Where are all the girl groups?

I was listening to a song online today and I had no idea who it was. So, I looked them up. The song was called "Get Your Swagger Right" by Rich Girl. I was surprised to find that it was a girl group and not a solo artist, which got me to thinking...

WHERE ARE ALL THE GIRL GROUPS?!

It seems like since Beyonce, Michelle, and Kelly fulfilled their "destiny" there hasn't been a truly successful girl group.

Sure, we had the Pussycat Dolls, but there were just too many to count and keep up with, and they all ended up blending in with each other.

Then there was Danity Kane, but they suffered the curse of P. "Can't Make a Band" Diddy. (sigh)

There was also some group Electrik Red, but they just seemed like a bunch of pretty girls stuck together.

The dynamics of a music group are always difficult as there is always someone who must stand out as the lead. Dealing with egos, varying salaries, fan bases, and personal issues can lead to disaster if not treated carefully.

Very few have managed to be successful and maintain longevity. But even the best of things must one day come to an end.

Here's my run down of some of the best girl groups

1. Martha and the Vandellas

Everyone always notes the Supremes, but Martha and the Vandellas were quite successful in their day. You may know some of there hits like "Heatwave," "Nowhere to Run," and "Dancing in the Street."

2. J.J. Fad

Who can forget their upbeat, funky hit "Supersonic." It made them the first female rap group to receive a Grammy nod.

3. SWV

SWV is undoubtedly one of the best female R&B groups of all time. SWV stood for "sisters with voices" and that's exactly what they were! Their smooth melodies were undeniable!

4. Brownstone

Bump what you heard, Brownstone was the ish back in the day! Those harmonies were insane!

5. Destiny's Child

You knew Destiny's Child would make the cut, but I have to say they had stiff competition like Total, and Xscape. But there was nothing like the original DC3. I still miss them. I hate when groups disband for solo careers :-/

Here's the song I was listening to earlier that started all of this.

	RichGirl - Swagger Right .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

We need to bring back the girl groups!

Women I Admire: Simmons Family

I haven't done a "Women I Admire" post in a while. When thinking about this one I thought, Oh, the Simmons sisters! But then I thought, there's Kimora and then there's Justine! So...I decided to do a family post (LOL).

I may have been the only one, but I was a big fan of Run's House. They didn't seem to be your average stuck up "celebu-spawn" with no sense of reality. Angela and Vanessa appeared to be young women with their heads on straight who, despite having loads of money, still had work ethic. So much so, that they launched their own sneaker line "Pastry" in 2007, which has grossed somewhere around 50 million dollars. Not to mention they are both just twenty-something.

Even though they got a little help from Dad and Uncle Russell, they are business powerhouses in their own right and make a conscious effort to be role models for young women. It's always refreshing to see young ambitious women making it happen for themselves without sacrificing their values. Gotta love Ang and Ness!

The two obviously took a page from their fab Aunt Kimora Lee Simmons, who at the ripe age of 13 began modeling for Chanel. After capturing the modeling world by storm, she went on to conquer fashion, launching Baby Phat in the late 90s. She nurtured the brand for nearly 10 years, but recently shed the Baby Phat in 2010.


I love Kimora because she didn't let such a huge blow defeat her. She let us know that Baby Phat is not her only claim to fame and reminded us that she made the brand and the brand did not make her. She's moved on to bigger and better things like her hit reality series "Life in the Fab Lane" as well as her multiple fragrances, jewelry line and new, mature clothing line, KLS. She's a true renaissance woman balancing family life with her husband and three kids, with her booming business in fashion and entertainment, and on top of it all, still manages to make it all look so fabulous! I love the "go-getter" in Kimora.

And then there's Justine, the loving matriarch of the Simmons clan. What I love about Justine is that she reminds me so much of my own mother. She married Joseph Simmons who had 3 children from a previous relationship and loved and supported the children as if they were her own. Justine never struck me as the typical "look-at-me" hip-hop wife. She was grounded and made sure to keep her family grounded in spiritual values. She's more concerned with the well-being of her family than being known in the industry. It's no wonder the children are so successful. They obviously have the best cheerleader in their corner. Go Jus!

Gotta Love Uncle Charlie

Charlie Wilson makes the best romance songs.

This video was too cute not to post.

Watch Video:

There's a Limit to My Love

Photo Credit: fashioncappuccino.com

I saw these shoes online and the first thing that popped in my head were the lyrics to Keri Hilson's Breaking Point. (LOL)

Surely my ankles will be at a breaking point if I ever got nerve enough to rock these bad boys. I love heels, but there's a limit to my love and it ended 3 inches ago.

Here's Keri Hilson's Breaking Point Video. Sing along if you feel me.
"There's a limit, there's a limit..." (snaps)

Black TV: Single Ladies Trailer

Photo Credit: studentfilmmakers.com

A while back rumors were circulating that Lisa Raye, Stacey Dash, and Lauren London were doing a television series that would fill the void of the UPN hit "Girlfriends."

Well turns out, its actually a movie called "Single Ladies" executive produced by Queen Latifah. (I see you Queen!) She's also executive producing the new BET series Let's Stay Together.

Anyway, Single Ladies is supposed to be a cross between Girlfriends and Sex In the City (we'll see about that) and it seems Lauren London has been replaced by a blonde I don't recognize (No dis).

Perhaps, they're piloting the movie to see what the response will be before green-lighting a series. (Smart)

For your viewing pleasure, here's the trailer.


What do you think? Will you watch?

Via Clutch Magazine: New Series ‘Milk + Honey’ Stars Debbie Allen, Lance Gross, and Idris Elba

Photo Credit: clutchmagonline.com

Since I'm a fan of all things Lance Gross, I felt it only befitting that I post about a new online series Milk & Honey that he's co-starring in. Oh yea, and its executive produced by Idris Elba. Need I say more?

On a serious note, I just LOVE that black television is back and that we are getting more shows to choose from.

From Clutch Mag:

The series follows four African-American women as they traverse spiritual, professional and romantic journeys in the City of Angels. The show stars legendary actress Debbie Allen, as well as Lance Gross, Bryce Wilson, Faune Chambers, and newcomer Asha Kamali.

“Milk + Honey” is being Executive produced by Idris Elba and the production company Brown Paper Dolls, which is comprised of three dynamic Black women—Dana Gills, Asha Kamali May, and Jeanette McDuffie.

According to Dana Gills, one of the series’ creators, “Milk + Honey” is a labor of love.

“Milk + Honey is a passion project. Working on it for over 3 years, [it was] created because we wanted to showcase positive and diverse images of women of color—[which you] don’t see many on the big or little screen.”

According to Clutch Mag, the show will only be available on the web, but the series creators are hoping it gets picked up and aired on TV soon.

In the mean time watch the trailer...

milk + honey series trailer from brown paper dolls on Vimeo.
For more information visit milkandhoneyseries.com.

Nail Design Archives

If you haven't noticed, I've mostly been doing nail posts lately. Well that's how I'm feeling right now for one, and secondly I realized there were a lot of designs I haven't posted from a while ago.

So, I decided to do an archive post with all my past designs instead of breaking them up into individual postings.

Hope you enjoy!

Blue Gradient Nails Tutorial

My blog has been infiltrated with nail posts lol. But what can I say, I just love it!

I saw a tutorial on youtube via MissChievous on these bomb gradient nails and decided to try it. I did a more blue version with the colors I had but I think it turned out pretty well. Not bad for a first time eh?!

Watch the tutorial:

Pink Nails and Pink Lips

I'm trying to be good about posting all my old nail designs that I haven't uploaded. There is plenty more where this came from. Sorry if that annoys you :-p

OPI's Black Shatter Nail Polish Update

You may recall my last post on OPI's black shatter nail polish. Well, I have an update! I haven't tried it for myself yet, but via luxuriousnais, a nail art vlogger I subscribe to on youtube, there is a tutorial on how to use the polish and I've gotta say it came out pretty nice!

Apparently it dries really quickly and applying it is as easy as painting your nails.
Watch the tutorial


As far as I know, right now the polish is only available online. OPI's website says its hitting stores soon. Keep an eye out!

All About Choices

I can rattle off a few cliches about choices.
"We are the sum of our choices."
"Choose wisely."
"The choices you make today, decide tomorrow."
Blah, blah, blah....blah blah!
Today I've come to the realization that I have a problem with choosing. The funny thing is that I only have a problem making insignificant decisions.

The big stuff is rather easy.
I mean I decided what car I would get in a matter of minutes.
I chose the college I would attend without reservation.
And I moved into an apartment I'd only seen pictures of online with no issue.
Yet, I will spend an hour trying to decide between the gray shoe or the brown.
Sigh...
If you've visited my blog for any length of time, you've probably noticed that the design keeps changing.
No, its not because I have nothing better to do than play on my blog because it actually is getting in the way of other stuff (SMH), but its because I can't decide on a design!
This blog is supposed to represent me. But let's face it. There's no way this limited profile can really, honestly, and truly represent me. Although, my changing it everyday does say something.
I should just get over it right?
Maybe so, but then I'll be on to the next indecisive task like picking a nail polish color. (Don't get me started on that!)
I'd like to blame my indecisiveness on me being a perfectionist, but I'm not sure that's the reason.
Anyway, they say the first step is admitting you have a problem.
So here's my confession...I'm indecisive, but only about little things.
I've gotta overcome this though, because it seriously is a time-waster.
Alright, that's it.
From this day forward, I will do better about making decisions in a timely manner.
That felt good.
I'm deciding to end this post now.
Good day...

Hot Nails

Another original creation by Beautiful Lamb.

It's pretty simple, but still so cute!

French tip is such a classic look, but the small detail adds a little jazz.

Reality Check

I had a host of errands to run today. Of them was a quick and necessary long trip to the mall to grab some stuff for this crazy weather.

(It was -2 in Syracuse this morning!)

I decided I was going to spend one of my Christmas gifts, a gift card to H&M.

I was in need of warm clothing, but also want to make the most of the $25 card.

It was the longest time I've ever spent in a store.

I tried on countless items and was getting so frustrated.

Ladies, you know how we can beat ourselves up in the dressing room! Yea, I was having one of those days.

But then I looked to the right of the mirror (that does no one any justice) and saw the most appropriate and sweet little note inked on the wall.

It read:

Whoever wrote it was a thoughtful genius because it seems like no matter what size you are, trying on clothes is always a self-deprecating experience.

Thankfully, I got a reality check today!

What do you take for granted?

I was pulling up to the grocery store when this song came on in the car.

I immediately broke down and began praising God. Why you ask? Because I was so touched to be blessed enough to be in my car pulling up to a grocery store.

It meant that I had a safe, warm way there. It meant that I had money to buy what was inside. And it meant that I had somewhere to take the groceries back to and that I would eventually eat them.

This may seem like such a silly thing, but we so often take for granted the so-called "small things."

What we view as a necessity (i.e., car, bed, clothing, food) is actually a privilege.

There are so many people living without and it's always important to stop and be thankful.

I had to stop and give God all the glory for blessing me.

Perhaps the lyrics will bless you as well.

It's All God

I’ve got money in the bank; cars in the drive way
I’ve got a house I can claim; clothes in my closest
I’ve got a bed for my head; shoes for my feet
I’ve got breath in my body and if I was just anybody
I’d say it’s all good but I know better its all God
But I know better its all God

I’ve got friends I can call when I need help
I’ve got family when I fall to pick me up
I’ve got a bed for my head; shoes for my feet
I’ve got breath in my body and if I was just anybody
I’d say it’s all good but I know better its all God
But I know better its all God

It’s all God (7x’s) Solo

And if (and if I was just anybody
I’d say (say) it’s all good (it’s all good) but I know better its all God
But I know better its all God)

[Marvin Winans Talk: The bible says Psalm 27:13 David said I had fainted less I had believed to see the goodness of the God in the land of the living and what we come to understand and know that even when it doesn’t look good it works for the good to all those that are called according to his purpose. Help me say]

It’s all good; it’s all God (repeat)

And if (and if I was just anybody
I’d say (say) it’s all good (it’s all good) but I know better, but I know better, but I know better its all God)

Watch the Official Video:

My Fav Golden Globe Dresses

I'm no fashionista, but I do have an aesthetic appreciation for beautiful clothes.

I was on the plane during all the Golden Globe fanfare, but thanks to Twitter I didn't really miss anything.

My Twitter feeds were bumping with the celebrations, surprises, and the snubs of the Golden Globe Awards, but being that I had no idea what movies came out this year or what the hottest TV shows were, I didn't have much invested in the show.

However, I am ALWAYS excited to see the celebs in their Sunday's Best.

With that, these were my favorite looks from the Golden Globes....

Photo Credit: timeinc.net

Catherine Zeta-Jones was gorgeous in this green gown. Even though it looks a little long, the texture and the color are so rich and perfect, and look great on the red carpet. A+ for Cat!

Photo Credit: timeinc.net

And it appears that green was the way to go this year. Mila Kunis looked stunning in Vera Wang. The draping is amazing! It's art!

Photo Credit: timeinc.com

Ok, so I really didn't like Halle's Dress all that much. And I would really like her to wear a different shoe for once, but she's here because she's Halle. And at 40 something, she is still killing the game with no sign of slowing down. (Is there a wrinkle anywhere?! Sheesh Woman!)

Photo Credit: timeinc.com

J.Lo is another one of my favs. I like that she is consistently her. This dress was trendy and classic all at once. No one does glam like Mrs. Lopez

Laugh of the Day: Brandon T. Jackson Social Media Parody

Big Tweet from Brandon T Jackson

Let's Stay Together...I sure hope so.

Photo Credit: poptower.com

BET's night of premiere's included the much anticipated season 4 premiere of The Game and new original series, Let's Stay Together.

Let's stay together managed to hold on to 4.4 million viewers left over from The Game's premiere.

That's pretty good for BET's first real scripted series.

I love the concept for Let's Stay Together, which is a show about the lives of two young couples and a single woman as they go through the different stages of relationships.

The show features some very talented actors Bert Belasco, Nadine Ellis, Joyful Drake, RonReaco Lee, and Erica Hubbard.

You may remember Joyful from Hair Show and PhatGirlz, Erica from Lincoln Heights, and RonReaco from Sister Sister.

The first episode seemed a little corny, but it has a lot of potential to be a great show.

I love that the show is making the monogamous relationship something to be desired again. If there's anything black families need nowadays its to stay together.

I'm excited to see where the show takes us.

Hopefully the ratings for this show as well as the The Game will stay consistent. We've already showed that we want the return of the black sitcom, but we've gotta watch to prove it.

I sure hope we can keep it together.