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A GOOD OL' TIME!!!!!
Finally, my last ESSENCE Festival post, whew, lol! Let’s see who else showed Urban Crush some love. I must give more shout outs and show a little more footage.
 
Thanks to Jackie Joyner-Kersey and Dr. Ian Smith for showing Urban Crush much love! I will get the book. xoxo (Continue for more pics/video) 
 
Shout outs also goes to Marnice Miller, IL (upper left), Officer Kevin ‘thebowtiekid’ Boswell, it was great talking with you and thanks for looking out for me. Cute pic of your son, awww and did a great impression of Kevin Hart, lol. Kisha Foster, stripped dress- cute bracelet and Keisha Williams- cute dress (center) nice meeting you ladies also. Latolya Wright and Tarvett Standley (upper right) it was nice meeting you and hope that you had a great time. Ayanna Riser (lower right) loved the creative tie-dye shirt, very fun.


Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersey (upper left) and Physician, author Dr. Ian Smith (upper right). Radio personality (V103.3) The Ryan Cameron Morning Show (lower left), who is extremely funny, hey Ryan. It was great seeing you on The Wendy Williams Show. Shouts out to Host, Author, Actor, Director (ok Jason I’m out of breath, you need a post/article all by yourself, lol) Jason “JBoy” Carey (lower right). I appreciate and loved the chat. 

Shouts to Kearsen Etheridge (South Carolina), Mike, and Ebony Kirby of Washington, DC. It was great meeting you all.
TVONE’s R&B Diva’s Chante Moore (left), Chante Moore, Monifah and Lil Mo (upper right) and Monifah (lower right)
Check out this Michael Jackson impersonator as he performs a medley- Jam, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal and Black & White.

Shout out to these ladies, Tracy Ball and Amber Rhea Allen (upper left) and to Bern Nadette Stanis (Thelma from GOOD TIMES). I had the pleasure of speaking with her and we laughed about how she couldn’t run from Thelma even if she tried and it’ll be on her tomb stone, lol. She told Urban Crush how although she went out for the role of Thelma that she never thought that she would get it, but it was mainly out of fear. Due to her mother pushing her to put aside her fears, she landed the role of Thelma at age 16. We got deeper into our chat about stepping out on faith, don’t let nothing hold you back and blocking your blessings. Thank you Bern Nadette for the lengthy chat. I still watch Good Times which currently airs on TVONE. Don’t we love some Thelma, lol
Demetria McKinney of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (lower right) it was great talking with you as well. The GAIN booth was passing out samples of their Fireworks scent booster and wanted to take a pic with me, lol.

So will you be going next year? If you've attended previously, what was your highlights? Please comment below, I would love to hear your thoughts.
*************************All pics/video: UrbanCrush****************
WORK HARD PLAY HARD!!!
This ESSENCE Festival event was so long, I thought it would never end, lol but oh so worth it. I'm still trying to recoup being a week later yet people are still talking about it. I guess that’s a good thing. I know next time to get more sleep, lol. Hey I'll take one for the team in order to give my Urban Crush readers all the details. I'll trying to get around to as many shout outs as I can, so if you don't see your pic...it's on the way:) Here are more recaps, shout outs, and footage.
Brandy, Janelle Monae (in her signature black & white) and Darren Henson (Stomp the Yard, SoulFood) on the ESSENCE main stage.
Shout out goes to Randi Sylve and Heather Ray for doing a great job on their ‘GREATER THAN AIDS’ awareness. It was great meeting you, NOLO in the house. Aretha Washington and the good laugh, “He ain’t nobody”, lol. Mike Allison-Williams, Philly, loved the convo. We need to have you on a panel representing for the men, lol. You made some good points. ( See who else was in the place..continue)



Here’s a recap of some of what went down. Demetria McKinney, Kevin Hart, Brandy, Trina and Traci Braxton, a fashion show, Lauren London and Dougie Fresh. Thanks Demetria McKinney for showing Urban Crush some love!

Shout out to Kym Jackson (left) who has a jewelry line, like on her wrists, uniqueurbanrocks.com, (plug, lol.) bring awareness to Asthma and Autism (some proceeds from sales go toward A and A), check out the site. Can I just say Sadaco Gray (left), Crystal Mullen (middle), and Evette Broussard (right), reppin’ Houston. I really loved the ESSENCE’s shirts. I know many wanted one but, next year you’ll be ready, right, lol. Great meeting you ladies and hope that you enjoyed yourself at your first Essence ever. I believe Crystal created the shirts, (am I right)? Hi Kaitlyn Morris (upper left) and Jasmine Roussell (upper right), it was nice meeting you two ladies and you can't imagine how you helped a lot of thirsty people, lol. Kaitlyn love your nails and twitter page, very fun!

I enjoy this dance battle between the old school (left side of screen) VS new school (right side). Check out Roland Martin (white suit), he know how to break away from CNN, TVONE or even his show Washington Watch. He broke it down,lol.Then they broke out with the wobble and added a ‘new’version as well. Much fun.
There were many fashion statements made at the convention center. I thought these ladies had a fab look. Hello ladies great meeting you. Ms. Joi Warner Dorsey (NOLA), Patricia Thomas,Texas, Tiffany Conner and Tiara Lee-Foster.
Did you enjoy this post? If so hit the "f" and share with your fb friends. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Make sure you join this blog (love the support) and follow me on twitter (@urbancrush101).
***********************ALL PICS/VIDEO: URBAN CRUSH************************
 
WHO/WHAT ELSE SHOWED AT ESSENCE: SHOUT OUTS 

The Essence Festival was a positive event and I had a boat load of fun (even though I was working). I’ve met some great and interesting people from many places, all turning on that southern hospitality charm. So let’s continue part 2 while I show some highlights as well as give some shout outs. And show some fun moments.
 Before the doors opened to the general public, there was a group warming up for some morning exercises near the ESSENCE main stage. That’s the way to start your day!
Later AJ Johnson, The AJ Zone, worked it out with the crowd. She is like a little energizer bunny. Thanks AJ for the giving Urban Crush a shout out and the ‘water advice’. AJ I am really trying to get more water intake but it’s hard, lol, but I will take your advice and truly follow it as long as I can. Then maybe I can be toned like you. (Continue reading) 

 
The ESSENCE Fashion Closet was a great guide for fashionistas on any level. Many attendees received a 1one 1fashion consultation as well as participate in the fashion panel. ESSENCE.COM Fashion Editor, Celia Smith gave tips and tricks for each person on how to looking their best. Attendees received a live Fashion Closet touchscreen experience as well.  
Shouts out to Natasha Felton (left) and Elosi Ikharo (right) for the great chat, it was great meeting you ladies.

Tasha Beltran is the sister of ESSENCE.COM Fashion Editor Celia Smith. If you’ve ever shopped or visited FOREVER 21 then you may seen her influenced style (she styled the Mannequins). Tasha is known to mix some masculine and vintage pieces in the mix with Doc Martins etc. Tasha love thrift shops and accustomed to receiving requests to style various people. Tasha posed for Urban Crush just before getting ready for a fashion show, loved this look.
AKA in the house, it was a pleasure talking with you (super nice), Ni’Ki Oliver and thank you.


My man Blair Underwood was on the ESSENCE main stage promoting his new one hour series IRONSIDE (NBC). (sidenote: This is one well put together man, hot chocolate:D) Click here to see the trailer and more info.
  
 

Hey ladies, Kamilah (left) and Tiffany (right), hope you had a great time, Oklahoma in the house! Don't forget to join UrbanCrush for giveaways, contests etc. It was nice meeting you.
Stay tuned for more pics and video highlights from ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL. If you didn't get an opportunity to attend, next year will be here before you know it. Old school vs New school dance battle, a Michael Jackson impersonator and more in my next post.  Feel free to comment below...they are welcome:)         
****************Pics and Video: URBAN CRUSH******************
 ESSENCE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND, IT WENT DOWN!!

This past weekend bought out people from all over to attend 'The 2013 Essence Music Festival' in New Orleans, LA. The celebs came out in full force (or should I say they really took over) to help entertain the over 400,000 people that visit each year.
ESSENCE agenda is to empower, inspire and to create positive change in the communities. There was something for everyone who attended. I was involved with so many things so this event had to be broken up in several post, so let’s take a look at some of the things that went down in the Big Easy (YOLO NOLA Baaabey)!!

The Convention Center had many main stages with various panel discussions and entertainment throughout the day. Here are some celebs who stopped by to give some helpful advice or just great interviews.



  Estelle speaking on the Walmart stage   

Steve Harvey giving the real on the State Farm stage.
  Nicole Ari-Parker with husband Boris Kodjoe on the Walmart Stage

Boris Kodjoe (:D), Kevin Hart, Trey Songz and even Brandy were among a slew of celebs who really pound the pavement being all over the place. One minute they're spotted at various functions at a hotel then the convention center and even the Superdome.
Many turned up for Kevin Hart's All White Party, while others showed up at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel for Essence's African Pride 'Beauty & The Beat'. Either way it goes various locations had plenty of things going on and it's hard to be in fifty places at once so it was hoping around various locals. (sidenote: I didn't sleep for over two days but was running on pure adrenaline, unless it was sleepwalking, LOL!)


Kevin Hart with fans at the Verizon stage
 
Later Kevin Hart was spotted at the Convention Center (on a discussion panel) along with Jill Scott, Laz Alonzo and producer Will Packer. He was also filming for his 'A Day in the Life of Kevin Hart'. Can you say "HILARIOUS". (sidenote: Will Packer, we all are waiting on that 'THINK LIKE A MAN 2' it should be wrapping up now and Congrats on proposing to your girlfriend (of four years) on the Superdome stage. Love it!) 

Trina and Traci Braxton were there to talk about everything from baby Logan (Tamar’s son) while mocking how Tamar acted during labor (hilarious) and they brought a clip to promote their new season of Braxton Family Values, it’s going to be great.
 
 
  Lauren London and director David E. Talbert promoting the movie 'Baggage Claim'
Baggage Claim due out in theaters September 27, with an “A” list cast and great cameos I can’t wait to check this out, but take a peek at the trailer here.
 
 
My Black is Beautiful had many women looking their best with a mini makeover as well as a photo shoot. They gave away this ‘My Black is Beautiful’ bag with products and a t-shirt.  I met these lovely ladies who did a great job with makeup touch-ups. It was great meeting you ladies, Tiffany Brown and Lauren Hampton. You ladies look just as beautiful as you were making everyone else. (Thanks for the card Tiffany and I will keep you in mind). I also met a young lady who’s putting together a fashion blog and had several questions for me, so shout out to Benedria Smith and good luck with your blog (sorry I didn’t get a pic of you). 
 
(Products shown: My Black is Beautiful mirror, Clairol Beautiful Collection semi-permanent moisturizing hair color, Olay ultra moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter, Pantene truely Relaxed Oil Creme Moisturizer and My Black is Beautiful beauty recommendations guide).
 
(Part 2 post coming soon, video coming soon also)
 
Was this post informative? Have you ever attended The Essence Festival? I would love to hear about it. If you were at this one, what was your highlight? Comment below.
*****************************Video:IMDb.com***************************
*********************ROAD TRIP!!!!***********************

I love road trips, they are the best. In a couple of days I’ll be heading out to New Orleans with some friends for the annual ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL. I must admit I’ve always wanted to attend but I never did. I’m also visiting my great friend who resides there, she is very talented (a visual artist) and lots of fun-plenty of laughter…the kind where you can’t breathe and need to sit down somewhere just to catch your breath. I am looking forward to all of the festivities during my trip.
 My last trip took me to a friends’ wedding in North Carolina. I love meeting interesting people and believe me I met a lot and had a great time. I took in many of the sites and of course, SHOPPED, lol! I loved how we pulled up to this gas station and seen these hanging around. I had to do a double take.



These were hanging inside as well, wonder how long this guy been waiting around, lol. I love capturing pics and moments like this and I'll be sure to have great pics in an upcoming post (via Essence Festival). I haven’t packed yet but in my mind I’m trying to think of what I want to take. I was advised to bring some comfortable shoes due to plenty of walking and huge crowds. Have anyone ever attended this particular festival in New Orleans, if so how was your experience? Any places for me to visit or take in, let me know in the comments section below. Thanks and I will keep you posted so stay tuned.
Urban Crush, xoxo 
********************************ALL PIC: URBAN CRUSH*********************************** 
PUT ON A HAPPY FACE!!!!!!!

Hi guys! I’ve been really missing on the blogging scene in recent months. I did a post before this one and felt it was only right to let my readers know of my ordeal instead of writing posts without a word otherwise. I’ve been dealing with death and family issues among other things. Sometimes we all go through challenging moments in our life, no matter what it is. The main thing is you must “keep going”.  So now I’m here to play catch up and hope that you understand of my absence. [It wasn’t that I was lazy or uninterested, trust me].

Now with that being said, lately I’ve had several conversations with family and friends wanting my opinion about their job interview dilemma (yes several came to me with this). They expressed how unhappy they are due to the many interview “steps” they are put through. We’re aware of how the job market is currently and although many may have an interview but with no such luck in the end. For those unemployed, it’s a job just to find/get a job. If you’re one of the lucky ones to even get an interview- congrats! That’s like getting nominated for an award. At least your resume stood out and was recognized. The competition is so fierce and companies slash their budgets etc. You may have a degree and the whole nine but may be considered over-qualified. This is where ‘who you know’ may be helpful of getting in the door. Many companies are going through staffing companies to hire, which is less expensive to their bottom line.

My advice is to know your worth, depending on the situation you may need to get a paycheck due to bills piling up, just until something else comes along. Very understandable, but if you are in a cross between 1) getting an offer from a low paying job [the lowest you’ve seen in awhile] but 2) trying to wait until that other job [you recently interview for] will call you. This can be tricky, companies may give you a small window to consider but if you wait too long, you may have just handed over that job to someone else. If a company is interested they will contact you. If you expose that the other company is interested in hiring you, as well, you may just get a pay increase, which is even better. A couple days ago I was on the phone helping a friend with an email to a potential employer. It took only one day to get a response, then an interview. It look very promising and we wish her all the best of luck.  
 
In this day and age, having your own company/business is the new “Backup Plan”. I’ve said it before, “Destiny is in your hands, find your passion and build your dreams.” If you have enough money stored away for a rainy day then maybe you can hold out on any fly-by-night-job and concentrate on that dream job or business that you’ve always wanted. The road to success may be a long one, but with hard work and dedication you will reap the rewards. So, when life throw you lemons, make the best lemonade ever…remember with ‘Prayer’ and the ‘Laws of Attraction’ anything is possible. 

(Tell us how you handled or got over an ordeal in life? 
**************pic: URBAN CRUSH************
KELLY ROWLAND KEEPING IT CLASSY

Singer Kelly Rowland is currently promoting her 12 track album (15 for the Deluxe Edition) entitled ‘Talk A Good Game’. Kelly has appeared on various shows promoting her album 'Talk A Good Game' but this week Kelly made her first appearance on Mrs. HOW-YOU-DOIN” Wendy Williams Show. Wendy is known to push the envelope and 'say it like you mean it' so..for those who didn’t see her interview, let’s recap!

 
Kelly came out in this little blue number and of course Wendy gives a brief greeting then the great ‘Shoe Cam’ view. [Love the shoes Kelly!] It didn’t take long before Wendy dove right in. “Wig or Weave?” Kelly responded, “wig”, which she referred to her wigs as ‘her girls’ and mentioned that she have so many that she lost count. Wendy asked Kelly to clear up rumors of her getting fired on X-Factor (UK). Kelly stated that she “wanted to be in the studio and it wasn’t the right time, so she chose the studio, the outcome… her album, Talk A Good Game. Now she is ready for the (US) X-Factor. Kelly even admitted how she think Simon Cowell is sexy. Wendy (observing the album cover) mentioned how she didn’t remember Kelly’s breast ever being that big, referring to implants. Wendy continued, “now did you go under the muscle or over?” Kelly replied, “under, they look cuter”. Wendy added,
“And, they stay up a lot longer, lol!”





Wendy touched on the rumors surrounding her song “Dirty Laundry”. Kelly explained how it all came about when having a conversation with super producer, The Dream. “Years ago I was growing, I was young and making many decisions alone and wanting success by myself away from Destiny Child.” She mentioned how she didn’t have rage for Beyonce, it was rage of all the things she was going through and dealing with. She stated that she love her sister and always will.


Wendy asked Kelly about her abusive relationship and how long did it take place. Kelly responded, “maybe three and a half to four years. No one knew about it, but the message is that anyone can get out.” Wendy asked “was it physical abuse, like was he punching you in the head or was it mental/verbal abuse?” [Wendy holds nothing back while getting a little animated], but Ms. Rowland politely answered, “I’d rather not get into the details of it, that’s not important. The most important thing was sharing the message and telling young girls this is real and I make mistakes and I’m human at the end of the day.” As the room filled with applause, Wendy asked “are you in love?” Kelly was all smiles, like a shy schoolgirl, but answered “I am dating.” Wendy next question, “Do you love him?” “Yes I do”. Kelly mentioned, although she’s 32, she would want to get married…she feel like she’s missing out on love and marriage. Wendy gave Kelly her view/opinion of someone who would be good for Kelly, “a count…an older man with an accent with lots of money to fall back on.” [Oh Wendy, lol] 

Wendy touched on not knowing that Kelly was engaged previous in the past, but Kelly briefly said “Yeah been there, done that it’s “ex” talk and not worth talking about”, so next basically. Although Wendy wanted to continue talking about it, as to catch everyone up on Kelly's past like like it was a “hot topic”. Kelly had to tap Wendy on the hand, several times, to say, “We don’t need all of that.” Wendy paused then quickly stated “We’ll talk about that later” before switching subjects, can you say AWKWARD!! 


She asked “when all members of Destiny Child get together, what do they like to do?” Kelly’s response, “EAT!” Wendy mentioned that she know little baby Blu is talking and forming little words so what does she call Kelly. Answer “K”. And of course Wendy couldn’t resist asking Kelly one more question as she whispered, “Is Beyonce pregnant again?” Kelly quickly replied, ”Stop it!” Wendy's reply..."Well, you know I had to ask".

 Although Beyonce and Michelle appear on the record “You Changed” as of now there are no talks of another Destiny Child album. Kelly did mentioned how exciting the experience was for the Super Bowl that Beyonce spent months of rehearsing but when it happened, it was over so quick, ended before you knew it. Kelly ended the interview but didn’t leave without a performance. She performed a medley of songs, 'Kisses Down Low, Motivation and Street Life'. Kelly had a nice performance but it was great to see how to still be classy during an interview, no matter what anyone throws your way. That Wendy…(smh) she never cease to amaze me, lol. (Filtering can be a good thing Wendy:)

Much success on your album Kelly and wish nothing but the best for you. XOXO

****ALL PICS: THE WENDY WILLIAMS SHOW, YOUTUBE****
Bath and Body Works is one of my favorites, next to Victoria Secrets…they have the best yummy fragrances. I always make sure to take advantage of the coupon that is usually put into the bag after a purchase. So previously I received some goodies, given as a gift, so this second trip (weeks later) I used my coupon. When I make a purchase of $10 or more, I'll receive a free signature collection item. This is usually anything on the walls and the front of the store, which equals to almost anything. J Take a look:

So many choices, it was a hard decision but these were my choices for purchase.
 
 















These fragrance mists smelled really good, the scent were either sweet-fruity, floral or a combination of the two going on.
Reg. price $5.99 (on sale-3 for $10) 3 ounce trial bottles (like getting one for free)
This was my purchase, now for my free item, hmmm…  

This one actually goes out to my daughter, who finally picked (many indecisive attempts feeling-like-many-hours-later) one that she was satisfied with. And the winner is……..
 


HONEY SWEETHART from their New SWEETHEART COLLECTION.  The BERRY FLIRT was a very close second, so at least I’m aware of what to get her next time.
 
I will revisit in about a week or two, to once again, use my coupon- from this “new” purchase-to get another free signature item. Although Bath & Body Works keep a promotional deal going, you got to love a deal :).
 
Well I wonder what other finds I will stumble upon...hmmm you never know but whenever or whatever it may be...I love sharing great finds and deals with my Urban Crush Beauties. Stay Beautiful. xoxo UC