Let's Get This Party Started Right! Party Favors for New Year's Eve

Must have essentials for your New Year's Eve celebration.

1. Pop Champagne- Veuve Clicquot www.veuve-clicquot.com

2. Star Bright- Makeup Forever’s Eye shadow Sliver 2 – Sephora

3. Nail Biting- Party Like A Rockstar Limited Collection by Lippmann Collection

4. Clutching Gold- Gold Leather Clutch by Arden B.

5. Dunce Hat- Party Favors, Windy City Novelties.

6. Dancing Shoes- Glitter Pumps by Top Shop

Jamie Foxx's 'Christmas List'

I guess Jamie doesn’t feel the recession. He’s asking for a lot this Christmas, must be nice in Hollywood!

Click to listen:

Fly Song of the Week: Musiq Soulchild's 'So Beautiful'

Musiq Soulchild is back. “So Beautiful” makes me feel some kinda way when I hear it. His vocal arrangement and falsetto makes this song a winner.

Take a listen to hear and feel for yourself.




On My Radio drops December 9th!

The Fly Girl Guide: Holiday Mixtape

I’m cheesy when it comes to the Holidays. I play Christmas music constantly, I make Gingerbread houses with my niece, plan Secret Santa for my BFFs, I make my friends go ice skating and make anyone with a car drive around the neighborhood looking at houses decorated with Christmas lights.

It’s my parents fault, they spoiled me rotten when it came to Christmas and they used to do the corny stuff right after Thanksgiving. For example, when I was young, we used to go caroling. My mother would gather all the kids in the neighborhood, pass out folders filled with lyrics of songs and we would walk around Baltimore while my father followed us in a van with a huge thermo of hot chocolate in case any of us got too cold. Therefore, you see, they passed down the cheesiness of Christmas so now it is embedded in me.

So, if you’re like me and my family, filled with so much Christmas joy that it annoys people, then check out my Holiday mixtape.

“Santa Baby”
by Eartha Kitt
Can Christmas be sexy? Eartha Kitt does a good job of trying and this song is perfect if you have a boo to cuddle with.

“Happy Holidays To You”
by New Edition
Teenage New Edition’s It’s Christmas (All Over The World) was a short album but my holiday is not complete without hearing it.

“Who Would Imagine A King”
by Whitney Houston
How cute was The Preacher’s Wife? I loved the movie so much that I had to buy the soundtrack. Whitney sounds beautiful.

“Now Behold the Lamb”
by Kirk Franklin & The Family
Jesus is the reason for the season and Tamela Mann (the female lead) magnificently explains just that. This song moves me to tears every time I hear it.

“This Christmas”
by Dru Hill or Trey Songz
It’s a toss up of which version I like better. Dru Hill and Trey Songz both go hard on this old classic.

“Baby,It’s Cold Outside”
by Dean Martin
Dean Martin had charm didn’t he? I mean I don’t know if I would stay just because its cold outside, now if it’s a monsoon than sure, no convincing needed.

“Sleigh Ride”
by TLC
Bringing 90’s funk to Christmas. Rest In Peace Left Eye!

“Let It Snow”
by Boys II Men
How lovely is a White Christmas? Even if it doesn’t snow on Christmas, Boys II Men makes a great song to imagine that the outside is covered in white.

“O Holy Night”
by Destiny’s Child featuring Michelle Williams
Destiny’s Child’s 8 Days of Christmas featured each girl doing solo versions of Christmas classics. Michelle Williams’ voice is wonderful on her take of “O Holy Night.”


“Silver Bells”
by Stevie Wonder
This list showcases my love for oldies but goodies and my Christmas mixtape could not be complete if I didn’t feature my man, Stevie. O, the wonders Christmas and Stevie.

Uptown Girl Entertainment Presents: Bubbles & Brows -December 11, 2008

“Chic events for the girl with persnickety taste”

My friends at Uptown Girl Entertainment present a great way to get pretty for the holidays. The Bubbles & Brows Beauty and Shopping event is the most satisfying way to have perfectly arched brows to complement with this season’s most stylish beauty and fashion finds.

When you enter Hotel Rouge, you will be greeted with a little bubbly to help take the edge of a hectic workweek.

Licensed professionals, who have en eye for detail and the patience to ensure quality, will definitely be a brow-raising experience.

After your done slipping champagne and getting your eyebrows are arched, shop in the boutique area for great bargains on bags, relaxing pampering products, or just finish holiday shopping.


You have to buy tickets for this event and grab them fast because they will sell out!

Click here to purchase tickets and to learn more about the Bubbles & Brows event!

Date: December 11, 2008

Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Location: Hotel Rouge (three blocks from Dupont Circle Metro)

See you there!

Happy Thanksgving! Pumpkin Pie- Drink of the week

Some people love the holidays and embrace the Thanksgiving meal with the family, while others loathe the holidays and need some relative relief.

If you’re the latter, try this delicious drink, Pumpkin Pie when you need to escape your crazy uncle, better yet, drink a couple Pumpkin Pie cocktails with him and you’ll forget all of his abnormal antics.

Pumpkin Pie

1 pinch of ground cinnamon
1 tsb of Cinnamon Schnapps
1.5 oz chilled Irish Cream

Directions: Mix together with crushed ice in a glass and garnish with mint leaves.

Goodbye Vince Chase, See you in season 6!

One of my favorite shows, "Entourage" ended its fifth season yesterday and I’m singing the blues. What am I going to do until season six besides dwindling my thumbs in anticipation?

If you’re a fan of “Entourage” as I am, check out the last episode below and then read this article I found in The Washington Post by Robin Givhan showcasing the difference that money can make by outlining the boy bonding on “Entourage” and the girlie cat fights on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Click here to read.

" Return to Queens Blvd."

Ciara's 'Explode'

This is first song from Ciara’s Fantasy Ride that I actually like, but I still have issues with ‘Explode’.


Number One: I love sexy songs but I can’t get my groove on to the song when you’re saying your own name. During sexy time, my name should be the only name mentioned. Lol

Number Two: What’s up with female singers adding an eight bar rap their songs? IDK if I get with that, I mean Lauryn Hill-you are not.

So, besides Ciara saying her own name multiple names in the song and her rap, the rest of the track is decent.

Click to decide for yourself.

Kanye West's '808s and Heartbreak'

I feel like I’m hearing all of Kanye’s cd before it hits stores next Tuesday. The more I listen to the new material, I’m convinced that Kanye is a musical genius,808s and Heartbreak is really his life on wax. Kanye went through a lot since his last album, with the lost of his mother, the end of his engagement; his heartbreak is obvious on this album.

Click to hear!


‘Street Lights’ is totally relatable and ‘Welcome to the Heartbreak’ shows how money can’t always buy happiness.

‘Welcome to the Heartbreak’

“Street Lights’

‘See you in my nightmares’ featuring Lil’ Wayne

Kid Sister’s ‘Get Fresh’

I like Kid Sister, her style is different and I was definitely playing ‘Pro Nails’ all summer. Check out her new single, ‘Get Fresh’.

For more information on Kid Sister, peep her Myspace page here.

The 'Obama Car' is ready to roll

I’ve been searching for this Obama car for a while now and I finally found it parked on the corner 2nd and Rhode Island in the LeDroit Park Neighborhood.

I can’t wait to party on 1.20.09! Obama Time!

Thanksgiving Dinner Wine Tasting at Cork

One my favorite wine bars in DC, Cork is hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner wine tasting this Saturday, November 15. Join their friends at Potomac Selections as they pour a selection of sparkling, white and red wines to pair with turkey and all the trimmings.

Cork Wine Bar Staff will pour the wines and talk about the wines, the country, and the people who make them.

Where & When

Cork Wine Bar
1720 14th Street, NW
202-265-CORK

Saturday, November 15
3:00PM-4:30 PM

Pease RSVP by Today to info@corkdc.com

Due to space limitations Cork requests that RSVPs be limited to 2 people per reservation.

Ron Browz's 'Jumping Out The Window'

While ‘Pop Champagne’ gets the party started, I don’t know about this one, Ron Browz. His voice kinda annoying and while I believe that T-Pain and Kanye can pull of the auto-tune thing, Browz just falls flat. Have a listen and tell me what you think.

Click:

Kanye West's 'Amazing' featuring Young Jeezy

Some people aren’t feeling the singing Kanye West for his fourth studio album, 808’s and Heartbreak but I have to say I like it. Kanye is always one to push the envelope and this track is well, pretty amazing. I think Jeezy does his thing on this track.

Click to here ‘Amazing’:

Kiehl’s partners with Brad Pitt to launch eco-effective aloe vera

One of my favorite brands Kiehl’s Since 1851 never ceases to amazes me with their wonderful products for hair and skin. Kiehl’s just partnered with Brad Pitt and the JPF Eco Systems to launch an “Eco-Effective” product called, “Aloe Vera” Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser. This body wash is certified, Cradle-to-Cradle, which means it went through a scientifically based process created by global environmental design and consulting firm, MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry).

This certification measures a product against specific criteria for environmental and human health. Measurement Criteria includes: environmentally safe ingredients and packaging materials, level of biodegradability or reuse of a product, use of renewable energy and both energy and water efficiency in production, and socially responsible labor and sourcing policies.

Kiehl’s is the first beauty company to achieve a Cradle-to- Cradle certification for a product and the plastic body and pump are stated to biodegrade in the earth within 28 days.

So, with a product that does such much for the earth, does it really clean your body? At first I was weary, “Aloe Vera” Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser is made with minimal ingredients (aloe vera and coconut-derived cleansers) and it felt so light and was scary easy to rinse off. But, I did feel clean and the light sent of aloe vera was refreshing. I guess in the mist of products that are filled with added color, dyes and animal by-products something so light felt a little different. At the end of my shower, I not only felt clean, but I cut my shower time in half by having a product that rinsed off easily to conserve water.

With 100% of net profits from the sales funding the global environmental initiatives of the JPF Eco systems, feeling beautiful, never felt so good for the earth.

Click here to purchase and to learn more!

Rockett Mansion

Howard University students have always been known for using classrooms as their runway and I must admit that I am guilty of strutting to class in fashionable threads rather then sweatpants, but what’s so wrong with that?

Melanie, a Howard University alumnus took her love of fashion -specifically vintage fashion and opened an online boutique called Rockett Mansion on Etsy. With a keen eye for stand out, excellent condition vintage finds, Rockett Mansion is for the girl who can afford designer pieces but rather spend 50 bucks on a one of kind item. Melanie also donates 10% of all sales to various non-profit organizations, both local and international, no buyer remorse for this fashionista!


I just scored this cute paisley romper. I’m going to pair it with a leather bomber and some suede ankle booties for a chic fall look.

Check out the other finds at Rockett Mansion!

Obama Fashions at Zazzle

Photo credit: Zazzle.com

Record number of voters. Long, long voting lines. The youngest man elected president. The first African American elected president. So many historic moments in one night by one individual that it’s hard to imagine adding more. But, President-elect Barack Obama can, as there are currently more Obama products available for purchase at Zazzle.com than any other candidate in history. Since the primaries began, Obama has been the front runner as the hottest selling candidate with the best selling items touting his Yes, We Can mantra. Now, as he accepts the duty of our 44th president, Yes, We Can takes on a whole new meaning.

Zazzle offers a variety of Obama and Obama/Biden themed designs available on a wide array of apparel including prints, shoes, skateboards, stickers, mugs, holiday ornaments and more. Most products are produced on-demand within 24 hours of ordering and many are customizable to the consumers liking.

Regardless of your political stance, whether you Love ‘em or Hate ‘em, Zazzle has something for everyone. And, now that the election is finally over, the pundits at Zazzle’s Political Center want to help consumers celebrate, or cope, with a special political merchandise offer. From now until the end of the week, consumers can get a 10% victory discount on all Love ‘em or Hate ‘em merchandise for President-elect Obama. And, for those consumers who fought so hard to get McCain in the White House, Zazzle offers its sincerest condolences with a 10% clearance discount on all McCain merchandise.

Check out Zazzle politics for all things Obama.

Photo credit: Zazzle.com

Fly Song of the Week: Q-Tip's 'We Fight/We Love' featuring Raphael Saadiq

I know Q-Tip is 15- years my senior but it makes no difference! I am in love with him, yea, I know I said I loved Jay-Z last week but my love affairs change with my mood!

The Fly Song of the week is from my man the abstract one. “We Love/We Fight featuring Raphael Saadiq” is from Q-Tip’s just released album, The Renaissance. If you’re upset with what’s playing on the radio, then pick up this album for some true hip-hop, with features from Norah Jones, Amanda Diva and D’Angelo, this album enlightens you with social issues and love songs and grooves like a summer night.

If you haven’t picked up The Renaissance yet, click here to purchase it from Amazon.

Obama Celebration at 4NX¢ Boutique

4NX¢ Boutique at 1019 U ST NW in D.C. is having an Obama Celebration Sale.

This is the flyest way to boost the economy! This weekend enjoy 50% off all jewelry-from earrings, necklaces, bangles and bracelets.


The savings continues with demin jeans at 50% off, all Salavage Clothing 40% off and all shoes including winter boots are all 50% off as well.

With only 2 days left, be sure to stop by 4NX¢! You can shop online here!

Update: Jay-Z's 'History' Full Version

I’ve been searching and I finally found the full version of my new favorite ish! I’m still searching for the full song to download and without the radio promos. Until then, this will do.

Click to enjoy!

OMG- I need this jumper from Grasshopper!

The boutique in Philadelphia, Grasshopper has a great online store. I found some amazing finds, like this Loreen Puff Sleeve Jumper. It looks so glam and channels the 70’s.






Feathers are in right now, check out this feather headband made by LA designer, Laura Kranitz that I also found on Grasshopper. Made by vintage fabrics and feathers, this headband has natural colored feathers that cascade from the chain that is attached on the side of the headband. Isn't it cute?

Jay-Z’s ‘History’

When Jay-Z comes out, I get excited. It’s always in the fourth quarter of music so when his album drops my year feels complete. Sounds crazy right? But, I will admit that I am a Jay-Z stan.

He just previewed, ‘History’ off of the The Blue Print 3 album on the Angie Martinez show. This snippet is teasing me, I cannot wait for the full version.

Click the link to download.

Jay-Z featuring Cee-Lo- 'History'

Oh! and I’m on my Jay and Obama ish, “You gotta be number one, cause number two is the first loser!” Ya dig?

Ryan Leslie's ‘How It Was Supposed To Be’

I had the opportunity to interview Ryan Leslie this past summer and after speaking with him and listening to his music, his talent is undeniable. He writes, arranges, produces and plays all the instruments in his songs. And he’s smart; he went to Harvard at age sixteen with a prefect SAT score, how sexy is that? Smart is the new gangsta.

Click here to read my interview with Ryan Leslie.


Click below to listen to ‘How It Was Supposed To Be’:

Ne-Yo featuring Fabolous- 'How I Do'

I am loving Ne-Yo more and more. ‘How I Do’ has a nice groove, you can definitely do a two-step to it. Fabolous and Ne-Yo make a great combination; I’m thinking they should pull a Jay-Z and R. Kelly move and do a Best of Both Worlds album that would be hot.

Click to listen:

President Barack Obama

I am overwhelmed with emotion after witnessing, the educated, eloquent orator and suave, Barack Obama become President of these United States of America.

I had a conversation with my 62-year-old father yesterday that replays in my mind. While having breakfast, I was telling him how November 4 was taking so long to come, any other week, the days in my life just mesh together, yet Tuesday, November 4, 2008 seemed to creep very slowly. He replies, “Carla, you’re 23-years young and you’ve experiencing Obama become President, there are people who are my age and older who never thought we would see a Black man become President.”

I had to agree and understand how privilege I am to be able to see Barack Obama become President while being so young. To still be in my prime and see how a Black man can overcome adversity, speak with such pose and confidence and to see Obama kiss his beautiful Black wife and mother of his daughters is a privilege.

Yesterday, I was filled with so much anxiety that I could not sleep Monday night, the anxiety continued until Barack Obama won the Presidency. I took a slip of champagne, while tearing up and screaming for joy. What a joyous feeling it was, to be in the company of White and Black people celebrating a change that we can believe in, it was remarkable.

Today, feels like an early New Year’s Day. Although I woke up with no voice and slight veisalgia, I have pep in my step and I feel refreshed and renewed. I can honestly say that all things are possible with hard work, dedication and confidence. Always a go-getter, I feel even more empowered to accomplish my goals because President Barack Obama not only inspires change, he inspires me.