Diva is trying to stay on top of this blog!!!

Happy Holidays, everyone! I'm trying to stay on top of my blog and start the year RIGHT!!! I am starting TODAY!

Here is my latest YouTube video. It's not showing the full screen on this blog, but click the video and it'll take you to the video on YouTube so you can see it in its entirety.
Someone requested that I do a Naomi Campbell look. Here is the pic that inspired this tutorial.

Guess who's BACK!!!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am finally back on my blog. Life has been a flurry of activities... new baby, YouTube channel, etc. There are a TON of things that I'd like to share... been doing makeup, shooting and trying out new products. Stay tuned because I have a ton of pictures to share.

xoxoxo,
Diva

Guess who's baaaaaccckkk!!!!!

Hiya! Sorry I've been away so long. The new baby has been keeping me busy. However, I did manage to find time to get cracking with my youtube channel Welcome2DivasWorld. You should check it out. My last videos included a Kevyn Aucoin inspired face as well as a review of Jamaican Black Castor Oil products. Stay tuned!!!!

xoxoxo,
Diva

Has it REALLY been that long?

My word! My last post was in December 2008! How time has flown. I'm dusting off the old blog. It's long overdue.

Well, let's get to it! I'm currently on a personal leave of absence, so not much to report on the lines of working travel. However, I am happy to announce that I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on December 7th, 2009. While I'm home, I am working on my makeup portfolio and doing beauty tutorials on youtube. Feel free to check out my channel and subscribe! Here is the url: Welcome2DivasWorld

Here's a preview:

If you recall, in 2008 I was too happy to post about purchasing the All Black Vogue which was an Italian edition featuring solely models of color. Well, happy days are here again! Vogue has decided to do an online version of Vogue Black as it proved to be sooo popular. Bethann Hardison is the Editor-In-Chief, I get to understand. In addition to the Vogue Black, they have Vogue Curvy dedicated to the full figured gal. Controversy seems to be heating up in terms of inclusion vs segregation. In other words, why can't they just have more models of color in Vogue rather than segregating us. As for me, I'm happy that we are being recognized. As a collector of brown skinned fashion dolls, I was happy to see The Black Barbie Issue.
Stay tuned!

Macaron monster....

Time to consider the "Sweet Life"... after visiting France, specifically, countless trips to Laduree Patisserie in Paris, I've become a "macaron monster." Countless times I vowed I'd try my hand at making macarons. I've been told that it's quite difficult and a daunting task, but I was determined that I'd prevail. Persistence pays off! Alas, my first batch of macarons. I was so proud, yet exhausted that I didn't even make the Nutella ganache I had my mind set on. Instead, I filled three of the macarons with straight Nutella. I damn near went into sugar shock and would have required a shot of insulin. ...no, I'm not diabetic! They were very sweet, but very good. I only could eat two, while my daughter ate one. I decided that I would have to make an appropriate filling to balance the sweetness, but it would not be tonight. Hence, they now sit in a Tupperware tub waiting patiently to be filled. Here is a picture of the one that was devoured. The rest are in an album. Many more macarons will follow as the flavor combinations are endless!!!!
More pics can be found here:
Macaron Monster

Reflection...

The year has almost come to an end and such change has occurred in a short period of time. Most importantly, America has spoken loud and clear and has elected Barack Obama as it's first President of color. On election day, I got myself and the kids dressed as we march down to the election poll. The line snaked around the block, but it was "quick" and painless. We were done under an hour. While four year old Papa didn't understand the significance of the day, he was in line nonetheless, photograph taken so he could be shown down the line.

Numerous people have asked what's happened with the blog... I found that longer periods of time were going between entries without anything being entered all because I really like pictures to accompany my entry and I was not getting enough time to download them from my camera. Now I have a laptop that I take with me on trips, so their is really no excuse now.

Also, sadly terrorism has spread to Mumbai... the very hotel I stayed, the Taj Mahal, was attacked. See my August 10th entry from last year. Terrorists demanded US and UK citizens. Over 125 people were killed. Delta has halted operations there at this time until the civil unrest ceases. It's late, so I'll catch up with you... I've done the 8 day trip to Africa... Dakar, Senegal and Capetown, South Africa. I've also been to Nice, France... twice. Very nice... anyhow, to bed I go. Will catch up later.

Shalom from Tel Aviv, Israel!

The are so many things that I need to get caught up on. At the moment, I am in Tel Aviv. This is actually my 2nd trip. My 1st trip was about 2 weeks ago. It's about 3am local time, which would be 8pm New York or eastern standard time. I was feeling a tad restless, so decided to hop on the computer.

A lot has been happening lately. I must brief you on my previous trip to Tel Aviv... I did a tour of Jerusalem. It was very interesting and spiritually enlightening. I've also been to Sao Paulo. That was my inaugural visit and actually, I headed here after returning from Sao Paulo, just the day before. That's back to back flying. On Monday, I'll be heading to my beloved city of Paris. Delta will no longer fly to Paris out of New York, which I hate... instead our partner airline Air France will operate the flight. I've got NOTHING to say on that. Let's just say I'm not pleased. This is a trip I will no longer be working. I think we still fly there next month, so let's hope I can hold some of those next month. However, I will treat Monday's trip with great nostalgia.

Also, on the update list, I went to Jamaica in late August and rode out Tropical Storm Gustav. There was no damage to the area where I was in Westmoreland, but it did get a tad scary. The power went out for like almost a day and we resorted to candles and kerosene lamps. The lamp bought back memories of being a kid and visiting Jamaica before there was electricity in homes. Wow!!! I'll keep you posted and get pics up... as these posts are worthless without pics! LOL!

Last but not least, how could I even NOT mention 9/11? It was a catastrophic event that changed many lives forever. I still grieve for all that was lost. It changed the world as we know it. ...still praying for the families who lost loved ones or even those whose situation "changed" as a result. Also praying for the continued safety of our troops and fellow colleagues in aviation.

Tel Aviv, oy vey!

Steady wins the race... one by one, adding blog entries. I am now in Tel Aviv... making my inaugural visit. The time now is about 11:42pm local time. They are seven hours ahead of New York time. As usual, I was the head flight attendant and feel really blessed to have gotten this trip. We arrived sometime around 3-4pm local time. Upon arrival at the hotel, I and a few crew members got dressed and we headed off to the beach. The beach is literally across the street from the hotel. Although I was not prepared to swim, I frolicked a tad in the water which was actually quite warm. The beachside was fairly crowded by many whom I am told are vacationers, either from France or Italy... and those locals who might be on holiday. One gentleman introduced me to his son whom he says is doing modeling and dreams of going to the States to model. Yet for now, those dreams have to be put on hold until he is finished with his army training. I am told that it is mandatory for boys to devote three years of their life to being in the Israeli army. I was like. woooooooowwwwwww!!!! Myself having a young son, didn't like the idea of that.

Right now, I am quite tired as I've not slept as yet. I will be receiving a wakeup call in about 6 hours as I've arranged to take a tour of Bethlahem and Jerusalem... I too will walk the streets where Jesus walked as He went about His life here on this earth. I am looking forward to it, somewhat with awe... expectancy. I'll keep you posted! Good night!

(As always, pictures will follow!)

Guess who's back...

Well, it's not like I actually left, but this summer has kept me rather busy... from plane to classroom, classroom back to the plane. I've also been busy planning my MAJOR event of the year- an "All White Beach Chic" party to celebrate my "birthday of a significant" number. LOL! Meanwhile, I've been trekking all over the globe.. UK, Ghana and then some... I'll post pics of those shortly.


As you know, I'm an avid fashion/beauty magazine collector. I'm talking once upon a time I had the VERY first issue of Elle magazine which I purchased on the newsstand... am I dating myself? LOL! The same can be said for Allure magazine. I was subscribing to Seventeen magazine when Whitney was on the cover. Anyhow, I was excited to see for July 2008 Vogue Italia featured what they call "A Black Issue." It was reprinted by popular demand and features Alek Wek, Alva Chinn, Arlenis Sosa, Chanel Iman, Gail O'Neill, Iman, Jourdan Dunn, Karen Alexander, Kiara Kabukuru, Liya Kebede, Noemi Lenoir, Pat Cleveland, Sessilee Lopez, Toccara Jones, Tyra Banks, Ubah, Veronica Webb and Yasmin Warsame. The issue has four different covers, but I have the one with Naomi. In either case, when you unfold the cover, you see the remaining three cover shots. Jezebel has a nice "guided tour" of the issue and is easy on the computer memory! According to the article, newsstand circulation in the US was increased by 30-40% to ensure enough copies! Here are some images that were posted by one of my favorite blogs- FASHIONISTA. Warning! It is picture heavy and takes a while to load. Here's an article that states "Fashion world stunned by Vogue for black." Hmmmm, maybe it's time to learn italian!

Also on the topic of fashion, I remember attending Ebony Fashion Fair fashion shows back in the day. Check out TV One's Documentary Ebony Fashion Fair.

Yes, it's been a long time...

I'm reaching you live and direct from Paris, my favorite city. So much has happened over the last few months. I've been back on the international scene for some time now and have been to the UK too many times to remember. May seems to have been the month of the UK tour/circuit... Edinburgh, Manchester, London-Heathrow, London-Gatwick... Next month I've got Shannon, Ireland... even after I distinctly preferenced NO IRELAND!!!!! I only do that as the trip isn't worth as much time as the other destinations that I've gone to. I am happy to announce that I picked up a Ghana for next month. The last time that I was supposed to go, the doctor said "NOPE!" due to acute sinusitis. This will be my first trip to the motherland Africa. Paris, as always, has been a frequent spot. I don't think I've done Italy this year at all. Time now in Paris is around 8:50pm. Although I was disappointed with July's schedule, there are other things to give thanks for. ONE-I have a job doing something I love. TWO-We do get a pay raise starting in July. THREE-We will also get premium pay for doing international... which is the majority of my trips. Sometimes you just have to see the silver lining in any situation and have an attitude of greatfulness. Thank you, Lord! I won't complain.

Back to Brussels

Hey All,

I know it's been a long time coming, but I am finally on updating. There are a lot of things that I need to catch you up on and will do it over time. I'm in Brussels and pooped, so it will have to wait... here's a hint: my trip to Jamaica at the end of February for a wedding at the Ritz-Carlton, my March 18th trip to London for my girfriend Natalie's funeral, my working trips to Paris April 1, London April 6 and Brussels April 9. Well, off to bed I go as I feel a migraine coming on.

The Diva speaks... how cute!

Press play! Watch how my eyes move around to follow your mouse!

Get a Voki now!

Happy New Year All!!!

I know I've done sliiiiidddddd into the New Year without so much as a New Year wish. I also know this blog needs updating. Furthermore, I have pics and videos I need to be adding. Once again, I am on bedrest, with my further activities being hindered. It appears I've gotten some form of viral gastroenteritis. What that means in everyday layman's term is that I've been having a hard time keeping my food down. UGH! I'll see what I can do later....

Happy Holidays from Brussels...

I'm back in Brussels again. I got here to the hotel not too long ago. Just the day before I was in Amsterdam. I think I need a break from international. Don't get me wrong, I love doing international, but I think the constant trips from summer until now has got my kids a lil' on edge... moreso my baby boy. When I'm home, he calls my name, "Mommy, Mommy..." like 50 times as if he's making sure I'm there with himin the house. I think he'll be feeling a lil' more reassured if he saw me in the mornings and at night.

Yesterday was such an emotional and moody day for me. I really miss my family... and have been feeling stressed lately. Must get rest now... voice is hoarse.

Happy Holidays!

Hello from Athens, Greece!

Hey all!

I've arrived on my inaugural trip to Athens. I was the "A." It is currently 11:40am as I blog to you from the street. (NY is 7 hours behind.) As oppsed to my usual routine of power napping then going out, I felt wide awake and decided to start the day by going out straight away... Not to mention it looks a tad bleak and I have no umbrella. I am not one to tempt mother nature.

As I walk down the street headed to Monastiraki,a shopping area, I am approached by several street beggars. While I don't speak Greek,some body gestures and signs are universally the same. I don't think a shabbily dressed person holding an empty cup before you means that they'd like coffee. What disturbs me more are two little girls sitting about three feet apart from each other. They appear to be no more than 3-4 years old. Positioned on their knees with cups before them, they are begging. Where is their mother? I want to find her and give her "two lash in her tail!" How come these kids aren't in school? Why must they perpetuate this legacy of begging rather than going to school and making something of themselves? Anyhow, I've arrived at my destination. I'm just a lil' peeved that I went to church this weekend and left my camera in Papa's baby bag. Sounds like Athens has not heard the last of me yet!

Bonjour, Toute le monde!

Diva's back in Paris. This time I was very good. I awoke much, much earlier from my "nap" than I did the last time. As you may or may not recall, I was in Paris last I believe on the 28th or 29th of last month. It was cold and rainy and I think I told you "mi come in like puss.. mi fraid wata..." in reality, it's the wearing of wet clothes while it's cold that I don't like. This go 'round, I awoke at 4pm local time and ventured out. I decided to go to Azzedine Alaia's spot that sells his stuff at 50% off. This is the placed that I had always dreamed of going back in the day before I had any kids... you know the deal, flat abs no flab... now after two kids, his designs ain't gonna have no love for my body. LOL! I went nonetheless as everything can't possibly be figure conscious and he does shoes as well. Got there before the shop closed, but I wasn't looking to spend the kind of money that they were asking for. I ventured on to an area that sold wholesale goods. I picked up a few vintagey looking handbags to give as Christmas gifts. The next stop was the department store BHV. While I've passed it before, I never actually went in. They had a nice assortment of goods. I was a good girl and bought nothing. I hopped on the metro again and headed to the Champs-Elysees. The Champs-Elysees was soooo beautiful. It had lots of holiday light going right down... soooo festive. It gave me that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. I popped into Promod to see what sort of goods they offered. After a quick once around, I left and headed to Sephora. Now, I had vowed not to buy anything any more from this Sephora as the dollar is so weak to the euro that it doesn't make sense. Why would I buy Christian Dior Diorshow mascara for 23 euro when I can purchase it for $23 US. Make sense? The euro is almost 1.5 times the US dollar. Makeup addict that I am, I did walk around. I had the nerve to have on my video recorder taping randomly. I'll upload it when I return to the States. What I did end up getting, as I do have one of those Sephora VIP cards issued to me from this Paris branch of Sephora, was a gift set of French perfume. I once upon a time wanted "Eau de Soir" and was going to purchase it in NY. I found it to be expensive and very heavy. I've also read that fragrances in France are made differently than their American counterparts... then again, this is a fragrance made in France. I took the tester and sprayed myself, then for whatever the reason, instantly felt french. Then the Sisley manager made a deal I couldn't refuse. They were selling the sets for maybe a euro more than the single fragrance. My set included a 1oz spray and shower gel. She threw in 3 mini bottles as I love collecting mini bottles (that alone had me sold as I've seen those selling for at least $15-$20 US) and tons of skincare samples. OK. It was a deal. I had my Sephora card on me and it also had an offer for a free eye contour lifting sample. OK, cool, but then the girl put is soooo much "swag" in my bag! I've been toying with Prada's new fragrance Infusion d'Iris Eau de Parfum but once again, wasn't ready to put out the money as I've been spendingt money on high end fragrances and need to slow it down. Sephora gave me at least 3 of those samples and a plethora of other items that I need to look at again as the goodies are in my hotel room and I'm in the crew lounge. I felt that my purchase was more than compensated. From here, I headed to Monoprix. I usually shop the one by my hotel, but I feared at the rate I was going, it would be closed by time I got back. I bought some soaps by Le Petit Marseillais. This is the one that I have in my rollerboard. It's supposed to be hydrating and doesn't leave me feeling dry. I also have this one. This is a HUMONGOUS bar and I have yet to get a soap dish to fit it. In addition to that, I needed to replenish my sunblock. This brown girl swears by sunblock. Skin protection helps keeps the skin youthful! I got La Roche-Posay's Anthelios W SPF 40 Sunblock gel. I figured I'd get this so I can use it here and in hotter climates like Jamaica and Ghana.... yeah, planning ahead! LOL! I've noticed that my branch of Duane Reade near my house is carrying a couple of these cosmeceutical skincares lines and I'm happy to say it was cheaper here than what I'm seeing online. I got mine for 17 euros and change. Here is the entire Anthelios line. I might try the Anthelios XL next. That' s what I originally went for, but decided to try the Antelios W. OK, off to my room I go... will post videos and pics later. I know several entries are missing pics.

Bags, Bags, Bags...

I've never been one totally infatuated with bags, although I love me some shoes. I'm getting into bags though. I came across a sample sale for a company called Hayden-Harnett. I went to the physical sale today and did score two bags. One was the Hudson Hobo in Vachetta, which is a light tan and the other was Thalia Drawstring Bucket in Chalk which is white. This sale continues over the weekend!

Here are my pics!

Hudson Hobo in Vachetta

Thalia Drawstring Bucket in Chalk

Pray for me, ya'll! I live in NYC and this is my first white bag!

The Hudson Hobo is a BIG and BOLD bag. Not for the timid!

Bucharest...hmm...

Well, I had a 49 hour layover in Bucharest. Let's just say that this isn't one of my favorite European countries. I am on the crew bus headed to the airport to return home. I'm the "A" FA and will be the entire month. What I will say is that this is the layover to come if you need complete rest. However, I found myself having a harf time falling asleep the 1st night we were there. Ambien and all, I fell asleep sometime after 6am local time. They are 7 hours ahead of EST. Then again, I didn't mention that once we landed, I hung out in a FA's room with the Cpt until about 1pm local time.By the time I got back to my room and slept, it was after 1pm which reulted in me waking up at 8pm or so local time. YIKES! I called my "B" and asked if she was awake. She was like "yeah! Come on over." I got dresses and went to her room and there were the 3 pilots and 4 other FAs. Mind you, this is a crew of 8 FAs and 3 pilots. They already came from eating dinner, so I ordered room service. Figured they couldn't go wrong w/lasagna al forno.Let's just say I didn't enjoy it. Anyhow, I'll continue later as I'm at the airport.

Holiday Shopping...

No sooner than we've eaten our Thanksgiving turkey, it's time to do the holiday shopping.
Me personally, I'm on a financial "diet", so I won't be spending a lot over the holidays other than on my two brats. For really close friends, I thought about getting magazine subscriptions. I as a makeup artist am always perusing fashion magazines to stay current on the looks or just to be inspired. You KNOW I am the bargain queen and will always be on the lookout for the absolute cheapest price... this is what I came up with.
Allure magazine... one of my first favorite beauty magazines... I have the first few issues!!!
$5.95!!! Elle, Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue and Vibe are also $5.95 at this site too!

Then there's good ole' Essence. I have a business, so I get to use a professional service, but to tell you the truth, I don't think they check. I get a subscription for $12/year and there's InStyle as well... I like their beauty section as well... same site $15/year. Doesn't get cheaper than that!

Can you tell I have TOO MANY magazines coming to my house? With the holidays around the corner, you may have it on your list to Shape up for the New Year... Shape magazine... $3.46 (yup, I said it!) for a year subscription http://www.magazinesquick.com/xcart/product.php?productid=239 You can get a 2 year subscription for $6.94 if you use code DCMPS25D

Enjoy and happy holiday gift hunting!!!

Oh, Pooo....

Well, I anticipated being in Ghana, Africa today. Yesterday was to be my first trip to Africa. However, this nasal/sinus congestion I've not been able to battle for the past month or so. I went to the doctor November 2nd, got a presription for antibiotics, but they didn't do squat for whatever is going on. Yesterday I had a second visit and was referred to an Eye Ear and Throat doctor... Otolaryngologist. Good heavens! Did I spell it right? He decided NO FLYING FOR A WEEK. Looks like the motherland will have to wait.... sigh.

As you know, it's not strictly all about the flying with me, I love baking, designing cakes, doing makeup.... maybe I could expound on those topics. OK, on to beauty we go... this Diva loves the look of expensive things, but doesn't like to pay expensive prices! That being said, I LOVE a sale. I'll share those when I find it. Did you know that a subscriber to LUCKY magazine you could get cashback using shopping links via their site LUCKYMAGREWARDS?
That being said, if you love Sephora, they are currently having their friends and family sale which entitles you to 20% off your purchase! If you shop the friends and family sale via the LUCKY link, you get cash back as well... about 6% back on purchase. Either way you decide to shop, use code FF2007. Don't go for the Holiday Sampler bag as I was told it was rubbish.

So, what's your game plan for the Black Friday sales? Here's a site with listing of stores with who's selling what on sale so you can take advantage of actually getting that Christmas shopping done early. Black Friday Listing

Well, time for me to get back to my "bedrest".... I'll keep you posted.