Settling These Brunch Debates

Recently, I went to my first virtual brunch with two of my best friends, Intellectual Diva, ID, and Beatie Boo, LJ. I believe Brunch is the favorite meal of everyone in my friend group. Of course, when you're hanging with friends it has to be a good time. And it was.

We had turkey sausage, bacon, eggs, toast, fruit on our Social Distanced plates. And we sipped rum punch, mimosas, & poinsettia punch as we talked & laughed with one another via screens. Well, that cheerful interaction is what inspired this post. What are the tastiest things to have at Brunch? Well, I'll give you 10 of them.

10 of the Tastiest Brunch Items

10. Chicken & Waffles 

Though it has become so trendy & popular, it is really delicious. The savory & sweet contrast of this meal is almost perfect.

9. Steak & Eggs

It's a very classic dish. And some weekend mornings call for the rich indulgence of butter & sizzling from it.

8. Monté Cristo
Ham, Turkey, Cheese Fried in Battered Bread (sometimes French Toast) garnished with confectioners sugar & raspberry preserves probably doesn't make the healthiest sandwich. But this is brunch, eat better before & after you indulge in this.

7. Shrimp Newburg with Saffron Rice & Greens

I told you guys in this POST, at a brunch once in Maryland, I got a chance to have Shrimp Newburg. I noticed how the locals were dishing it up on their plates. So, when in Rome... 

6. Brunch Burrito (w/o Scrambled Eggs)

I'm not a fan of scrambled eggs(texture)(There are two exceptions, Omelets & Pancake Pot Pie.) It's like combining everything on your plate in a wrap. Sounds easy & convenient.

5. Poinsettia Punch

I'll say it! Orange juice & champagne though sometimes bottomless can become boring & common. Cranberry juice, St Germaine, vodka, & champagne is refreshing to find on any brunch menu.

4. Fruit Salad

Hey, it all can't be rich, gooey, & fried. I think fruit is the most pairable dish in the culinary world. What other dish can also be an appetizer or dessert? You can find a good recipe for it with a Poppy Seed dressing and the Poinsettia Punch, HERE.

3. Pancake Pot Pie

At a restaurant called Ellen's in Dallas' West End, they combine layers of pancakes, maple cream sausage & onion gravy, crumbled hickory bacon, browned sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese. It's enough meal for two. And if you get hooked(like others I told about it have) blame my friend, Pink Red. She was the person who introduced it to me.

2. Pot Roast Hash

First of all, if you haven't ever made hash the next day after a Pot Roast dinner, you haven't lived. Now, add an egg(any style) and you might thank me for the next day.

1. Chicken Biscuit Sandwich
This has to be what the word "comfort food" dreams about. Your favorite from a fast food place is cute. But this (Like the one at 303 Grill in Dallas) hugs you like a blanket. 


Honorable Mentions are a Ham Sandwich with Fig & Sage Jam(In Dallas, go to Nova in Bishop Arts), Denver Omelet, & Bottom-less Mimosas.

Well, you can see, when I go to Brunch, I tend to go in. I mean if something is going to be your favorite meal, it has to have delightful food. Is my list your truth, also? Probably not! What is your Tastiest Brunch Item list? I want to see it.

As Always Talking to You in  Adult Terms;

Well Netflix...Let's Talk Tropes

Here is the sentence to tell anyone who hasn't seen the limited series, "Self Made" and doesn't want to see Spoilers to Leave And Come Back Later.

Trope: a common or overused theme or device: Cliché (Thank You Merriam-Webster)

I am quite aware that I am a plus size black woman of lighter complexion side that has earned two college degrees in Food & Nutrition and Health Care Science. And I see the world as such, even in what it calls entertainment. Sometimes the world's entertainment relies too hard on tropes. I think it is Very Lazy and think we the viewers & listeners are too dumb to understand complex topics without them.

I enjoyed the limited series, "Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker". It was based on the A'Lelia Bundles', the great-great-granddaughter of Madame CJ Walker, book, "On Her Own Ground". I thought it was cool. There many times my heart swelled. I spoke of them on Facebook & Twitter. But it made a few apathetic errors in the script that I couldn't unsee.

A Struggling Biracial Woman is Very Upset With Her Darker Skinned Rival, Who Eats a Lot of Pork Because She Stole From Her.

I am not the only person who saw the colorism theme. It may as well had been a character. Several times Madame CJ Walker or Sarah was haunted by images & words from lighter-skinned women. The character Addie Monroe says some very disparaging things about darker-hued women. Sarah & Addie's own mother had to also remind the viewers that the slave masters were forcing themselves on their female slaves & that's why some have the fairer skin tone.

And it didn't bother me because my skin is on the side of the skin tone spectrum. I am used to entertainment and it's light vs dark problematic conversation. I was bothered because Addie Monroe was based on a lady that was not biracial at all. Annie Malone was similar in color as Sarah.

And also a Chemist (Last I checked those professionals are Educated) with a successful hair care business if her own. Sarah was once a saleswoman of Annie's products. Annie taught her before the rivalry and possible accusations of recipe theft. Annie, unlike Addie, was not struggling financially. Don't believe me, do the research and there will be studied think pieces with Ms. Malone's history in them.

But those the piece missed talking about Addie & Sarah's son-in-law, John gossiping about Sarah's diet being pork-filled. Most people probably saw that as just two butt-hurt & lonely people upset. But I also saw it as a setup for later scenes about her becoming ill and later dying of kidney disease & hypertension in 1919 at age 51. But tell me, before the latter decades of the 20th-century, how many people had very healthy diets? Comfort food (which includes many pork dishes) is based on the diet of the American past. And that past included the time when Sarah, Addie, & John lived. But I know that doesn't matter. Yes, we see Sarah become very successful. And it didn't matter how many times Mr. CJ Walker genuinely "loves up on" Madame CJ Walker. Sarah Breedlove was Fat. And what matters is that the writers slipped that jab in there.

Yeah in 2020, "Self Made" decided to still lean into the usual entertainment sloppiness. I guess while "educating" the audience on this great in American history, they still need to learn one thing. Be Creative, Not Shiftless! Viewers Are Not Slow!!!

Oh, and I will be reading the book!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

A Quarantine Time Filling List

So, a high school classmate of mine, blog name, No Al, asked me to suggest some books while we are all social distancing ourselves during this Covid-19 event. I was happy to oblige. She's cool people and she (and a few others) have asked for books & web series before. And then my mind got an idea and I asked on Facebook and Instagram.

Who needs/wants a Quarantine book or web series list?🙂

Feeling Inspired!

Enough of you say "Me", might do a post.

As of the time I am typing this I have 4 on FB & 5 on IG to say Me.

I love sharing books & indie web series. I have to cut myself off because I could probably share forever. They are some of the simplest ways I like to entertain & understand myself. I also threw in my Being Active playlist. Just some videos I put on to "move my body" a little. Reading & Watching web series can be sedentary activities. But still not a proper excuse not to be functional.

The Reading List
Fiction

What Looks Crazy on an Ordinary by Pearl Cleage (Anything by Her)

32 Candles by Ernesta Carter

Desperately Seeking Exclusivity by Christopher Markland

Desperately Seeking Pleasure by Christopher Markland

The Delusion of Cinderella by Kym Whitley

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (Anything by Her)

The Mothers by Brit Bennet

Pastor Needs a Boo by Michele Andrea Brown (Anything by Her)

Nonfiction

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman (The is a version for all; Couples, Single Kids, Teens, Men)

Ghetto Nation by Cora Daniels

80s Kid by Jade Heasley

Sex, Jesus, and the Conversations the Church Forgot by Mo Isom

I'm Already Professionally Developed by Eddie B

If These Shoes Could Talk by Tia McCullors

Brunchspiration: Faith, Inspiration, and Motivation by Norma Jarrett (Anything by Her)

The Web Series List (All Free, All on Youtube)

Everything I Did Wrong in My 20s: What Happens When Life Forces You to Find Happiness in Your Late 30s. (My Favorite Web Series)

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

The Unwritten Rules: Racey Jones and her journey in being the only black woman in her department at work.

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Giants: Life kicks three friends down in different ways, watch how they emotionally fight to get up.

Season 1 & 2

Avant Guardian: The guardian angel of the future 3rd black president is sent to God-mandated therapy.

Part 1 & Part 2

Keloid: A supernatural suspense focused on a mother and son’s journey to get his new supernatural powers under control, and hide from a past that haunts (and hunts) them.

Watch it HERE

Black Girl in a Big Dress: Adrienne is an awkward Black historical reenactor in love with the Victorian Era trying to steer 21st century dating with 19th-century standards.

Season 1

Season 2

The Staying Active List
Here is my Playlist on Youtube.

I hope this helps as we all are, as No Al said, #SurvivingTheQuarantine. Anything that will help us keep our wits about us. Whatever you end up reading or watching let me know. And don't forget to be active.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

My Covid-19 Stance

I claim the victory at last

This too will pass

~From the song, This Too Shall Pass by James Cleveland

Point Blank Period!

I Refuse to think any other way!

Enjoy the Song!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

Filling Out My Bracket (90s R&B Sweet 16 Version)

90s R&B is GOAT to me. It encompasses Old School 60s & 70s, New Jack Swing, & Neo-Soul influences in its sound. Also, this one decade of music could literally be the soundtrack of my life from 6th grade elementary to my third year of college. So, I did my 90's Male & Female R&B Sweet 16 Brackets with my handy dandy stylus, recently. Then I found an old bracket with 90s R&B groups of both genders. Shout out to the Twitter account, Random Acts of Podcasts @raopodcast for having a fun one. And it a good one. I didn't need to research anyone. LoL And the final two were a shock. Of course, my criteria were based like most, biased preferences, personal impact, & group's (No solo works counted for me)body of work in the 90s.

Round 1

Jodeci vs Blackstreet

Jodeci

Vocally, both groups are great. But I can't remember the last time I purposely listened to a Blackstreet. I just listen to some Jodeci back in January.

Tony Toni Tone vs 112

Tony Toni Tone

Which is more memorable? Anniversary or Peaches & Cream? The body of work for Tony Toni Tone runs circles around every song by 112.

Dru Hill vs Jagged Hill

Dru Hill

I've Never made a satire song of Dru Hill's music But I did make "Meet me at the altar in your white suit. I don't really love you, just want your loot. Known this all the while and I must confess. I Just Want Your Money." Find Bestie Boo, LJ's ex-wife, and ask her. LMBO

Boyz II Men vs H-Town

Boyz II Men

Both had songs that had songs that were played over & over on the radio. If But if I have to be annoyed with hearing "Emotions" or "I'll Make Love to You" one more time. Put Baas and them on.

EnVogue vs 702

EnVogue

702 never harmonized. Nice voices, no harmony. Also, EnVogue sand about a few more topics than 702. I don't remember a "Free Your Mind" like a song from 702.

Destiny Child vs SWV

SWV

Like I said for the 90s Female bracket, I'm not a major Destiny's Child fan. They didn't really sing songs I could relate to like SWV. I prefer being "Weak" for someone as opposed to calling someone a "Bugaboo.

Xscape vs Brownstone

Xscape

This was hard but I had to let personal impact take over. I related to Xscape's songs better.

TLC vs Total

TLC

Sorry to Kema, Keisha, Pam but I have to go with TLC. I rocked with TLC more.

Round 2

Jodeci vs Tony Toni Tone

Tony Toni Tone

This was hard. I like Jodeci. Who doesn't like a good "Oooh Yeah"? But Tony Toni Tone made more timeless music. It still "Feel Good" to get "Whatever You Want", because "It Doesn't Rain in Southern California".

Dru Hill vs Boyz II Men

Dru Hill

Name me one Dru Hill song that you heard over & over again on the radio. I'll wait. Name me two soulful singers with the range in Boyz II Men. Again I'll wait.

EnVogue vs SWV

SWV

EnVogue may have sounded better, but SWV made more songs I could relate to. My life flowed a little more "I'm So Into You" than "Hold On".

Xscape vs TLC

Xscape

Again with the personal impact. I was probably less "Red Light Special and more the "Do You Want To" type.

Round 3

Tony Toni Tone vs Dru Hill

Dru Hill

I like their music a lot. Raphael Saadiq has one of the best unique voices in R&B. They even play their own instruments. But I've never craved to see Tony, Toni, Tone live. Me wanting to see Dru Hill is another story.

SWV vs Xscape

SWV

*sigh* Again, this one is tough. This is about talent bodies of work. SWV had more range to me. And their music varied a few more topics than Xscape. Plus "You're the One" is easier to for my sensibilities than "My Little Secret". I didn't want to know. LoL Look at that, personal impact came by after all.

Final Round

Dru Hill vs SWV

I didn't foresee this. My male & female winners of 90s R&B going head to head. I had to go to my personal music collection. I own more music Dru Hill than SWV. Also, like the Tonies, I have never yearned to see SWV in concert. Oh, and well, there is no "Right Here" sway, like there is a "Tell Me" hop. And yes, I know LeeLee was one of my hairstyle icons when I was a teen but Dru Hill is My Winner.

I like this bracket the best. I didn't have to disqualify any group for not being in the R&B genre. Let's "Raise the Roof" for that. What? We don't still do that?

Congratulations to Dru Hill for Winning my 90s R&B Group Bracket. Now, can we get an SWV & Dru Hill collaboration? One that must include Woody, Tao, and of course Jazz. Also, Tahj & LeeLee must have verses or a vamp. That would be music to my ears. Who would win your bracket? Let me know!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Filling Out My Bracket (90s R&B Female Sweet 16 Version)

90s R&B is GOAT to me. It encompasses Old School 60s & 70s, New Jack Swing, & Neo-Soul influences in its sound. Also, this one decade of music could literally be the soundtrack of my life from 6th grade elementary to my third year of college. So, I did my 90's Male R&B Sweet 16 Bracket with my handy dandy stylus on a commute, recently. I went looking for its female counterpart. Shout out to the Twitter account, 2CsWithAPod (@cs_pod)  for having a fun one. I could eyeball this one and knew my winner. Heck 3 groups on here aren't even in the R&B music genre. LoL My criteria were based like most, biased preferences, personal impact, & group's (No solo works counted for me)body of work in the 90s.

Round 1

Envogue vs Xscape

Xscape

Talk about "Coming Out the Gate Swinging". This was hard. But because of the song "The Arms of the One Who Loves You" being the soundtrack for the end of JMac & I, Xscape gets this round.

Blaque vs SWV

SWV

I really like the group, Blaque. 808 (Remix) is a major song on the Getting Dressed playlist. But SWV is the soundtrack for every crush & few kissed while I was in high school.

Destiny's Child vs Spice Girls

Destiny's Child

Spice Girls aren't an R&B group. Liked them, but they're Pop.

All Saints vs Brownstone

Brownstone

I had to look up All Saints. Listen to them HERE. I finally remembered them. And they are a Pop group. Sorry!

Allure vs TLC

TLC

TLC had more timeless hits. I only remember one song by Allure and it was a Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam remake.

Changing Faces vs Jade

Changing Faces

G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T. Real 90s R&B fans know how to pronounce the title of this song.  Also, meet Outspoken_Diva circa 1994 after you go look at Changing Faces. They inspired that hairstyle(minus the roller prints LMBO).

Zhané vs Salt & Pepa

Zhané

Though I still rock "Piece It Together" by Zhané, this choice was very easy. Salt & Pepa is a Rap/Hip Hop group.

Total vs 702

Total

Sorry 702, I know "Where My Girls At". They are Kema, Keisha, & Pam, Oh Sh*t Got D*mn. Total had more fun songs.

Round 2

Xscape vs SWV

SWV

*sigh* Yeah this one is tough. Personal impact goes out of the window. This is about talent bodies of work. SWV had more range to me. And their music varied a few more topics than Xscape.

Destiny's Child vs Brownstone

Destiny's Child

I have to give it to Destiny's Child. They had more memorable songs. But it is interesting both groups had songs that have to ask men about their positions in their lives. Brownstone had "If You Love Me" and Destiny's Child had "Say My Name". Such a sad but real topic to cover.

TLC vs Changing Faces

TLC

They have a larger body of work for me to live from.

Zhané vs Total

Zhané

I still have & listen to Zhané in my personal music collection. I only jam Total when I hear them when I am out.

Round 3

SWV vs Destiny's Child

SWV

I'm not a major Destiny's Child fan. They didn't really sing songs I could relate to like SWV. I prefer being "Weak" for someone as opposed to calling someone a "Bugaboo.

TLC vs Zhané

TLC

Sorry Zhané! But TLC covered more topics and have more timeless tunes. Like Unpretty, it's a simple song that spoke volumes to many.

Final Round

TLC vs SWV

By now, you know that I hate hearing the same songs over and over. Waterfalls by TLC is one of the songs that list. And also T-Boz & Chilli never had the range that CoCo had. So, that makes the winner SWV.

I know whoever made this bracket are not true R&B fans. It has to be said. Just off the top of my head, Mokenstef, Voices, & The Good Girls could have replaced Spice Girls, All Saints, & Salt & Pepa. Don't forget Kut Klose. They could have knocked out Zhané. *sigh* Bless Their Hearts!!! Stop researching stuff on VH1 & Google. Call some Real fans next time.

Congratulations to SWV for Winning my R&B Female Group Bracket. So much fun. Who would win yours? Let me know!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Filling Out My Bracket (90s R&B Male Sweet 16 Version)

90s R&B is GOAT to me. It encompasses Old School 60s & 70s, New Jack Swing, & Neo-Soul influences in its sound. Also, this one decade of music could literally be the soundtrack of my life from 6th grade elementary to my third year of college. So, I did my 90's Male R&B Sweet 16 Bracket with my handy dandy stylus on a commute, recently. I saw it floating around social media and decided to join the fun. I was even shocked at my final two. My criteria were based on most, biased preferences, personal impact, & group's (No solo works counted for me)body of work in the 90s. Yes, BBD being on here is why.

Round One
Boyz II Men vs New Edition
Boyz II Men
That choice pained my heart because I NEVER want to hear "End of the Road" & "I'll Make Love to You" ever again in life. But New Edition only had one album during this period and it doesn't compete well with Boyz II Men's 90s works.

Mint Condition vs Hi-Five
Mint Condition
They are the last R&B band. I love Hi-Five. Waco, Tx in the house. But Mint Condition bangs better.

Silk vs H-Town
Silk
And just Barely. Neither group tickles my ear greatly. But "Emotions" being played all the time annoyed me. And ask my Facebook friends about my grandfather, my foundation church, & the song "Knockin' Boots". I survived to tell that story.

Blackstreet vs Guy
Blackstreet
Aaron Hall's voice is not as strong as the voices of Dave Hollister, Levi Little, or Chauncey Hannibal.

Jodeci vs Tony Toni Tone
Jodeci
Barely and didn't feel good. The person who made this was wrong for this pairing. I had to rely on personal impact.

112 vs After 7
After 7
I'm not a 112 fan at all and I don't like Slim's voice. After 7 was R&B for the softer sides of us. Who can't love "Ready or Not"?

Dru Hill vs Bell Biv Devoe
Dru Hill
And it's not because they are favorite, but because every member sings circles around Ricky Bell. And I like Bell's voice.

Jagged Edge vs Next
Next
Like 112, I am not a Jagged Edge fan. Their music never spoke to me. Plus, Next gave the world, "Too Close". Who has not giggled at and/or related to that song?

Round 2
Boyz II Men vs Mint Condition
Mint Condition
I still want to hear Mint Condition music.

Silk vs Blackstreet
Blackstreet
Blackstreet had stronger voices.

My Stylus

Jodeci vs After 7
Jodeci
They get to " Stay". Again Personal impact made my decision.

Dru Hill vs Next
Dru Hill
Dru Hill has more timeless hits.

Round 3
Mint Condition vs Blackstreet
Mint Condition
Mint Condition is more timeless.

Jodeci vs Dru Hill
Dru Hill
Dru Hill has stronger voices & more timeless hits. And there is NO such thing as a "Come and Talk to Me" Hop. LMBO

Final Round
Mint Condition vs Dru Hill
Personal Impact made this decision. 90s Dru Hill music still makes me hop to "Tell Me" every time. I may not dramatically whisper "Pretty Brown Eyes" every time. So, Dru Hill for the Win!!!

Transparent Moment: Originally New Edition Won but I looked up N.E. Heartbreak. It came out in 1988. And Facts are Facts.

Congratulations to Dru Hill for Winning my R&B Male Group Bracket. That was fun. Who would win yours? Let me know!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Tired of Asking, Ain't I a Women

I am purposely releasing this at the start of March. Black History Month is just ending. Women's History Month is beginning. I am a Black Woman and I don't get to choose to be one or the other. That is not a privilege bestowed on me. And even in 2020, that fact slaps me in the face, as if I asked for it to do so.

Who has seen "The Circle" on Netflix? If you haven't let me warn you. A Black Feminine woman was used twice as catfish profiles but one never enters the game. Also, be prepared for the "She's too nice. I know the type. She's fake." discussion. Black Feminine women do make appearances on another Netflix social experiment show, "Love is Blind".

But one has her name picked on by one contestant & gets gaslit and insulted by another contestant. Cute & fun shows but that optics I couldn't shake. Then there is "A Fall from Grace" from Tyler Perry. If he insists on writing everything, can he do some thorough research? I am the child of a black woman that was in banking. Momma worked with other women of all races & cultures in that industry. Nobody is more vigilant at checking their bank accounts than women in banking. Love doesn't make folks that kind of stupid.

FYI: Not knowing who Sojourner Truth
is a major issue.

And even though he has apologized & she accepted the apology (Thank you to his mom) and she seemed to be wrong for asking such questions in the clip of a whole CBS interview, Snoop Dogg, the rapper decides to publicly call Gayle King a “funky dog-head bitch” & threatened her because of her rather crass questions. Which triggered the male humans that look like him, who were just days ago were saying they love protecting the future black women in their lives, to fling out the b-word, bed wench, and other profane descriptions to a 60+-year-old black woman. But none of this is not as bothersome as Terry Crews & Heidi Klum talking about reports on Gabriele Union being removed from America's Got Talent. Yes, disrespect from a Black man & a white Woman. In a world where PR help is refused & the statement, "STFU is Free" is not understood, both of these people negate her reported experience with comparative comments about their own. Then they were offended that people were telling them they were wrong. Crews did apologize. But didn't his wife, a Black wife advised him not to speak on the issue in the first place. And to think, March just started.

And people wonder why I wrote this POST and this POST!!!

I know my sistas & I are Sojourner Truth's dream. Her dream is unfulfilled, because unfortunately, we are still asking her 1851 question, Ain't I a Woman, in 2020. Society pours out all their stats about how they see the unfair treatment & perceptions of Black women, yet is still blind to its findings. And it expects us, Black Women to pick up some chalk & a dry-erase marker and teach them their data. One day, we will close the doors to our classroom and they will learn. One Day!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!