Me Music (June is Black Music Month)

June is Black Music Appreciation Month. According to Wikipedia, it was initiated as Black Music Month by President Jimmy Carter who,

on June 7, 1979, decreed that June would be the month of black music. Similar presidential proclamations have been made annually since then. This year, let's talk about the music that actually describes me. There are songs I can relate to. Then there are songs, I swear was made with me in mine.

She's a 337 Caramel Cutie.

No, I'm a 214, through & through. But the rest of the lyrics to this Zydeco ditty are me. We can dally all day, any day, but I'm not easy. If I give me easily, he did too. And I don't want an easy man, because I'm not...

Oak Cliff, that's their hood. I am a

Southern Gul. I remember when South Dallas was the Only place in Dallas where you could get two pieces of chicken & pepper. And if your finger waves didn't last all night (actually a week) long, you were deemed unworthy to wear finger waves. Erykah Badu & her boy, Rahzel gave a true ode to my home area.

🎶Big D Little a Double l as🎶

Those ladies, right above walk to the beat of this song, The Men All Pause. They believe they took the Best in dresses & skirts. Yet, they can also feel great in the right pair of pants. They have actually stopped a male conversation or two, just by walking in. So, why not walk to the beat to this song's drummer?

🎶It is like that red Sprite, you can't imagine.🎶 Aquemini is the best Outcast album ever. Everybody was grooving to the handclaps of Rosa Park & the recurring horns in SpottieOttieDopaliscious. I also shaking a load off & not worrying what another n-word think. Man, that's Liberation and baby, I want it.

Want to see my confidence shine play the song featured, Ebony Eyes. Here are some of the lyrics

She's a Miss Beautiful Supreme

A girl that others wish that they could be

If there are seven wonders of the world

Then I know she's gotta be number one

She's a girl that can't be beat

Born and raised on ghetto streets

She's a devastating beauty

A pretty girl with Ebony Eyes

I really think that song is about me. And it has great dance beat. I've taken a dance break or a few during the harmonica breakdown. Just a very fun song that tells everyone about me.

So, get to know me through song that tells you who I am. Hover & Click on each song title. Songs that tell you about how I walk. Songs that tell you about where I live. And even songs that tell you how I free my mind. Enjoy My Me Music!!!

Oh, in the comments let know what songs describe you. I like learning about others via music. 🎶Getting to Know You. Getting to Know All About You🎶

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms

OMG The Shirley Brown Vs. Barbara Mason Debate

I told you guys, my "black card" will be snatch because of my opinions about popular black music. The main reason will be because of my feelings of dread towards that whiney tune, "Because I Love You" by Lenny Williams. The second reason will be my choice of winner in the Shirley ~vs~ Barbara debate. The debate is based on two songs. "Woman to Woman" by Shirley Brown is a song structured as a phone call from a wife to her husband's mistress. "From His Woman to You" by Barbara Mason is the mistress' response. The debate question is Who Won!

I think Both lost!!!

Wait before I delve deeper into my opinion, I was told to tell you that it comes from a person who has never been in love. Oh and let me add the word, Yet. And save your emails because I will not be talking about that topic on here. Plus therapy told me that it was normal not to have been in love. So, consider this a practical view.

And maybe that is why I don't understand how Shirley feels. First of all, she saw one number with a name and she called it. Even in the 70s there were ways to do a little research on Barbara. I have heard my family members' stories. Research existed!!! And apparently, no one told Shirley not to call the mistress if she does not know her. Now if she knew her, a smack down is deserved. Who said that woman knows about you? They could've just met the other day and they hadn't had a chance to talk yet. And who is to say the mistress is not crazy? This cheating husband is not worth getting hurt over. Lastly, why Shirley spouting off about all, the stuff  she does for her husband like it was a badge of honor?

From the top of his head

To the bottom of his feet

The bed he sleeps in

And every piece of food he eats

You see, I make it possible

The clothes on his back

Ha ha, I buy them

The car he drives

I pay the note every month

Ma'am, you do all this stuff and he's still stepping out on you. No bells or whistles are going off to tell you to be embarassed, get off the phone, and prepare for a discussion with your husband.

And this response from Barbara down right stupid. Voluntary side chicks must study this song. Why didn't she say, "Ma'am, get of my phone with this crap & call your husband"? 

I can give him love 

Once we boil the song down, love means sex. It's the one thing Shirley didn't state she did for dude. And because she doesn't know her worth because she's "young" and does not have much going for herself, love seems to be where her self-value lies. And even if her love was really love, Love doesn't pay for STD medicine. Because that's what being shared. Let's be honest, Shirley & Barbara were singing to one another and that dude could've be chilling with Betty(Who tells people "I'll be the Other Woman". Look up the song) at that very moment. Love didn't keep this man's wife from calling you. Love ain't keeping him with you either.

So yeah, Shirley & Barbara Lose!!! This phone call could have been different, if both had used common sense and saw the common problematic denominator. Shirley stop taking care of that adulterous male human. Barbara close your love holder and send that guy out your life.

*sigh* Still want to snatch my Black card?

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms

Top 10 Jazz Cuts (Black Music Month)

Confession: I planned this to be a top 5. I tried to contain myself, but I couldn't.
We didn't listen to much "the Blues growing up. We listened to mainstream Blues artists like, B.B. King. In my grandparents' home, we listened to a lot of Jazz. Jazz was the trendy music in their younger days. My grandmother thinks Billy Eckstein is the best artist ever. Eckstein is her music measuring stick. The only current singer that is on his level to her is John Legend.

My grandfather liked to dance. In his mind, he could've danced on the "Jitterbug Break" episode of The Cosby Show. His dancing looked a lot like Cliff's style. LoL And I still listen to Jazz, old & current, instrumental to vocals. Jazz has seductive power that can't be rivaled.

10. Gonna Be Alright by Robert Glasper Experiment(ft. Ledisi)
The words & melody makes me feel light & loving. There are some guys who have smiles that have turned my day around. Oh, & it was more than Ok.

9. Love Don't Love Nobody by Kim Waters (ft. Larry "Jazz" Anthony of Dru Hill) 
This was the first song I heard from Jazz, away from Dru Hill. His voice with the notes from Water's sax blends a timeless lesson, we all must learn. And it takes fool not to understand.

Big Maybelle

8. Street Life by The Crusaders
Randy Crawford leads a song written by Joe Sample & Wilton Felder. Are we shocked it became a hit?

7. My Only by Wayman Tisdale(ft. Lalah Hathaway)
Dear Future Guys I Will Date,
Like the words of Mickey from BAPS, "Don't Play Unless You Mean It". This is a perfect proposal song. Another good blend of vocals & saxophone. Wayman Tisdale was a wise man collaborating with one of my favorites.

Nancy Wilson

6. Moody's Mood for Love by James Moody
If you hate this classic, you kick puppies, also. You also take candy from children and eat it in their faces. It's the quintessential Jazz classic. James Moody said he was in the mood for love and this song is how he was going to show it.

5. Septembro by Quincy Jazz
Been in love with the "Brazilian Wedding song, since I heard it in the movie, Boyz in the Hood. My sister, A & I fight over this song. Who is going to have this song at their wedding? I'm walking down the aisle to this song. At minute 3:46, the doors will open and I will process to my one & only.

4. Candy by Big Maybelle.
I shut my "woke" mind up to enjoy this lovely ditty. I mean it is a plus-size lady boldly singing out about confections. That's how good he is to her. We all deserve a Candy. Men & Women need a treat like that.

3. Guess You're Not the One by George Duke
Fact: It takes an average of 17 months and 26 days to get over an ex. And one should play this song by my favorite Jazz musician. By the time the song gets to "Oh, I know you're not the one for me", bolt electricity hits you and you're singing out your soul. Oh also a bonus, the most of words are in the title.

Randy Crawford
&
Joe Sample

2. Guess Who I Saw Today by Nancy Wilson
When Jazz Mother Wilson leaves this world, I will have been singing this song in sackcloth and ashes. Her voice melodically tells the story of a person talking about their lunch. When you will not have lunch the same.

1. In a Sentimental Mood by Phyllis Hyman(from Sophisticated Ladies)
This is a panty dropper. I don't know if the composer, Duke Ellington thought I would call it that generations later. But when Phyllis Hyman(one of my top 5 all-time singers) sung this Sophisticated Ladies, somebody got lucky that night. Here are part of this lyrics, On the wings of every kiss, Drifts a melody so strange and sweet. People are getting high off of them smooching each other and hear music every time. In even has been featured in the movie, Love Jones and the show, Girlfriends. Your current favorite has not written or performed a song so deep, melodic, & timeline like "In a Sentimental Mood"

Honorable Mention is Roy Ayers' Everybody Loves the Sunshine. What? It's so cool, it's featured in Grand Theft Auto.

Phyllis Hyman

This list seems so unfinished. It's so many other jazz cuts I could talk about. Who did I miss? Tell me in the comments.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Top 5 "Non-OutSpoken_Diva Style" Songs That Can Do No Wrong to Me(Black Music Month)

It June!!! It is Black Music Month!!! Time to give my perspective on the music of my people. There are some songs that talk about social or personal topics that I don't represent my views or thoughts. But some sound so good you can't help but to enjoy them. Well, I can't help to enjoy. Yes, I'm smiling.

Get Low by Lil John & The East Side ft The Ying Yang Twins

"To the Window to the Wall" The song is about some guys looking for random tail to take home after the club. Yeah, a man asking, "Can I play with your panty line"? will more than likely at least get him at a "What the Hell". Yet, I have popped a few of my best twerks to the song.

Ooops Oh My by Tweet
I can admit to have never felt so good that I masturbated because of it. Maybe because being high(contact) doesn't feel good to me.

There is a quote that says, Drunk minds reveal Sober thoughts. She knew she looked good. Probably knew she needed to self-release before she got high. But I liked the spirit of this song. If you never "looked over to the left" and thought you looked rather fetching, you need to look over to the left until you do.

Husband by Shirley Murdock
Of course, I am not a proponent of extra-maritial affairs. If you are fan of Shirly Murdock, this song came after her hit, "As We Lay". But this song, she didn't know her partner was married. This is why you do your homework. Oh, there was homework back in the 80s. She tells this husband, "Well I'm a lady with class and I know my desire will pass". He made her feel nice but, she will let it go because she is a decent woman. Wonder how this song would be recieved if it came out now, almost 20 years later.

Murdock & her Husband

Go On Without You by Shirley Murdock
On the same album as "As We Lay", we have this begging song. Apologizing is great. When people are wrong, people should apology. But adding "Please let me back", is not my style.  I'm Queen No Backsies so, that's not a shock. But this song starts so steady with an explaination of the cause. It ends with a strong request with high notes, runs & growls. Who hasn't tried to sing "I'm Wiser Now Because You Left" when singing this song. It's addictive to try. I really hope the guy she is begging back is not that lady's Husband. All that request to find out he's married later. Oh Shirley!

I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston
My cousin, Shaun(Blog Name) & I got a karaoke 100. No, I can't sing. That doesn't mean I won't. I love power ballads.

Whitney Houston was one of the queens in delivering a quality one. But my life doesn't follow the song, I Have Nothing. Life has shown me, people leaving hurts, but people aren't everything. This song is beautiful, though. It starts slows & melodic. It builds with vigor. And it ends sweetly with a long note. It is a definition of "music to my ears", to me. But to the lyric, "Will a memory survive, one I can hold on to", it will & so will you.

Well, that's me singing & dancing to songs whose lyrics & meanings.  I don't truly believe or live. We all have them. So Hey, Bop Away!!!

Ok, I have a debatable bonus. It is If Only For Night originally by Brenda Russell, but made famous by Luther Vandross. Was he singing to a married woman or a crush?
Since they sometimes paired it with the song, Creepin', I say Crush. 
Put your opinions in the comments.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

My Underrated Black Music Artist List (It's Black Music Month)

Yep, it is Black Music Month! To commemorate I decided to make two opinionated list. The Underrated music artists.

Now, let me define Underrated.The artists that pop culture just plays with and never give them shine. Some of you guys see them but because you have to move from the machine that tells you what is cool, sometime you ignore them. Oh, the video on top? That's just my latest overplayed song on my playlist. It is called
Purse First" by Bob the Drag Queen. He won this past season on RuPaul's Drag Race. He's black. And I am a fan.

My grandfather told me a story of a church musician that really challenged them to sing. Her complaint was, "All y'all wanna do is pat your a-word and holler". Isn't that what go goes for today's music. Well, 'Purse First" does that to me so, Enjoy!!!

5. Kem  I can't explain why he is underrated. He has a nice voice and his music seems very universal. I love" I Can't Stop Loving You" & "Share My Life". It was weird when I heard him more as a ringtone on my sister's phone than I did on the radio. Now, I am feeling him as a feature on Gregory Porter's song Hold On.

4. Tweet This past week she was the topic of this week's Being. I missed it because I was out but everyone I asked about was so eager to talk about who she is currently dating. Umm excuse my gossip craze, she has a new album out called Charlene. And Won't Hurt Me is great. So many (included me) have said, we wished Tweet come out with one more good album. Tweet is good. I knew it when I heard her harmonize some lyrics in "Motel".

♫Go to hell baby

Cause I know I saw you go into a motel♫

OMG, I was a fan. Now, she has a new album. ♫Do whatever you feel you gotta do it♫ but stop sleeping on Tweet.

3. Raheem Devaughn Y'all are funny. He sings the perfect balance of sex & love. He had song called "BOB" (Battery Operated Boyfriend) on an album. He even had a real raunchy video to the song, "Single" come out a few years ago. Even K. Michelle put you guys onto When You Love Someone and thought y'all loved her whatever popular reality show she is on. Maybe he's going to ditch the love stuff, smack the "Customer" on her butt while she is a BOB. But then I won't like her. Don't change Raheem, never mind.

2. Corinne Bailey Rae All music can't make you feel good. I feel like that church musician for earlier, Yes, I a fan from the start with "Put Your Records On". My rollers sets were called The Corinne Bailey Rae at that time.

I loved that she melodically sung her pain in "Do It All Again". Her husband had just die and I understood. While she telling people even though all this happening, she is still not giving up on love, folks were complaining that it was to dark. *sigh*  Rae went away and while the masses are sipping Lemonade, she is dropping music. Have you seen Green Aphrodisiac? No, you haven't because nobody is wondering why she is wearing or holding a gold marijuana plant. I have and I have questions. I think the song is about being high on life.

1. Lalah Hathaway Let this woman win another Grammy in ceremonies earlier than the live show and I will scream. I know "But she has the awards". Lalah Hathaway should be winning the awards that are seen by the masses. Y'all know my favorite singer is Twinkie Clark. Lalah Hathaway is next. Her song is pure & innovative. Y'all know I love that in an artists. I have been a fan of her since the 90's when, she came out with Baby Don't Cry. Back when she snapped her fingers & did the side to side step the whole video. Her voice is hear in some many genres from Gospel to Jazz. Have you heard her version of "Ultimate Relationship". You will cry out "My God". Lalah's voice should be heard on not just Adult Contemporary radio but Pop radio. Mirror is out, now. I wish the masses would stop hiding their ears, so they could hear her.

If I could have honorable mentions, it would be Luke James & Michelle Williams. 

So, this is my list of the Top 5 Underrated Black Music Artists that I Love. I hope you guys go listen to them, if you don't already. Who's on your list? Leave then in the comments below.

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

Choir Music (African-American Music Month

If you asked me what my Favorite style of Gospel music is, it would be Choir Music. If you could be a fly on the wall of my life, there will be many times you will see me playing director and/or lead singer while listening to Choir Music. Matter fact if there is a movie based on my life that needs to be a scene.

Okay I may have made the “style term" up but some of you that know what I am talking about. I Love a true Choir Song. Choirs sing lots of stuff but a true Choir Song only sounds good with a choir.

When I a child, I sang in the Junior Choir at my foundation church. I actually can't sing. Well I sing okay. So, I never lead a song. We used to tear the church up with a song by Deleon Richards called “Move on up the Mountain (http://youtu.be/jJQMjrcw0TE). I know this is solo track but in my heart this is choir music. I loved singing this song. When I got to be 9 years old I was finally was old to sing in the Dallas Baptist Ministerial Alliance Youth for Christ for the City Wide Revival. In the 80’s and 90’s that was the thing for us little church kids to do. For six weeks at the beginning of the year that was our social scene. I loved Youth for Christ. Even when I joined the Youth Ushers at Foundation church at age 11, I still sang in Youth for Christ. I sang until I was 15. Singing song like “Send Your Anointing” by TM Mass Youth Choir gave me great joy.

If you asked me the best choir music were written by three men. The late Milton Brunson

the late Walter Hawkins

and Hezekiah Walker wrote many of my favorite Choir songs.

Well indulge me a little bit and act like we are at a good ol’ church musical and click & listen to some of my favorite Choir songs (a few new ones but mostly old one) I have provided. I’ll admit, I had a great time finding this tunes too.

Processional Song
He's Worthy
http://youtu.be/guV94dARrgc

The Anthemn
Keep You Lamps - These kids remind me of my childhood
http://youtu.be/nC7RHZuP_Yw

Yes Lord - As Football Nerd said once "You have to be a heathen not to know this song" LMBO (You had to be there)
https://youtu.be/mqrH6C-3G1M

There is No Failure
http://youtu.be/Wz7BnJtDZiM

I'm Still Holding On
http://youtu.be/kN6Xt0o4cLQ

Fully Commited
http://youtu.be/qCV6kZY4Pv4

Call Him Up
http://youtu.be/KQdZIqTsOm0

There is No Greater Love
http://youtu.be/QVbThm_CzTE

When The Battle is Over
http://youtu.be/kL7xRI3_p58

God Will Take Care of You
http://youtu.be/HP2n9nDn7Oc

Jerusalem - My Foundation Church is one of the choirs featured on this song. The soloist was member and a family friend. RIP Thomas Wade
http://youtu.be/dPHT8KKU-Uo

The Vision
http://youtu.be/opawDQcMVzQ

Same God
https://youtu.be/80Dpek7qK08

Everybody Clap Your Hands
http://youtu.be/MDOhwnzbeJQ

Every Praise
http://youtu.be/UuuZMg6NVeA

Oh in the comments let me know what some of your favorites are. Share with me. LoL

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

OUTSPOKEN_DIVA'S Best of 2013

So I decided to do a blog on My Best of 2013. I like a many things but some things I like a little bit more than others. No, there will not be a Worse of 2013 blog. Am I not critical enough? Even though I want in 2014, for World Star Hip Hop to destroy All the Ratchet, All the Ghetto, and All the Dysfunctional videos ever known to man on its website. I will not make a blog to highlight the gross stuff of 2013.  LoL

In 2013, I decided to make it a mission to try some new Restaurants and make different recipes. Because No one will make New Foods, I had to do something.  I’m a foodie at heart. Probably why I picked the major. So here is some Good food worth sharing

Favorite Restaurant Dish

Disco Fries (Houlihans)

I went here for my birthday dinner. French Fries, Pot Roast, Gravy, Green Onions and Cheddar Cheese make a great dish. I had a salad also that was delicious, but it didn’t make the picture (maybe I was eating it)

Favorite New Recipe

3 Ingredient Chicken

On Facebook my sister tags me when she shares some of the recipes she wants to try. That’s how I saw this one. It’s just Chicken, dry Italian Dressing mix and Brown Sugar. Bake it and you have a finger licking good meal. I pair it with a simple Wax Bean & Carrot medley.

Favorite Meatless Meal

Pasta Puttanesca

I try to go meatless once a week. Usually Mondays except during Lent, which I go meatless on Fridays. One day going through recipes for clients I ran across one I made in my Basic Foods class in college. It’s linguine with sautéed chili peppers, Spanish olives, zucchini, diced tomatoes and oregano in light olive oil & garlic over it.

 

Favorite New Fast Food

Taco Casa

I saw a cousin on Facebook talk about this place. Well on National Taco Day, I got try them. Yummy!!! 

 

 

Okay I know you know I spend an obscene amount of time watching TV. Of Course you know about TV Thursday but Sundays I’m a tad obsessive about my shows also.

Favorite Food Show

Cutthroat Kitchen I love this show!!! It is like Chopped, the childhood game Dare, meets Vegas slots. It speaks to the creativity of a chef because these challenges can be a doozy.

 

Favorite Instead of “Popular” Reality Show I Watch:

Boardwalk Empire and Treme I love these two shows. Hate that this the last season for Treme. If you keep up with life after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans or at least watch the two Spike Lee Doc for HBO about it, you know Treme is very Accurate. Boardwalk Empire keeps my attention in a way that frightens me. It is full of violence yet it intrigues me. It’s like when Prohibition started and Atlantic City acted like it was not law. Nucky Thompson is the man. And there is Chalky White, the lone black guy in Nucky’s posse. How can one man be so upstanding and crooked at the same time, beats me. Right now all the key players are scattered away from Atlantic City so I can’t wait to see what brings them back to town.

Favorite Comedy:

Big Bang Theory Are you shocked? Especially since Raj now can talk to women without the use of Alcohol. Finally. That was bothering me. He was going to need rehab. Big Bang Theory are the people I knew and myself in high school. I can name someone for everyone on that show. Yes, I’m am Bernadette.

Favorite Rom Com:

Hart of Dixie Still Team Zeorge (George & Zoe) even though Zoe is with some writer named Joel & George is with the Mayor Lavon’s cousin Lynly. Zoe has finally connected to her birth father’s family, the Wilkes. Lemon is even seeing some promise in finding herself.

Favorite Drama:

Scandal & Greys Anatomy It is a tie. Both keep my heart pounding. Shonda Rhymes know the key to the drama side of my heart. Keep my suspense and tie up loose ends all at the same time. She does it well. Even though the Yang/Grey fighting stabs me in the heart and whenever Mama Pope calls Olivia, “Livie” scares me a bit, I have to watch these shows.

Favorite New Show:

Super Fun Night Nope it’s not Marvels Agents of Shield. It’s Super Fun Night. Little known fact about the Diva…I don’t go out that much. When I do it looks a lot like this show (Dollar to Donuts my friends will disagree but trust me I have stories to prove it). The first episode with Kimmie jumping around trying to put on her shape wear I died laughing. As a shape wearer I can totally relate.

I Miss the Most Show

Emily Owens Yep, a show that is about an awkward nerd that went against the grain of pop culture’s definition of Nerd on a Broadcast Station (The CW) that is filled with mostly shows that are geared to fans of pop culture. Dr. Emily Owens, I still miss you!!!

 

Web Shows are next. Y’all know I’m addicted to them. Vlogs also. I can’t go a day with watching something. I see a pattern I think my emotional & inner dating self is in its late 20's. Web Series might be my way of  finding out what went wrong. Just a guess!

Favorite Continuing Web Series (Tie)

Unwritten Rules Season 2 Link

Spoiler alert! Racy has a new boss. She thought it was going to be easier. Umm new boss, new issues.

That Guy Season 2 Link

Two guy Mike & Judah, somewhat trifling, but they have good hearts and they mean well. Season 2 delves into the emotions of That Guys. Hilarious stuff.

 

Favorite New Web Series (Tie)

No Strings, Please Link

Think living in a New city gets rid of you. Nope! You are still you.

Smoke & Mirrors Link

Dixon, Dixon, Dixon! Go through a journey of a man who finds out if relationships and the problems in them are illusions we make for ourselves.

Favorite Vlog

KevOnStage Link

You know those quirky churchy/non churchy articles we read or videos we watch and can’t believe they are real. Meet the man to discuss them. Also he make the “Cartoon Scandal” videos we all love so much.

Favorite Sketch Comedy

The Playmakers Link

The future of Christian Comedy is on YouTube. I first fell in love with The Playmakers with a video called “Stuff Black Church Girls Say” http://youtu.be/uGKWVv53eX0. Black Church Girls now have Web Series and also check out Music Videos by a group called Praydeci. Good Clean fun!!! Oh and KevonStage is member of The Playmakers

 

Yes I still read books. In 2004 I heard myself go stupid and was losing my grasp on the English language. Never again so of course I am still reading. I read some wonderful ones this year.

Best Fiction

The Awesome Girl's Guide to Dating Extraordinary Men by Ernessa Carter

4 Women in 2 years get nothing they want but All that they need. Also look for cameos from Davie Jones, Main character of 32 Candles by the same author.

 

Best Non-Fiction

Ghettonation: A Journey Into the Land of Bling and Home of the Shameless by Cora Daniels

I wrote a blog about it sometime ago. Go read it Here

Best Sci-Fi

Long Division by  Kiese Laymon

Defying a patronizingly racist contest on live television, 14-year-old Citoyen “City” Coldson’s rant goes viral and becomes an embarrassment on a national scale. Sent to stay with family in the small town of Melahatchie, he distracts himself from Internet infamy, redneck racists, and a grandmother who’s not afraid to make him cut her a switch by reading a mysterious book where his name and the name of his grandmother's teenage missing neighbor appear.

 

Best Novella

I Met Him in the Ladies' Room (pt1) by Michelle Simpson

Where did you meet the Lord? Kerri Dalee met Him in the Restroom. That simple, right? Read it and find out. 

Favorite Memoir

Self-Inflicted Wounds: Heartwarming Tales of Epic Humiliation by Aisha Tyler

Okay only Memoir I read. Charging $12-$15 for your life on my Kindle is gross. No one is that interesting. When they go down, I’ll read more of those. The Nerd Queen proves why she is just that. I love this book. I know she and I would have been friends in Latter Elementary & Middle school.

For Lent, I’m giving up buying makeup. In 2013, I found myself buying product after product. So let me share my favorite lip products for my looks I experimented with this year. Yes, All lip products. I didn’t do anything new with my eyes.

Favorite Lip Stain

Loreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain

It stays on for many hours, moisturizes and has shine.

Favorite Go To Lip Stick

Maybelline Color Sensationals Vivids - Pink Pop

If I needed to add some color to a look it was my trusty bubby. It is smooth & long lasting.

Favorite Trend (Ombre’ Lips)

Two tone lips are not new. But 2013 was the year of doing more than red lip liner and pink lip color. I saw ladies adding different colors to their Ombre’ lips. And I am happy to say I think the Black eye liner on the lip phase may be going away (cuing the praise music, I’m going in, in advance),

My Autumn Ombre’ was done with SEPHORA COLLECTION Nano Lip Liner - Beau Bordeaux, then REVLON Colorburst Lip Butter – Sorbet then topped off with Maybelline Color Sensational High Gloss Shine - Captivating Coral.

 

My October Awareness Ombre’ I talked about in a  Blog earlier this fall, was achieve with COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipliner – Plum & Loreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain -  Rose On and On.

 

 

Yep, those looks were that simple!!!

Favorite MakeUp Vlog

Cosmetic Candies FYI Link

Oh I fell in love with another Makeup Vlog. She’s the only Vlog that made me truly understand Ombre’ Lips

 

Alright the video playing while you were reading is one of my favorites in Music for 2013

Favorite Sacred

Ultimate Relationship by Donald Lawrence (Ft Lalah Hathaway)

I follow Lalah Hathaway on Twitter and I saw tweets about this song. It’s remake of a song fame Gospel artist Donald Lawrence wrote for Mary J. Blige. Who is the Best Person to wake up and talk to in the morning? I added it to my worship playlist and never turned back.

Favorite Secular

Finally by Carolyn Malachi

Watch the Video Here

Y’all can play this at my funeral (Bishop might not mind) LoL On Sunday evening I listen to a Podcast called Black Girl Nerds http://www.blogtalkradio.com/blackgirlnerds (Shout out to BGN) and this is the opening song. It’s simple, “Finally, I’m Finally Me. Finally, I’m Finally Free. Refreshing!!!

 

And that wraps up my favorite things of 2013. Hope you enjoyed it! What were some of your favorite things of 2013? Let me know in the comments below. If the Lord says the same I’ll see you in 2014.

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms