Theme Song.

My fellow PGSD girls already know what my theme song is. Thank you, Cow from the Real California Cow commercial for introducing me to it. My life is forever changed. This song makes me giggle and yet also empowers me. And the cow sings it with such...well...swagger jagger as the song's title says, that you just feel it. So if you haven't had a chance to see the video, two things: 1, you're clearly lacking in the swagger jagger department and 2, you HAVE to see this commercial! After you watch it, you can listen to the real Cher Lloyd song, but I promise you, it'll pale in comparison to the Cow's.

Watch the commercial here:

My theme song would be...Im not really sure. It would be happy, quirky, and put me in a great mood. I attempted to put something together that would be the blueprint to my theme song but I got bored of figuring it out. So here is what I have so far and hopefully you can get some sort of idea of what I want in a theme song. 

This question was particularly hard for me. I settled on Fergie's song Labels or Love. If you give me the choice between the two...welp lets just say Christian Louboutin is my dream hubby. Everything about this song is me. "No emotional baggage just big bags filled with Dior/ ima shop for labels while these ladies lay and wait for love". On top of that its featured on one of my favorite movies, "Sex and the City".

Dream Vacation

One day I’d love to travel the world. Having been blessed with the opportunity to study abroad in college, I went to Europe, and I saw England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. But the one place—my dream place—that I never had the opportunity to visit during those three months was France. I have always wanted to go to France. Not just Paris, although I daydream about the Louvre, Lovers’ Lock Bridge, and moonlit gondola rides on the Seine, I also long to see the countryside of France, to have a glass of red wine in a vineyard of Bordeaux.

Another stop I’d have to make on my travels around the world would be to Fiji. To me, Fiji is like Paradise. It oozes romance and serenity. With all of its beauty, exoticism and romance, I’d have to go with a sweetie. I’d probably need a sweetie for France too. Maybe my dream vacay will end up being my honeymoon!

My dream vacation starts off in Monaco on the French Riviera. I would love to yacht up and down the coast and spending the nights in the world famous Monte Carlo Casino. In a very James Bond like fashion drinking martinis and playing high stakes poker in a old nasty piece of ball gown. Once I have gotten tan and collected my winnings I would hop on my private jet to Crete in Greece. I love the history and beauty of this island. It would be amazing to see the architecture then lay on the beach. One day...one day

My dream vacation would be a romantic getaway to the Italian countryside. I LOVE Italy. I would love an Italian getaway where it was packed with nothing but wine, cheese, beautiful countryside, and fresh openness  Italy is a land of so much history and beauty, from the language to the food. I would love a vacation to really immerse myself in the beauty of the Italian culture and countryside. 

Greece!!! There are so many places that I want to travel to but Greece would be my dream vacation. I would spend most of my time on a yacht relaxing. Maybe try my hand at fishing. My dream vacation really just involves me in a beautiful place not worrying about anything...and if I just so happen to fall in love with a greek man and permanently live there so be it.

Unwritten Rules

A reader asked...

Would you say that there are unwritten rules of the work place? If so, what are they?

I definitely think there are some unwritten and unspoken rules in the workplace. Just like life. For me, I file these rules under the category of “tact.” Before I do anything at work, I tend to measure it on the tact scale. So I tend to not say a lot of personal stuff at work. I try not to even tell people when I’m not feeling well. There are just certain types of conversations you shouldn’t have with your coworkers because they aren’t your friends. Therefore, it’s cool to tell them that you went out with a couple of friends when they inquire about your weekend, but you probably shouldn’t mention that you went bar hopping and drank one too many gin and tonics and consequently hated yourself and all things liquid the next day. That’s just not tactful. I also wouldn’t recommend you bringing your baggage into work. Save the tears, angry attitudes, and drama for your casa. It’s not a good look. Why? Because, it must be stressed, these people are not your friends. And judgment from coworkers can be harder to shake than the judgment of the man you rolled your eyes at on the bus.

I think the biggest unwritten rule at work is remember that these are not your friends and they do not have your best interest at heart. Your coworkers do not owe you anything. I have seen coworkers cut each other in their own attempts to get ahead. Watch your back and remember someone is always watching you. Let people enough into your life to seem human, but they don't need to know every detail of your life. All information is free to be used against you. Watch your own back and do your work. If their is a promotion or raise available even the girl who you share lattes with and kiki it up with at mandatory functions will stab you in the back to save their own behind. Also, if you know you did not bring that item in the fridge don't eat it!

There are definitely some unspoken rules in the workplace. I think each specific 'office' setting has their own. So my first offering, is to come in on high alert. When you first establish a presence in an office setting, always keep your eyes and ears open for some of the 'office code'. Even though you may be 'new' or unfamiliar  you are ultimately expected to learn and live by that specific settings 'code'. (Unless it is something illegal or immoral ;-)
One thing I can honestly say has been a universal office rule is to check your personal at the door. As harsh as it may sound, remember you are there on the clock, as well as everyone else in the building. Business can not wait on you to get over what Bob in accounting said, Lisa in Marketing did, or that Tim in management called you out. Take constructive criticism as just that, not as a personal attack. Remember, you are there to do a job, and not to necessarily establish friendships or personal relationships. The reality is, this stuff will happen organically, because you spend so much time on the job, but be wise enough to separate business and personal.Business carries on with or without you. However, if you bring your personal to the workplace, you may risk compromising your workplace integrity. Which in the long run could damage your professional growth. Always check the personal before you say your first 'Good Morning'. 

I think that there are many unwritten rules of the work place. The more you know the faster you will be able to move up the ladder. In my opinion one of the most important would be to remember that you are at work. You are not a school, a club, or social gathering. Acknowledge everyone, even if its just the mail guy. Let everyone know who you are because you are friendly, not because you are the subject of gossip. Always be courteous to everyone because you never who they are or how they will impact your future. Forming a link with everyone will allow for you to find out about possible opportunities. With that being said its one thing to be courteous its another thing to form a friendship or more. You're at work, everyone has their own motives so don't get too comfortable too fast. Don't assume when you are having a bad day or if you feel like venting, it is okay to discuss that with your coworkers, especially in the office. They are your coworkers first and foremost. They aren't like your outside friends who can be your therapists when needed. Even if they don't have an ulterior motive you never know who is listening. 


Have a question you would like us to answer or a topic for us to discuss? Feel free to submit it to us in the gold box to the right or shoot us an email (PostGradSD@gmail.com).

Healthy Snacks.

What is your favorite healthy snack?

My favorite healthy snack is actually really simple and inexpensive. It doesn’t take much effort. It requires no real machinery or expert chef’s utensils. All you need is a toaster (or something that toasts) and a butter knife. My favorite healthy snack is wheat toast with peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. It’s filling, quick and simple. I like snacks that have a good amount of fiber because it helps to keep me from feeling sluggish, and peanuts are a good source of fiber. In fact, nuts in general are. When I couple that snack with a really good cup of tea, I feel like I’m almost in heaven.

I need to keep a snack with me to keep my energy levels and blood sugar in control. I am a sweets lover so typically I like to grab greek yogurt, fruit, and honey. I like to boil fresh fruit and a little raw sugar or sugar substitute and throw it on top of my yogurt. I also enjoy fresh fruit and honey or just honey on top of my yogurt. It satisfies my sweet tooth with eating an overly sugary snack that will eventually cause me to crash. The trickiest part of this is finding the right brand for you. I went through some pretty bad ones before I settled on Fage. 

When I was 17 I went to Italy for the first time. My host mom was the most adorable woman ever, and she was constantly fixing me food. It was literally stuffed at all times, but the one thing she made for me that was genuinely my favorite was her fruit salad. This fruit salad is probably the simplest recipe, but it is so delicious and fresh at the same time. All you have to do is chop up  some strawberries and bananas into a bowl. Sprinkle with a little lemon juice and just a dash of  sugar and shake. Viola the simplest fruit salad, yet also the freshest. This simple recipe is great for lunch breaks or even a breakfast treat. It is very filling. Hope you enjoy!

I'm not really into elaborate snacks. I like to keep it simple so I can grab and go. Most of the time the purpose of my snack is so I am able to have the chewing sensation fulfilled so I usually just grab a hand full of almonds. If I have time or am actually hungry I like to slice up a banana and dip them into a tablespoon of peanut butter. If I want to add some crunch to that I will break up a graham cracker as well and dip that into the peanut better. Both snacks are easy enough that I wont look else where to satisfy my needs at that moment. 

Top 5 Beauty Must Haves

Hey PGSD, what are your beauty must-haves?

It hardly ever takes me a very long time to get ready for the day. As long as I've got these essentials, I'm ready in a flash and feeling like a million bucks!

1. Cherry or Strawberry Chapstick

It’s not just about the flavor. Although I do love the flavors, I like those for the day because they have a tint to them so they add a bit of color to my lips when I don’t want to wear lipstick, or it’s inappropriate to wear lipstick. I wear Spearmint Chapstick to bed.

2. Palmers Cocoa Butter

I love the smell of cocoa butter and it works wonders for my face. Especially in the winter time.

3. CoverGirl Queen Collection: Mascara in dark brown or black and Loose Powder

I don’t use it just on my eyelashes. It’s handy for filling in my eyebrows, since I have the tendency to occasionally pull at my eyebrows when I’m anxious. I don't usually wear foundation and concealer on a regular day, but I love a light dusting of loose powder from the Queen Collection. It covers and keeps my face feeling light.

4. St. Ives Apricot Scrub

I adore this stuff. Even though I try not to use scrubs everyday, St. Ives is so gentle that it can be used daily without drying out my skin. It makes my face feels ahhh-mazing! Soft like petals.

5. Wen Haircare Products in Fig

You may have seen infomercials for Wen Haircare, the hair system that has shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner and detangler all in one. I am obsessed with what this stuff does for my hair. I actually look forward to washing my hair. It’s great for everybody’s hair too. It makes your hair shiny, soft, manageable and smelling fresh! There are a wide variety of scents like, Sweet Almond, Winter Vanilla, Lavender, and Pomegranate. But my favorite has to be Fig. I like feeling it tingle my scalp when I use it as a deep conditioner. When I don't wash my hair, I use the styling gel every day and I love it. Try Wen! You'll love the results you get and the time you save on styling your mane!

The beauty section of my bathroom is insane. I collect products like a fiend and have a wide variety of products and price points. I'm obsessed with trying new things ,but have a few constant go- to items:

1. Natural oils- Be it almond, coconut, castor, or jojoba I love my all natural oils. They are harmless and can be used for hair or skin without being too heavy. I use a combination on my face and hair and wonder how I survived without them before my discovery. 

2. E.L.F clear brow and lash mascara- This keeps my brows in check and makes sure they are free from stray hairs in between trips to the threader. This is a miracle in a bottle and all for $1

3. C.O. Bigelow lip balms- I absolutely love the variety of flavors and they keep my lips moisturized for long stretches of time. It tastes great and comes in a variety of flavors without worrying about being tinted or a full on color. I'm not a super big lipstick wearer so I love the colorless shine.

4. Mascara- I adore all Maybelline mascaras as well as Dior, Big Girl, and Buxom. Even if I don't have a stitch of makeup anywhere else on my face I will have mascara. No lashes needed. 

5.  Dove bodywashes are A- mazing. I have super sensitive skin and these products lack lanolin which can be irritating for those with skin problems such as eczema  The variety of scents and textures are sure to please everyone.

I’m a fairly simple girl when it comes to beauty products but the things that I do have are things I live by. 

1. There isn’t a day that can go buy without my Clinique 3-step skin care. That consists of a facial soap, clarifying lotion (which is alcohol based cleanser), and a moisturizing lotion. A clear face makes life so much easier.

2. Next on my must have list is cherry Chap Stick. It stays in my wallet. I’m not worried about color or shine. I just need moisturized lips.

3. Smelly goods! I have an everyday scent and a ooh la la scent. I am obsessed with my brown sugar body spray (also body butter and lotion). The sweet scent is addictive. My ooh la la scent would be my flower bomb. Its slight sweet but spring like. It makes me happy.

4. I’m just starting to get in to make up but my two goto’s have always been foundation and mascara. My favorite foundation is Make Up For Ever Professional Paris HD Invisible Cover Foundation. I stumbled upon it in Sephora a few years back and have been hooked ever since. There’s nothing like finding your perfect color and lightweight foundation in one.

5. As for the mascara, I’m an advertisers dream! Maybelline’s volume express mascara commercial reeled me in and continues to do so. I am currently carrying around the Mega Plus Volume Express, only because I still have a couple of tubes to finish but I do plan on moving to the newer one, The Rocket.

So there you have it. My top 5 beauty must haves.

You know that phrase, 'many hands make light work'? Well imagine these products as my extra 'hands'. Here are some items I must have at all times:

1. Coconut Oil-This is top on my list. Used as a moisturizer, this oil really helps to ward off ash and dry skin. I make sure to buy the unrefined, virgin coconut oil. It is all natural and keeps your skin so silky smooth.

2. Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara- I have negative eyelashes. They are naturally short, and whispy. However, after 2 coats of this miracle mascara, I have the most amazingly full lashes. Absolute best mascara I have ever used.

3. Vitamins- This one is a personal one as no one should undertake anything without consulting with a physician. Legal fun aside, I have to have my vitamins everyday. Does this make me old? No. What it does is give me great hair, nails, skin and amazing energy. I have to have my vitamins. Period.

4. MAC Studio Fix Foundation- This is the best cream foundation I've ever had in life. It covers flaws and gives me a great glow. It always keeps me camera ready.

5. Green Tea- I wake up every morning before work to have a large mug of green tea. It gives me great energy and puts a smile on my face in the morning. I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking for an alternative to Coffee or energy drinks. It is all natural and doesn't give you that crashy feeling in the middle of the day.

What are some of your daily must-haves?!

Rules of engagement

I love my people. The all in their own way speak to the person I truly am. I'm not going to lie, I've befriended people I wish I hadn't, I chalk it up to my ridiculously nice nature.However, I love the lessons learned through my friendships through the years have prepared me for a couple friend commandments!!! Here they are, Olivia Pope-style:

5. Do NOT show up to your friend's house uninvited: Quickest way to get tossed out Jazz style is if I am in my 'housewear' and you want to come ringing my bell. It is simply common courtesy to call before you are on my porch.

4. Don't be rude to my other friends: I have friends across many nationalities, races, and cultures. Your personal beliefs are just that, but don't let your feelings about who I chose to spend time with deter our friendship. 

3. Be a tactful friend: Keep it cute in the moment, and talk to me about it afterwards. Enough said. 

2. Don't be that guy: This one can encompass a great many of things. It mostly falls into my life when people try to do the most. I love my friends and my true ones know me like an open book. However, don't be that friend to constantly bring up the obvious. True friends help you will your messes, fraudulent ones love to talk about it.

1. Make me remember you, like you remember me: Find the laughter in everything! As my PGSD ladies can attest to, we find ourselves in the middle of some pretty off the wall stuff Sunday-Saturday. Learn to laugh at it all! Find your fun in the moment. If you are with great friends, any situation can be a great memory.

So as I come down from the mountain top the burning bush hath given me the top 5 Commandments for what to do as a friend.

5. Thou shalt not always be the bearer of bad news. I will always be a a shoulder to cry on, but please do not constantly text me your emotional instabilities. I do care but I cannot constantly hear how horrible your life is. Have a Sun Drop you wretched soul.

4.  Thou shall not be a biter. The worst thing you can do is swagger jack your friend. They like you for who you are so you don’t need to try to be them. Have your own style, sayings, and attitude and we will be just fine.

3. Thou shall be honest. Even if it’s hurt as a friend you need to be unapologetic in your honesty. Apart of your duties as a friend is to keep your friend in reality.

2. Thou shalt respect each other’s differences. I eat pork, but my friends don’t. I make sure that I always offer a non pork option. I have different religious beliefs and I respect my friend’s beliefs. If you love them you will respect their lifestyle regardless of how you feel about it. If it was that big of a deal you wouldn't be friends.

1. Thou shalt always hold their hair while they puke in the alley after a fun night and help them hide the body if it comes to that

I don’t have many friends. I know people far and wide. But there are very, very few who I call friends. Friends are just like family for me. If I go to the moon and back for my family, you can be sure that I’ll do the same for my friends. With that said, not everybody is worth a trip around space, and if you’re a friend of mine, it’s because you hold true to the following five commandments, coveted by yours truly:

Five. Thou Shall Know How to Be Heard and Hush Up.

I am not a pushover, and I don’t have pushover friends. I firmly believe that friends are mirrors of who you are and what you want to be. Therefore, if you have friends who can’t say it like they mean it (and shout it out), it’s because that’s who you are. And if you have a problem with them being this way, you should probably stop calling them your friends and get new ones. My friends say what they have to say, and they’re always honest with me, even if I don’t want to hear it. They hear me out, take who I am into consideration, and then they lay down some constructive criticism. If they think I’m right, they say so. If I’m wrong, they say so, make fun of me, and then we bake cupcakes or watch ratchet Youtube videos while drinking wine and coming up with a plan to fix the situation.

Four. Thou Shall Not Take Yourself So Seriously That You Don’t Know the Definition of Fun.

I have gotten into my share of precarious situations with my friends. From grabbing on men’s behinds to turning an alley into a bathroom to hood clubs to men offering us coke and kissing our foreheads while we try to enjoy tacos, my friends and I have found ourselves in the most absurd situations. But we always have a good time. We know we’re great, but our college degrees aren’t shoved so far up our arses (I heard this Scottish man say that, and I’ve been dying for a place to use it) that we can’t have a good time. Nobody can ever call my friends snobs, even if we do act a little prissy sometimes. Friends shouldn’t take themselves seriously anyway. Putting on airs is what you do for people you don’t know personally. If you can’t be yourself with your friends, then you should go sit in a corner and start figuring out who you are.

Three. Thou Shall Take Your Friend As She Is.

“Come as you are” is not a slogan meant only for church. With my friends, I can be exactly who I am. They don’t care that I’m sensitive, or that I can be a little overly critical, long-winded, or whatever else. They have never asked me to change. They’ve never told me they have a problem with any facet of who I am. The people who have asked me to change have long ago exited stage left. If somebody criticizes you and makes you feel small for any element that comprises your creation, you need not worthy about them or their opinion; rest assured, they’re not your friend.

Two. Thou Shall Support Your Friend.

We all have dreams. Some are more rational than others. As a friend, it is essential that you make your support known. It could be as simple as saying, “I’ve got you.” Perhaps one of the most damaging things to a friendship is feeling like you’re not supported, like your friend doesn’t have your back or best interest at heart. Once a person feels like they’re being left hanging by the wayside with no cheerleaders or hands to hold, there’s no trust. And once the trust is gone, what’s the use? My friends have my back. I trust that wholeheartedly, and nobody could change that.  

One. Thou Shall Keep What’s Done in the Dark in the Dark.

Okay, so the way that that commandment sounds is a little weird. But I’ll explain. I cannot stand people who share everything that I tell them with other people. It is one of my biggest pet peeves (that, and people who say they’re going to do something, but then don’t follow through). If I tell you something, it’s because I want YOU to know. If I wanted those other non-factors to know, my mouth is big enough to run and tell them on my own. Likewise, if I do something questionable and cheeky while I’m out with my friends, I expect that my friends will keep it between us and not run and tell the first person who’ll listen. If you’re a good friend, you’ll want to make sure that your friends are presented in the best light possible. So don’t make your friend look bad by reporting what she told you or did with you that one night to non-factors. It not only makes her look bad, but it also makes you look like a douchebag.

I love my friends but I have very few because I take friendships seriously. If I let you into my life its kind of a big deal. I definitely look for specific qualities in a person as well as observe whether or not they are respectful of the friendship commandments. Here are a few of my most important rules….

5. Remember it’s not always about you. If you attend a friend’s event, remember it’s their event. Don’t try to switch focus to yourself. Don’t only call your friend to talk about your life and problems. Not even your mother wants to listen to you go on and on and never see how her life is going.

4. Boyfriends/girlfriends are not up for trading. Once your friend is done dating someone, doesn’t mean you get next dibs. All that does is bring up old feeling, even if the relationship ended amicably. There are too many other options in the world to be eyeing your friend’s leftovers. Same applies to friendships with the ex. If you became friends with the bf/gf after your friend got into that relationship then when they end you all end.

3. Be respectful and open. Everyone has an opinion! Play nice. Don’t shoot down your friend’s choice in dates, clothes, activities, etc all the time. There is always a bright side. Their favorite jacket may not be your favorite but that doesn’t mean its hideous, it just means you all have different taste. The best part of a friendship is bonding with people who aren’t you. I love my friends because we are all diverse. (But if you know for a fact they are the only ones who would be caught in it then its time for an interfriendtion.)

2. Have fun. Boring friends aren’t real friends meaning if you all can’t click and smile or laugh with one another what’s the point? I have friends because they distract me from the harsh world. We have fun together and we also drunk cry together. Friendships are created for the purpose of benefiting each other. Friendships are supposed to be for moving through life knowing there is a group of people there to pick you up when you fall or warn you if there’s a fire behind the fog. You are expected to do the same for them as well.

1. Put down the knife. If you all are truly friends you wont stab each other in the back in order to gain something else. Friendships are dependent on trust and how can you trust someone who is aiming a knife at your back. Real friends will make eye contact with you while they attempt to stab you. Ok maybe that’s not friendship but you get the point. Friends help not hurt.

They are outchea fooling these kids......

Let.me.tell.ya'll.

So out of curiosity, a little boredom, and a little urging of my younger cousin, I started watching Pretty Little Liars. At first glance it wasn't my type of show. I've outgrown the whole high school angst thing since I found out what adulthood is really about. I simply can't relate to their problems anymore. However, this show gained ALL of my attention. I mean it is an engaging plotline and has character build, but that's not why its piques my interest. These kids are fabulous!

They go where they want, and do what they want like little adults without jobs or bills!
Every scene is defined by style and ownership. The characters are so sure of themselves. They wear crazy designer items and own adolescence like it was a new Chloe bag. The characters go where they please and ask all the questions. Watching the show makes you wonder who is really in control?

As I'm watching I automatically hit rewind......to about 6 years ago.

I was in high school and no where near the confidence level of these ladies. I was awkwardly shaped, super sheltered, wore a modest t-shirt and jeans, and scared of anything that could remotely get me in to trouble. I always did my homework, studied for exams, and when I was old enough got a part-time job. However, that didn't stop my parents from making sure I stayed on that crisp path. 

Homegirl stayed on punishment!

It could and would be for silly little things like being 30 min late for curfew, or not doing my chores. (Did I also mention I had all honors classes?!) Sitting back and watching this scripted television show, made me realize that 'things ain't what they used to be'. My high school time was at the beginning of the cell phone boom, there weren't apps, or all this fancy gadgetry. EVERYONE I knew or hung out with had a curfew, so we didn't prance around in the nighttime looking for fun. There were rules. Real rules. Like you could only talk on the phone before 9pm. After that eh-eh. 

Watching this show made me take a look around. It wasn't just this sleepy town on TV that I noticed a change in youth, its pretty much everywhere! Youth nowadays have whole lives that are governed by their ability to act like adults. They run around saying what they want, to who they want, when they feel like it! They want to leave the house when they want to and get mad if adults question them about anything! I can't be the only person ready to lay hands on these children when they get like this. My question is where is the fault? Does it lie with the parents or our society which praises such behavior in our media? Just a thought.

GPS

If you could have anyone be the voice of you GPS who would it be?

I would want Gloria from Modern Family to be the voice of my GPS. I can't exactly say why outside of the fact that I love her voice. I'm pretty sure she would keep me awake on long trips though.

I would want Bruce from Family Guy to be the voice of my GPS. Could you imagine making a wrong turn and hearing "oh no you done made a wrong turn. But that's OK I wont tell. You can make a U-turn up here" I would die laughing. 

I would want Meek Mill to be the voice of my GPS. Why you ask? Because that man is LOUD. I mean he never learned to use his inside voice....ever. Which is just what I need on the road. Since I do travel a lot it does get boring listening to factory standard homegirl. However, Meek's voice would keep me on my toes.


I would want DMX to be the voice of my GPS. He is great at getting someones attention> I tend to get bored easily but with DMX riding with me I will be able to stay alert and focused. The typical GPS voice is soft and monotone. I need excitement!

If my life were a movie/musical...

If your life were a movie/musical what would it be?

If my life were a movie, it would be “Something New.” Only there probably wouldn’t be a white man as fine as Simon Baker being my love interest. Although, I am down for the swirl. My point is, I’d be able to be successful and have a good man that can handle me. As far as that whole cotillion/fraternity thing, that’s my relatives to a tea.

If my life were more festive and a musical, it would have to be “Hairspray” because there’s so much hope in the movie. It carries the message that we should be ourselves and never make apologies for it. No matter what the “motion in the ocean” may be, nobody can stop the beat. If there’s anyone that needs a constant reminder that being my best self is best, it’s me.

-AP

If my life were a movie or musical it would be The Adjustment Bureau. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason based on what the universe has planned. BUT sometimes you have to know what you want and how to make it happen in spite of all the factors against you. Either that or Mulan. I am not what my parents imagined and work everyday to bring honor to us all. At the end though she saved China and got her man so I shall find my own greatness.

If my life were a musical it would probably be "Wicked". Why? The songs speak to me. Literally. In part because I am both main characters AT THE SAME D*MN TIME! Enough Future references,but Elphaba and Glinda are both on opposite ends of the same struggle. Doing what is right or finding your destiny. It is easy to get complacent where you are, but the real challenge is doing what you were meant todo despite other's opinion of it/you. Who knows who we may meet in this life that will influence the path, I just hope like the main characters to be changed for good.

If my life were a movie it would be Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Not because I admire Audrey Hepburn, but because I feel as if I’m pretending to be someone I’m not but getting closer to who I want to be. I didn’t run away from home but I’m not what my family expected or who I once imagined I’d be. Im a social butterfly, living for excitement and company. I can’t financially support myself yet and I have no idea what I want to do specifically with my life. I can’t say my love life is as exciting but I stay entertained. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is not how I want my life to continue but life is ever changing and I look forward to see what the next feature film will bring.

Top 5 Most Played on iTunes

What are the top 5 most played songs on your iTunes playlist?

Oh goodness…it was probably the opposite of a good thing for me to agree to do this because it makes me realize how not hard or gangster I am. Damn.

Well, here goes, my top 5 most played songs on iTunes:

5: “You’re the One” by Dondria (81 plays)
4: “Hate On Me” by Jill Scott, but the Glee version (84 plays)
3: “Sure Thing” by Miguel (93 plays)
2: “All I Want is You” by Miguel (110 plays)
1: “Adorn” by Miguel (157 plays)

Can you guess who my favorite artist is? The rest of my Top 25 most played songs goes on to include Adele, more Miguel, Jazmine Sullivan, Beyonce and Kirk Franklin…I will stop pretending that I am cold as stone from now on. I am far more of a romantic and sensitive soul than I let on. For the second time, I repeat, damn. I really am a Cancer. Don't get it twisted though, I'll cuss you out if need be. 



My iTunes is a mash up of genres and emotions. I go from Florence and the Machine to Yo Gotti. Every song has a purpose. Be it working out or grocery shopping I always have my iPod or iPhone with me providing a soundtrack to my life. 

5.  "Me and My Old School" by Big K.R.I.T (118 plays)
4. "The Break Up Song" by Wale (138 plays)
3. "Neighborhood Hoes" by Freddie Gibbs (149 plays)
2. "Thinkin Bout You" by Frank Ocean (248 plays)
and drumroll please
1. "The Last Song" by Iggy Azalea (259 plays)

I remember having this Iggy song on repeat. It samples one of my favorite songs and the story is def something I can relate to. I love Frank Ocean so my top 25 is heavy with him. I didn't go through a break upI just really love this song. I'm surprised Beyonce didn't appear. Love Marsha Ambigkneesus but she puts me in my feelings. 


5. "She Said OK" by Big Boi and Theophilus London
4. "Home" by Phillip Phillips
3. "Price Tag" by The Barden Bellas (yes from Pitch Perfect....no I do not care about your judgement)
2. "Do You" by Miguel
1. "Cockiness" by Rihanna


So My iTunes situation is sad b/c most of my music is on my computer being fixed. Thus why I have listed my Spotify top five played. Look, when I tell you this surprised me as much as you, I mean it. However, it does reflect a little of what gets me going on a daily basis. I can twerk a little something, cry to a little something, and at the same time, each song is a little bit of me. So on a daily I get my life.

I'm a party girl with a soft spot. My top 5 most played on iTunes definitely shows that.

5: "Pillow Talkin" by Tyga (136 Plays)
4: "Im So Gone" by FLY ft Roscoe Dash (147 Plays)
3: "Heart Attack" by Trey Songz (156 Plays)
2: "Shot Me Down" by Travis Porter (162 Plays)

1: "Refill" by Elle Varner (181 Plays)

Refill is my most played due to the fact that it came out when I was smitten with a certain gentleman. My feelings were being sung beautifully and I kept it on repeat for at least a month. Its still a jam along with the rest of the album. I will be seeing her in concert December 1st alongside Trey Songz and I will definitely be excited when she performs this live!

Party of 5

If you could have dinner with 5 people who would they be and why? 

Zora Neale Hurston or George Schuyler
Andy Cohen 
Dorothy Dandridge
Tina Fey
Sandra Day O’Connor

All of these are interesting choices, I know. For years, though, I have adored Dorothy Dandridge. I thought she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen (besides my mommy), and I loved everything she did. By the time I turned 12, I knew every single word to Carmen Jones. Sandra Day O’Connor has been my someone I’ve been in awe of since my freshman year of college when I got to meet her, and she told me, and I quote, “you have a beautiful spirit. Please don’t let the world jade you.” She, then, told me that if I believe I can change history, “you’ll do it. You remind me of me. Only you dress better.” By history, she meant that I could become the nation’s first black woman Supreme Court Justice. Tina Fey has been my favorite everything since I was in the fifth grade living in NH and I was allowed to watch my first full-length episode of SNL. She was on there. Something about her seemed comfortable, cool, down-to-earth and humble. Ever since then, I’ve been dying to hold a conversation with her. Andy Cohen is just adorable, and he just seems like a genuinely good, well-meaning person. I live for seeing him on Watch What Happens Live. Finally, I had to turn to one of my favorite eras in American History, the Harlem Renaissance, and I found that choosing between Zora Neale Hurston and George Schuyler like choosing between Chanel No. 5 and Chanel Mademoiselle. You just can’t. Well I can’t. Both of these writers are everything to me not just because of their works, but because of their personalities. They went against the mold and were often criticized for their less-than-popular opinions concerning race. I love trendsetters. I love people who do things first, not simply for the sake of being the first, but because they can’t help it. It’s just in their nature. What all of my dinner guests have in common is that they are not only intelligent, but they have/had great sense of humors. They get that in order to go through life, you have to laugh a little. Even though Dorothy Dandridge committed suicide, the people that knew her commented on how she was always joking around and laughing.

My list could have kept going. For the record: the absence of Wendy Williams does not mean I don’t want to break bread with her. I just think that dinner would be better with other company like maybe Alex Trebek, Toni Morrison and my grandmother, Gertrude, whom I never had the pleasure of meeting. I still whole-heartedly stand behind my best friendship with Wendy though.

If I could have dinner with five people who the hell would it be?

Michelle Obama: bad bitch contest and she’s in first place. Ivy league educated, associate at the sixth largest firm in America, first lady of the united states, wife, mother, daughter, and looks damned good doing it all. In a day and age where girls look up to Nicki Minaj the queen of basic bitchness it is amazing to see someone like her representing strong black women and dispelling the stereotype that we are neck rolling, teeth sucking banshees.

Mirian Wright Edelman: I love children and will spend the rest of my life working with them. She founded the Children’s Defense Fund as a voice for the millions of neglected children in this country. I want to walk in her footsteps and protect and educate as many young people as possible. I would def ask her advice on how to soldier on on those days I want to choke a child.

Paula Deen: who else is going to fry the chicken?

Malcolm X: Even if I don’t agree with his religious practices you can’t deny the power of transformation and what an education can do to even the most hopeless of individuals. In the end he realized what was going on in his organization and changed his worldview through a closer relationship with God. He lost his life fighting for his beliefs. He can convince you of anything. No one man should have all that power.

Sean Combs or Sam Walton: he’s a complete douche, but I respect every ounce of his hustle. My fellow HU alum went from losing an internship to being the definition of a hip hop mogul. Sam Walton defines wealthy white man. He has so much money his descendants who have never worked a day in their lives are all at the top of the Forbes list. All in all I just want to know about their business acumen and wealth building techniques.  

Oprah: She is everything. Period, point and the blank. She is the idea of everything I would want to be in life. Once upon a time, I ran around telling everyone she was my real mother. This is my truth, deal with it.

Olivia Pope: Her gut is her instinct. I WISH I had that much trust and conviction in my direction. She would teach me a lot about confidence over Salmon. These are facts.

My grandmother: This is the woman that taught me so much in this world. She was the sweetest soul and is still to this day, my heart. Plus she would probably hold my hand and tell me not to be nervous around the ‘rich people’ :)

Barack Obama: He is the leader of the free world and at the same time the most awesome human being. HOW he is able to face so much adversity and still have so much kindness and hope to change, is so admirable.

Michelle Obama: She is just the personification of a phenomenonal woman…..She is literally the epitome of class and dignity, and she does it all with a sickening wrap!

Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Tupac, Harriett Tubman, and my Grandfather would be the dinner party of my dreams. For years I have admired Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedys style. Being able to meet them and talk fashion as well as gossip (If Marilyn Monroe and Jackie were left in the same room what would go down? If I were Jackie I'd straighten Marilyn out for messing with my man.) would be a amazing. In my head they are my best girl friends. Tupac was his own person with his own direction. I would just listen to him talk about anything. I’m sure he could do a commentary on paint drying and I'd be just as intrigued as I would be with him commenting on a fight. Plus I’m sure I’m not the only one who wants to know who shot him or if he is even dead. How can you not admire a women who helped free slaves?! Harriett Tubmans selflessness is something I admire greatly. Hearing her first hand account on what really went down would inspire me greatly, especially at a time in my life when I have no idea how to get where I want to be. Last but certainly not least I would like to meet and have dinner with my Grandfather. I never got to meet him but I heard we are alike in many ways. Plus I love hearing family stories that other members tend to “forget” because they are embarrassing.