B-More BAP Life :: Fabulous :: Fierce :: Friendly ::

BAP Movie: Double Wedding (Full Video)

2012-01-09T02:30:00.006-05:00

I'm a big fan of the Mowry sisters. I have been since the days of "Sister Sister". I love their positive energy, charisma and bright personalities. It's also very evident that they love one another and support each other as siblings. They just seem like all-around good people. So while perusing the DVD aisle in Walmart, it was a no-brainer for me to pick up this straight-to-DVD chick flick starring the two of them.

"Double Wedding" is a cute film about love, family and misunderstanding. As always, they were great to watch on screen together. It's especially a joy to see the on-air sibling chemistry they have.

Plot: Tia and Tamera Mowry star as twins Deanna and Danielle Warren, who, even though they may look alike, are anything but identical. When the two sisters plan their grandparents' re-commitment wedding, they start a little sibling rivalry to see who can settle down first and find the perfect boyfriend to bring to the blessed event. Soon enough, they unintentionally begin dating the same man, who believes they are one and the same person. Will true love win in this case of double trouble?

Brown Girl Snaps: Another B-More BAP Blog...

2012-01-09T01:46:00.004-05:00

www.browngirlsnaps.tumblr.com

Here you will find a cute little collection of photos near and dear to me. I happen to love photography and have tried my hand at it a time or two.

Enjoy!

You Only Get One

2012-01-09T01:06:00.002-05:00

Mothers are awesome. If you are lucky like me, you have a really good one - one that tucked you in real tight as a child, taught you amazing things and maybe (just maybe) got all up in your business ALL the time. My mother happens to be the best. Yes, I stand by the fact that she is THE most 'motherest' mother of them all. I sat with her in church today, arm around her, thinking that I don't know any mother-daughter pair as close as her and I. Over the years, situations and random circumstances have threatened our bond, but we've remained pretty stuck-like-glue all this time. I lost my dad at 17 and she's pretty much been the strong (unwavering) presence in my life all along. I love her. I adore her. I admire her.

So, recently when she was diagnosed with Cancer, I began to feel many things. I firstly went into a slight depression, questioned God's plan and just became downright discontented with this whole 'life' thing. You live, you grow and become wise, birth beautiful children and then suddenly something horrific and terrifying appears. And really, what's more scary than a Cancer diagnosis? Well...I don't know too many things more frightening than that, but I must say, through these last few months, her and I have grown even closer. I've learned a lot about believing and putting my faith into action. I've relied heavily upon the emotional support of my friends and really grasped some spiritual concepts, as it pertains to life and healing.

I've become quite acquainted with the Cancer thing and, all in all, it's not as terrible as it seems. There are many people out there living, surviving and thriving. It really requires a strong sense of hope. We live on that now. It definitely calls for a circle of friends and family that believe in the power of God and his ability to do amazing, awesome things... like transform a body from ill to well.

Most of all, in times like these, you need love. Love is truly the best medicine when life becomes a bit dim, for whatever reason it may. I've been pouring out my love for my mother and have been receiving it back from many of the people around me that care and are concerned for this moment of test in our lives.

I guess I said all of this to say that...you only get one mother. If you have the blessing of having one and she's well, spend as much time as you can with her. If the relationship needs work, do your best to repair it. Give it your best shot! Because really, what's more important than that?

Be blessed people.

Goodnight.

Let The Inspiration Flow!

2012-01-08T23:11:00.005-05:00

I'm a romantic. A dreamer. A hopeful. I live on the desire to create, grow and manifest into what God has truly intended for me to be. However, life has a way of crowding out all the good, perfect and beautiful sometimes. It can be a dead-end 9-5, the busyness of every day, or just the torture of having not yet matured from the frustration phase to the fulfillment stage. It can all just be too much.

Lately, I've been motivated to do everything that my little heart has ever set its sights on - finishing that novel, recording that album, painting a canvass, designing jewelry worth showing off/selling and just being a better, more in-tune, spiritual individual in general. However, it's not easy to eliminate the distractions in our lives to be this great being we all desire to be, so I've concocted a personal list that helps me (and hopefully others) the courage and a bit of inspiration to focus on the innate skills and characteristics born within each and everyone of us (to make us more successful):

1. Turn off the TV - Without the glare and constant noise of whatever it is blasting through the screen, one can focus on bigger and better possibilities: finish reading that novel, clean out that closet filled with old poems, write again, live again and just search your soul for what makes you truly happy.

2. Facebook Diet - We all need it, but no one wants to do it. It's kind of like exercise. Spending less time on social media sites definitely allows us all the time to focus on more important things - like what to do with the rest of our lives.

3. Silence - Even a radio can get in the way of truly fleshing out some amazing ideas. Silence allows your mind an opportunity to let it's own ideas rush in, as opposed to the stream of music, talk shows and commercials. A clear mind is the perfect place to start!

4. Naysayers - Sometimes taking a break from certain people in our lives can be necessary. It's OK that your spouse or sister don't agree with you spending 50% of your time working on a book, but who are they to judge? It's your life. Live it now!

5. Vacay - You need a change of scenery and everybody knows it but you. If you're beginning to feel that life is just BLAH, maybe it's time to see and experience something new. Travel somewhere you've never been and if you can't afford to, just find a lake or pond in your area that you've never seen and go there with pen and paper in hand. Write out your thoughts and listen to the ducks quack. The inspiration will come!

6. Faith - Believe in yourself. Believe in God's ability to make you great and simply walk in the highest potential that was destined for you.

You only get one life. Live it well!

Pure & Unadulterated Cool: Ms. Alex, BAP Reader of the Week # 1

2010-09-09T11:04:00.016-04:00

I recently had the great pleasure of chatting with one of my fave BAP readers, Ms. Alex. This (Morgan State Alum) BAP is gorgeous & fab inside and out. That is reflected in our brief interview below. Check it out!!

1. How long have you been a reader of B-More BAP Life? How did you become a reader?

I have been a reader of B-More BAP Life for about two years (since the fall of 2008) when I met [B-More BAP]. But I was actually a long time fan of the B-More Bap MySpace page back in the day!

2. What is your definition of a BAP?

To me, a BAP; a Black American Princess is a young woman on her journey to becoming a queen. She’s fierce, confident, head-strong, intelligent, original, and nurturing. She embraces her true-self.

3. What BAPS do you look up to & why?

I look up to a lot of queens, but a BAP I have a great respect for would be Solange Knowles, for her talent and individuality. She’s one of my style icons. I admire Tia and Tamera Mowry as well. They are such classy, family oriented women despite the demands of the industry they work in. I’m also inspired by the BAPs in my life.

4. What is your life's philosophy or motto?

My life's motto evolves based on stages in my life. Right now, I’m focusing on the quote “Never stop pushing. This world needs you now more than ever." It was a line in the poem “Ten Things I Want to Say to a Black Woman” by Joshua Bennett. When I heard the line, the words spoke to me so clearly. I am at a point in my life where fulfilling God’s plan has come with some obstacles. I use this quote to stay focused on the task at hand.

5. What are your interests and favorite things to do?

My interests start with learning. I love to learn. I love to read. I love the arts; performance and visual. Outward expression is powerful and intriguing. I love playing outside. I’m a kick-ball champion :-) & I love good conversation.

6. What are you goals/goal for 2010/2011?

My goal for 2010/2011 is to prepare myself financially, mentally and spiritually to become independent from my parents. I am indeed still a princess in that aspect. :-)

7. Favorite Books?

I’ve recently become addicted to memoirs. Two I really enjoyed were “I’m Down” by Mishna Wolf and “A Piece of Cake” by Cupcake Brown.

8. Favorite Music Artists?

Too many to name! But currently on heavy rotation: Bilal, Kanye West, Passion Pitt, Outkast, and John Mayer,

9. Hidden Talents?

Not that I have discovered. All of my talents are pretty much on display.

10. What message would you like to leave with your fellow BAPS?

Don’t be afraid to let your light shine! Be beautifully you :-)

Today's Inspiration

2010-09-09T10:38:00.002-04:00

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love & be loved in return"

Ebony Steps It Up for Fall 2010

2010-09-08T09:46:00.008-04:00

It's only been a month or two since we (devoted readers) welcomed Amy Dubois Barnett as new Editor-In-Chief of Ebony Magazine and the difference is already apparent. The new look is bold, the content is brave and diverse and of course, the overall feel of the magazine has taken off into a new, more modern direction.

When was the last time you purchased an issue of Ebony? I would highly recommend it this season. Personally, I'm looking forward to Johnson Publishing, with Dubois and Desiree Rogers at the helm, soaring to heights we haven't witnessed in a long time.

I'm anxious to see what's next, how about you?

:: BAP Reader of the Week ::

2010-09-08T08:11:00.007-04:00

[Insert Your Face Here]

Are you a faithful B-More BAP Life Blog reader? Join the B-More BAP Facebook page to find out more about being featured here.

Photo Source

BAP Travel: San Juan, PR

2010-09-07T14:17:00.005-04:00

I'm super excited about my next vacay. San Juan, PR (from what I hear) has alot to offer from beautiful beaches to exquisite dining. I will be staying at the El San Juan Hotel & Casino, a short distance away from the airport. Thanks to Yahoo Travel my trip was easy to book and inexpensive!

Treat yourself BAPS :-)

Here's more about the hotel:

The El San Juan Hotel and Casino is located on a sandy beach within the Isla Verde district of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and spans 15 acres of landscaped grounds. With many entertainment options, including nearby shopping and a casino, the resort appeals to adults and families, as well as business travelers.

The El San Juan Hotels Art Deco inspired lobby features intricate lighting fixtures, including a crystal chandelier hung over a sunken oval bar area. The hotel offers seven categories of modern guest rooms and suites. The La Vista and Grande Vista rooms make up the standard accommodations and feature stark white furniture and bedding, earth tone walls and tropical accents in vibrant red, orange and green shades. All rooms come equipped with a mini bar and iPod dock. Some come with separate seating alcoves and balconies overlooking gardens and pools. Suites boast separate parlors and dining areas.

The hotel offers a choice of seven restaurants, including Caribbean cuisine and a rum bar at Koco and authentic Southwestern fare at Brother Jimmys Barbeque. The Palm specializes in seafood and steaks, while Yamato features a sushi bar and an authentic teppanyaki table. La Piccola Fontana serves traditional Northern Italian cuisine in an elegant setting and, for more casual meals, the Galleria Pizza and Trattoria offers a variety of salads, sandwiches and pizza. Las Terraza is located on an outdoor terrace overlooking the pool, grounds and Isla Verde waterfront.

There is an aquatic complex with three pools in addition to the hotels two miles of white-sand shore. Nearby vendors offer water sports, rentals and services including banana boat and Jet Ski rides, as well as parasailing. There is a tennis court on site and the Edouard de Paris Day Spa offers complete spa services, including massages, facials and body treatments. The resorts casino boasts state-of-the-art slot machines and nightly entertainment.

Video Source: VoyageChannel by Voyage.tv.

Remind Yourself Everyday...

2010-09-05T12:54:00.008-04:00

Nia Long opens up about beauty, family, Barack Obama & business in this throwback interview with Rolling Out TV.

Me & This Dreamy Blog of Mine

2010-09-03T11:48:00.016-04:00

There are moments when a sense of nostalgia rushes over me and I get all and sappy tender inside. Moments like this one, where I reflect upon the past three years; now behind me. These varied moments linked together chronologically, with love, and a passion for African-American Sisterhood and Togetherness. I get all teary-eyed at the thought of this monumental endeavor in my life and all of the joy and hope that it's given me.

What began as a simple step toward motivating myself and others toward unity and success has become, for me, a major staple and signature. B-more BAP Life (and The BAP Society) has been that one place where I could always come and find encouragement and build confidence, when the outside world was way too much to bear. As I look back over the many posts, rants and ramblings - I laugh to myself about the changes I've made and the growth that I've seen in myself.

Though little work has been done to improve the visual decor around here (working on that), a great deal of inner work has been done...immense transformation has taken place right before my eyes. I've come to know and love myself (and others) in ways I could have never imagined. Through my reading, of both your blogs and mine, conversing and relating via electronic communication, I've learned to appreciate everyone's experience, even those that don't necessarily reflect my own. We, as a group of bloggers/BAPS, have given of ourselves and collectively shared our best and worst moments. What a gift it's been!

You (my reader) have seen me through the love, breakups, hope, betrayal, schooling, death, career changes and everything else. Humorously, I've deleted many of those posts in random fits of paranoia and the folks who were around during those moments have (hopefully) held on to the memories of those now absent chunks of my life. Nonetheless, I've sometimes shared here what I hadn't ever expressed to some of my closest friends. You have been my secret pen pal and bosom buddy, my dear long distant friend who I could always call when my home of Baltimore felt cold and lonely.

I've made plenty of brother/sister-friends along the way (from all over the US/World) who have sent me little encouraging notes, comments, emails with pics of the family, lent great advice (on career and life in general) and just made me feel all types of warm and gooey inside. This was my hope for this blog. That I would find company in the presence of my people and come to know and affectionately coin them as fictive kin.

I feel abundantly blessed and overjoyed that you have embarked on this journey with me. I couldn't ask for more. I really couldn't...

:: AIDS Walk Washington 2010 ::

2010-09-02T19:48:00.009-04:00

HIV/AIDS in the Washington, DC Metro Community

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimate that more than one million Americans are living with HIV. Up to one-third of them do not know they are HIV-positive.

It's estimated that one in every 20 adults in the District of Columbia is infected with HIV.

DC has a higher rate of HIV infection than most sub-Saharan African nations.

DC has the highest rate of new AIDS cases per 100,000 people in the United States -- a rate that is 12 times the national average.

In DC, the greatest increase in AIDS cases is occurring among people of color, women, injection drug users and through heterosexual contact.

In DC, African-Americans account for eight out of every 10 cases of AIDS.

More than 15,000 people in the Washington metropolitan area live with AIDS. Tens of thousands more people are estimated to be infected with HIV.

Find out more information about this event HERE.

Controversy over Essence Magazine & their New Hire

2010-09-02T09:59:00.003-04:00

What's your take in this debate?

Desiree Rogers & Amy Dubois Barnett join Johnson Publishing

2010-09-01T12:03:00.007-04:00

Former Social Secretary for the White House, Desiree Rogers & former Editor-in-Chief of Honey Magazine, Amy Dubois Barnett, have signed their names on the dotted line to Johnson Publishing, makers of Ebony Magazine. I have personally followed these two successful women, noting their power moves along the way...hoping to get a few pointers here and there.

Desiree Rogers, who recently resigned from the Obama Administration, was named CEO in August of 2010. Amy Dubois Barnett made her fabulous debut in the September issue of Ebony magazine, already putting her "take action" swing on things. Readers are introduced to Barnett in the Oval office, as she sits down with Barack Obama to discuss education and the African American Community at large.

Having read Amy's recent novel "Get Yours!" and seeing the positive effect she's made on African American print media and media overall, I am proud to have her at the helm at so great and historical a magazine as Ebony. She is a trailblazer and it's only fitting for her to be employed by THE trailblazer of all black magazines, Ebony.

Read more about Desiree Roger's plans for Johnson Publishing here.

Amy Dubois Barnett discusses more about her plans here.

Reflections from the 20th Annual NAACP Theater Awards (08/30/10)

2010-08-31T21:00:00.006-04:00

7 years later, Obama says "It is time to turn the page"

2010-08-31T20:29:00.009-04:00

Tonight, live from the Oval Office in DC, Obama spoke to our nation about the end of combat in Iraq. With no clear designation of victory, Obama made it apparent that the combat mission is over; asserting frankly "It is time to turn the page."

50,000 troops are expected to remain there for Iraqi support and counterterrorism training.

For more on Obama's 08/31/10 address click here.

New Artist from the DMV: Aaron Camper

2010-08-31T11:52:00.018-04:00

"Second Thought" - Aaron Camper (ft. Brandy)

Meet Aaron Camper:

This singer/songwriter is a native of Salisbury, MD. Honing his talent in the church, Aaron has lent his vocal stylings and writing abilities to such Gospel heavyweights as Tye Tribbett & G.A., Marvin Sapp and The Clark Sisters, just to name a few. Aaron is also recently coming off of the Jill Scott/Maxwell tour as one of Jill's acclaimed All Male background vocalists known affectionately as "The Pipes". Aaron is now branching out on his own to impact the world with his music. His sound can be described as a new, young mix between John Legend and U2. Working with a host of different producers across the country and along side project coordinator/producer Adam Blackstone (Jill Scott, Kanye West, Usher, Musiq, Maroon5), Aaron's mixtape is due out later this year. He is currently on tour with new Sony artist Mike Posner. You will definitely be hearing more from this Vocal sensation!

http://www.aaroncampermusic.com/

My "Eat Pray Love" Review

2010-08-16T10:46:00.013-04:00

I heart Julia Roberts. She's my celebrity girl crush (not to be confused with my crush on Dwight Howard). She's what all us women strive to be: quirky, with a hint of wonderful, beautiful and clumsy (in a cute way of course). She's honest (atleast as Liz in "Eat Pray Love") and hopeful. She is me and I am her. We are Liz.

Liz is a tortured writer who longs for more. She finds herself at a loss for passion and realizes that the only way to find it is to travel to three places: Italy (Eat), India (Pray) and Bali (Love). In each stage of her journey she learns a little something, grows a little and gains a great group of friends or friend.

In my opinion, the writer Elizabeth Gilbert hits the nail on the head with this depiction of a 30-40 something woman, who finds herself torn between loveless marriage/relationships and lack of career fulfillment. She also can no longer stomach happiness in the norm, so she embarks upon a spiritual and emotional journey to find herself and find God. And in that quest finds that the two are interconnected.

Who among us hasn't longed for more or felt like living the same life, over and over again everyday, is insanity? At some point, in all of our lives, we must embark upon a journey of some kind for self-discovery or just simply adventure. We have one life to live only and to live it in one space and state of mind forever is not living.

"Eat Pray Love" is a true testament of the profound desire within us all to be our higher selves. It reminds you that every journey in life that you set out on should come complete with a little indulgence, prayer, as well as a deep faith in love and yourself.

Anything is possible, if you just believe...believe in your ability to find, seek and capture whatever it is that your heart longs for, if you just let yourself go.

BAP Travel: Phoenix, AZ (The Phone Snaps Edition)

2010-08-16T10:29:00.008-04:00

Kudos!

2010-08-16T10:09:00.001-04:00

...::::{ Rest in peace Grandmother }:::....

2010-07-30T08:24:00.002-04:00

Happy Juneteenth!! May the courage & strength of our people inspire you to greatness!

2010-06-19T12:12:00.004-04:00

Jada in July: The Fab Double Essence Covers ;-)

2010-06-18T09:29:00.008-04:00

Loves It!!

Summer "Shake Your Beauty" Tips from Tia Williams

2010-06-18T09:18:00.002-04:00

...::: My Black Is Beautiful :::...

2010-06-07T13:53:00.008-04:00