Travel UC Lifestyle

*********************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*********************************** 

UC Motivation

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************

Television UC Entertainment

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****

Fragrance UC Beauty

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 

Nails UC Beauty

For all my Urban Crush beauties who don’t neglect their nails, I want to give you a special shout out. Ladies, we take pride and pleasure in getting ourselves right for the day, or night. I am always hovering around the girly cosmetic sections of department stores etc. looking to see the latest finds…hey window shopping count also, lol. Here are some nail finds (polish) that I came across and wanted to share them with you.   

(Left) L.A. COLORS-Nail Treatment BASECOAT/TOPCOAT: This prime and protect nails: Nice shine once dry.  About $3Walmart

 (Middle) Love & Beauty by FOREVER 21: The color says Light Orange, but in person looks like a light beige/brown neutral. $2.80 FOREVER 21

 (Right) NYC-Matte me Crazy MATTIFYING TOP COAT: This is a fun one! Instantly turn any nail polish into a matte look just by brushing over your polish, (any shiny parts can be done by putting another coat on in any design you desire: dots, lines etc.)…here is one example I like on the right, go on and experiment.

 

The next set of colors- all from KLEANCOLOR Nail Lacquer:

(Left) Pink Sleepers

(Middle) Red Alert

(Right) Mocha  

All purchased at BSS-beauty supply store. About $3
  

I truly love my neutrals, because you can match them with any outfit, but putting spice into it with a “POP” of color is always great as well.

 

SALLY HANSEN-GEM CRUSH: This is one of my favorites that I love! This color is Big Money but I have my eye on a few other colors in this line. If you want to BLING OUT your nails, two coats are great but I found that one coat would make you reach for your sunglasses- so bright and shiny. About $6.99 Walgreens

 No matter what the cosmetic or product, we always need to get our grown and sexy on, right ladies. Don’t go looking for beauty, because we are all beautiful within our skin, yes everyone so (own it) but instead, let beauty find (u)…. “Oh excuse me beauty, didn’t know you was there." Embrace your beauty and come into your own, even if it starts with a little nail polish:)! UC