I'm Good

"Don't it tell ya? I'm good.
What that tell ya? I'm good.
What they tell ya? I'm good.
Don't he tell ya? I'm good.
What you see? I'm looking good!"

-- Clipse


Oh, that is so my new anthem! Guess what? This past Friday, the 16th, I left my campus pep rally to head for work. I was going to work the door for the private gathering for Clipse. Halfway there I received text messages: "The Clipse are performing on campus!" I think that's when you use the "FML" acronym, right?

Anyway, patience proved to be a virtue because they still came through Utopia as promised and TORE THE HOUSE DOWN! I worked the door at first. But later, I was able to enjoy myself and I got to see my anthem performed up close and personal! Plus, I was able to snag this...

And here's Tone-X! [Pause. Insert shout-out here: Power 98, Y Square Management, Swagger TV, Columbia Records... stand up!] Okay... now continue...
And of course...
A wonderful night with my wonderful girls: Asmee, Rian, and Evvy!



I'm a balla baby! Either get with it or get lost!

More later,

xoxo
Charlotte's Girl

Three-in-One: SlamCharlotte Poetry Slam

Although I am a poetry fanatic, this was my first live poetry experience in Charlotte (outside of campus). No, I didn't read; but I watched and loved. The SlamCharlotte Poetry Slam, hosted by my boy Bluz, was everything I expected.

If you've ever been to this event you know just how crowd interactive it really is. Five audience members were selected as judges. In between each performance they listened out for Bluz' cue, "Judges, what say you?", to reveal the score. If they were too slow, then it was the audience's time to shine... "You rat bastard! You ruin everything!". Yeah... I liked that part.

Three rounds jam packed with the best poets around the Charlotte area. The only rule? Don't go over time. Our favorite girl was definitely penalized (and lost) because of that... devastating.

Check out the next SlamCharlotte event Friday, October 16 at 8PM at Spirit Square. You won't be disappointed.

Oh... and then we went to IHOP on Woodlawn. That WAS my spot. Great food, but the service was frightful! They didn't know the menu, the prices didn't match up... I don't want to recount it. Just be cautious.



More later,

Charlotte's Girl

Three-in-One: The Mez

To all those who've listened to their friends brag about the movie theater in the epicentre, secretly wishing they would shut up! so they wouldn't have to know that you envy them and long for the day when you yourself could experience the magic first hand... I'm no longer in your group! Suckas!

Harsh much? I'm working on it.

On a seriously adamant tip--you absolutely must visit The Mez; it's an amazing venue. For only 12 bucks (remember I'm a New Yorker so that's not a horrible price) you receive leg room, a decent sized armrest/table for your food, complimentary bar and restaurant with food that is... say it with me... bang-ing! The movie's surround sound even seemed of higher quality... but that could just be my mind putting that extra two bucks to work. In any case, I "heart-ed" it.

Stop longing and see for yourself. There is no way you will be disappointed. And if you're dining, order the tomato soup. Three letters: OMG.

Also, check out the movie of choice for that night: Inglorious Bastards. I'm going to see it again with my boyfriend. Five stars people. Five stars.


I don't know if This Is It (the Michael Jackson movie) will be playing at the epicentre, but I need to see this movie in the best venue possible. The epicentre is the best. By the way, you may want to order your tickets now!



Whatever you do, do it in style!

Hugs & air blown kisses,

Charlotte's Girl

Three-in-One: Salsa night at Cosmos

I’ve been on a hiatus… as if it weren’t obvious. Between work, school, and more work, I’ve slacked on documenting the few outings I’ve been able to allow myself. So, I’m making up for it with a “three-in-one.” Yay!

But before I get started, I must congratulate Y Square Management artist Miss Ida Divine as she won an SMES Award. Miss thang doing her thang! So proud!

Now, on with it…

As I’ve stated before, the girls and I went Latin dancing over the summer and had a spicy time. Still, the outing a couple of weeks ago may have taken the cake. Von, Rian, and I originally planned to go uptown—a spur of the moment decision which stemmed from extreme boredom. So we packed in the car and headed to the epicentre. However, there was a change of plans and we ended up at Fuel (because I was hungry) and later, Cosmos (because I wanted a drink).

While I sipped my Jamie Foxx and Von prepared his kidneys for a glass of two H’s and an O, we noticed that it happened to be salsa night. Of course, we had to get on stage and learn the moves. Rian and I, the advanced amateurs that we are, still accepted the help of an older man who could dance his smooth tail off. We reviewed the basics and then learned how to spin to the right, the left, and how to slide.

The funniest part had to be when we partnered up. My partner was Von; very competitive. I know I was better though. At the end of the night a nice drunk man told me that I could dance. This I am sure of, but who am I if not humble?

Cosmos on Thursday nights is the place to be!

Did you know there are free Latin dance classes going on every night in Charlotte? Check it out: CHARLOTTEONTHECHEAP.COM

Oye! Mi salsa caliente!

Charlotte's Girl

Twinkle, twinkle... do you see the stars?

So things are a little different at the Tone-X & Friends show since he went off to Atlanta to film Mo'Nique's late night talk show. He's a writer for the show plus he'll be making appearances! Big thangs Unc, big thangs. So in the meantime, Chris "Funnyman" Robinson has to hold things down solo. And he's been awesome.

Look what we pulled out of the hat for this week's show...


Joe Barrino (Fantasia's brother)... he did a little R. Kelly for the people. Oh... btw... he's a cutie!

Raekwon from the Wu-Tang Clan. A little NY for you. You know... we had to do it! =D


Keep an eye on the blog & two ears to the streets,


More soon,

Charlotte's Girl

Dinner & Dessert

Sunday was a down day. I didn't feel like doing a thing! Anything stressful that is. The phone was on mute and so was I, for the most part. I caught up on The Real Housewives of Atlanta and several other shows that I've missed due to work & play!

Then I had an idea. I don't cook that much, so when I do I like to get creative with it. Seeing as I had hardly any groceries in my house, I had to utilize any and everything. And...

It turned out great!


So I figured, why not share the recipe?

Summer Recipe (courtesy of Charlotte's Girl)

*** Dinner ***


Spaghetti

• Cook spaghetti & season well with salt, lemon pepper, and Ms. Dash Onion & Herb
• Pour two caps of oil over spaghetti and mix carefully

Vegetables

• Boil vegetables (I made green peas & corn)
• Let cool
• Sautee vegetables using oil and red rose
• Season with garlic and pepper/lemon pepper

Chicken Strips

• Prepare chicken strips (I made Butterball chicken strips- they came preseasoned!)
• Cut to preference
• Let marinate in sweet & sour alcohol mixer (I do not have a problem, promise)
• Mix with barbecue sauce (You can actually use whatever sauce you prefer)

Finally

• Mix everything together and enjoy!

*** Dessert ***

• Betty Crocker-- yellow cake with choclolate frosting

Eat up munchkins!

Charlotte's Girl

Adrenaline

Talk about a burst of energy. I thought I'd be a slouch Saturday after my long week. However, I had plans to keep and I ended up not only having a great day, but an exceptional reserve of fire power to get me through.


First, let me tell you... I was so excited that I got to interview fellow Smithite, Robert Johnson (VP), and business partner, Johnny Petrozelle (Pres) on their business & product, Fly Energy Inc.-- a new addition to the Energy Beverage Industry.


The interview was awesome (stay tuned for the article).


FLY ***


I tried a FLY shot for the first time. ***

Then I took my new found energy and released it on the race track! Go-karts baby! Von & I went to the Nascar Speedpark at Concord Mills. I'm a beginner, but by the end of the night I got the hang of it and was whippin' that thang! People are so sensitive when it comes to getting bumped. Too bad Rian couldn't make it. She wouldn't have minded a little aggression on the tracks. ::smh::

Pictures from the track. ***

Fun day! I can't sleep!

Check you later!

Charlotte's Girl

Let Me Serve You Up!

So, as I said before, I have two favorite bodyguards-- and Keys is one of them. He hooked me & Rian up last night with Raheem DeVaughn concert tickets! The performance was held at Utopia Restaurant-- a cute little spot by the way (I'd never been there before. Looks like a great date location). Anyway, this was my third time seeing Raheem... yeah, we're on a first name basis now. Okay fine, I'm on a first name basis (minor detail).


Raheem... teeheehee =D ***

After the show, he signed autographs & took pictures with those who purchased the CDs he had for sale. We wanted our picture but uh... we went the other route. Sexy paparazzi. ***

I'm good though. He signed this for me last year at the My Black is Beautiful event. ***

Rian & I ***

Afterwards, we headed to Cosmos-- latin night. And we took pictures with this guy. ***

Then we got hungry and headed to Fuel where we had a very interesting conversation with a very interesting millionaire... (--> skeptic <--). True, you never know who you're talking to, but my guess would be that if he's a millionaire then I'm Oprah.

Until later, stay away from the cuckoo clocks.

Charlotte's Girl

Mos Def a Day to Remember

Get ready, okay? Today was full of complete awesome-ness! Well, to start off with the bittersweet news... my internship with Creative Loafing ended today (tear). Yes, it's that time again. Time to prepare for a new year of college; laboring away my sanity at the hands my professors. It's my final year though-- so if senior perks are any consulation for that 30 page senior paper, I'll be okay.

So farewell for now CL. I enjoyed it so much!


The view outside of the Creative Loafing offices. ***

After making my departure, I headed off to the Y Square Management offices in uptown Charlotte. But not before stopping by Fuel Pizza for lunch, where one of the workers generously served me my slice on the house.

"My memory's shot. So if I remember you, that means you come here often and you've spent enough money here." --Fuel staffer

Such nice people.

On with it... work was great (two thumbs up). But my night is when things really popped off. Me and my roadie & awesome friend, Von, headed out to Amos' Southend to see Mos Def live in concert. Mos Def! Did you hear me-- Mos Def! (Makes me think of my HS friend April. She was his self-proclaimed wife).

Needless to say, the show was bananas. It opened with performances by Medina Green and Jay Electronica. Check out the pics (More coming soon).

"I promise you. I'll rip any rapper who tries to battle me. Except Mos. Not Mos." --Jay Electronica ***

"JAY! JAY! You can't take me!" --random audience member ***
Jay Electronica RIPPIN' random audience member. All in fun... but seriously though-- he murdered that freestyle.***

Von & me ***

Now unfortunately Mos Def took SO LONG to appear that my phone died in the process. ::sighs:: When Von uploads his pictures I will post ASAP. However, here's a little memento. We went groupie status after the show. Von a little more fanatical than I... but nevertheless, I was so eager to meet the lyrical mastermind (that also hails from the big bad BK). ***

You have to check out this man live. Next time he's in Charlotte I'm blasting the 411 to everybody!

More later,

Charlotte's Girl

Tuesday Nights: The Only Thing Sour Was the Amaretto

The Tone-X & Friends show was wild last night. I worked the whole time, so I wasn't able to LMAO like the rest of the crowd-- but the feedback was great! Headliner--> Marcus Combs.

One of my favorite bodyguards, Keys, bought me an amaretto sour no ice. My drink of choice. And last night we found out that Skandalos makes really good fajitas! They also have this shrimp dish that looked so delicious. Well, I don't eat shrimp but the sauce was off the chain. My shrimp-lover coworkers had a field day. Say it with me: Muy caliente! (I just really wanted to say that).

Anyway. I only went semi picture happy. I controlled myself for once.

Before & After ***

My friends came out to support. ***

Why miss out? Get advance tickets here.

Charlotte shows up & shows out...
So I show love back --> Hugs & kisses,

Charlotte's Girl

Stayin' Cool!

It's so unbelievably hard to stay cool when it's 95 degrees in the shade! I feel like I'm being punished and I don't know what I did! But this is how I stayed cool this weekend:

Looks good, right? And ooo it felt even better! However, I did learn the downside to residential pools. That is, the known but under-analyzed fact that you indeed share the space with other residents. And in my case, kids. Lots of kids.

Saturday's lesson: Well, after getting caught in the middle of a ruthless game of ground/water football (yeah, it was really weird), my friend and I agreed that we would have to come out earlier the next day in order to fully enjoy the experience (though the cool water served its purpose).

Sunday's lesson: We left the house earlier, putting our plan into action. It started off OK. I learned how to backstroke and do somersaults in the pool. Very productive I must say. But then... the gremlins returned. Okay, I apologize. Cute kids (with gremlin tendencies). This time it wasn't a football. No, no. That would be too predictable. It was a chlorine filled water bottle that came shooting into the pool for no reason whatsoever. This was then followed by the football game.

Next weekend, if Charlotte tries to burn me out of my house once again... I'm swimming solo at the crack of dawn! I'll have a private pool one day. Promise.

Seriously though, you need to stay out of the sun. Check out these public pools.


Until later... somebody fan me!

Charlotte's Girl

Tone X's Celebrity Roast

So, I work this event every Tuesday called the Tone-X & Friends comedy show. Tone-X is probably one of the most recognizable radio personalities in Charlotte, and the company I work for, Y Square Management, manages his career. Because he's had such an impact on so many people, we decided to surprise him with a little event in his honor. Oh... and we went all out. Cameras flashing, red carpet, limo... talk about high class. And, best of all: it was a surprise! Who knew Charlotte folks could keep secrets?!

COO Kim, Honoree Tone-X, and CEO Yolanda make a grand entrance. ***

I call them Jay & B! ***

It was an emotional night. ***

"We are going to look like Beyonce and Solange on the red carpet!" --Yogi via text ***

More later,

Charlotte's Girl