Ladies get ready for the Millennium Tour coming this spring 2019

Get ready to slow it down with Mario, Pretty Ricky, Lloyd, B2K, Bobby Valentino, the Ying Yang Twins, and Chingy. The group will feature all of their hits from the early 2000s and their current music on the radio now. So some of you may not know who is Mario?, Who is Pretty Ricky?, who is Lloyd, and last but certainly not least is B2K how where they found and how did they first get started?

Omarion 21 album

Collaboration with "Mr. 106 & Park" or Shad Moss aka "Bow Wow" ft. Omarion

Illusion album 

Eighties Babies album

Pretty Ricky's debut album

Marcus Cooper's first solo project ft Under and Boyfriend #2

Mario "Turning Point" 2004 

Go Album (2007) 

Mario's first debut album 2002 

 

Dancing Shadows (2018)

   

Lloyd's debut single "Southside" 

Lloyd's album King of Hearts (2010) 

Tru

Lessons in Love 

About 18 years ago back in 2001 I attended the Scream Tour when I was just about fourteen years old actually. I went to the concert with some family friends. I have told you all I have been to over 30 concerts, live shows, Broadway, the Metropolitan opera, The Governor’s Ball, and many other performances I have seen like J-Lo, Puff Daddy aka Diddy or Brother Love and the Family, Outkast, Ciara, Aaliyah, Alicia Keys, J-Cole, Beyonce, and Jay-Z, and I plan on seeing as many shows as I my body, mind, and spirit will allow me to going forward. So back to these gentlemen. I remember seeing a bunch of boys it was actually Pretty Ricky, B2K, and Bow Wow on the stage going back and forth, dancing, grinding on the stage, and so much more.

I didn’t realize what I was witnessing was that all of these men were going to become major stars and they were going to take over in a big way. There is something very special about watching African American men who just want to do something positive in their community. They want to give back with their talents in a huge way. They all have surpassed and done an incredible job as musicians and artists. So who are these fine, handsome, multitalented, young men? Some of them have grown up in a huge way they are now fathers, husbands, family men, and adding executive and other roles to their resume then just singer and musician.

Who is Mario Barrett he is an award -winning musician who is from the tough streets of Baltimore, Maryland. Mario was born September 3, 1986 he first earned his hit of the 1990s classic “Just A Friend” by Biz Markie and they remixed the song 16 years later when he was just 16 and that was his debut single that came along in 2002. He followed up with “Braid My Hair” and many other singles. When television shows like 106 and Park on BET Network debuted and he took off instantly with his songs and the girls went crazy for him. I know a lot about Mario I had the pleasure of seeing him in person at one of his live shows. My stepfather at the time was working with the A&R and Promotions & Marketing team for J Records/Arista Records and he just so happened to be on their label. He invited me one night to Mario’s listening party at a club down in Chelsea. This was back in 2007 and I remember he walked in with a silver puffer jacket, a scully, and was just grinning from ear to ear. I was taking pictures of him on my silver T Mobile RAZR phone snapping away. I couldn’t believe it but I was so excited I got to be apart of this. I have been able to see a lot of my favorite musicians in person and this was a huge gift. So to get an opportunity to write, see Mario just blossom and grow as a recording artist and musician. It’s a beautiful gift to see as a fan, pop culture blogger, writer, and lover of music.  I couldn’t believe when I saw him this year in 2019 just a couple of weeks ago Mario was featured on “Rent” the live performance on FOX Network with his fellow cast members Vanessa Hudgens and more. I was so shocked and happy for him because he just had a new album that dropped this year too. So he has evolved as an artist. They say everything happens for a reason and timing is everything. I would definitely say this is pretty perfect that he is teaming up with his fellow R&B young musicians. R&B has been in a bit of a comatose state a bit we need some artists to wake them up. I am not saying music hasn’t been great it has been amazing. It’s not selling the way that it used to with groups especially. We need more recording artists now. I would say the last five years we have been lucky to see musicians like H.E.R, Ella Mai, Alina Baraz, Kevin Ross, Daniel Caesar, and others who are breaking into the industry now. We need more R&B music from more artists who can multi task too. So to have an artist like him who can dance, sing, write, act. Remember “Step Up”, “Freedom Writers” he was featured in the film and he was just featured on “Empire” this past season so get ready to see more from Mario. Visit his website and look out for his album…….

Who is Lloyd?

Lloyd Polite Jr. was born January 3, 1986 in New Orleans, Louisiana he was discovered in 2001 he was initially in a boy band but the group disbanded after a short time and he became a solo artist officially in 2003 he signed with Murder Inc. records which was founded by Irv Gotti. He released his debut album on July 20, 2004 “Southside” was the title of his debut  and the first single off his album. He has had major success with hit singles like “You”, “Get it Shawty”, “Girls Around the World”, and he was featured on Young Money, Lil’ Wayne’s hit “Bedrock”. Lloyd came out with two more albums, “King of Hearts”, and “Tru” was released after a few years in 2018.

Next is the group coming all the way from the south in the sizzling hot Miami, Florida, “Pretty Ricky”  is made up of their four members : Marcus Ramone Cooper, Diamond Blue Smith, Spectacular Blue Smith, and Corey “Slick ‘em” Mathis. Who are all four of these men? The Pretty Ricky was formed while the group was attending high school. They used to dress flamboyantly and lavishly always attracting the ladies with their stylish ways. Eventually the girls starting calling them “Pretty Ricky” a name picked up from the sitcom show, “Martin” which starred Martin Lawrence. So the name is honor of the character “Pretty Ricky” who was featured on an episode of Martin when Martin goes back to his 10^th high school reunion and he runs into his nemesis and other old high school classmates.

Marcus Ramone Cooper born December 27, 1984 is the only singer within Pretty Ricky he has been singing with them all since 1997. He stands out with his vocals and has already earned himself numerous Grammy nominations for his solo project which came out in June of 2009 “Introducing Marcus Cooper”. His two hit songs “Boyfriend #2” and “Under” were both featured on the Billboard charts when he went solo. There was major controversy happening at that time and their fans wanted to know why were they disbanding the group all together. There were rumors that the other band members decided to kick him out of the group. When actually he wanted to go solo as well. The groups success after they replaced Marcus was not the same when he went solo. There other projects didn’t receive the same critical success , the public response, and accolades from the music industry and their fans. They decided after he put out his album that they would rejoin with him. A few years later they did which now brings them to their upcoming tour. The group will reunite together this spring for the Millennium tour with all four members including Marcus as well.

Who is Diamond Blue Smith…..

He was born in Miami, Florida  on August 13, 1985 and is also one of the founding members of Pretty Ricky. He is one of the hip hop artists and rappers who is featured in the group.

Who is Spectacular Blue Smith born September 7, 1986 Spectacular actually out of their group members added many different roles as a businessman, entrepreneur, and author aside from musician to the group. He actually discovered “Grumpy Cat” the cat who was featured all around YouTube with his piercing ice blue eyes and unchangeable facial expressions. He is loved by billions of people. Spectacular was featured in Black Enterprise Magazine and has been featured in many well known publications including Forbes Magazine for joining with social media.

Who is Corey “Slick ‘em” Mathis…..?

“Slick ‘em” is from Miami, Florida was born June 3, 1985 and is also one of the artists featured on many of Pretty Ricky’s hits too.

Who is B2K?

 I am so glad I have a chance to write this about B2K for me it’s sort of like a full circle moment. I saw them when I was 14 live plus my stepdad brought me home an autographed picture of them too (I wish I still had it I have to dig to find it). I truly am grateful for it though because those moments are what made me fall in love with music even more. I wanted to be a singer too but I knew there was something about the music industry and that field that attracted me more too. So I am glad I still remember those moments of attending concerts. I didn’t realize it would all pay off in the end one day. So let’s get to who these men are they were founded by initially Chris Stokes who found Immature who later became IMX. Immature which consisted of Marques Houston, Jerome Jones, and LBD “Little Drummer Boy” (get real name). Chris Stokes discovered B2K in 1998.  They are all connected because Marques happens to be related to their lead singer, Omarion Grandberry. Who is Omarion Grandberry he is the lead singer of B2K and also went solo as well . He has major hits in his career and a total of three albums, “FACE OFF” (2008) which featured Shad “Bow Wow” Moss, Omarion’s “Illusion”, and “21” (2006) which featured one of his smash hits a few of my personal favorites “Ice Box” (I love that song it got me a thru a break up when I was in college and the timing was impeccable when it came out),”Touch”, and “Entourage”.

Who is J-Boog? Jarell Damonte Houston born August 11, 1985 is the first cousin of Marques Houston he was born in Compton, California. He is not only a member of B2K but he also is an actor, dancer, he was featured in the 2004 movie, “You Got Served”.

Who is Raz-B you know I notice RazB his birth given name is DeMario Monte Thornton born June 13, 1985 in Cleveland, Ohio actually  gets a lot of attention from the group actually people do not actually realize it but it’s really funny though that behind the scenes you would be surprised to see that he has been put in the spotlight a couple of times too. He makes up for it with his music production he established his own production company and he had a single “Fire” which was #2 on the Billboard charts too.

Who is Lil’Fizz? Born Dreux Pierre Frederic November 26, 1985 in New Orleans, Louisiana is a rapper, singer, songwriter, television personality who has been featured on Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood and currently is on the reality television show Marriage Boot camp which is featured on WETV.

B2K the name stands for Boys of the Millennium there were not many African American boy bands/ R&B groups after New Edition, Jodeci,  Boyz 2 Men, Guy, 112 and many others after the 1990s and especially the late 1990s there weren’t many who could step up and fulfill that role. So when they arrived on the scene it was a great time for them to take that place and fill the void. They first debuted with their group titled album, “B2K”.

Who is Chingy? 

Chingy is an artist born on March 3, 1980  Howard Bailey Jr. grew up in St. Louis, Missouri (Shout out to St.Louis my mom is from there and my family as well). Chingy broke out on to the scene with his first single, "Right Thurr" in 2003 I remember seeing this video all over BET's 106 and Park was huge back then. He was signed with Ludacris's Disturbing the Peace label. He has had many hits I am sure many of you know "Pullin' Me Back", "Dem Jeans", "Fly Like Me", and his most recent album Success and Failure came out in 2018 which he produced on his own. Chingy will also be on the tour with his fellow labelmate Bobby Valentino

Who is Bobby Valentino?

Bobby Valentino born Robert Wilson, February 27, 1980 in Jackson, Mississippi and was discovered in Atlanta, Georgia is the smooth talker I would definitely say. Bobby's definitely an artist who knows how to connect with the ladies. He was discovered in the nineties actually he was featured on a song called "Blackberry Molasses" which was produced by TLC's music production team. In 2005, Ludacris discovered Bobby and he was featured on Bobby Valentino's "Pimpin' All over the world" and Bobby released his self-titled album. I remember this album very well I still have it on my Ipod to this day. It brings back a lot of good memories cause I took the my ipod with me everywhere all around the world literally. I was in Italy chillin' with my best friend playing Bobby V. It was hilarious seeing her reaction when she heard some of the music. Priceless but I definitely know Bobby has some hits on his hands in his career. He followed up in 2007 with a few other singles from his sophomore album, "Special Occasion" which was on Island Def Jam. I remember he debuted "Anonymous" as the first single. I had just started doing an internship at this time for Island Def Jam so I remember this was a big year for music. A lot of hits were being pumped out like hotcakes fast, quick, and they were amazing. He followed up with five more albums, "The Rebirth" (2009), "Fly on the wall"(2011), "Dusk till dawn"(2012), "Hollywood Hearts"(2016), and "Electrik" (2018). He received a BMI Award for Song of the Year for "Slow Down", Vibe Awards, NAACP Awards, Soul Train, and Urban Music Awards. 

Who are the Ying Yang Twins 

They are known for crunk and hip hop hits that were made in the early 2000s "Salt Shaker", "Say I Yi Yi", "Wait", "The Whisper Song", and "Get Low". They 

Dusk Till Dawn album 

Bobby V Special Ocacasion 

The Kings of Crunk and Southern Hip Hop Ying Yang Twins make you want to shake it and party 

St Louis Rapper Chingy

So now that you ladies and gentlemen have been informed on who these artists are has your curiosity been settled on who are these accomplished and good looking men….Will you all be attending their shows this spring when they hit the globe trotting all across the country.  Visit http://www.b2kofficial.com/tourdates and follow them at twitter.com/b2k and instagram @b2k as well. Also follow Pretty Ricky @prettyricky , Lloyd @curlyheadedblackboy , and Mario @marioworldwide

 Follow @Chingy, @Ying Yang Twins, and @OfficialBobbyValentino 

Does Senator Kamala Harris have the IT Factor for 2020

What’s up my readers how are you I hope all of you are having an amazing day and starting off on the right foot with the New Year for 2019? So I have been noticing today I was downtown in New York City. I am normally in midtown running errands for work, personal, and many others because midtown is the center of it all. That’s where all of the action is normally. So I am in my zone it’s a gorgeous warm day today in February and everyone is getting an early preview of spring before it arrives next month. So I am walking down the street heading to the six train by Grand Central and I look up my fellow New Yorkers and tourists are snapping pictures because apparently some construction workers were allowed to put up a huge protesting sign on top of the bridge that separates between Park Avenue and Grand Central Terminal. It says in big and bold letters “Arrest Trump”. Now I was of course not offended or appalled by this at all. This is normal in New York we are known for being upfront, outspoken, and honest about our feelings on everything including politics. So that wasn’t the hilarious or comedic part. The comedic part is that tonight Trump gives his speech for the third time as commander in chief to give the State of the Union. That’s the part that makes it so incredibly hilarious and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

There’s something about this that makes a lot of sense of course because we are going to begin an election year next year. Before we get to the election year we have to think about what we have seen and how our country and globe has been impacted by what’s been happening. DACA Act that gives immigrants a chance to protect them from being deported. Our children and teens who are considered to be illegal immigrants have been put into locked cages and forced to be without their parents as if they are living in a concentration camp. Next we have seen major changes to the Affordable Care Act, which was first approved in 2010 by former 44^th president Barack Obama. I can make a list of things we have seen in the news that has been an absolute embarrassment for us. I feel like we have not been represented in a light where we should be proud. I know the economy is great and that’s fantastic because we had a president who literally took the time over a course of almost 10 years to work on improving, fighting to get jobs in order, and his administration managed to yank all of us to get back to normal and to help us get back on our feet. I still feel like we are going backwards there are a number of things happening that we can do a Trump Checklist and just check off over 50 things that have been written, said, committed, abused, reckless, and out right insensitive to the masses of Americans in our country.

I am addressing this topic for a reason because we know we need improvement and also the fact there are a huge number of people who are ready and able to take over the Oval office right away. I cannot believe sometimes I laugh because do we really want a president who we cannot take seriously. I hate that feeling of do we have to wake up every morning concerned that nothing is being done at all.

This brings me to my next point. There is a Caribbean American woman who is from Canada. She attended an HBCU-historically black college/university. She went to one of the most well known colleges Howard University and was very much involved heavily. Her name, her voice has been heard for quite some time and she’s getting a high compliment of being compared as “The female Barack Obama”. Some conservatives may not agree, some women may not agree with having a female president but here’s why we should never doubt ourselves or anyone on this major opportunity happening.  It does not matter whomever the female, her nationality, her educational background, her religion, or her socioeconomic status. She deserves a chance and an opportunity to become the first female president. Americans cannot forget we have never had a female president. We have other countries that are also our allies who have been fortunate to have female leaders, prime ministers who currently have or had the opportunity to be in that position of power. We need a female president because do you know what this says about our country, the next upcoming generation who will take over the country. What it says to the world about us, that we are ready. It doesn’t just take an amazing person for the job, a woman of substance, a woman who is real, relatable, human, compassionate, intelligent, articulate, classy, and most of all humble.  She can handle a role where she is completely comfortable walking in her high heels in the oval office and meeting with global leaders every single day, handling press conferences, traveling to schools, universities, attending meetings with her staff, congress, and many other dignitaries. You need a woman who is well informed, you don’t want an “Oops President”.

 I say that meaning someone who does not know what they are capable of and understand the role at all. America deserves a person who does not understand their job description at all. We have seen many amazing things happen in this decade in this new millennium that have probably blown our minds, question our decisions, question our country, but why not have a president who is female change our world. Why can’t we have a president who just happens to be female show us all of her capabilities? We deserve a president who understands the roots of what we need and deserve too. She understands we have a class system, we have people who still need to want to enjoy their lives, provide for themselves, and their families. We want to see bigger changes for people. We want to see our fellow Americans who may need financial, emotional, mental, educational support achieve and get what they deserve. Why would we want to shut anyone out who wants to come reside and live a full life here? You notice people for two centuries migrated and fought to get here. Why would we want to deter them anyone who wants to be a United States citizen and live here?

That’s the fighting energy, personality, spirit, and efficiency we need in our next president. I believe Kamala would give a new perspective for Americans.  Every president we have had gives a fresh perspective to what our society needs at that moment in time. We deserve an opportunity to give our young girls and women a chance to see a female president in America. We have seen the first African American president, the first African American duchess, the first African American female billionaire, and now we can have the opportunity to see the first woman of color as a president. I hope we all will be very fortunate and blessed to see this happen within the next year coming.  

Kamala Harris contender and has through her bid in for the 2020 presidential election 

Miss Bala film in theaters today!

Ever have to fight for those within your corner and social circle. Are you willing to put yourself in harm’s way for the ones you love. To the point where it affects your identity and who you are. This is what happens with Gina Rodriguez’s character she transforms instantly to fight for her friend after she is taken and she is kidnapped automatically by a drug cartel. Rodriguez transforms and become this badass assassin and vigilante to save her from being held and put up for ransom.  For some of you who may not know who Gina Rodriguez is she is the lead actress of the hit Emmy nominated series, “Jane the Virgin” she has played the smart, hopeless romantic, Jane Villanueva who was raised by her mother who was a teenage pregnant single mother, Xiomara and her grandmother, Alba. The show is a hit I believe because although it’s fantasy Jane exudes this positivity on the show that connects with her viewers on the show. I love the character because of how she shows that a young twenty something doesn’t have to feel like she’s 

sacrifici

ng so much with becoming a young mom unexpectedly. She finds a way to balance it all by chasing her dreams and raising her son, Mateo on the show. She also manages to find love a couple of times at the same time and accomplish her dreams as a writer.

This new character of “Miss Bala” transforms Gina from the good girl image of Jane into a whole different dynamic with this film you will see more action. The television series of “Miss Bala” debuted in 2011. The television series originally starred Stephanie Sigman and has now been transformed into a film Gina signed on in 2017 and was casted right away for the role. The film also stars Ismael Cruz, Anthony Mackie, Aislinn Derbez, Matt Lauria, Cristina Rodio, Ricardo Abarca, and Thomas Dekkar. The film debuts Friday, February 1, 2019.  For information on Gina Rodriguez follow here on IG @hereisgina and look out later this year she landed the role of playing Carmen Sandiago will start production this year in 2019. 

"How Marriage Affects the Economy" Part 2

Weddings and many other occasions are huge big businesses, you will never find a person with a small schedule for appointments these days…always opportunity and decisions made that will affect everyone from the photographer, baker, designers, jewelry businesses, and more. I was reading an article recently on how millennials have been waiting longer for marriage. The article was referring to how one of the well-known wedding and event stores have been affected by business. David’s Bridal is planning to file for bankruptcy. I saw the story and it almost broke my heart a bit because as someone who has shopped there recently and who plans to return there soon for future gifts or purchases. I was shocked. How could the wedding industry be affected when there are billions of people who are planning to get married or will eventually walk down the aisle in the near future.

It was sad to hear when I heard their reasoning and why it has been happening. It turns out because of the digital age people no longer want to shop within the store and want to use smaller vendors. They also only want to use online shopping as a way on cutting costs for their wedding planning or event planning. Instead of using smaller businesses or companies consumers no longer want to go into the brick and mortar stores to shop or use businesses that have been thriving and have been successful.

How do we get people to remember the experience of shopping from the moment you drive or walk up to the store, you are greeted with smiling sales associates and managers. You get a chance to go through the store, shopping finding what fits your style and taste.

You know that’s one other thing a new couple who is getting married and becoming a union looks forward to the most. The cake tastings, wine/champagne tastings, choosing food and the menu courses during the dinner or cocktail hour, businesses particularly restaurants, clothing stores thrive off of these particular occasions. Picking out their suits, dresses for themselves and their bridal/groom party. I believe we can never see those industries be impacted because we always need people to assist us with the planning.

Hello my beautiful and handsome readers happy New Year 2019....I didn't realize it had been a month since I last posted. I guess you know what when life has you on the go these days. You have to squeeze in time to write always. I am excited for the year ahead because there's so much happening right now I am excited to discuss a lot of different topics and projects coming up. I am still working on my book literally as we speak. I am multitasking squeezing in time daily to complete it. The goal to have it done and to find some writers and a editor to assist a bit with sharing my voice. I want to tell my story because not everyone knows the whole truth. What really happened....how did she meet this person, how did she even really start the blog. So I am going to discuss a lot of what happened from the beginning of my journey to the present. Now back to pop culture it's 2019 a lot of anniversaries are coming up this year so will have so much to talk about. Stay tuned my loyal readers I promise you all. You're in for some exciting surprises, interesting stories, and more.  So back to "How Marriage affects the economy" Part 2....

 This is something that I think should be apart of the couples wedding traditions and customs. You want to preserve and remember the experience. Including actual people who are involved instead of just going online this is something I think is essential you need that when it comes to planning a major life event. I think we have forgotten what it is like to have an actual person who’s involved with the process instead of just going online to purchase a wedding gown, shoes, a tie, or hat for the occasion. I think from my own personal experiences and being apart of some weddings. I love how each bride I saw made an effort to get the whole family involved. They also didn’t plan everything by going to computers. They went in person directly and purchased everything right away. I agree with that mentality you don’t want to see major corporations stop thriving and getting their companies growing. Plus this is what keeps the economy booming and competing against each other too. When they’re all involved and they keep finding more creative ways to help brides and grooms with their special day.

So my bottom line is we need to find a way to meet in the middle with the economy maybe lets say cut cost with cheaper bridal/groomsmen gifts/gifts for those attendees online. Then finding a way to interact with the companies in person.

Why have we Millennials waited so long for marriage?

Hello my fabulous handsome and beautiful readers! I have missed you all very much but you’re all the thousands of you always on my mind. I always have to thank you who have been reading and following my blog for the past 10 years has been such a huge gift not just for me but for every single person who I have discussed and shared a piece of their life, their story, promoted anything that I believe is worth sharing for everyone to learn, be informed, and stay current on what’s happening with all of us. I am still celebrating the 10^th anniversary because truthfully I really cannot believe I have had this blog for such a long time. It has become a huge part of my life now. So I want to continue with it as much as I can.

I told you all I would discuss many more adult topics. The blog has grown up with me and now that we are entering a new phase of life, some very new chapters, and also a new year very soon. I wanted to talk about more topics that apply more to my adult audience too. It does not mean I have forgotten the kids, the college kids, or teens. I just wanted to make sure I cover my generation and other age groups too.

So let’s talk about marriage. I am going to do a two part chapter to this topic. How it affects the economy....Now we all know how marriage is a beautiful thing it’s about a union of two people who protest their love, faith, commitment aloud, proudly, and loudly to their families, friends, coworkers, community, and those who are apart of their lives. I still believe in marriage and commitment especially in 2018. I wrote on one of my last blog posts, “Five Families of You Tube” which featured five couples who are all millennials and have started their families and are raising children currently in this second decade of the 21^st century. I believe just like everything it evolves, it becomes more detailed, intricate, we learn more from it, and we find ways for everything to become more convenient and better for all of us.  I believe marriage in our society has gone through several phases. There was a phase where people didn’t believe it in they were against it. They decided “well I will just focus on my career and work success first”, then there was a phase where people insisted on it happening immediately as a necessity, and then there was a phase where people thought it was becoming obsolete. I thought to myself wait a minute how can marriage that ultimately promotes love, happiness, joy, and celebration become obsolete and fade away? How does that happen today?  It’s about families coming together to unite, you receive more family members, more friends, and you share it with the person you love and will cherish the most. How amazing and beautiful is that? So I thought ok let’s dig deeper then it hit me recently. I have several friends who I have grown up with I have talked about them on my blog too. Many of my friends are married, raising children now, and are planning to marry in the future very soon. I have watched them all grow up along with me and find love. It’s been a great thing to witness, but for some people it didn’t come that easy. There were other factors that played a part in their lives too. I realized why were people finding it to be obsolete…it was a simple five letter word M-O-N-E-Y. It’s sad but so true that money became a huge factor when wanting to start a commitment and family.

People have been asking me a lot lately especially now that I have hit 32 years old…”Do you have children?”, “Do you want to be married?” “Yes and Yes “ Of course I do I always wanted children I wanted a big family. I used to dress my cabbage patch up, my Barbie dolls, stuffed animals, and always wanted to have babies. I always wanted marriage not because of the wedding but because I knew I wanted a partner not just a lover also a person who was going to unite with me as my teammate. The person I would share my whole life and journey with along the way.  I realized that thousands of young women in their twenties and thirties want the same thing as well but don’t run down the aisle of the church that quickly because of finances. It’s a bit sad and makes you cringe that you have to hear that your friend, sister, niece, cousin, coworker can’t marry because of finances. It’s not about the wedding…you have to hear me it’s the engagement, the engagement party, the bridal shower, the bachelor/the bachelorette party, the wedding ceremony, and the reception. It’s the lifelong commitment of a lease to an apartment, a mortgage to a home, raising your children, paying their tuition for preschool through college, and also adding your own personal financial debt too. It’s about uniting family traditions, customs, memories, and building a family that will come together. That’s what it is ultimately about. However you want to use your brain, your heart, and spirit when it comes to this choice. You want to know you’re making the right decision that will give you the greatest joy.

I also realized life experience-education, life experience, age, and other commitments played a big part of me not wanting to marry right away I believe. I am glad I did not marry at 20 or 25. I was not ready….I thought I was back then but looking back on it. I see that I needed molding, shaping, and I needed more spiritual guidance, more assistance with understanding myself as a young woman, a human being, and who I wanted to be in the long run. I was also enjoying my life…I was in college from (age 17-age 23 from August 2004- June 2010) when you see those numbers in the moment they seem so simple but you realize how young you really were and that those were some of the best years of your life. I would have been so selfish, not present. I would have been a great mom but I would have wanted to have my time to myself back then too. I would have wanted more time to travel too. I am glad I didn’t take that journey so fast.

You needed to grow, you needed to find yourself, you need education at that age. I have no regrets at all for taking my time to date, travel, explore, meet people, find the woman I wanted to be and how I wanted to mold and represent myself in society and in the world. A 17-year old teenage girl would have to grow up quickly too fast. She would take on way too much responsibility when she should be out enjoying her life. I think it’s smart that some people waited longer because you can build. You can figure out how to become financially responsible-how to earn credit, how to pay for your home, your car, take care of your house, the maintenance, maintaining your car, how do you want to raise your family….will they be vegan?, will they eat meat, will they follow the Catholic faith, Protestant, or Muslim faith, you know these are questions that cross your mind when you think of marriage, marrying someone who may be a different religion, ethnic background, racial background, and political background too.  What kind of lifestyle will you both have and how will it transition down to the children too. I thought about all of those factors. I am glad I took my time….I think God knew she needs a couple of tweaks and edges smoothed first. She needs to know who she really is completely first. I hope people will ask themselves those questions too. You want to know who am I marrying and what am I marrying and getting myself into too.

My parents were married for 10 years together 17 years. They were very young my mother was 23 and my father was 29. They knew each other love very much, knew each other very well and had many similarities. They were both raised by single mothers, that both each had 3 children in their families, they were both middle children, and they were raised in the Catholic faith. They also loved similar activities watching basketball, throwing parties, going to concerts, traveling, and they loved kids. So I think with their marriage and union for them at that time. It was a match in God’s eyes I believe were many benefits came out it.

That’s what I think people need to focus on are the benefits that make you better not just the finances because keep in perspective the wedding day remember it is one day. The marriage that’s the long-term commitment. It’s that real contract and life contract where you want to make sure you know what and who you are investing and building with down the road. I believe in trust, I believe in loyalty, and I also believe you must marry for love. There should not be a doubt in your mind when you say “Yes….I do….Yes I will marry you”. I think you ultimately have to accept their flaws and who they are too.  It’s all about knowing what you need too. I am happy 10 years ago I didn’t jump so fast and say….”Let’s go!”. Now that I have seen the world, I have traveled more, and have had a chance to know who I am. I know what I need and what I would desire in a partner too.

Now let’s also discuss a few other factors…societal pressure, I am sure many of you have seen “Say Yes to the dress”, “Bridezillas”, “Four Weddings”, “Married at First Sight” all of these shows have covered different topics and shown us what and what not to do when it comes to preparation for marriage and what we can find when trusting a different source when it comes to walking down the aisle too. I love that I have had a chance to view these shows because it gives you a lot of perspective on what is required and what’s important for marriage, a partnership, and commitment too. You don’t need society to pressure you into it. You need to know if this is best for you.

For me I cannot wait for the next chapter to start but in the mean time I am grateful for all of the life lessons that have prepared me thoroughly. So whether if you walk down the aisle and take that step in your twenties, thirties, or whenever you choose. You should take it when you’re ready, you want that commitment, you’re in it for the long haul, and you truly love the person as well.  

Come back and read part two I am going to discuss how marriage impacts the economy and it affects businesses. So it's not just about love....it's about thriving new companies and major corporations and how they can impact small and larger weddings too. See why it's important to find the right one. Lol =)

Why this upcoming election is important. Vote November 6th!

The midterms impacts the general election. Which means 2018 will impact 2020. Who do you want to see on inauguration day January 20, 2021 take the oath?

See how politics can change your life....I was invited to come see Hillary Clinton in April of 2016 at her pep rally as one of her volunteers. Things can change you have to be willing to step up and make them happen no matter what your role will be. No matter who's side you're or whoever you support just make sure you go with  someone to represent all of us from all walks of life Vote November 6th! 

We are all born I believe at a certain time, day, month, and year for a reason. It’s as if God chose us to be here at that particular moment to fulfill whatever it is in his plan he had for us at that moment. I was born the first week of November on November 6th which happens to be around election day. I never intended to get involved with politics at all. I loved hearing about the news, keeping up with pop culture, and topics that are relevant that can make an impact in someone’s life and our lives every day. I have been fortunate to get involved with the elections since 2008 and now 10 years later I see the difference in our country.

I didn’t realize that I could use this to my advantage and I would be able to use my birthday as a way to get people involved. So I am going to do that because we don’t realize why it’s so important for us to choose and make the right decision. The right decision affects not just your life, your over all well being, it will impact history, it will impact the children and grandchildren who will read, see, and hear about the stories and experiences that you will have with that current president in office. When I was in school I remember my history classes from Catholic school all the way to college. I remember reading how presidents were affecting the community and society. All because they wanted to give the American people the best. They wanted to make strides to give all industries a chance to flourish. I remember reading the stories of Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Fitzgerald D. Roosevelt, Coolidge,  Eisenhower, and how they changed our economy.

I have been lucky so far to have seen five presidents I was born when President Reagan was in office but I have grown up with five presidents from (1986-present 2018 have changed our society : President George H.W. Bush,  President William “Bill” Jefferson  Clinton, President George Walker Bush,  President Barack Hussein Obama, and our current president, Donald John Trump who I believe all did  and have done an amazing job and changed the course of all of our lives with their presidential cabinets, their staff, their political campaigns, and have helped to represent America and its people in a light that reflects the spirit of who we really are as a whole. We are people who believe in dreams, we set goals, we set a date, a timeline, and we get up every single morning to make sure it will happen for ourselves and will benefit our families. It should not just benefit us and our families. No it’s about benefitting the human race, all of us as we live our lives. Why would we want to live in a world where there is hate, someone targeting simply who we are and how we were designed by God or whomever you worship. Our country was founded on those values and rights to have freedom, justice, and to be exactly who we are because that’s what America represents. We are supposed to simply be who we are and who we are called to be in the world. It does not mean we should go attacking each other physically or mentally. We should bestow any negativity in society because it has some superior affect on that person. It makes them feel entitled, powerful, and most of all in control of the world. We need a president in our country to represent the core values of what our country was founded on since 1776. We need to a magnifying glass, this next election is not only about a new beginning, it’s about a new personality fix, a transformative makeover that we need spiritually, emotionally, and morally. We need to look at everything that has happened since November 8, 2016. Did our country really pick someone who can benefit us only financially? Did we simply choose someone because of how entertaining and funny they can be in the limelight? Or did we choose someone because we believed his political slogan. Why didn’t we consider the good and the bad of the person. Why didn’t we want to make history? We had an opportunity to make change and history. I am not at all saying that we needed a change with our economy. I know we needed a change with the workforce, financially, and most of all with the impact of us all in society. I love a president who can change our lives, who can allow us all to grow and give us an opportunity to challenge ourselves. So we can be better versions of ourselves. Not a president who can cause detrimental stress, harm, and make us feel inferior. That’s not the president we need.

This election is simply about regaining our conscience back. We need to regain our morals , our values, and realize we need a new political leader to represent our country. I am going to simply call it as I see it now. We do not have the right political leader I don’t care if he or she is a Republican or Democrat. That’s not what this about this about having a person represent us all completely as the best. Why do people want the best? We want the best so we can feel that spirit of feeling success, a person who knows who they are, they know they are making a difference in a positive impact and way that can change society. I believe this election will impact 2020 and who will hold office in 2021. This is the game changer this is the one that will show all of our foreign allies and leaders around the world. “America, they got this”. Yes sure we may have gotten caught with our pants down a few times, but we picked ourselves up, we took a couple of beatings, and we regrouped. We all knew that there had to be a better and more progressive way to change our world.

America I think this should be our new slogan….”Let’s not just make America great again….let’s find a country to represent us”. America we represent the best. We want to show everyone this is why you want to live here. We have morals, we have values, we have integrity, we are winners, we are champions, we want to succeed, we have dreams, and we make them all happen! I pray, I hope that all of you no matter what your political stance is you need to find someone who represents the person you are, who are you America?, who are we as a country, a strong melting pot of countries who have migrated, impacting business, we value family, we value ourselves, we are intelligent people, who do care about fact checking, who don’t backpedal, who don’t want to disintegrate the spirit of who we are. No we are people who believe in being champions. Lets make America the best in education, the best in athletics, the best in the economy, the best at treating all of our people with respect.

We need to be her teacher’s pet, we need to cherish her, we need to make her physically better with the environment, finding more inventive ways to change our infrastructure, the way we manage global warming, our recycling, our maintenance, and the economy. I believe every single one of us should be employed there’s no excuse someone who lives next door to you they need help. We need extra help, that hard working single mother or father they need help, that parent with a large family they need help, that college student getting up struggling in class they need help, we all need extra help and support. It will benefit all of us. This will make us all the best.

I hope all of you will wake up early November 6th and will go out there to vote, to make a difference and go celebrate because we are about to change the game. 2020 will be different I see someone in office is going to take the oval office seat they will look at all of the people and want to invest and make time for all of us, they want to have that will power to change the lives of all of us. We deserve the best. Let’s choose someone who will give us the best. Who will represent all of us as a whole and is willing to do the job. We need a person fit and able ready to take on this multitasking career and position. This is a powerful and dynamic position that can change the course of your life in a matter of minutes. You have to endure the pressure and impact. It is a job that can change everyone’s lives not just the person who will represent our country and who we are as a whole. Go out and help us make a decision that will change our lives.