Hey Love,
Hey!! How are you?! Hopefully blessed,
well and in great spirits! It has been a
semi-while but I haven’t been completely MIA! (She snuck in a few vacays &
other things that you will be filled in with). However, additional means of
contact include but are not limited to:
Of which you
can find me posting more on so therefore…
I figured a
good way to ease back into this whole blogging thing would be to do a little
throwback session, I mean it is Thursday after all right? (although technically
I’m the throwback)... **It technically was Thursday when I began writing this, I know my days. So... don't judge me!!**
This past 4th
of July, some pretty cool ladies (Shout out to Sade, Sheena & V!) and I did
it up in New Orleans for the 2013 Essence Music Fest which was an amaze &
ing time!! Would I go back again? Absofreakinlutely. Yup! Top 10 Anyone?
Natural Bajan
Female’s TOP 10 Fav Moments from New Orleans’ 2013 Essence Music Festival:
10: #ESSENCESTARS Feature:
Okay so one really cool thing that Essence did at the festival was allow you to post photos that you took throughout the weekend on Instagram with the opportunity to have your photo featured on the websites, social media including Instagram & Facebook and even on the big screen during the concert. The photos were commentated by the crazy funny Nephew Tommy as featured on The Steve Harvey Morning Radio Show.
How do you go about having this happen? Simple. All you had to do was #EssenceFest and Pow!
So what went from Sheena & I taking this...
9. From a plain old cab ride to a blessing in disguise!:
Sade & I took the same flight in which was of course the ultimate plane ride! (I'll get into that in the next fav moment) We picked up our luggage and waited in line for the next available cab driver to take us to our hotel, nothing extreme right? Just a plain old ride to our hotel and on with the adventure.
On the way to the hotel, which was awe & some (Four Points by Sheraton on Bourbon. The livest part of Bourbon St. for sure) we had small talk with our cab driver whose name was Robins. All into our Instagrams, Sade & I are posting pics, admiring the scenery around us and talking about where we want to eat (So Fat-tastic!). Out of nowhere, this car to the left of us makes a crazy insane swerves easily into what landed in 2-3 lanes over towards us.
I kid you not, we had angels watching over us, Jesus certainly took the wheel because Robins did a crazy Fast & Furious move to dodge us from what could have been ugly for the rest of the trip!! I thank God for his grace & mercy and covering all of us at the very moment and that we had Robins who was attentive to what was going on.
From there on, we became good buds with Robins. He became our personal tour guide/driver. No matter how many times we called, he was there and early! Where do they do that at? If he wasn't available, he made sure to let us know in advance, which we greatly appreciated.
One experience, Robins did let us slightly down as he got tied up but that's understandable. Who were we to complain when we kept him waiting sometimes? (4 women, one room, meaning one bathroom, what do you expect? lol) He didn't owe us anything. Do you know this man took us where we wanted to the next day without accepting a dime on a Saturday at that? When I tell you of course a great tip was in order and I'm certain that he received his blessing! He even called us the following night to make sure that we arrived home safely. So big shout out to our Haitian friend Robins, may God bless him abundantly!
8. Celeb-Vision:
So as mentioned in the previous fav moment, Sade & I had the ultimate plane ride on the way to New Orleans and the way back wasn't so bad as well.. kind of. We didn't want to wait around with the possibility of no seat at the gate so we hung around at this restaurant until just about loading time.
My seat wasn't reserved so we figured that we would walk over and find out where exactly I am sitting. This had me all types of aggy but if there was one thing that I knew, it was that I was getting on that plane!
So we're gabbing away and I stopped mid-tracks ignoring everything that Sade thought was important as she's still talking and had to get her attention. Who did I lay my eyes upon besides the chocolate hunk himself, Lance Gross?
Can't front, we had a moment. lol Wanted to take a pic & talk but we also had to remember that I needed to figure out where I was sitting and soon at which point Lance walked onto the plane. My seat was in loading zone 1 so I went ahead but guess who I sat 4 seats behind on the opposite side of the plane? :-) Hot dur'n!
Prior to even leaving, I told my friend that "I am going to meet Lance Gross" which was beyond ironic that the opportunity potentially presented itself at the beginning of the trip. Speak things into existence! lol So once, the plane landed and I got out I just knew Lance was gone, but who do I see sitting to the right of the exit?
Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child. She is super sweet & it was really nice to meet her. When I tell you Sade & I have a secret how to get the photos now.. lol Love Michelle's new song Click Here for "If We Had Your Eyes" as well! Positive woman!... Oooh love her mani.
7. Drama what? Drama Free!!
Sometimes you travel with certain people and you realize that the friendship/relationship is cool within means of being able to go back home but then it's different having to share the same space. We really didn't have these issues which I'm proud of as 4 women in one room! There is no reason to have to fight or bicker but it does happen sometimes and wind up turning ugly. However we were able to get through the trip happily & home in one piece!!
Not exactly what it is saying but you catch my drift lol.. The irony behind hearing someone sing "This Girl is on fireeee" as I'm posting this..
6. Silver & Gold..
When you're on vacation, you tend to think, what are the odds of me seeing someone that I know. It happens way more often than you think at an event as such but I saw a few people who I haven't seen in a while. It was really nice & also a small world to find that others that you are with know them as well!
It was also very nice to meet some people!
This guy was really nice & hilarious from ATL. We met while walking back to the hotel on Bourbon & just chatted it up & he even saved me from being run over due to a sneeze.. lol Yeah odd moment.
This right here is my great Buddy Markie, the Brooklynite with the charming smile! Much respect for this guy. We talked for an extremely long time and even had similarities in past love lives that you would think the other read your mind it's creepy how similar they were. I'm pretty sure we're due lunch that doesn't include Reeses & Poland Spring.. lol
I'm all for meeting new people, you never know how one little gesture or comment can change your life by making moments that much better. Hopefully in a good way, so take that Drake! #TeamNewFriends
5. Essence Music Festival Expo:
There were many great seminars, contests, food, meet & greets, news updates just about everything going on at the expo. I would say definitely take advantage of these things if you have the opportunity and it was f-r-e-e!
Sade, Sheena & I coke-less but def with smiles
Yup, that's Durwin hosting a McDonald's show.
With my Girl Jilly from Philly!!
Singer Luke James
Chillin with My Monday & My Friday, Tamar & Vince!
Sheena, Sade & I Disney bound
The great SWV! I was bullied out of a pic with Coko lol... Boo.
Overall, the expo had lots of great things to offer. I'd highly recommend that you check the schedule out and attend a few events if you can even participate!
4. What is NOLA about?:
The ladies and I called ourselves arriving a day early before the concert and such took place to get a feel for New Orleans and beat the traffic at the airport which was great but we still didn't have enough time to do everything that we wanted to. However, this is a small taste of what we did experience.
Arriving at the French Quarter
A few blocks down from our hotel
4th of July Fireworks after dinner
Our hotel, great place! Very live! Four Points by Sheraton on Bourbon
This guy was hilarious.
You can't go to NOLA & NOT hide in a Mardi Gras mask!!
Right at our hotel, a few minutes after Beyonce passed by.
3. Concert Love:
Anyone who knows me, knows that music makes me super happy. I am a concert junkie so to be able to experience all of this music under one roof over several days? Loved!
Brandy SO did her thing! I would definitely go to another one of her concerts.
Miss Chrisette Michele. I always enjoy her concerts, such a treat.
Jilly from Philly!! Mad love for her. I actually went to her concert the week prior back home with a dear & great friend of mine & had a great time. Hey Rich! :-)
Maxwell
My Girl Solange!!
Keyshia Cole
Trey Songz
TGT I've been secretly cheating on Tank with Tyrese but shhh... Sexual Chocolate!
Janelle Monae!! She is like 4 ft 3 in of energy!!
David & Tamala Mann! Or Mr. Brown & Cora if you haven't caught on yet. lol Dyno Duo!
Hands down, the GREATEST performance that weekend was Uncle Charlie Wilson!! Ohhh my goodness, he tore that stage UP! Unfortunately my phone's battery decided to take a mad crash right before his performance so pics? None. Eh.
2. Q: What was one of the most talked about on the to do list? A: Duhhh... FOOD.. So Fat-tastic!:
If there is one thing that NOLA is known for it's their good ole' finger licking not burnt but crispin' Cajun food. We must have tried just about everything that NOLA has to offer food-wise while down there. Of course I wanted to post them all but just a few of my favs made the list.
Sade & I decided to grab something to eat before leaving and Delta went all out for their food court. The cool thing is you order via iPad & can even use any of the iPads at any location for free to pass time. Very handy in saving that cell battery life. Non-NOLA ish but still very cool.
A grilled chicken panini and... gumbo. Those onion rings were bomb!! Straight devoured. This was our only meal at the hotel due to the crazy downpour. It was good though & the service was great.
Loaded mac & cheese, cole slaw, brisket & corn bread. What? Yes! It went D-O-W-N!
You can't go to NOLA & not get a praline? That was super sweet but Delish.
5 courses? The greed, they were smaller portions though. But you only grub like this but so often with Emeril. My fave was the 1st course which was the duck... Ohhh can I get a refill?! Then I had the salad, followed by my shrimp & grits, buttermilk bread chicken which was super southern & the key lime pie that I wound up having to take back with me. Get in my belly.. Delish!! If you get the chance, I would highly recommend trying this restaurant as well as his others. Hands down my fav meal. Be sure to make a reservation!
Emeril's NOLA Restaurant
And for Natural Bajan Female's #1 Fav Moment from NOLA'S 2013 Essence Music Festival.....
1. Why My Great Company & Cheerishing Memories Of course!
I really went with some phenomenal, beautiful inside and out, grounded, future favored, God-fearing women!! I'm not saying that to sound biased but there are still some great ones to bring home to Mama out here Fellas! Thank you again Ladies! I think we're due for dinner soon, yes?
Miss Sheena & I.. I remember this, I got caught having a selfie session in the bathroom... Whaaat? The lighting was best in there lol
Miss Veronica aka V, Miss Sade, Yours Truly & Miss Sheena
Sade, Myself & Veronica.. We were sight seeing waiting for Sheena to arrive.
About to walk into the concert
Okay so one really cool thing that Essence did at the festival was allow you to post photos that you took throughout the weekend on Instagram with the opportunity to have your photo featured on the websites, social media including Instagram & Facebook and even on the big screen during the concert. The photos were commentated by the crazy funny Nephew Tommy as featured on The Steve Harvey Morning Radio Show.
How do you go about having this happen? Simple. All you had to do was #EssenceFest and Pow!
So what went from Sheena & I taking this...
Turned to this.... Pretty cool right!? I JUST caught the pic but was stupid excited lol. BIG Shout out to Essence, they are always showing mucha love! Xo
Sade & I took the same flight in which was of course the ultimate plane ride! (I'll get into that in the next fav moment) We picked up our luggage and waited in line for the next available cab driver to take us to our hotel, nothing extreme right? Just a plain old ride to our hotel and on with the adventure.
On the way to the hotel, which was awe & some (Four Points by Sheraton on Bourbon. The livest part of Bourbon St. for sure) we had small talk with our cab driver whose name was Robins. All into our Instagrams, Sade & I are posting pics, admiring the scenery around us and talking about where we want to eat (So Fat-tastic!). Out of nowhere, this car to the left of us makes a crazy insane swerves easily into what landed in 2-3 lanes over towards us.
I kid you not, we had angels watching over us, Jesus certainly took the wheel because Robins did a crazy Fast & Furious move to dodge us from what could have been ugly for the rest of the trip!! I thank God for his grace & mercy and covering all of us at the very moment and that we had Robins who was attentive to what was going on.
From there on, we became good buds with Robins. He became our personal tour guide/driver. No matter how many times we called, he was there and early! Where do they do that at? If he wasn't available, he made sure to let us know in advance, which we greatly appreciated.
One experience, Robins did let us slightly down as he got tied up but that's understandable. Who were we to complain when we kept him waiting sometimes? (4 women, one room, meaning one bathroom, what do you expect? lol) He didn't owe us anything. Do you know this man took us where we wanted to the next day without accepting a dime on a Saturday at that? When I tell you of course a great tip was in order and I'm certain that he received his blessing! He even called us the following night to make sure that we arrived home safely. So big shout out to our Haitian friend Robins, may God bless him abundantly!
8. Celeb-Vision:
So as mentioned in the previous fav moment, Sade & I had the ultimate plane ride on the way to New Orleans and the way back wasn't so bad as well.. kind of. We didn't want to wait around with the possibility of no seat at the gate so we hung around at this restaurant until just about loading time.
My seat wasn't reserved so we figured that we would walk over and find out where exactly I am sitting. This had me all types of aggy but if there was one thing that I knew, it was that I was getting on that plane!
So we're gabbing away and I stopped mid-tracks ignoring everything that Sade thought was important as she's still talking and had to get her attention. Who did I lay my eyes upon besides the chocolate hunk himself, Lance Gross?
Can't front, we had a moment. lol Wanted to take a pic & talk but we also had to remember that I needed to figure out where I was sitting and soon at which point Lance walked onto the plane. My seat was in loading zone 1 so I went ahead but guess who I sat 4 seats behind on the opposite side of the plane? :-) Hot dur'n!
Prior to even leaving, I told my friend that "I am going to meet Lance Gross" which was beyond ironic that the opportunity potentially presented itself at the beginning of the trip. Speak things into existence! lol So once, the plane landed and I got out I just knew Lance was gone, but who do I see sitting to the right of the exit?
**Mission Accomplished**
Sade got her photo as well but I won't tell her story and how hilarious it was to watch, especially with no sound. LOL Love you Sade!!
There were other celebs on that flight including Nicole Murphy and Music Mogul Kevin Liles. He was very nice and his daughter is absolutely beautiful!
This chocolate man right here, he was Lance before Lance even knew it lol. Admit it ladies, how many of you had a surprised reaction while in the movie theater while viewing "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man" when this fine specimen appeared? I shifted in my seat somewhat like "Yeahhh Babeh". (Be honest, I heard some of the screams just like some men got their Arsenio Hall on when Meagan Goode appeared.) Something about a nice bald head & clean defined goatee (Although I LOVE when it's kind of scruffy but well kept in the same kind of growing in neatly.. Ooh child). **Distraction** Okay I technically, didn't meet him but appreciated the 2.354 seconds. lol I promise I'm not a groupie sounds so bad but we all like something pleasing on the eyes right?
Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child. She is super sweet & it was really nice to meet her. When I tell you Sade & I have a secret how to get the photos now.. lol Love Michelle's new song Click Here for "If We Had Your Eyes" as well! Positive woman!... Oooh love her mani.
The Super talented Issa Rae!! (For those who aren't familiar writer and producer of "The Couple", "The Choir", "Hello Cupid", "The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl". Just look up blackandsexytv or issa rae on YouTube. If you're not familiar you will be HBO familiar soon ;-) Funny story how this pic when down really...
We were waiting for V to get back at the concert, a good amount of time went by so we were getting semi worried and kept looking back for her. This one particular time, I happened to glance back and who did I see turning the corner other than Issa Rae so I told Sade & we bum rushed the mush out of her.
She gave us one of those awkward J expressions like, "Uh huh, yeah.. pause..I'm... going to.. walk around you... Girl, are those booty shorts?". Unintentional of course lol. It was during the concert and we probably looked all types of crazy but you best believe during the intermission when she was walking out we collected our vowels & explained how much we like her webseries. Now that she could hear us she was very nice & took pics with us. Very humble woman who is going places for sure!
7. Drama what? Drama Free!!
Sometimes you travel with certain people and you realize that the friendship/relationship is cool within means of being able to go back home but then it's different having to share the same space. We really didn't have these issues which I'm proud of as 4 women in one room! There is no reason to have to fight or bicker but it does happen sometimes and wind up turning ugly. However we were able to get through the trip happily & home in one piece!!
Not exactly what it is saying but you catch my drift lol.. The irony behind hearing someone sing "This Girl is on fireeee" as I'm posting this..
6. Silver & Gold..
When you're on vacation, you tend to think, what are the odds of me seeing someone that I know. It happens way more often than you think at an event as such but I saw a few people who I haven't seen in a while. It was really nice & also a small world to find that others that you are with know them as well!
It was also very nice to meet some people!
This guy was really nice & hilarious from ATL. We met while walking back to the hotel on Bourbon & just chatted it up & he even saved me from being run over due to a sneeze.. lol Yeah odd moment.
I'd be lying if I said I remember all of their names but they were super hilarious and kind New Orlean breeds.
5. Essence Music Festival Expo:
There were many great seminars, contests, food, meet & greets, news updates just about everything going on at the expo. I would say definitely take advantage of these things if you have the opportunity and it was f-r-e-e!
Yup, that's Durwin hosting a McDonald's show.
With my Girl Jilly from Philly!!
Singer Luke James
Chillin with My Monday & My Friday, Tamar & Vince!
Sheena, Sade & I Disney bound
The great SWV! I was bullied out of a pic with Coko lol... Boo.
4. What is NOLA about?:
The ladies and I called ourselves arriving a day early before the concert and such took place to get a feel for New Orleans and beat the traffic at the airport which was great but we still didn't have enough time to do everything that we wanted to. However, this is a small taste of what we did experience.
Arriving at the French Quarter
A few blocks down from our hotel
4th of July Fireworks after dinner
Bourbon at night
Our hotel, great place! Very live! Four Points by Sheraton on Bourbon
This guy was hilarious.
You can't go to NOLA & NOT hide in a Mardi Gras mask!!
Right at our hotel, a few minutes after Beyonce passed by.
3. Concert Love:
Anyone who knows me, knows that music makes me super happy. I am a concert junkie so to be able to experience all of this music under one roof over several days? Loved!
Brandy SO did her thing! I would definitely go to another one of her concerts.
Ladies Love Cool J!
Miss Chrisette Michele. I always enjoy her concerts, such a treat.
Jilly from Philly!! Mad love for her. I actually went to her concert the week prior back home with a dear & great friend of mine & had a great time. Hey Rich! :-)
Maxwell
My Girl Solange!!
Keyshia Cole
Trey Songz
Tank Daddy
TGT I've been secretly cheating on Tank with Tyrese but shhh... Sexual Chocolate!
Janelle Monae!! She is like 4 ft 3 in of energy!!
David & Tamala Mann! Or Mr. Brown & Cora if you haven't caught on yet. lol Dyno Duo!
Hands down, the GREATEST performance that weekend was Uncle Charlie Wilson!! Ohhh my goodness, he tore that stage UP! Unfortunately my phone's battery decided to take a mad crash right before his performance so pics? None. Eh.
2. Q: What was one of the most talked about on the to do list? A: Duhhh... FOOD.. So Fat-tastic!:
If there is one thing that NOLA is known for it's their good ole' finger licking not burnt but crispin' Cajun food. We must have tried just about everything that NOLA has to offer food-wise while down there. Of course I wanted to post them all but just a few of my favs made the list.
Sade & I decided to grab something to eat before leaving and Delta went all out for their food court. The cool thing is you order via iPad & can even use any of the iPads at any location for free to pass time. Very handy in saving that cell battery life. Non-NOLA ish but still very cool.
Gumbo was a must... With just about every meal.
A grilled chicken panini and... gumbo. Those onion rings were bomb!! Straight devoured. This was our only meal at the hotel due to the crazy downpour. It was good though & the service was great.
Loaded mac & cheese, cole slaw, brisket & corn bread. What? Yes! It went D-O-W-N!
You can't go to NOLA & not get a praline? That was super sweet but Delish.
This Chef aka Ms. Linda was a winner of Chopped, which I enjoy watching with my family so it was cool to try her food.
5 courses? The greed, they were smaller portions though. But you only grub like this but so often with Emeril. My fave was the 1st course which was the duck... Ohhh can I get a refill?! Then I had the salad, followed by my shrimp & grits, buttermilk bread chicken which was super southern & the key lime pie that I wound up having to take back with me. Get in my belly.. Delish!! If you get the chance, I would highly recommend trying this restaurant as well as his others. Hands down my fav meal. Be sure to make a reservation!
Emeril's NOLA Restaurant
1. Why My Great Company & Cheerishing Memories Of course!
I really went with some phenomenal, beautiful inside and out, grounded, future favored, God-fearing women!! I'm not saying that to sound biased but there are still some great ones to bring home to Mama out here Fellas! Thank you again Ladies! I think we're due for dinner soon, yes?
Miss Sheena & I.. I remember this, I got caught having a selfie session in the bathroom... Whaaat? The lighting was best in there lol
Miss Veronica aka V, Miss Sade, Yours Truly & Miss Sheena
About to walk into the concert
V being interviewed for her fabulous sense of style. In the words of Tamar, "She Did That!"
Overall, it was a fun-filled experience and I would certainly go back again. Next time I would want to get more of a feel for New Orleans for instance going to Ward 9, trying other restaraunts, go to a few museums, take a street car, go on a swamp tour (gators and everything. I want the real deal!), get in on a Po’Boy or two maybe even try gator, and make it to a few more seminars. V and Sade went on a plantation your which Django was filmed but I was kind of forced to go when I was younger, which left me slightly scarred maybe I’ll get over that but I really don’t have any complaints.
All White Cruise on the Mississippi (Yes I had to sing the little song in my head to type it) River. Great photo opps! Pics can certainly lie because we didn't have the greatest time on here. I think waiting almost 2 hours to begin loading the boat had a lot to do with it as well but nonetheless, great company!!
Overall, it was a fun-filled experience and I would certainly go back again. Next time I would want to get more of a feel for New Orleans for instance going to Ward 9, trying other restaraunts, go to a few museums, take a street car, go on a swamp tour (gators and everything. I want the real deal!), get in on a Po’Boy or two maybe even try gator, and make it to a few more seminars. V and Sade went on a plantation your which Django was filmed but I was kind of forced to go when I was younger, which left me slightly scarred maybe I’ll get over that but I really don’t have any complaints.
I do my best
not to take my blessings for granted. One thing that I do pray about is that
God may shield me from negative energy people who are around just to be against
me. One thing that my Mom said to me years back was “You have a great taste in
friends”, which meant a lot. Now, don’t get me wrong, she called out a select
few who she gave the side eye with. In the words of Olivia Boss Chick…
but for the most part, I am truly blessed with
those who I encounter and continuously surround me. Much love to you all! XoXo
I am actually just seeing this pic below, I found it by accident!!! LOL How about us Ladies? I remember taking this too, totally staged hence my leg looking super awkward. Haha but shhh... I won't tell if you won't.
I am actually just seeing this pic below, I found it by accident!!! LOL How about us Ladies? I remember taking this too, totally staged hence my leg looking super awkward. Haha but shhh... I won't tell if you won't.
http://photos.essence.com/galleries/festival-fans-our-favorite-shots#341066_341086
Essence Saved the best for last eh? ;-)
Now here we have a bunch of selfies just because. Thanks for reading loves & be blessed!
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Man, I really have to get my arms back in shape.
Now here we have a bunch of selfies just because. Thanks for reading loves & be blessed!
.jpg)
Man, I really have to get my arms back in shape.
-Natural Bajan Female Xo
