Grab your mama and go see "Snatched" this Mother's Day

This movie instantly tugged at my heart actually considering it’s starring two funny women I love Goldie Hawn ( side mote her real life daughter Kate Hudson one of my favorite actresses cannot tell you many times I have watched  First Wives Club and “How to lose a guy in 10 days” love a lot of their films).  Also the hilarious the shooting star, Amy Schumer ("Trainwrecked", "Inside Amy Schumer", and "Amy Schumer Live HBO Special" and Goldie Hawn (Town & Country, The Bangers Sisters) .

You probably wonder why does she love movies so much. So since we are talking about movies and mothers too. My late great grandmother, Margie had a huge movie collection and that movie “First Wives Club” inspired me a lot about getting even, being successful, getting revenge, and everything!  It sparked my inner feminist at an early age.  

Now this movie features Goldie and Amy in a completely different role. They get to play mother and daughter. Now how would we see Amy the wisecracker, funny, sarcastic woman as a daughter. I cannot wait to see it because with this role it takes on a different version of her personality in this one. o back to the movie is about a mother and daughter who take a long vacation and end up in a tumultuous number of funny situations.

I love being able to travel with my mom. I have been with her to many different places one including Martha’s Vineyard a few times. I just remember seeing this beautiful quaint town we had such a great time. I have always traveled with my mom and by myself too. We have been to amazing places and have had some really funny experiences. I remember we went to Martha’s Vineyard when I was 15 back in 2001 and we took a trip I have gone after that trip too. It’s gorgeous up there and just peaceful, a great place to unwind and relax you are on an amazing island, the food is great, and it’s just a place to kick back. The one thing I remember that stands out we were staying in this rinky dink hotel one night at the time the budget was really tight. I just remember the walls were made out of wood actually. They were thin walls and I just remember thinking this place was like the Bates Motel at that time.  We made the best of it  laughed, and we knew we would never come back to that hotel again. We actually wound up going to another hotel instead and relocating. Just those fun moments are something that I would never forget. We even took the whole family up to Martha’s Vineyard my stepfather, our family friends, and my grandmother too. Those are the memories I definitely cherish. We have had a lot of fun traveling together and there’s no better person who I could have traveled with too. She taught me to enjoy your vacations, love the experience, you learn from it and all of your trips.  So with this film it definitely brings up some memories. You have got to love traveling with your parents.

Get ready Mother's Day weekend and take your mother, aunt, sisters, friends, and every mother you know or who’s been like a mother to you. Visit for more information 

www.foxmovies.com/movies/snatched

Radiant in her Red Rose dress ready to capture her prince. Rachel Lindsay first African American Bachelorette

Very excited this spring and summer for the Bachelorette season....This is historic for African American women. It’s an amazing time for women period right now they are stepping up and showing that yes we can have it all including a great healthy, satisfying, and loving relationship too. I am very proud that ABC networks the producers have chosen to give Rachel Lindsay from the Bachelorette a chance to shine and find love among all of the others for the past 24 seasons on “The Bachelor”, “The Bachelorette”, and their spin off series, “Bachelor in Paradise” a chance to find love and relationships.

Why is this important why does this matter I think for African American women there’s a stigma when it comes to relationships and marriage now a days. Many women have found themselves in single relationships, raising children on their own, some divorce, and some in blended families of children from previous relationships. Now for an African American as a lead it is historic you want them to be shown in a positive light. You want viewers of all ages to show that they can find healthy relationships. That we are human beings and people with feelings, emotions, we have crazy, funny, relationships with our families and friends. We deal with the same every day problems and similarities that all people deal with every single day.

It’s important for all minorities within our country Hispanics, Asians, from all walks of life from each continent to see someone represented on the television show that’s important because they want to feel that they can relate to the person. Especially if it is someone from their hometown, the same state, country, neighborhood, their the same age as the person. (Just so happens Rachel and I are the same age born the same year too). See my point--viewers want that connection when watching. It's real and realtable to the people all around watching. The Bachelor Nation are very loyal fans and they tune in all around and have watch parties they cannot get enough. So that's important more than just producing a good television show and ratings. They need to feel that connection with the person while they are engaged and involved with the show. I love the show because it shows you this is a real process this isn’t something really that easy, it’s not that simple to show reality television without simply experiencing a few bumps in the road.  I love how on Rachel’s season she was on Nick Viali’s season where he even struggled to find his perfect match. One thing we know on this show none of these people are perfect. Not at all they are real hardworking Americans who come from a wide  range of careers and backgrounds from fertility specialists, district attorneys, lawyers, actresses, models, teachers, firefighters, doctors, dentists, sergeants, and lieutenants

Season premiere May 22nd 2017

Rachel Lindsay on "After the Final Rose" March 2017 with Nick Viali

who have served our country and I am just talking about some of the women on the show. So it’s been pretty impressive don’t sleep on these women or think they are just some beautiful talking heads. No they are actual women with good hearts, raised by hard working lower, middle,  and upper class families who have made each of their children something amazing. It just so happens that their children are looking for love on reality television with over 200 million or so watching around the country.

            Rachel is actually an insurance lawyer at the moment and she attended Marquette University Law and the University of Texas in Austin, Texas studying for a judicial degree. She is currently an associate at Cooper and Scully PC in Dallas, Texas. So watch out she has class, beauty, intelligence, savvy, loves a good laugh, and witty these boys better watch out.

            So that’s what I love about the show this show gives every woman and man who participates major opportunities this is not just for exposure, love, and competition. ABC gives these women a chance to see themselves, they grow and challenge themselves, they learn what they can do better in their own relationships and what they can do to make their relationships healthier, more positive, and more. I love how they get to travel as well because many people don’t get a chance to see the world and all of the many different parts of it. There’s so much to see believe me and I think that’s the one thing people don’t realize. There are so many perks to being a Bachelor and Bachelorette the whole package is of course about love but it’s also a huge chance to really put yourself literally out to the world. I am looking forward to seeing Rachel’s season, her opportunity to find her husband, may the season bring some beautiful, romantic, fun, and hilarious moments. So stay tuned May 22^nd, 2017 is the newest season of the Bachelorette.  I am very proud of ABC Network and that they chose her as the woman to represent American women this season. For more information visit http://www.abc.go.com to learn more about the Bachelor. Bachelorette and the different versions across the world too. 

 You know I always include music to set the mood for you all this spring and summer here's one popular summer hit "That's what I like" by Bruno Mars and "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran hopefully Rachel will play this at her wedding soon. Good luck everyone!!!

“Making a Love connection in the digital age”

I cannot believe today it’s so hard for people to find love and decent relationships today.  As someone who is a hopeless romantic and believe love should be valued and come when the person is 100 percent ready and open to a mature, valuable, and healthy relationship.

It’s a bit of a disappointment you would think it would be easier actually. I have noticed with “Love Connection” the television show from the 1980s is coming back to network tv.  I noticed we have way too many options when it comes to relationships social media, reality television shows, escort services, you have the option to upgrade online for different dating websites and apps. Has anyone noticed you’re paying for love actually. Time has changed the human connection of a relationship, the beautiful experience you get to meet someone first. It changed the entire dynamic of relationships now because it used to be simple. You meet in person, you have a unique love story, and you build something. Now along with your every day purchases you have to actually pay for an account to get to know someone.

Let’s take my parents story mind you this was four decades ago in  college in 1977…..time has changed and things have advanced completely. They met simple love story boy met girl….dated…married…and then baby (me)...then later divorce (later on that).  See that story is 

Simple and easy now it’s a different story how do you trust the person with all of the freedom with a touch of one button on your cell phone or computer.

I am a little surprised at age 30…it would be this challenging I thought it was going to be easier and simple by now. Maybe a few more challenges but I feel like there’s so much more to take into consideration when dating online. Or maybe dating on a television show. I feel like dating on tv it’s supposed to allow you to gain more fame, more exposure, and you will receive more job opportunities. So I wonder I am thinking what’s better is it better to date someone and meet them the old fashioned way. Or should everyone adult sign up for an online relationship.

I will see this summer let’s see what the universe has in store. Is it better to meet someone on television, online, through friends, family, an arranged relationship or marriage, or your way.

Personally for me I love how I met some of my exes actually I think I could feel the connection right away from them. I knew I was attracted to them, I could feel the energy, and I can also feel when time was up for us too. I always knew I have had some powerful instincts so I always know when my relationship will progress and blossom. I do think for some people if you do your homework, be smart, use your social circle, your relationship can grow and be something amazing. I just suggest you can’t believe naïve,  your streetwise shades have to be on tight, and you have to do your homework. I think if I took that approach I would have to research this person just like I was applying for a job. So you know what you are getting into right away.  Ladies use those internet search engines with all of your power if you choose to go digital for love.

So let’s see this summer…who’s ready to make a love connection. 

Claws will be heating up TNT Network this summer

Love getting my nails done whether I do them professionally at a spa, nail salon, or myself too. I have been getting my nails done probably since I was about six I believe there was a girl who used to do my nails her name was Caprice lol and she would do my little manicures in my after school program. Now what's my point about getting your nails done because Claws is featured and centered around a nail salon full of some interesting and quirky characters. The show is produced by  daughter of Quincy Jones & Peggy Lipton, Rashida Jones (Angie Tribeca, I love you man, A Very Murray Christmas, Black Mirror, and Celeste & Jesse). 

The show will star the hilarious, Niecy Nash,("Scream Queens", "Soul Man", "Reno 911"," Clean House",that's when I first came to know Niecy, she has become a house hold name she established herself as an author as well writing "It's Better to Fight Naked" it's a hilarious book, great tips, witty, educational on relationships and how to preserve them.) Also model, actress, and entrepreneur, Karrueche Tran ("A Weekend with the Family", "3-Headed Shark Attack", "Only for One Night"), Judy Reyes (starred in "Devious Maids"), Harold Perrineau (The Best Man, Best Man Holiday), Jenn Lyon, and Jason Antoon. The show takes place in South Florida where there's a lot more going on than just pedicures, manicures, and gossip. The show debuts this summer in 2017 it originally debuted on HBO Network but will move to TNT with an hour long series. The air date will be available soon. For more information all of you go to http://www.tnt.com 

Judy Reyes

Actress, Karreuche Tran

Author, Actress, Niecy Nash

"Need a girls trip ladies go ahead and take one this summer and go see Girls Trip"

I love vacations and traveling some of you know I have been to Italy when I was eighteen and spent a month there visiting Rome, Florence, Pisa, and Lucca it was amazing and beautiful I cannot wait to go back to relive the whole experience it changed my life. I am grateful I got to share the whole experience with one of my best friends and it was life changing, adventurous,fun,and eye opening. I was traveling with my friend, Marisa and I am grateful every day for that trip because it opened my eyes to everything. Sometimes I feel like I left apart of my heart and soul there. I suggest to all of the ladies no matte how old you are go on a trip with your best friends you learn,you grow,you become a better person, wiser person, and woman for it too. It will expose you to the world and you become more aware of ever happening how people and cultures have so many influences on each other.Take trips internationally, locally, and do staycations too where you can travel somewhere neither of you have ever been at all. 

So now you all want to know why I bring up vacations well aside from me getting ready to take one very soon. Need this trip badly and so glad I have had almost two years to plan it God knew this would be just what I needed. I also think it's good to travel with people though and hey timing couldn't be perfect. Ladies get ready this summer for Girls Trip starring Queen Latifah("Star", "Bessie", "Set it Off","Mr.Wright"),Jada Pinkett-Smith ( "The Women", "Set it Off", "Hawthorne", "The Matrix Series", "Woo"), Regina Hall(" Scary Movie series", "Best Man", "Best Man Holiday","When the Bough Breaks" ) and Tiffany Haddish ( "The Carmichael Show").  The ladies teamed up with the great Will Packer love his movies and Malcolm D. Lee (who has produced and directed, Think Like a Man One and Two),

 the Best Man and Best Man Holiday). They know how to create feel good movies. The ladies travel across the country and have fun around New Orleans and all over going through many shenanigans and hilarious situations they are on their way for the annual Essence festival in New Orleans (something I have been wanting to do for a long time actually was supposed to go last year that's another story ladies definitely go to New Orleans I have been go with your girls in the summer will be awesome or Mardi Gras the best time). 

To me this is what a girls trip  should be about having fun,bonding, shopping,talking, exploring things together, and building memories together that will change both or all of your lives. So ladies get ready to have fun this summer and hold on to your hats I believe this is going to be one movie where you need to bring your best friends or siblings and maybe plan a trip would love to go to the Hamptons, Miami, Mexico,The Bahamas, Europe, or Africa to visit to have fun. Make it a trip and something that incorporates everything that each of you love to do,challenge each other for the better, and be there for moral support whatever happens. I have learned as I have become older hold on to your true friends and you will see some amazing things happen with your best friends and those who have been good to you too. Get ready to have a good time this summer Girls Trip comes out July 21, 2017. 

Visit http://www.girlstripmovie.com for more information. 

One song to get you pumped and amped up for a girls getaway with your sisters whether you're related or you've built families with them too. "That's my girl" by Fifth Harmony

20th Anniversary of Love Jones-

I was very young when this film came out I was actually 10 going on 11.  Now when I saw it as a teenager I thought I want to be Nina Mosley (played by one of my big sisters in my head, Nia Long) if she were my sister we would have a ball believe me. What drove me not only the love story between her and Darius Lovehall (played by Larenz Tate) it was their natural chemistry, their connection, their passion for spoken word, and also the fact they can connect on an intellectual level and more too. Despite the obstacles and challenges they faced in their relationship. They still found a way to connect and find out they really were destined to be together in the end as well. My favorite scene probably the montage of them when they are running through the park Darius gives Nina a piggy back ride, them dancing together learning how to step, and probably the last scene when they reunite again love when he says “Let’s get out of this rain” lol cause sorry every girl knows I have got to get out of this rain right away or any precipitation lol). I love that people still love and celebrate the film. It was honored at the American Black Film Festival this year, the cast united on stage with the film’s director, and artists who were featured on the film’s soundtrack. I loved the soundtrack actually it made me appreciate music by Duke Ellington too there was something about the music, the film, characters, and costumes it fit that time frame, and everything actually. Sometimes some films and cast don’t realize how much of an impact they will have on their public audience. You inspire them to want to have a relationship just as the characters in the movie.

Congratulations to the cast all of them are doing amazing special shout out to Bill Bellamy, Isaiah Washington, Nia Long, Larenz Tate, Lisa Nicole Carson, and everyone who had a major or small part in the film. The film was so successful there was also a play adapted from the movie’s screenplay as well. Did very successful as well so keep it up cannot wait to see what next love story will captivate audiences yet. 

Finding a healthy loving relationship

A couple "love songs" from 2016 I loved this past year.

Happy February and Happy Early Valentines Day 2017, Hello my dear readers I always miss you all when I don’t get a chance to write and just to kind of get it all out of my system I miss being able to tell you what’s going on.  I am single again yes I am and I am excited and happy but these past few days since it happened hasn’t been easy. First you cry, your pride is hurt, your heart hurts a bit, then you get angry, you indulge in Haagen Daas and Ben & Jerry ice cream (shout out to Ben & Jerry maybe you should make a “Break up with that Man” flavor or “Ditch that fool fudge and caramel”ice cream) and Chinese food, watch movies and television, and try to figure out what the hell is going on right now? Now honestly I have talked to you all about this person who I broke up with as well. Do you know honestly I feel he was hiding something a lot of things. He asked me several times to take down his photos on my blog….now first of all who is the author of this blog? I am for the past 8 years you all know I have sole control. Another thing after forgiving someone 5 times over the course of a year you realize hell yeah you did me a favor. I think I cared a lot and I wanted to be with him and make it work but after making a few sacrifices you begin to realize “no let him go”. I want to be in a relationship where I am sharing my life with someone especially now when I am in a place where I have a chance to do more things and have access to a lot more opportunities too. I am heading a good place but I need to get my love life in order completely. I feel like sometimes I wish I had a camera crew with me and a speaker phone maybe people could have observed some of my past relationships, and heard what was really being said, done, and what we talked about as well.  So what I decided to do was go talk to someone professionally and get an opinion from someone outside of my family and friends to find out what is going on. I have done this before I did this back in 2006 when I was 20 I took sometime for me for a few months. So I think it’s a great idea I need this I felt like this person was not reciprocating a damn thing at all! I shouldn’t have to work and put so much effort, go fly to Louisiana to go see you, making reservations for his birthday, going to see you when you forget it was my 30^th birthday. So I realized it’s over I cannot and don’t deserve to be with someone like that at all. It was mutual, it was easy, he still lives here in NYC, but I kind of knew this was going to happen once he got here he was going to want to see other people. Honestly, he shouldn’t have to at all cause I was going to give him everything. I don’t think he deserved it no he didn’t so the best thing for me to do is to move forward. The good news is this I don’t have to push anyone else to the side anymore, no more pushing anyone away anymore. I wanted to be a committed girlfriend and wanted to only be with him. I even bought a cheap ring with his birthstone (which I threw out I can always buy another one in case someone else I meet has the same birthstone but now I am going to upgrade real bling bling in the future). Anyway I just think now I know I need someone who’s going to be there for me in a way and really step up, calling, wanting to meet my family, my friends. My friends were so excited to meet my ex-boyfriend actually and I wanted to share him with everyone. The same way how I felt he was doing with me. Introducing me to his friends and I realize now I just need to be able to start fresh and new. Let me be the woman and let the man step up and make an effort. It’s funny now guys want you to approach them when I did that I have it can go either way. Either it backfires or it can go in a different direction. I think I need him to step up a lot more and for him to show me he really would value and appreciate me. What I am going to learn and what I want to learn is when I first learned about love, why was someone disrespecting me in some past relationships, what I can work on improving, and also finding out how do I stop repeating my mistakes this time. How can I improve myself and how will I be able to move forward to get to a better relationship in the future.

I have watched a lot of my childhood and high school friends fall in love, find people they were probably meant to be and people who love and value them. I have watched them get married and find happiness. Sometimes I wonder does it have something to do with demographics, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, personality, aggression, or other factors. Whatever it may be I am going to spend some time for the rest of the year figuring out how to improve my relationships and hopefully finding the man I am supposed to be with in the future too.  I have watched so many people take that step down the aisle, I have watched “Say yes to the dress” and all of these shows looking for that person and always dreaming and thinking who would be the person I would end up with. I know and believe it will happen but now I need to work on Chloe a little bit more before I get to the next step.  I also of course will be focusing on getting healthier again (I can still eat Haagen Daas and Ben & Jerry’s or Tres Leches Cake lol but I will be making sure to take care of myself as well).

 This is about building the next generations of Riccardos/Goldens I am my parent’s only daughter so it’s important for me to find that person and to get to that step I want to move and go into a healthier place and be in a relationship where I really feel happy pass the “honeymoon and I am so hot for you” phase. So stay tuned my readers the next few months are about to get really interesting now. What I want to figure out is how to get to get to that connection not just the physical side is easy I think for me its about building the intimacy side, the friendship, and the trust. How to we get to that good positive place and maintain it like all of these beautiful couples in the photos too.