who are struggling in our developed country with basic reading and writing skills. Education is being valued less and less by the majority of people raising young people. There is more emphasis placed on having the right hair and clothes instead of the right developmental activities to help a child excel.
A petition was put up on social network to “Comb Blue’s Hair”. Despicable if you ask me.If you look really closely you will see the tiny diamond studs in North’s ear.
Compiled is a list of developmental toys that every toddler and small child should have at home. Parents, these toys serve as an agent for pretend play which not only builds your child’s imagination but also expand their language skills.
Toy Phone (The type that you used to play with as a kid. No bells and whistles.)
Play Foods, Plates, Cups (Perfect to pretend to cook, play restaurant, supermarket or tea party)
Dress Up costumes (Doctor, Firefighter, Teacher, Etc)
Trucks, Cars, Ikea Train
Farm and Jungle Animals
Little People
Play Doh
Finger Paint (spark creativity through art and work on feel/textures)
Sidewalk Chalk
Bubbles (Improves lip muscles and breath for blowing)
If you really want some extra credit, I urge you to visit this link: http://www.education.com/reference/article/strategies-language-learning/ The strategies that you will learn will be more valuable than what Blue’s hair looks like and what type of piercing North has.
Not since Wendy William’s departure for WBLS have I really cared about the departure of a radio personality till now. Angie Martinez made the public aware, through, Instagram, that today was her last day at Hot 97. Well, my world is rocked. What happened to cause Angie to resign from her longtime home, Emmis Communications?
Angie Martinez’s official IG post making listeners aware that she resigned from Hot 97.
Rumors have already spread and go to extremes from being fired to Angie accepting a deal from rival station, Power 105.1. Angie Martinez has super celeb friends in the world of movies and music, she’s recorded an album, done Entertainment Tonight and was recently a co-host on The View. Only time will tell what Angie’s next move will be. She will be missed by the 3 o’clock listeners.
The Power 105.1 tweet that lit rumors of Angie joining the Power team.
We all know how fiercely loyal Old Man Bro is to Hot 97 and sort of cuts off anyone who fraternizes with personality from Power 105.1. More fuel was added to the Power 105.1 rumor when Funk Flex mentioned on air to Angie that no matter what happens he will remain friends with her.
Time to take a peek at what some of our favorite Hollywood folks have been up to this week.
Evelyn Lozada, a Basketball Wives alum, celebrated her daughter’s 21st birthday in Las Vegas yesterday. The new mommy looks sensational and her daughter, Shanice is a looker as well. Shanice wore a see through dress to celebrate the freedom and liberation that comes with being 21. Evelyn gifted her daughter a brand new Mercedes Benz truck. Nice!
Evelyn surprises Shanice with a new luxury ride.It would be nice to see this mother daughter team star in their own reality show.
Evelyn gave her followers a clue that she would be celebrating in Vegas this weekend when she posted this pic of her in a comfy pair of Louboutins.
Evelyn’s footwear of choice has been comfier. She’s posted these Louboutins recently as her travel footwear choice.
BravoTv mentioned that Kim Zolciak is returning with her growing family with more Tardy for the Party.I like watching Kim and all of her Kimanigans. It will be cool to see her this season as a wife, mother of daughters and sons. We can rely on loads of wine and Louboutins for sure. If those things aren’t there then it’s not Kim. Nope.
Kim and her hubby Kroy in a still from “Don’t Be Tardy”.
Angelina Jolie was named an Honorary Dame by The Queen of England. It is an equivalent to the title of a Knight but for women. She received the honor because of her humanitarian work and more specifically her work to combat sexual violence against women in war zones. Kudos to Angelina for her work and continued example of what it means to love all people.
Dame Angelina. It is a well deserved title.
In today’s billionaire news. Forbes Magazine reported that Michael Jordan is estimated to have a worth of a billion dollars. Jordan is majority owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets ($416 million) and his net worth outside of the team is $600 million. Happy Father’s Day to Michael.
Michael Jordan is a basketball prodigy and has transferred the same skills into growing successful business.
My cable remote and I are way too friendly. Bravo Television is most definitely the channel that I watch the most when I am off of mommy duty. (This is normally at 8:30-9pm when my 9-year-old goes to bed). I watch CNN and BBC when she’s up. Am I a hypocrite? Don’t judge me.. 🙂 I cannot pry myself away from the drama and neither can most viewers because the shows that I’m watching are not hurting for ratings. Many don’t always have positive things to say about reality tv content, especially with the loud warring friends theme shared by many shows. You can bet one thing, these shows are here to stay. They will evolve and hopefully gain a bigger balance of “real life” and less on the sensationalism but for now, I just kick back and enjoy the tv drama and thank the Lord that my own life is drama free.
One of the pleasures of tuning into reality shows is watching with the twitter world. Every show is attached to a hashtag that allows you to read and add your own reactions to all of the shenanigans. #RHOA, #RHOC, #LHHA, LHHNY
Lets start with BravoTv. It is here that I partake in my old friend, The Real Housewivesfranchise. I have been watching since The OC and Atlanta Housewives were the only ones bringing the glamour and a little sass. Vicki (OC) and Nene (ATL) are veterans who still draw in the ratings today.
The cast of BravoTv’s Real Housewives of Atlanta. These ladies never fail. Nene and Keyonce are seated and brings real entertainment to the show.I am still missing the ladies and the real life drama from season 1 of the Real Housewives of Orange County. Before this show, I had never heard of The OC but now I can’t forget it. Whooo! (my Vicki Voice).
Visit http://www.bravotv.com for full episodes and blog posts from some of my favorite personalities.
Aaahhhh VH1 partnered with a Hip Hop powerhouse, Mona Scott Young to bring us the Love and Hip Hopfranchise. I use the word franchise because that is exactly what these shows have become! We started with Love and Hip Hop New York and now there Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. Next season we are bracing for Love and Hip Hop Los Angeles. I can’t ever get enough of the Boriqua Princess, Joseline and her hubby, Steebie.
This show was made popular by Jim Jones, Crissy and Mama Jones. They have departed but the drama sure hasn’t.Mona Scott Young is a staple in Hop Hop and she sure knows how to select a cast, season after season, that delivers reality tv gold.
If you live in New York City or Philadelphia then there is no excuse to not run off to Atlantic City for a day or a weekend. Affectionately termed “AC” by many of my Brooklyn and New Jersey friends, there is never a dull moment and there is truly something for everyone here. You don’t even have to be a hard core gambler to enjoy the hotels and casino.
A view of the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk.
I normally stay at the Tropicana Casino and Resort. I like staying in their new wing. The rooms are decorated in a calming blue and white beach theme. I enjoy the shops in “The Quarter”. For relaxation and spa time I book The Blue Mercury. Next, there is a stop for Cuban food at Cuba Libre and entertainment at The Comedy Stop.
A visit to the Blue Mercury Spa is a great way to relax and unwind.I love Cuban food and Cuba Libre does a good job of replicating some of my favorite meals.A suite at Tropicana Casino and Resort.
A visit to the beach is a must. The Atlanic Ocean awaits and AC added just the right amount of pebbles to make the ocean look clear when your feet are in the water. There are beach bars that play live music and there is always a beach party vibe with loads of Jersey fist pumping involved.
The beach is amazingly clean and relaxing.
I’m a shopaholic and Tanger Outlets in AC is the perfect way to satisfy my thirst. They have my favorite “go to” brands like Banana Republic, The Gap, H&M, Kenneth Cole (They sell the worlds’ comfiest shoes) and Brooks Brothers.
Tanger Outlets is a name that you can rely on for quality shopping.
Visit www.atlanticcitynj.com to plan your own getaway.
TamaraLoves 
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