Archive for the ‘Music’ Category

Hey Pumps and Gloss-ers,

Wishing you a happy and fun Valentine’s Day.

The greatest thing you’ll ever learn
Is to love and be loved in return.
~ From “Unforgettable with Love” by Natalie Cole

Enjoy some favorite love songs:

Musiq SoulChild “Teachme”

Musiq SoulChild “Lullaby”

India Arie featuring John Legend “Brown Skin”

George Michael “I Want Your Sex”

George Michael and the Queen “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me.”

 

Hey Glossy Ones,

Hope you all had a great weekend!

MONDAY MELODY

I have always loved this song – “Valentine” by Lloyd.

MONDAY FLASHBACK

“Boomerang” had some of the greatest songs on its soundtrack.  Here’s “I’d Die Without You” by P.M. Dawn.

I had to throw this clip in! LOL!

JOY’S PURSE PICK

I adore this Kate Spade Daisy Shopper bag – with the dimensions of 10 1/2″H x 8 1/2″W x 5″D, it is the perfect size for work, school or travel.

JOY’S SHOE PICK

This Via Spiga Shoe is too darling – not too loud in color and cool enough to wear with jeans.  The Equate Mary Jane Pump is a must have.

A QUICK HISTORY LESSON ON VALENTINE’S DAY

from Wikipedia.com

Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other; sending Valentine’s cards, or offering candy. It is very common to present flowers on Valentine’s Day. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of “valentines.” Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The mid-nineteenth century Valentine’s Day trade was a harbinger of further commercialized holidays in the United States to follow. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.

GOD’S DEFINITION OF LOVE

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.   ~ I Corinthians 13:4-8

LOVE IS…ACCORDING TO THE SIMMPSONS

EIGHT HATEFUL THINGS WOMEN DO TO EACH OTHER

I got this through e-mail, so the author is unknown – if anyone knows who wrote this, please let us know!

It’s become the silent emotional killer among women. Women who are downright mean, malicious and disrespectful with each other. This trend is creating havoc in our relationships with each other, for it strikes the core of sisterhood. Real sisterhood can only exist when respect and trust stand unshakeable. In this particular, most men are quite opposite to us. For a man, a brother is a brother. However, what is most disturbing about our malicious ways is that we are passing on a legacy of a broken sisterhood to our daughters. Girls that are mean and catty are usually this way because their understanding is that this is a normal part of femaleness. They grow up to become mean and catty women who perpetuate a diseased sisterhood. To break this cycle we each need to make a conscious effort to validate all women. Be their friends or not.
Otherwise, we will continue to find ourselves moving within circles of female hostility, suspicion, and pain. Here is my list of the most detestable practices that we need to discontinue in order to heal our sisterhood:

1. Talking about each other – You are really not her friend if what you
have to say about her is so bad you can’t say it in front of her. If you
are a real friend you should be able to tell her your concerns for her
life to her face. If you have the need to tell others, but you haven’t
found the time to tell her – red lights should be flashing. Believe it
or not, gossiping is not an intrinsic part of being female. Women who
gossip do it not because it’s a woman-thing, but because they want to
elevate themselves and put other women in a place of inferiority.
Gossiping is just another symptom of deeper insecurities.
 
2. Fighting for men – One of the most undignified things that any woman
can do is to fight, argue, or curse another woman over a man. It’s a
disgusting trend that used to be a school girl thing, but today adult
women are doing it too. If both of you are in conflict – because his
choice is not clear – then that means that he’s really not into any of
you. He’s probably playing both of you. That man really does not deserve
love or attention from either one of you.  Let him go.

3. Joining female gangs – Women who make you feel unwelcome and unwanted within their circle of friends are not to be trusted. Women cliques have
become common in the workplace, at church, in the neighborhood. Cliques
are the dwelling place of insecure women. Women who join cliques are
seeking refuge from their own lack of confidence by cocooning themselves
within this circle of supposed exclusivity. Again, the need to belong
to, or be part of a clique is also a sign of deeper insecurities.
Beware, cliques are usually encouraged and thrive on a type of gang mentality.

4. Undermining each other – Beware of any woman who can never celebrate your accomplishments with you. It could be a new boyfriend, a promotion,
an award, a new job, a new acquisition, weight loss. If she has nothing
positive to say to you about it, does not show emotional support, or
chooses to remain silent she is not a true friend. Real friends know how
to recognize and genuinely rejoice for our successes with pride.

5. Competing against each other – You need to get this straight. There
will always be another woman with nicer hair, a more caring husband or
boyfriend, better behaved children, a better paying job, a bigger house,
a more fashionable wardrobe – there will always be some woman with more
of what you don’t have. Consequently, the only person that you need to
compete against is yourself. Strive to be the best that you can be – for
you. Competing against other women to prove yourself superior is a
financial and emotional drainer. Because of this mindless competition we
become mean, envious and hypocritical. It is pointless.

6. Disrespecting boundaries – To survive peacefully every relationship
and every friendship must have clear boundaries. Good relationships
operate within margins of respect. Within this level of respect, privacy
and intimacy are keywords. Yes, you are my friend, but that doesn’t give
me the right to walk into your bedroom or your kitchen, unbeknownst to
you, and help myself to your stuff. I don’t do this not because you
won’t allow me to, but because I respect your privacy and your things.
Consequently, we both need to know and respect each other’s levels of
privacy and intimacy.
 
7. Crossing boundaries – This is similar to the above; the only
difference is that my respect of your boundaries should never depend on
my friendship with you. We need to respect women for the simple fact
that they are women. If she is a woman she is a sister. Period.
Therefore, from that understanding I will have the utmost respect for
her children, her man, her opinions, her choices, and for her as a
person. It amazes me how women are quick to disrespect another sister’s
boundaries, but feel offended if another woman does to them the same
exact thing. Honestly, that type of inconsistent behavior can only be
credited to some form of mental illness.
 
8. Exploiting our friendships – This is a major one. Why are you
friends? Do you only remember her being around whenever she could get
something from you? It doesn’t even have to be material. It could just
be your time or your positive energy. Does she happen to be always on
the receiving side, with you dishing out ton loads of yourself or your
stuff? Or is she your friend because of what you represent? It could be
that your husband’s position or yours, your possessions, your talent,
whatever, represents some form of achievement. Is she a friend because
that link to you places her on a higher platform? In a real friendship
appreciation, support, and loyalty must be reciprocal.

Have a wonderful week!

~ Joy

Hey Glossy Ones!

Hope all of you are doing well, staying warm, and living stress free….well, as stress free as you possibly can!

MONDAY MELODY

 

Keyshia Cole stepped up her game in the video for “I Remember.”

MONDAY FLASHBACK

I had the BIGGEST crush on The D.O.C. – whew, so fine!  Check him out in “Funky Enough.”

JOY’S PURSE PICKS

Sensual Element can tell you how hot Dooney and Bourke is - not only does she have a D&B, she has a fabulous matching wristlet that she better watch closely or it will be in my possession!   The D&B Crossword Bucket bag is darling in light pink.

The Shop Girl 2 Tote by Kenneth Cole is a must have.

JOY’S SHOE PICK

I love the color of this shoe!  So bright and pretty.  The Nine West Lecia is a must have for you ladies getting glammed up for Valentine’s Day.

THINK PINK

I have been coming across some really cool pink items for the ladies, including those suede bad boys above this section!

How I LOVE these jeans!  The pink cat is too fly.  The Baby Phat Large Black Cat Hipster Jean will be purchased with my next check! LOL!  They come in sizes 0 through 13 and 14 through 24.

Are these Baby Phat Silvie Wedges adorable or what?

I love this Coach Heritage Stripe Wristlet with the two dramaticlly different shades of pink.

Why Sprint couldn’t come out with this pink Palm Centro before Christmas, I don’t know!  I’m not hating on my red one, but oh, this pink one is sooooooooo cute!

MONDAY PRAISE

Kirk Franklin is back with “The Fight of My Life.”  I call myself hip to Contemporary Gospel, but this cd came out without much publicity.

WORD TO CARRY YOU THROUH THE WEEK

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

~2 Timothy 4:7

Have a GREAT week!

~Joy

Who knew…

 …when Soulja Boy says “Superman that ***,” he was referring to this.  YUCK!  I am too mad about that.

…Nicole Richie would join the crowd of celebs who name their kid(s) “off the beaten path” names?  How’s that for tactful?

…Janet Jackson’s new song “Feedback“ would be so hot?

…Charlie Wilson would come back with a song produced by T-Pain?  It’s hot – check out “Suppa Sexy.”

…The Simmons Sisters (Rev. Run’s daughters) would have such a big hit with Pastry Shoes?  I like these the best.

Hello Glossy Ones!

Happy New Year and all that good stuff!  I hope you all enjoyed the holiday season as much as I did.  While I didn’t have a whole two weeks off like some people, I enjoyed my holiday time off all the same.

Since we at P&G are getting back into the groove, no formatting from me today.  Just straight blogging!

Let’s talk about my great Christmas gifts!  Yippee – I must have been a really good girl because I was blessed with such awesome gifts!  First off, I have FINALLY joined the iPod revolution!

My hubby really spoiled me and got me the green (my fave color) iPod nano.  I love, love, love it!!!!  I started loading songs Christmas day and as it stands, I have over 400 songs on it already.  I found a very cool and slender speaker for it at Target for $15.00 and the sound quality is excellent.  So I put the iPod, the cool leather case hubby got for it, the ear buds and the speaker inside a make up bag (got it from BBW and it says “SPF-Stay Pretty Forever” – so cute) and carry it in my bag to work.

Hubby surprised me with this Palm Centro too!  Yummy and I chatted about about this phone when I initially posted it last month.  The phone is a small size and if you wear fake nails, this is not the phone for you!  The buttons are on the small side, but still very functional.  SO MANY great features on this phone, I don’t even know where to begin!  Great access to e-mail, four instant messenger programs, including Yahoo and AOL, awesome On Demand features that let you check the news, weather, entertainment, and even TV Guide, and a Call Tone feature where you buy a song clip to be played when people call you.  So if you are special enough to have my number, you will hear “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder playing while the phone rings on my end.  I haven’t bought a case for it, so it gets carried in one of my Coach wristlets – it’s a perfect fit.

My girl Dani got me the greatest gifts ever, including this Coach signature frame keyfob.  Dani got me black on black with the white stitch, which matches my Coach hobo and shoes perfectly!

I got a number of gift cards – Bath and Body Works, Macy’s and Nordstrom to name a few.  I used the Nordstrom gift card to get the Amazing Grace perfume, which I absolutely love!

No pics of what my folks got me – a fly suit for work, gift cards plus money, and shoes.  They even bought a stocking full of toys for my pup, which have all been chewed to shreds!

Switching gears, the only song that I am really jamming right now is “Falsetto” by The Dream.  “Ooo, Ooo, Baby, I, I, I!”  Love it!

My first must have shoe for 2008 is the Nanette Lepore Snake-Embossed T-Strap.  Four inches high and I love shimmer of the snakeskin against the neutral color.

Gotta leave my Glossy Ones with a Word to carry you all through the week.  Short, but powerfl clip – Martha Munizzi singing “I Know The Plans I Have For You.”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

~ Jeremiah 29:11

Have a Wonderful Week!

~Joy

Hey Glossy Ones,

The Ladies of Pumps and Gloss certainly hope you are having a wonderful holiday season.  It is so hard to believe that we are so close to Christmas already!  Since I am borderline overwhelmed at work and very far behind on Christmas gift shopping (I had planned to shop today after church, but we got six inchesof snow and we’re all stuck in the house), I have to make this posting brief!  Here are some of my favorite Christmas songs and clips.  My original format will return when we meet again! 

This is the greatest Christmas song EVER!

I love Celine Dion – her voice is just amazing.  Make sure you watch how she holds the note at the end!

How can you not love this?

The lyrics to this song are just hilarious!  The Christmas Music Station here keeps it in rotation, so I get a good  laugh on the way to work.

I love, love, love Mickey’s Christmas Carol.  Part One is above – click here for Part Two and Part Three.

Merry Christmas!

~Joy

Hey Glossy Ones,

Today, since three is my favorite number, I will be sharing my three favorite things related to music in three different categories. Let’s go!

Three Fave Party Songs

Last week, Mix Maven did a post about fab dresses for holiday parties. Here are my three favorite party songs in no particular order:

I am not a Jagged Edge fan (I know, I know), but this is the only song by them that I love. Featuring Nelly, here is “Where The Party At.”

Koffee Brown didn’t get the play they deserved! Great CD and “After Party“ will always be a fave of mine…and the guy in the group is fine!

A MJB classic – “Family Affair.”

Honorable Mention: “Party Up (Up In Here)” by DMX and “Booty Call – Pirate Remix” by Blackstreet (“Ain’t no call like a booty call, cause a booty call just don’t stop!”). I could go there with Perculator! LOL!

Three Fave Kissing Songs

Sensual Element did a post about kissing last week. Here are my fave songs related to kissing!

“Don’t matter who knows/I don’t care who sees/Me thinking about you makes my life complete” – Gotta take you back with Total’s “Kissing You.”

I couldn’t find the video for “Kissing You“ by Faith Evans (from the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack), but I found this really cute version.

“I liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike the waaaaaaaaaaaaay…” Couldn’t leave out “I Like The Way (Kissing Game)“ by Hi-Five.

Honorable Mention: “Kiss” by Prince and “Kiss Kiss” by Chris Brown with T-Pain.

Three Fave Songs featuring Snoop D-O-Double Gizzle

I think all three of us at P&G could do three different Friday posts about this song! LOL! I love to turn it up in the car and my hubby is ’bout sick of me singing it around the house. Snoop Dogg does the Roger Troutman on “Sensual Seduction.” This is definitely my jam at the moment. Click HERE to hear the unedited version, Sexual Eruption.

Ok, my FAVE part of this song is the start of Snoop’s second verse, starting at minute 3:01:

“It’s the capital S/Oh yes, I’m Fresh/n-double o-p/D-o-double g-y/D-o-doube G you see”

Takes me back every time. Here is Dr. Dre’s “Nuthin but a G Thang“ (Baby!).

The beat to this song BANGS! Here’s “Chuuuch to Da Palace.” Cute video concept.

Honorable Mention: Drop It Like It’s Hot, ANYTHING from his first cd, and the one Snoop did with Timberland, can’t remember the name of it, but the hook went something like, “Who’s that dippin in the Cadiallac?/Snooooop Dogg.”

Ok, that’s my Three-On-Three for today. Hope you all have a great week!

~Joy

Hey Pumps And Gloss-y Ones,

As many of you know, Mix Maven loves the shimmer and glimmer, which is one of the reasons why I love the Holiday season. Many of us will have many shindigs to attend, which means we have to be looking good. (Please make sure to acquire appropriate attire for your parties. For example, if you are going to a formal church banquet, no one should have to accidentally see the crack of your buttocks.)

I like J. Crew and I think this store is a good place to find classic, tasteful looks for any occasion.

I found this wonderful dress in the clearance section of the website. The empire waist is flattering on most figures. Pair with chunky pearl necklace or white gold or sterling silver with a solitaire pendant.

I like this dress. This J. Crew Silk Taffeta Dress in Charcoal is for ladies that are not too busty. (If you are busty, back away from this dress right now!!) What about pairing this dress with blue or olive leather opera gloves for a pop of color?

I am totally in love with the Black Betsey Johnson and Kelly Green Maggy London shift dresses. The sequins brighten up the Betsey Johnson dress. Most, if not all, body types would look great in this style of dress.

I adore the layered box pleated-collar because it creates visual interest to an otherwise plain dress. The silk chiffon is glorious and looks chic and comfortable. This dress is also figure flattering and great for the petite ladies who are a few months pregnant.

If you get bored with all the carols and other holiday songs at the soirée, ask the DJ to play “Dumb it Down” by Lupe Fiasco …. great message in the song!!

My new favorite song!!

Tis The Season to be Jolly,

Mix Maven

Hey Glossy Ones,

Happy December! 

I sit here all bundled up because my cold turned in to a sinus infection.  Can you believe that I have been sick for the whole month of November?!  Ugh, it hurt me SO bad that I couldn’t get out on Black Friday.  Hopefully, I will be able to get out and shop with Mix and Sen – I know they must be half way done with their Christmas shopping by now!

MONDAY MELODIES

P&G Reader D-Dub has requested Alicia Keys’ new song, “Like You’ll Never See Me Again” (above).  I’m really digging this song too.  D-Dub also pointed out that Alicia and Common are in this video together, as well as in Common’s video “I Want You” (below).  Common is SO fine!  Thanks D-Dub!

MONDAY FLASHBACK

Speaking of Common, here is my all time favorite song by him, “Come Close” featuring MJB.

SHIFT HAPPENS

I received this link through e-mail and I found it completely fascinating.  I encourage all of you to take the time to watch it.

The video was created by Karl Fisch and modified by Scott McLeod.

MONDAY CHRISTMAS MELODY

For the month of December, I will share a Christmas song to help spread the holiday cheer.

Mix Maven posted the orginal version of “This Christmas” by the late, great Donny Hathaway (any of you know anything about “Where is the Love?”) last week.  Here is Chris Brown’s version from the movie of the same title.  I’m told it was a good and cute movie that will become a holiday favorite.  I’ll be going to see it as soon as I can!

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FOR MY FOLKS

I got started on my post today and almost forgot that I told you all last week that I would share what I plan on getting my parents for Christmas.  Here goes…..

I don’t know about any of you, but my Father is the HARDEST person EVER to shop for, be it Birthday (could it be because he’s a Taurus?), Father’s Day or Christmas.  My Dad is a BIG sports fan and player – believe it or not, my Dad will be 60 next year and he actively (and competitively, trash talk and all) plays tennis and basketball.

I have already bought many a basketball, tennis racquet, gymshoes, etc.  But when I got my Mom some Jordan’s for Mother’s Day this year, I could have sworn a saw a smidge of jealousy in his eyes. :-)  So check out the Jordan gymshoes that I am debating on getting my Dad this year:

Jordan Men’s Hoop Low Basketball Shoe – Currently $59.98 at Finishline.com

Jordan Men’s B’Loyal Low Basketball Shoe – Currently y $79.98 at Finishline.com

Jordan Men’s Pure Game Basketball Shoe – Currently $79.98 at Finishline.com

Jordan Men’s Rising Star Basketball Shoe – Currently $99.98 at Finishline.com

I am leaning towards the last two pair.  I’ll probably order a long sleeve Jordan tee and be done with Dad. Whew!

On to the sunshine of my life, my Mommy.  Here are a few ideas I have in mind for “my girl”:

Now Mom has asked for Adidas wear.  She is an avid walker and loves the fit of Adidas jogging suits.  I’m not going to post any Adidas stuff here because there is a lot to choose from, but check out this link to JCPenny’s to see what they have to offer.

My Mom has a Burberry purse with matching boots.  I was thinking these cashmere ear muffs would be so cute!

I always try to give Mommy a piece of jewelry.  I think this Tiffany bracelet is so pretty.  I love how the heart is integrated in the bracelet.  This is a definite gift for Mom this year.  The Tiffany store is always crowded beyond belief during the holiday season – so much so that a line is formed inside the store for help.  I will order this online and have Mom’s first initial engraved on the back.

Still debating on what else I could get Mom, so brain storming is still in effect.  I’ll keep you all updated.

MONDAY PRAISE – The Christmas Edition

I love, love, love Vanessa Williams’ version of “What Child Is This” – jazzy!

Let us remember the real meaning of Christmas!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6

Have  a wonderful week!

~Joy

Happy Holidays Glossy Ones!

We certainly hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving.  My family spent the day with my husband’s family and we all had a blast eating my mother-in-law’s delicious food – turkey, pot roast, dressing, mac and cheese, green beans, potato salad, yams, rolls, sweet potato pie, lemon pound cake and carrot cake.  Whew!  We all played Scene It – The Television Version on DVD and it was so much fun.  I am still full!!!!

This week, the Ladies of Pumps and Gloss will be sharing their Christmas Wish Lists.  Let the fun begin!

Outside of peace, love and unlimited credit, I want the 8GB Apple iPod Nano in Red.  I love that half of the proceeds go to help women and children in Africa.  Go Red!

I have always wanted a Coach Picture Frame Keyfob.  Wouldn’t pics of my hubby and puppy be cute?

Gift cards in any amount from Starbucks (A great stocking stuffer or gift for a coffee drinking co-worker), Target (isn’t that little dog cute!) or iTunes (for my new iPod!) would be sweet.

Now that I am back to work – yes, yours truly is back in full effect in the busy field of HR - I need to step up my wardrobe game.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any pics of suits that I like.  Nuts!  Tahara is my all time fave, so suit and work looks will have to come in another post.  However, I do love these Coach Jilly Travel Ballet Flats.   Perfect for my commute to and from work.  Scuffing my pumps just won’t do.  I love all the colors, so any pair would be perfect.

I certainly cannot be seen walking into the building with a plastic bag containing my lunch and shoes.  So not fly.  I must get a fabulous tote bag, perferably one that will coordinate with my purse.  I love the size of this Coach Signature Studded Gallery Tote.  I would likely get the black on black one.

In order to keep in touch with Mix and Sen during the day, I have to upgrade my cell phone.  This Palm Centro from Sprint is just what I need – access to Messenger!

The Simpsons Movie comes out on DVD December 18th.   Mmmmmmmmmm……movie!

I need some new music a.s.a.p.!  I would love Jill Scott’s new CD, “The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Volume 3” featuring “My Love” (above) and Kanye West’s “Graduation” featuring “Flashing Lights” with Dwele (below).  Get hip to Dwele yall – he is true neo soul at its best.

You can never have too much Bath and Body Works.  This Luxury Bath gift basket is the perfect gift for the bath lover in your life.  Love it!

Next week, I will show you glossy ones what I plan on getting for my parents.  Mom is easy, but Dad is so difficult!  Ugh!

It is more blessed to give than to receive. ~ Acts 20:35

Have a great week!

~Joy

P.S.  I will also take anything from my luxury posting! LOL!

And I just adore this Mutts comic that ran in Sunday’s paper.

 It says, “If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice.”  Meister Eckhart