New Orleans: The New Vegas or Better???

My trip to the NOLA was nothing less than Ooo's, Ahhh's and Yolo's! 

Oh, ye of little faith! Yes, I'm talking about myself.  I was so overwhelmed in the beginning of the year, consumed with planning my husband's 30th, my son's 7th birthday party, my full-time job (which has been nothing but stressful lately, grrrr!), my now 10 month old, and oh yeah, working on my start-up; I really had no time to plan a spectacular 30th birthday for myself.  And to be quite frank, I was starting not to give a damn.  Last year I promised  myself  I'd do it big since I was pregnant and couldn't "turn up" for my 29th (hahaha this sounds really shallow as I type this, but hey, mommies and wives deserve to treat themselves too!).

So my husband surprised me with a birthday dinner the weekend of my birthday but that morning he gave me a birthday card with a trip itinerary to New Orleans.  Now, I'll be honest my first reaction was pretty lack luster, dry, some may even say wack.  To tell you the truth, all I knew about this city was Lil' Wayne, Mardi Gras and Katrina.  Between those three things I had no clue what to expect.  Ha! Well, little did I know I would be walking off the plane and into a party! From there the food, drinking and dancing NEVER STOPPED.

Some say New Orleans is the new Vegas but in my opinion, it's better. You get the authenticity of the city, natives and overall culture. You experience the jazz and funeral bands playing in the street with people dancing close behind, blocking traffic; the accents, live music and southern hospitality, it's all there! Rather than walking that long ass strip in Vegas (y'all know that strip is long!) in New Orleans you pretty much just walk up and down several short blocks.  Simply stroll  in and out of free clubs (yes, no cover) claim your territory and hit the dance floor!  Oh and the the weather was great, it rained on and off but it's mostly light so it won't spoil your time.  Even if you do come across a storm it won't rain on your parade (pun intended).

Okay so enough talkie talkie, the pictures tell it all!  I'll list all the hot spots and traditional dishes so you know what's a must while in NOLA!  If you have any questions leave a note in the comments box.

We stayed at the Hotel Monteleon, located on Royal Street in the French Quarter.  This hotel was beautiful! As soon as we got off the plane we entered their well-known rotating bar, Carousel Bar.  This hotel is in the middle of it all and you don't need to rent a car. Cab from the airport is 20-30 minutes. If you run into Nolan the doorman consider yourself lucky, he's awesome!

Left: Primm's Cup from the Carousel Bar   Right: Hurricane from Oyster Bar (you can get this drink almost anywhere)
Oh and let me not forget to mention that you can drink in the streets just like in Vegas! 

At the Harrah's Casino

Top left: Red beans & rice with fried chicken from Oyster Bar    
Top right: Fried shrimp po'boy - Johnny's is the most popular spot but you can land a po'boy pretty much anywhere
Bottom left: Shrimp & Grits from NOLA (restaurant) (this dish was pricey $29 but spectacular and totally worth it!!!)
 Bottom right: Beignets from Cafe Beignets (fried fritter covered in powdered sugar - a must!)
Honorable mentions:
Oceana
Sucre

Cajun Encounters (Swamp Tour) www.cajunencounters.com
We got pretty well acquainted with several gators and a family of wild boars!

Cafe Beignet is the talk of the town and of course a must-see/taste and tourist attraction.  They also serve other great dishes such as gumbo, jumbalaya, cajun hashbrowns, muffalettas and red beans and rice.

Each day brought a new adventure and great memories and I wouldn't be true to myself or this blog if I didn't give you a glimpse of my outfits lol

Now you will find many gentlemen's club as you walk through the streets at night, but you don't even have to enter them to see the goods lol.  Checkout the lady who decided a skirt and some pasties was just enough to walk down the streets.  New Orleans is like nothing I've ever seen!

Aquarium of the Americas - one of the top aquariums in the U.S.

The Shops at Jax's Brewery - shopping, dining and tourist attractions

2015 Black Women's Expo

Chew on this....If you don't build YOUR dream, someone will hire you to help build THEIRS!

Which would you prefer?

 

"According to a report by the Center of Women's Business Resource, Hispanic and African American  women are the fastest growing entrepreneurial segments in the country growing at rates 133.3% and 191.4%  respectively from 1997 to 2007. Combined, they represent more than two million of the roughly eight million women-owned businesses in the country and more than $14 billion in gross receipts.  African American and Hispanic women are three to five times more likely to start a business, than their white counterparts." - Forbes.com

This weekend I was fortunate enough to be a witness. I got to see a number of black women entrepreneurs at the 2015 Black Women's Expo at the McCormick Place in Chicago. Women from all over the country came to show off their products and services to thousands of attendees, there to support minority-owned businesses.

The expo had everything from hair seminars to conversations on "Light Girls" and "Dark Girls," spoken word and musical performances, fashion shows and of course vendors and their booths.

I attended a seminar about Hustling Mommies, where the panel of successful black mothers discussed balancing their life as a hustler, building their business, while mastering the never ending task of parenthood.  Being a mother now of two, and aspiring to launch a business this year - this discussion really hit home for me.

A few key take aways:

1) Organization is key! Lord, knows I need major help in this area! SMH. Things like packing the kids and your lunch at night. Ironing and setting out clothes the night before. Keeping things where they belong so they're easy to find when you need it. Homework, computer bag, backpacks, your wallet and keys are simple things that if put away properly, will make getting out of the house easier and limit wasted time.

Beyond the basics, having a notebook that you carry on you so that you can keep all your business ideas in one place is important for me. Let's face it, those type of ideas come at the most random times so you need to be prepared. Also, keep a business card on you at all times. I ended up passing out a few cards at the Expo, one being to a panelist that had a business in the same space I want to be in. The best thing about being organized is that you'll always be ready and prepared for an opportunity that presents itself unexpectedly.

2) Learn how to say "No" and not feel guilty about it. Women tend to apologize often, especially when they have to deliver a response that may displease a child, co-worker or family member. One of the panelist said something I will never forget, "No, is a complete sentence. It requires no explanation." The next time your boss wants you to work on the weekend to get a project done and you have your own personal endeavors to focus on, politely tell them, " No, I'm unable to." Period.  When your child asks for his third Spider-Man action figure or a happy meal from McDonald's, only to get a toy, kindly tell them, "No." End of discussion.

3) Don't believe in limits! Boy oh boy, how many times have you heard, "Aren't u too old for that?"   Or "You're a mother now, that ship has sailed" and my favorite - "Black people don't do that."  Always remember, things happen when they are supposed to happen.  When your season comes you'll know it, don't let anyone try to limit what you know, you are capable of doing. You know yourself better than anyone. Remember, God will bless you, when you are prepared to do something with his blessing!

Other highlights from the expo, Lil' Mo did an interview about her current show on R&B Divas and her new book, "Taming Lil' Mo".  I have to say she looked great in person, flawless. And her glasses 

were everything, I'm just saying.

.

People used to say I look like Lil' Mo, what y'all think? Lol

Other highlights: Had a ball with my cuzzos, the original ride or die crew, just missing my sis who's getting money in TN. Love these girls, we consistently inspire each other to be great!

We saw lots of clothing and accessory vendors.

Sat in on a conversation about Black women and our influence on media. Found out we are media mavens and what we choose to do or not do as a consumer can have a huge impact on the economy.  

Ran into our cousin, owner of Wham Bam Glam Boutique, check her out on FaceBook

Mr. Party Bus Limousine - Chicago

Now let me just say, the task of planning your significant other's 30th birthday is not easy.  There is so much freaking pressure, especially when you have to outdo the last couple of birthdays that far exceeded their expectations.

After slyly throwing out different concepts (gun range, brewery tours and Bulls game) and having them all politely shut down, I decided my husband didn't really know what the hell he wanted so I'd be better off figuring it out on my own.  After weeks of searching Groupon (hopefully by now yall have noticed I don't like paying full price for anything) and entering numorous Google searches for "30th birthday party ideas" I came across Mr. Party Bus Limousines.

The Groupon provided an intriguing deal so I looked further and noticed the premium 26 seater came with great features. I'm talking about:

• Flatscreen TV
•  Bar
•  Great sound system to hook up your iPad/phone/CDs
•  Awesome lighting
•  Poll
•  Plush seating
•  Privacy glass

Check it out, and it looked exactly like this on the bus!

So, I told my husband we were going to a club to do bottle service. I could totally tell he hated the idea but that's of course what made this surprise hilarious. We walked out of his dad's crib after a quaint family birthday dinner and to his total surprise this beauty pulled up bumping some classic R.Kelly, with the lights down low, cups, ice,water and chasers on deck! All I had to do was bring the alcohol and the people. Drink what you want, and party with who you want, bam! That's my husband's kind of night lol.

Little did he know, I had set up a FB group and invited his closest friends to participate in the surprise! We stopped at three locations and at each one a handful of his friends hopped on the bus. It was exciting seeing his face light up ever time someone stepped aboard. I know turnup is so overused but I really can't think of any other word to describe the fun we had....so I'll give you a glimpse.

So, let me get to it, because this is actually supposed to be less about my hubby's birthday and more about experiencing THE BEST service I have had in a very long time. The owner Michael Bogan aka Mr. Party Bus was polite, professional and extremely considerate since the day he picked up the phone! He showed genuine interest in the occasion, he was very understanding and patient when my card declined 4 times while trying to pay the deposit.  SN: Yes, Chase I'm blowing up your spot,, since you decided to send me a new card and cancel my old one even though I hadn't reactivated it yet, who does that? smh. Anyway, Mike was not rude about it, he ran the card a few times and waited for me to call Chase to figure it all out. He didn't assume I couldn't pay or make me feel embarrassed at all, he actually told me it's happen to him before, making the awkward moment more pleasant for me.

He called me the day of to ask if I was excited and had everything together.  He joked about those that dropped out last minute and made me feel confident I made the right choice and that the party would be banging regardless.  Right before pickup he called to tell me he would be 8 minutes late because he was in traffic and arrived exactly 8 minutes later. On the bus, we received the same awesome treatment, he helped me hook up the sounds, spoke to everyone on the bus, I mean everyone had amazing things to say about him.

A business really is as good as its owner and Mike over delivered on my expectations. And to think, I almost let someone's opinion make me second guess my choice in vendor because THEY feared it being a black owned business it would be bootleg and unprofessional. Oh and by the way, this was the opinion of a black person, smh.  I am so glad they were wrong and I can confidently recommend this company to every and anybody that will listen.

That's exactly what my blog is truly about, debunking myths and stereotypes about our people! We don't hear enough positive things about our business owners and we have examples of great ones all around us. If you ever want to have a good time "Riding Around and Getting It" make sure you call the best party bus vendor in Chicago, Mr. Party Bus Limousine!

The Dedication

Nope! I know what you're thinking and this post isn't about Lil' Wayne and his series of mixtapes under the Dedication. Although, I might as well take the moment to say I do think he's fallen off since the Hot Boys and earlier Carter albums ijs.  Despite the cookie cutter image I seem to project (shoulder shrug) I like pretty gritty Rap and Hip Hop.  Well, let me say this I admire and respect lyricist.  I'm no Wayne hater, one of my favorite albums is the Carter II.  Wayne just ain't talkin' about much nowadays.

Like really, I think every other word is pussy this, pussy that. Swallowing kids, eating this, and munching on that! Sipping whatever the hell is in his cup and feeling it necessary to tell women he don't go down (with them dangerous ass, diamond encrusted teeth) unless the ladies are keeping their grass cut smh. Then of course, the countless references to AK47s, choppers, etc. etc. etc.  Hahaha! Did that all sound dope coming from this suburban, corporate woman, mother of two! Lmao, probably not, but does it really sound better coming out of Wayne's mouth, or is it because he's rapping all that crazy talk over a cold ass beat? I say "Cold Ass Beat for $400, Alex!"

Ok, so really this was not supposed to be about Wayne but rather the real dedication it takes to make it in the rap game.  It is soooooooooooo saturated.  First of all everyone thinks they can do it, even me.  Yes, me.  I'm a spoken word head, and often write my poetry to music which I think to some degree could make me a rapper. What y'all think?

Listen, but really I remember sitting in my high school cafeteria at ETHS. Me and the girls chillin', sharing a bag of Flammin' Hots, gossiping about who's dating who and who we wanna be hooked up with and all that nonsense. I remember one particular day looking over my shoulder to see these dudes freestyling.  There were always kids rapping but there was one that I would never forget, he use to go in!  This tall, skinny kid, that use to look at the ground, raise his shoulders up and sway his hands back and forth while the rhymes just flowed from his lips. I literally stopped in the middle of my conversation to just watch in awe. It's like with the flip of a switch something just lit up in him. I don't know where it came from but it came, it was like something out of a movie. He was a pretty quiet kid, I think, I didn't really know much about him but there were two things EVERYONE knew: They called him Lunz and he could rap!

That was about 12 years ago....the other day I was on a homegirl's FB page and saw that he had shared a link.  Me being my nosey self, clicked on the link and what I saw put an enormous smile on my face.  Okay let me take the time to say here that I'm a bit of a sap.  I get emotional when I see my brothers and sisters doing awesome things. So I was smiling ear to ear because I saw Lungz is still grinding after all these years trying to make this rap game surrender to his skills.  I say trying, but he's definitely made lots of strides.  He's making videos, got an album out and has worked with heavy hitters in the industry like King Louie, Logic and J.U.S.T.I.C. League to name a few.

Man, in life when you say you've been grinding look at someone like Chris (aka Lungz) and the years of work he's put in to perfect his craft and bring it to the streets so people can enjoy hip hop that actually speaks to something other than violence, money, bitches, and hoes (sorry mom!) lol. In this world you have to believe in yourself because if you don't people will easily kill your dreams, self esteem, all that. He's a motivation to me as I struggle and grind to get my entrepreneurial ventures off the ground.  We have to go in knowing doors will close and be locked...with a dead bolt but you know what they say, keep knocking until someone lets you in and when they do you better be ready to show them what you got!

See what Lungz got, and check out one of my favs off his latest album Inebriation, "Pictures on the Wall." Support this brotha, like, share and download his album. Let's  get his views up and show these new school kids what a true lyricist looks like and what feel good music is all about!

Another fav off the album "Still Thuggin"

Support Small Businesses in a Posh Way!

Day parties are the new way to party these days.  You can't get more grown and sexy then the Posh Experience.  Today at 2pm at Park Tavern in The Chi (Chicago that it is) it's going down in a major way! What better way to break up all the shopping and holiday festivities than hitting the social scene and supporting small businesses on Small Business Saturday with the beautiful ladies of Posh Entertainment?!?

From left to right: Kisha Keeney, Diamond Ingram, Paris Tyler, Lesley Martin

These dynamic divas make entrepreneurship look effortless.  These ladies are known around the city for bringing the urban community a high-end, sophisticated and classy way to get it in! Posh entertainment holds day parties at different locations around the town, bringing a new and engaging experience each time.

Notorious for selling out venues, the women of Posh draw upscale crowds, filled with some of the city's sexiest, most successful trendsetters and party-goers. This is no coincidence, as the women of Posh have both impressive educational and professional backgrounds:

Kisha, a graduate of Ball State University in Indiana, has a background in radio & television and has
experience hosting as an interactive visual jockey. Kisha coordinated events and managed operation
for Emmis Communications and has dabbled in planning destination weddings.  This marketing professional holds the title of Director of Event Coordination for Posh.

Diamond, a graduate of Northwestern University with a master's in Intergrated Marketing Communications and undergraduate from the University of  Michigan, holds the title of Director of Business Development for Posh.  Her experience working in marketing for Fortune 500 companies allows her to lend her expertise to Posh's growing entertainment business.

Paris, a graduate of Bowling Green State University, has an extensive background in PR, social media management and event coordination.  Her professional experience includes managing events for top brands including McDonald's, Wells Fargo and Sears. Paris holds it down as Director of Operations for Posh.

Lesley, also a graduate of Ball State University, holds the title of Creative Director for Posh. Lesley has a note worthy background in communication and production. She's worked behind the scenes producing television shows for OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) and BET (Black Entertainment Television).

Support these ladies today and checkout MISSION IMPOSHABLE! If you can't make today's event follow Posh on Twitter @PoshLifeEvents, visit their FB page Posh Entertainment or visit their website to find out more about upcoming events.