So...About My Biological Name

How I Think I Look Making Blog Posts

Who has been reading this blog for a long time? 

Well, you see the title.

So, That Means...

This is The End!

The End of Thoughts of an Outspoken Diva, The Blog.

Let's tell the truth...Not Many are Reading This Blog, Anymore. It's just me purging my brain into the ether. Folks like reading Salaciousness. I can't write that all day, every day, any day. 

I'll leave it up so you & I can come back & read anything that might be needed or wanted.

But like one of my favorite Muppet songs, "It's Time for Saying Goodbye" to this platform.

Hopefully, you paid attention to my many requests at the end of some posts. If you did not...

Subscribe to My YouTube Channel

What's going on over there? You have to subscribe to find out.

I had so much fun as a blogger. I met some nice & cool people because of it. I hope you had a good time seeing my introspections. 

~Chandra

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms! 

Yes, She Said 30 Minutes (OUTSPOKEN Diva's Favorite Recipes)

A Good Ol' Pot Roast

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon  paprika, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon  onion powder, or to taste
• ground black pepper to taste
• 3 pounds chuck roast
• ¼ cup canola oil
• 1 (10.5 ounces) can beef broth
• 1 (10.5 ounces) can condensed Golden Mushroom soup
• 1 cup water
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning (salt-free)
• 1/2 cup of red wine (prefer an inexpensive red blend)
• 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1/4 onion, chopped, or to Taste 

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Whisk flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper together in a bowl. Dredge roast in flour mixture to evenly coat.
3. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat; brown roast in oil, about 5-10 minutes per side. Transfer the roast to an oven bag and place into a 13x9-inch casserole dish.
4. Whisk broth, soup, water, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red wine together in a bowl; pour into the oven bag over the roast. Arrange vegetables around meat. Seal the bag and cut 6 small slits in the top of the oven bag for ventilation.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours 30 minutes. 
6. Remove from Oven and let the dish rest for 30 minutes before serving.
   
   
   

Low & Slow Pot Roast

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon paprika, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon  onion powder, or to taste
• ground black pepper to taste
• 3 pounds chuck roast
• ¼ cup canola oil
• 1 (10.5 ounces) can beef broth
• 1 (10.5 ounces) can condensed Golden Mushroom soup
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (salt-free)
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup of red wine (prefer an inexpensive red blend)
• 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1/4 onion, chopped, or to taste

Cornstarch slurry (optional):

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water

Directions

1. Season the pot roast with seasoning
2. Place a large and heavy skillet over high heat and add canola oil.
3. Once hot, add the pot roast and brown it on all sides, 5 minutes on each side. Should be nicely browned. Set aside.
4. Whisk broth, soup, water, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red wine together in that pot; pour into the bowl of the slow cooker
5. Add the vegetables
6. Add the browned beef.
7. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, or until fork-tender.In a small bowl mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup beef broth or red wine, and add the slurry to the slow cooker about the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Take Your Time!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Talk About it Tuesday (Ready to Trigger My Bad Dating PTSD)

I really should have kept track of all the gross bosom comments. I really could give Sallie Mae a nice hefty for a dollar. Oh Well... Let Me Do So, Now

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

To the Airport & Back✈️

Three Facts About My Niece, Alura (Blog Name)

-Her Loves...God & People

-As a Preschooler She Thought I Lived at the Airport instead of Beaumont

-She is an Ancestor

Yes, the First reason I fell in love with being an aunt has left this world for the next. It took me a while to grasp celebrating this life in an Outspoken_Diva fashion. Every life is celebrated. But the pain of this young woman's passing was heavy on me. She is Forever 27 years old. 

Then we found out she was an organ donor. When I mentioned she loved God & People, Alura Loved God & People. Even passed her leaving this world gave such a selfless act for strangers in need to prolong their lives. When we heard the news I could be shocked. But this was something my niece believe in...Being Sweet to Others.

Her Belief System was in a Rhythm that Only She could know to play.

I remember when I found out she believed I lived at the airport. I was home from college for Winter Break & I had to punish her. I don't spank often. I'm a stand-in-the-corner/give-out-restrictions type of aunt. Well, while standing in a corner in the living room, she told me, "Well, You Can Go Back to the Airport Where You Live" and cried. I had to walk to the back of the house to silently laugh & report that to my sister. She found out where I lived when I graduated from Lamar University the next Summer in 2003. We have laughed & cherished that memory all of the time. To the point where on her birthday, my message always ended with, "To the Airport & Back".

I don't have children of my own because my niece & nephew took my love & refused to give it back. And well, my niece, Alura took her portion and put that eternal stamp in my heart where she belongs. 

To the Airport & Back

Fly High✈️ 

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Granny

At 99 years of age, the matriarch of our family, Granny passed away quietly recently.🕊️❤️

Please keep us in your comforting & strengthening prayers & positive thoughts.

The person who taught me about God picking flowers for his bouquet became the gladiola that he chose one day.

In our human experience, people are supposed to bury their grandparents. But it still feels sad & weird. They say Grief is Love Without the Happy Face. I believe that. I turned the light off in her bedroom. It hadn't turned off in 10+ years. Later into the night, I had to focus to see down the hall, upfront toward her room while I was up. *sigh* It was Dark. *sigh* The religious, prissy, rule-making & keeping, and shade-ready influence in my life is gone. And there is nothing anyone can do about it.

I had a complicated relationship with my grandmother. I didn't get to have the stereotypical "soft life" that some have with their grandmothers. Anyone who lived with grandparents full time will tell you it ain't for the weak. Especially when you're an adult. As a kid, I just thought Momma was my mother but Granny & Pau Pau were like dad. And that was my normal. But as an adult, it's like a roommate who demands her respect at all times. And she was due it. But she had to be taught to respect those younger than her also. Some days that was a challenge. But as one of her caregivers, it was a challenge worth the pain.

Let me share something simple she always shared. It is a song I remember her garden club sisters & she sang from as early as when I was a toddler. They opened up their meeting with it.

I can hear her soprano voice singing, now. And I see her belting out that final, "My God and I". As if it was only he & she there.

To a Life that walked with her God in the garden, in the home, in church, in ...in...In Life. God is Love ~ 1 John 4:6

Rest Well Granny, Rest Well!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

First Date with a Dead Waste Collector

Questions! Questions!! Questions!!! Come & Get Your Answers!

Q: Would you rather be a Mortician vs Waste Collector as a Profession?

A: Mortician because I get chatter & peace & quiet from humans. I'm an ambivert. When the Talking & Emotions from the living become too much, I know the Silence from the non-living will give me the same moments to reset.

This Post's Video:

Don't forget, if you have any questions, email them to C.OUT.SPOKEN.DIVA@gmail.com or leave them in the comment section below or on the social media site where you see this post. I will answer them.

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Best of Restaurant Bias: The Dessert List

I'm not a major fan of most "Best of" lists, especially when it comes to restaurants. And what is a meal without a little dessert? Well, that is how this series will end, with a little something sweet.

In DFW, many of us think we can bake. Have you ever had my sweet potato pie, caramel nut cookies, & diabetic apple cinnamon cake? No? You have missed a treat. It's not a socioeconomic issue here. Well, maybe because even in the food desserts in the area, I can name a baker & sweet shop within it, but I digress. There are so many choices for bakeries & bakers in the area. And I have to force my favorites in the City of Dallas down to 3.

Cretias There are 30 Cake Flavors, 34 Different Pies, & 26 Cookies & other Goodies like Breakfast Rolls at this bakery & lunch spot. And if I am in the Bishop Arts area even if I am supposed to get a tasty salad only, a Scandinavian Almond Bar somehow comes home with me. LoL

Le Bon Temps Beignets and Coffee There is a little sugary slice of New Orleans in the Deep Ellum area. I suggest for your first visit start with the sugary Classique & the flaky Le Boneignet. If you're a coffee drinker, grab a fragrant one. And I promise you it is worth its wait.

Cake Bar  How does one become so favored that you have to create a vending machine for after Trinity Groves' hours of operation? And there are cookies & ice cream too. Oh, my go-to flavors are Old-Fashion Chocolate & Wedding Cake.

Well, that was Sweet!!! And if you put your favorite dessert places in the comment section would be even sweeter.

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Talk About It Tuesday (Make Us Feel Good, Fatty. Not Yourself)

But y'all know this. This lesson is so old. Yet, y'all refuse to learn. *sigh*

And I Don't Look Anything Like Martha Walsh (or Tamela Mann)🙃

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Juneteenth & the Healthier Side of Freedom (OUTSPOKEN Diva's Favorite Recipes)

Hibiscus-and-Ginger Iced Tea

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• One 3" piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 4 hibiscus tea bags (I like TAZO)
• 8 cups water, room temperature
• Ice

Directions

Ginger simple syrup:

1. Combine the sugar and 1⁄2 cup of water in a 2-quart saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil and let syrup cook for 3 minutes, stirring until all of the sugar is dissolved.
3. Remove the pot from heat and add the grated ginger.
4. Let syrup cool completely and strain. Set the syrup aside.

Hibiscus tea:

1. In a 4-quart saucepan, pour 4 cups of water over the tea bags and place the pot over low heat.
2. Bring the water to a slow simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and let the tea steep for another 5 minutes.
4. Strain into a pitcher and add in the remaining 4 cups of water.
5. Fill the pitcher with ice.

Baked Catfish Fillets

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 3/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 4 catfish fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon reduced-fat butter, melted
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Directions

1. Combine the first six ingredients; cover the fillets on both sides with the mixture. Place in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Combine the lemon juice, butter, and garlic; drizzle over the fillets.
2. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
   
   
   

Simple Black-Eyed Peas with Collard Greens

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch collard greens, chopped (about 4 cups)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green or red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans crushed or diced tomatoes, low sodium
• 1 (14 oz) can black-eyed peas
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Wash collards, remove stems, and slice leaves into strips. Cut across strips to cut leaves into bite-size pieces.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add bell pepper, onions, and garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in collards to coat with oil and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly. (Add water if collards start to stick to the pot.)
4. Stir in tomatoes, cover, and cook for another 10 minutes.
5. Add the black-eyed peas, cider vinegar, and spices.
6. Stir well, cover, and simmer on low heat until collards are tender.
7. Serve on a bed of rice.

Strawberry Spinach Salad (Because what is the holiday without the fruit)

Ingredients

Dressing:

• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon minced onion
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Salad:

• 1 quart strawberries - cleaned, hulled, and sliced
• 10 ounces fresh spinach - rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces
• ¼ cup almonds, blanched and slivered

Directions

1. Make the dressing: Whisk together sugar, oil, vinegar, sesame seeds, onion, paprika, and Worcestershire in a medium bowl. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
2. Make the salad: Combine strawberries, spinach, and almonds in a large bowl.
3. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Happy Juneteenth!!! Healthy Juneteenth!!!✊🏽

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Talk About It Tuesday (Pause...Be a Man)

What? Was I not supposed to say that? Oh Well!

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A Praise for Praise This

It's Black Music Month, And the "church girl" in me wants to talk about Gospel Music. The movie god of Sister Act 2 & The Fighting Temptations blessed us with another tale about redemption via choir competitions. The movie is called Praise This. It's a Peacock Original about Sam (played by Chloe Bailey) who was taken to Atlanta, Georgia by her father due to getting in trouble with the law in Los Angeles and is forced to join the Praise Team at church as punishment for getting caught lying to her Aunt and Uncle. And yes, there are some Good, Bad & Diva (shout out to Andre of Black Nerd Comedy) moments in this one. Let's see about them, Ok.

The Good:

The most popular acting names in this movie are Chloe Bailey & Tristan Mack Wilds (PG) So, it was refreshing to see faces that are associated with Gospel & Rap comfortably stand toe to toe with them.

I want to see Quavo (Ty), Jekalyn Carr (KiKi), and Koryn Hawthorne (Fallon) in more roles. They were fun to watch. This movie is a redemption tale but that was not the only lesson taught 

• Being a Truly Nice Person
• Grace & Mercy
• Teamwork
• Loyalty
• Unity

and the main character is the only one learning them. "There could be a room full of baddies, but there is still going to be a weirdo". ~Slim Let's talk about that weirdo aka my favorite character in Praise This, Jess.

In another reality in the Metaverse, my biological name acts like Jess. She is unapologetically herself no matter what the hockey puck others may think or say. She stole the show. The music is great. There is a little love/attraction for the BHM, Big Handsome Man in the movie. The ladies loved Aaron (played by Druski) There are traditional Gospel songs, Rap music, & Rap & R&B music flipped with Gospel lyrics. Can Chloe Bailey do an album flipping music covers? This a story that gives a glance at the lives of the kind of church girls (and boys) that Beyonce sang about. They aren't pretending to be perfect Christians. They are just living a believable Christian lie.

The Bad:

This movie obviously concluded by making the viewers feel there has to be a sequel. I mean there is "wanting more" and there is "unfinished" in cinema finales.

The movie ended unfinished. In the 3rd act, a character makes a dating confession and the movie gave us ellipses when an easy period could've been placed in the end with a wink or peck on the cheek. (Oh if they do make a sequel, can we also get a particular bodyguard to admit his attraction to the non-baddie in the room) Also, Mental Health Therapy is referenced but not seen practiced. 4 characters live in a home of a psychologist. We see some of them sing, paint, party, & pray but no counseling.

The writers could have just been shown as church folks and never referenced to their jobs. I know their behaviors  personalities had to help explain the actions of the singing teams. But the pastors' interactions, "beef", & snark was annoying.

The Diva:

"You're not serving a look?" made me cackle. It had to be said. Because one character's choice of wardrobe was too on the nose for me.

I was over the thot knots but preferred the fun jumpsuit and tucked-in fitted tees. And I want Jess's cat jumper made with books for myself. Now, there was one competing group called The Promise Ringtones whose dresses got 10s across this blog's board every time. They were cute, current, and still showed some skin.

And who let the Prodigal Bros in the competition? I would've had to bind the spirit of lust in Jesus' name from my heart & other parts at every performance they were at. Gosh, they were handsome. *wink*

Praise This is a fun movie. Happy to add it to the list with The Fighting Temptations & the Sister Act series.

Who has seen Praise This? What did you think? What would you like a sequel? And what would like the plot to be? Alrighty, Praise Him!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Talk About It Tuesday (That One Death Question)

Well...

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Since Folks are Outside...

Ladies' Night by Frank Morrison

The world unnerves me a lot, now that I am older. My adult niece hangs out in the world, sometimes. I listen to her tales of going out and chuckle. If I hear something odd, I give her a few warnings. But whenever I hear about young women missing after a night out, I quietly pray for her friends & her. I don't hang out like I used to, but I know the safety rules will Never change. And since every lady (and gentleman) doesn't me as their "older than them" lady in their lives, here is what women like my friends & I do to stay as safe as possible when going out. Yes, Gentlemen, adapt them to your lives also. Safety is Safety!

Dear Ladies,

So, I need to break down the "Friend Code" for some of you because clearly there are too many girls & women going missing or getting killed.

This is how we "Old Schoolers" roll.

•Code 1: "We leave together... We stay together...We come back together. NO, you're not leaving with some RANDOM dude & NO I'm not leaving you at the party by yourself!

•Code 2 "Both of us can't be sh*t face drunk (neither of you should), at least one person needs to be alert & aware of our surroundings!

•Code 3 "If you got to go to the bathroom or outside ." WE'RE ALL GOING TO THE DAMN BATHROOM AND OUTSIDE!!" Period!

•Code 4 "We don't accept drinks from strangers unless we're at the bar and watch the bartender pour".

•Code 5 "If I feel like you're too drunk to function, we're leaving the party early". (We'll fuss about you messing up the night later)

• Code 6 "If you just so happen to go missing. I will give you a maximum of 15-30 mins to show up before I Shut the place down and we ALL are going to be looking for your ass!!! FOR REAL!!! Everybody else can call the police 'cause I ain't going home without you!

•Code 7 "If you're fighting it better be one-on-one, otherwise we're all fighting" (Hopefully this ain't jumpin' off cause we are too classy and ladies)

•Code 8 and The Golden Rule, "The drop off person check-in or everyone who drove checks in when getting home" If we don't hear from you, we're coming to ya house 

Because these generations got the Friend Code messed up!! This is how we were raised... #oldschool #ladiessticktogether #friendsdontleave 

Cause I need ALL ladies to know these rules!!!!

Copied from a friend of a friend of a friend.🙂

Oh and say "Thank You Facebook" because some anonymous soul is posting our wise counsel on there.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Ready to Love the Bald Red Updates (Answering Questions)

Everybody has Questions. Everybody has Answers. But It is All About Matching the Q to the correct A.

Q: Saw this and thought of you

A: This is a very hard choice. I wish I could have both abilities. I'm checking Guinness World Book when I finish this to see if anyone has done any of these two things. Both make me universally needed. Both would allow me the charge my own contract rates for my services. Being multi-lingual could put me in so many conversations my mind can even imagine to count. But being able to play every instrument will allow me to make my own music. My choice is Blue. It allows me to give people more smiles than Red. Bad news can still come from me with Red.

This Post's Video

So, be yourself. You can't handle the truth. I'm your host & I'm tired. 

Yes, I just gave three quotes to end this post. 

Don't forget, if you have any questions, email them to C.OUT.SPOKEN.DIVA@gmail.com or leave them in the comment section below or on the social media site where you see this post. I will answer them.

Subscribe to the YouTube Channel!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

The Cooking BFF's Platonic Thoughts (Answering Questions)

Want to know a Fun Fact about Me? Sure You Do. I wonder how many Q&A pictures are on the internet. So far, enough of them for me not to repeat one. 

Q: Saw this on Twitter right in time for this post.

A: I think Fantasia for the All-Around.

But why does Mary give me great "Casserole Queen" vibes?

A tasty Lasagna, any of the Tetrazzinis, nice Baked Macaroni & Cheese, a fine Meatloaf, and such🙃

This Post's Video 

I actually have the update, already. Maybe in the next video, I'll tell you guys. What do you think happened?

Don't forget, if you have any questions, email them to C.OUT.SPOKEN.DIVA@gmail.com or leave them in the comment section below or on the social media site where you see this post. I will answer them.

Subscribe to the YouTube Channel!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

A 15-Year-Old Blues Singer's Favorite Foods for Dinner (Answering Questions)

One minute y'all are silent. The next want my opinion. Oh well! Here are my beliefs.

Q: Would you rather have Dinner with Exes or Games Night with Enemies?

A: Because I believe I don't have enemies (Some people just don't like me. There is a difference), my choice is easy. My only issue is there will be a few guys that will want to get something off their chest. And sarcastic butt will say, "You good? Want a Cookie?". But as long as I don't have to speak to the worst boyfriend ever, I can muster through a dinner with my exes.

This Post's Video

Oh, I want to promise I will never attempt to rap again but I know I will break that vow, one day. And who wants to smash those knowingly? Oh yeah, all the answers were in the title.

Don't forget, if you have any questions, email them to C.OUT.SPOKEN.DIVA@gmail.com or leave them in the comment section below or on the social media site where you see this post. I will answer them.

Subscribe to the YouTube Channel!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Talk About It Tuesday ($40)

$40!

HERE is an article of the story I am talking about.

40 Dollars!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

My Favorite Holiday and That's Not Rio

Link to the Article I Spoke About
Inside Eureka Springs, the Bible Belt's LGBTQ Oasis 

Now, who wants to go to Eureka Springs, AR with me? The trip is from 6-8 hours by car or one can fly into Fayetteville, AR and rent a car and drive an hour to town. I might cry during the play. But you won't be able to make me a viral video because I'm having a praise break. Oh & pack an umbrella and rain bonnet just in case.

Don't forget, if you have any questions, email them to C.OUT.SPOKEN.DIVA@gmail.com or leave them in the comment section below or on the social media site where you see this post. I will answer them.

✝️🐇❤️ 

Happy Easter! Happy Resurrection Day!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

The Lie & the Truth

Saw this posted and had to share...

"The Lie said to the Truth, "Let's take a bath together, the well water is very nice. The Truth, still suspicious, tested the water and found out it was nice. So they got naked and bathed. But suddenly, the Lie leaped out of the water and fled, wearing the clothes of the Truth.

The Truth, furious, climbed out of the well to get her clothes back. But the World, upon seeing the naked Truth, looked away, with anger and contempt. Poor Truth returned to the well and disappeared forever, hiding her shame. Since then, the Lie runs around the world, dressed as the Truth, and society is very happy...

Because the world has no desire to know the naked Truth."

So, which would you like to interact with? But which are you interacting with? And when it comes to you, which one are you presenting with?

The Lie or The Truth?

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

Talk About it Tuesday (Eva, Deliver Us From William)

Jada Pinkett played a character in the show, "A Different World" named Lena James. Ms. James once said if William Shakespeare was alive in the 90s, he would be called, "Vanilla Shake". Of course, he is the basic go-to flavor. But just like shakes come in different flavors, we women can shrewdly see our different stories in any way we desire.

Reference for This Post

Original Post

Podcast Promotion Post

Dope Science Show Ep. 30 Talking Blerdettes (Youtube)

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!