ARE YOU FLYING FAB? | TRAVEL

I FLY FAB I have always wanted luggage that was as fabulous as me! I have been traveling like crazy and pulling not only dated but painfully heavy luggage! When I received my trusty luggage as a graduation present from my mother in 2000 it was trendy, red and had rollers!!!!...I had the best luggage of all of my traveling companions!! Well I did in 2000 anyway.

Fast Forward to 2013. As time waned so did my tattered luggage, it was heavy, dirty and the handles didn't work. I had been seeing this FAB luggage that was turning me on!...It was pretty, red and light...and the way that it moved!!!....It was a fashion statement all on its own! I knew that I needed it!

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The Video that Keyshia Cole Doesn't Want the WORLD to see!

I know...I am writing about Classy topics!  I have been giving you all Maya Angelou, Michelle Obama and pearls!  But CHILD!!  I had to share this!! And fast!!

When I watched it I was like OMG...really tho?

Frankie, Neffie and the gang are at it again!...and this time without Keyshia.  Let's be real tho, we never watched for Keyshia Cole anyway!  This show was always about the Wildlife Firefighter!!...the only tea Keyshia bought was wondering who her real Daddy was!

Forgive me for spilling this tea, but I just had to hunty!

See Video Here!

DID LOVE AND HIP HOP GO TOO FAR IN SHARING BAMBI'S MISCARRAIGE? #LAHHATL

As you are probably noticing, I am focusing more on creating quality instead of quantity and talk about Reality TV less, but of course I still watch it.

So I was watching my Monday night sleaze Love and Hip Hop ATL and one of the castmembers, Bambi is seeing Lil Scrappy (I know, a lot of animals, right?)...anyway...Bambi was pregnant and ended up having a miscarriage. I was watching and kinda forgetting the usual side-eyes that I give reality TV as I gobble it up...because I thought that it was kind of a real moment on reality TV, which is rare. But did it go too far? 

Was this moment of losing a child too far to go on television and showing a man and woman's perspective as if happens?

Or was it just right? It was actually perfect because while the lighting was good and it was clearly staged, I think that it was extremely relatable. I am generally a private person, but I loved the almost real glimpse into their lives of a little life that came and went and how it made both the potential mother and father feel.  I also loved how the Notorious Mama Dee came over and brought Bambi soup.  She even talked about a miscarriage of her own...so Mama Dee does have a heart.

Reality TV isn't real anymore, it is just staged conversations and people "film" and "turn up" on cue. Example Nene Leakes and Mama Joyce from the Real Housewives of Atlanta.

But I kinda liked this. Although it was a really sad moment (and I DID question if the girl was ever really pregnant or not), I liked the rawness and the realness of it.

Did you watch this episode of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta? What do you think about really sharing authentic moments in your life on camera?

Holla back at cha girl or send me a tweet @ClassySharelle

Do you sell your blog out with too many #SponsoredPosts??

I have not been blogging for a long time (okay yes I have but ClassyBlackGirl.com is only two and a half years old), but I have been blogging consistently.  Because of my bloggerista history a LOT of people ask me blogging questions.  The most popular question is,

"How do you make money blogging?"

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MEN | Is Communication Killing YOUR “New Thing?” #AskJason

Occasionally we get email here at ClassyBlackGirl.com, especially for our relationship experts. This one letter on communication was so juicy that I had to also offer it to my female relationship expert, Caroll Atkins to get her response! But first, let's check out Jason's thoughts!
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Dear Jason, So I'm dating a guy that I dig. I mean really dig. We have a good time together and when we are together he is all about me. We see each other 1-2 times per week and its always super cool. The sexual chemistry is good, we laugh and whenever I leave him...I miss him already. I am used to men being on their communication A-game, calling and texting me 1-3 times per day. Not this dude. Sometimes we go 3-4 days without talking or texting. We check in right before our dates and then we have a blast. We have only been dating for a month or so, and have not had sex, but I am actually afraid to extend any more intimacy because he seems to be so into his life that he doesn't even think about me during the times that we don't see each other. I have mentioned this to him and he always says that he is going to call-then he doesn't. He is extra dependable and besides calling he does what he says that he is going to do and he is truly somebody that I would like to build with but were not communicating enough. Whats the deal? Am I stupid for even seeing him as more than a friend?
 Lonely Lynette

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Dear Lynette, Ok lets start with some positive reinforcement. You're not stupid for liking him but what you do from here on out could change that. Now this may be a matter to wording but you said that your "sexual chemistry is good" but what does that mean if you later say you haven't had sex? So what is your interaction level really? Flirting? Kissing? Oral but no penetration? Anyway, The good thing is that you haven't invested so much time that it can be said that he's using you. What it seem like is that he has a set space for you that fits within the life he lives and he isn't pressed to change that. Yes he may be dependable most of the time, but the not calling coupled with the silence creates an area of uncertainty you need to have clarified before trying to go forward.

Read>>> More From #AskJason

That space could simply be his own personal time for himself or for work. It could be his time with his friends or maybe time spent with another woman. I don't assume it's that but depending on the exclusivity of your situation it might be. Really it's just on you to ask questions, define what you want and do not settle. From your description your interactions are treated like appointments. He makes them, confirms they are still good right before then you go to it. Establish what you want and just as importantly what you will not accept.

 Jason

Shoot me a Relationship or Lifestyle Tweet at @TrueOmegaNexus


You can find out more about Jason Francis by checking out his dope Social Media and Lifestyle blog at TheSocialMediaSamurai.com

Delicious Bites at Rumbo Al Sur #Oakland

My Bestie turned me on to a great new restaurant in Oakland with a laxed dress code and amazing food, Rumbo Al Sur. Rumbo Al Sur is an adorable restaurant on the corner of Park and Wellington in the heart of the Glenview Neighborhood in my hometown, Oakland, California. They specialize in Mexican and Latin Tapas or small plates. I am always looking for amazing places to visit in Oakland because I just love my hometown, and Oakland has places that I would never know about unless I did some scouting. I really appreciated the diversity as well and that Rumbo Al Sur really had that Oakland feel that I grew up with. I really loved the neighborhood, that parking was cool on a Friday night and when we walked into the restaurant we were greeted with a delicious aroma of amazing Mexican food and great service. We did have to wait about 15 minutes, but it was because we did not call ahead for reservations! So make sure that you call them to see if reservations are required on that day!

The Drinks at Rumbo Al Sur

We both ordered Margarita's and honestly, we could have had these all night. They were strong, tasty and felt Top-Shelfish in the Tequila department!

The Food at Rumbo Al Sur

The food was too good! I ordered Nachos and Krystal ordered Taco's! While I didn't have any of her Taco's they looked good!!...and I was not able to even get a full picture before she snagged one! I had the Nachos. They were served on a bed of homemade chips, covered in amazing beans, cheese and salsa. However, it was the meat that was sautéed and soaked in this "saucy heaven" that made the Nachos the best in the Bay! I was dreaming about those Nachos all weekend long! If you are looking for a perfect Friday night Fix, then this is most definitely the spot for you to check out! Especially as we are getting into the Cinco de Mayo season. Classily Yours, Sharelle D. Lowery Digital Strategist and Editor-in-Chief, ClassyBlackGirl.com

I was enjoying a few off moments of my Social Media time when I was presented with a video of these delightful girls of Kappa Delta at a Stompfest. At first I thought that it was the Ques, trying to break it on down. Yeah, I felt the same way too when I watched it: -Angry -Defensive, like somebody stole what last little bit of cheese I had -Disappointed -Washed Out -Done So no, I never stepped except for at my probate. I'm not the most rhythm having Delta. However, stepping to me always felt like something that came from my soul. Even when I only did it in my living room by myself or with my sands.

Does Stepping Belong to Us?

Stepping always seemed like something that belonged to us, it was raw, coming from a Black Greek culture with rich traditions in our music, dance and the struggle of slavery. And for some of us, the struggle of pledging. I mean have they even WORN these types of boots before? I wore mine for a LONG time.

RELATED >>> 16 Things Sorority Girls Should Never Wear in Nalia!

When I was in college there were some Greek letter organizations not in the NPHC who were having step shows and actually fought us to be in our Step Shows so fiercely that in later generations the Fresno State chapters ended up having to take the show off campus so that it could not be "infiltrated."

A Step Away from Black Face?

So nobody wants to divide people, we just want to do our own thing when its ours. Is that unfair? Is it unfair that this video looks like it trivializes and makes fun of our culture? Just a step away from Black Face, in my opinion. Being a member of a Black Greek letter organization is an institution that lies deep in Black American roots, like church. Stepping is a large part of the Black Greek culture. Why have these fraternities and sororities not adopted our strong sense of community or public service, but can only imitate the dancing and gold boots that they see in movies or when a few of them come to our step shows. What about the Sprite Step off in 2010?

Don't they have cultural celebrations or dances of their own?

I get it that the world that we live in is a big old salad or soup or whatever you wish to call it. I am just asking if we should we be mad if stepping becomes diluted and just like we cannot wait for the new Robin Thicke to drop will we soon be buying tickets to step shows for all types of greek shows?

Should we mind if Other Greeks Step?

Tweet Below if you want to share this! [Tweet "#BlackGreekNews | Should We Mind if "Other" Greeks Step? "] Classily Yours, Sharelle D. Lowery Digital Strategist & Editor in Chief, ClassyBlackGirl.com

Is Bravo REALLY Anti-Violence or Just the New Jerry Springer? #RHOA

We all know about VH1 on Monday nights

-The Love and Hip Hop Franchise -The Basketball Wives Franchise & anything else that Mona Scott Young can think of. Vh1 is all Tom Foolery all of the time and we do not expect anything any different. However, Bravo used to be a channel with some dignity. Over the past season Andy Cohen has repeatedly been sharing that this is the Real Housewives of Atlanta's most popular season, but it has also been the most violent.

READ >>> Remember Apollo and Peter's Fight?

Nobody likes Andy Cohen and his shows more than I do, I love Sunday nights, drinking a glass of wine and cackling with my family as we side-eye each other while watching Nene, Kenya and now even the husbands "do the fool" on Bravo. But after the notorious fight with Apollo, Peter and Kenya's friend, The Mama Joyce Shoe Throwing and then Kandi threatening to DRAG Cynthia Bailey's sister I can only beg the question,

"Is Bravo the new Jerry Springer Show?"

Married to Medicine is really no better with the wives of Atlanta's doctors and surgeons gossiping about each others children's paternity like Ratchet's and then fighting at black-tie parties when does it end? Probably never, but I think that Andy Cohen and the rest of the Bravo production company are dead wrong to say that they are anti-violence when they promote it like crazy when there is a physical altercation and allow it to be taped. It reminds me of the season Finale on Scandal, "Get those camera's out of my face." Says the Vice President and then her campaign manager encourages them to keep on filming.

Bravo is saying, "Physical violence is against our policy."

But we all saw Porsha Williams literally DRAG Kenya Moore by her hair like a rag doll down the stage. That footage had to be edited and approved. So what policy exactly is it against? And in my opinion, they sent Porsha home because they didnt want to pay her for the show. Now I dont know if they did or not, but those cast members make a large amount of their money on those reunion shows. And Porsha needs that money. I personally feel like reality TV has been wanning for a while and that viewers have been bored. Violence kicks it up a notch and gets us watching again. So why even say that we are against violence, Bravo? Tweet with me and tell me what you think @ClassySharelle Classily Yours, Sharelle D. Lowery Digital Strategist and Editor-in-Chief, ClassyBlackGirl.com

Beauty: My Black Girl Beauty Blog Top 10!

One of my favorite things to do, is support my fellow bloggers and there are so many fabulous beauty and makeup blogs that I read religiously and get so much inspiration from on a daily basis. So it's only right that I share my favorite blogs with you all and I hope this will inspire you! In no particular order, here are my top 10 favorite beauty blogs: 1. Glamazons:  READ MORE

Its back you guys! Married to Medicine with all of last seasons usual suspects-minus Kari Non-Factor
whatever her name was! I will do a recap of episode one but I just had to ask,

"What is wrong with Dr. Simone?"

Freaking all up on Toya's husband...in public! RELATED>>> What's Wrong with Toya Harris? It seems like these women on reality television do not have a clear idea of what boundaries are, Nene Leakes calling Cynthia Bailey's husband a B*tch in his face and now the classy Dr. Simone was dropping is LOW behind Toya's husband like a dirty dog in heat. This is a Spelmanite!...never mind the fact that she is married herself and her husband is friends with Toya's husband. READ MORE

3 Myths of Jealousy and Relationships

Jealousy is a destructive force that can ruin lives, loves and friendships. When jealousy shows up nothing is ever the same again. Yet, many believe that this negative emotion can be used to achieve positive gains. How they come about this misguided idea is anyone's guess. I can only suggest that because it is an emotion so close to some's nature, they mistakenly believe it can bring good results as no one wants to think that they are negative or are the author of negativity.

Here are the 3 biggest myths of relationship building:  READ MORE

Spring/Summer 2014 Beauty Trends

It is officially spring and there are so many haute beauty trends from bright orange lipstick to purple eyeshadow and everything in between. The spring and Summer season is perfect for bright, bold and daring makeup Take a look at the most popular trends for Spring and Summer 2014. READ MORE

Is #PETA Wrong for STILL Going IN on Michael Vick? VOTE NOW! #Sports

Michael Vick signed a reported one-year, $5-million deal on Friday! But PETA is still quite upset with the NFL player as a result of his 2007 conviction for dog-fighting. PETA sent out a nasty tweet after hearing about Michael Vick getting this deal. READ MORE