Do Something FUN!

If you're interested in getting out, meeting new people, and trying new things, then you should definitely check out the Ticket America website to look up scheduled concerts, sporting events, plays, or musicals in your area! You can search for tickets by subcategories (music genre/sport/type of theater performance) and performers. The site is super easy to navigate, and even easier to use! And if you're not quite sure what you would like to do, Ticket America offers a side bar of all the "Hot Events" to check out. So go for it! Enjoy a night out with a family member or a friend, and just DO SOMETHING FUN!

As always,

Love,
Gem

P.S. - Are you or someone you know a fan of college sports? Then definitely check out Ticket America!

Arizona State Sun Devils Tickets:
arizona ​state su​n devils​ tickets​

coolspotters.com

Arizona Wildcats Tickets:

arizona ​wildcats​ tickets​

inquisitr.com

Arkansas Razorbacks Tickets:
arkansas razorbacks tickets

100pctangel.com

Questions? Call Ticket America: (800) 842-9750

Essence, August 2012 Issue: YBA

I have never felt more motivated, more inspired, or more in control of my life until I opened up the August 2012 issue of Essence magazine. Literally, from cover to cover, there is something for the (aspiring) YBAs of our generation.

What does it mean to be YBA? It means to be YOUNG, BLACK, & AMAZING. It means to inspire and be inspired. It means to set goals and work toward a future. It means to be uniquely and originally YOU. If you are feeling lost, uninspired, or confused about what you want from your future, then reading this issue of Essence magazine will definitely get you out of your funk!

theybf.com

Not only does Nia Long grace the cover, but web sensation Issa Rae is featured in the issue as well! Nia Long is the oh-so fabulous and talented actress who has starred in films, such as Love Jones (1997), The Best Man (1999), and Are We There Yet? (2005). Issa Rae is the creator and star of The MisAdventures of Awkward Black Girl, a Internet web-series and a YouTube sensation.

kuchuments.blogspot.com

If you are not subscribed to Essence magazine, then go to their website at Essence.com and subscribe now!

Love,

Gem

Trend or Tragedy?

In the beginning, I wasn't a big fan of the ombre/dip-dye fashion trend, but I am slowly warming up to the style. However, I have always loved fringe! From the Minnetonka moccasin boots to DIY fringe tees, they are just fabulous! I've embedded pics/links to some of the styles, but if you're on a small budget, then check out TheNotoriousKIA's youtube channel for some fashion savvy DIYs!!

Check out asos.com:

Check out forever21.com:

Check out nastygal.com:

Here's TheNotoriousKIA's video on "DIY Fringe T-Shirt":

Lemme know what you think!

Love,
Gem

Long Time No BLOG

Hey everyone!
Yes, it is true. Sadly, I have been out of blogging commission for a few weeks now. I have always had trouble keeping a tight regimen whether it's with my skincare routine or my diet! For the past few weeks I have been stressing over what it is that I am going to do regarding my living situation in New York in the fall. True, stress can bring about some great inspiration for SOME writers. But for me, not so much. Now that that problem is pretty much solved, I would like to get back into the swing of things and WRITE!

Being a creative writer, I have always enjoyed using prompts or exercises to push my creative imagination to another level. What about you? How do you get to a place where your writing is completely original and solely spontaneous? If you want to try something a little different, then check out the prompt below and post your response in the comment section! I would love to hear how it went for you or even see the result!

Good luck!

Love,
Gem

PROMPT:

a pie must be there on the second tuesday of the chinese new year

Poem: "Clinic"

This is another piece that I wrot for my blog Writing Unafraid.

I don't write to be censored or to tame the fire of a story...I write as honestly as possible...so the people in my writing are manifested as real beings...so that their lives are real, their experiences are real, and that thier hearts are real. I hope the people that read my blog do the same.

Love,
Gem

Clinic

She walked in with her mama at her side
holding her hand.
She was but a child.

A baby not yet ready to have one of her own,
but I knew she wanted to.
I could tell from her puffy red eyes
and the tight grip that her
mother had on her arm.

She wasn't as calm as the girl
across the room
reading Vogue magazine
with her eyes low
and her legs crossed.

It was her mama that didn't want this.
Her daughter was just a child forced to lay her back
down on a dirty mattress
with her eyes closed
and her legs spread.

She blamed herself that her daughter
was left with an absentee father
and with a mother who ignored
her countless cries for help.
She holds her daughter tightly
in fear that she might fall into the reality
that she failed at being her protector.

But what she fails to realize
is that her daughter doesn't care about her guilt,
just about how to get out of this
inner city clinic on the south side of Chicago.

White lady at the desk don't care
about no mommy problems
just about the problem in her belly.
Her hand out impatiently waiting for the credit
card that had no credit
and a smile that had no understanding.

She's just a child,
wanting to be the mother
her mother never was to her,
wanting to have at least one person
in this world who loves her.

Who loves her dark kinky hair,
brown skin,
wide nose,
and brown eyes.

I wanted to reach out to her,
to hold her, to protect her.
I wanted to tell her that
she was beautiful, that her smile was radiant,
that everything would be okay.

But I just sat there,
next to the girl reading Vogue magainze,
holding my own mother's hand.

I was but a child.

 

Poem: "Too Afraid"

This is a piece of poetry that I wrote for my blog Writing Unafriad.

I believe that there is beauty in writing when it is raw and when it is real...I will no longer hide from the night...so as the sun sets and as I stare beyond the skyline...I will write until my heart is contenet...until only my hand aches and my heart is healed...

I love what writing brings me...peace. To all those victims of domestic violence, of rape, of sexual abuse...I pray for you...I pray that one day you can take back the night...that you will live unafraid and that your hearts will be healed.

Too Afraid

I was too afraid to struggle

against his strong black body.

I was too afraid to admit

that what he was doing was wrong.

All I could do was cry.

Black mascara streaks

flowing from the corner of my eyes.

Red thick blood

flowing from the inners of my thighs.

How can I admit that I was a victim?

He was sweet before then,

bought me anything I wanted,

took me to the best restaurants,

and introduced me to his friends.

So whe he invited me over

to his apartment in the Bronx,

I went freely

in the middle of the night,

looking good,

smelling good,

with my hair done right.

So what?

He probably didn't understand

how when I said no I really meant it.

He probably didn't understand

that my cringes at his touch were of fear

and not shivers of pure ecstacy.

He probably didn't understand

how my tears were ones of pain

and not of pleasure.

He probably didn't understand

how my creis for his release

were for his arms and not his

penis.

He probably didn't understand

that the blood that mixed with his semen

was not a sign of virginity

but a sign of destruction.

Somebody please help me,

come on just tell me.

How can I be a victim?

How can I be an added statistic

to the countless unreported rapes?

I can't be...

I'm too afraid to be...

too afraid to admit it to myself,

too afraid to admit that

I am scarred, and buised, and damaged,

too afriad to admit that

what he did was wrong.

He probably just didn't understand.

MMAS : Rockin' the Red Carpet

There were some fashion-do's and some fashion-don'ts out on the red carpet yesterday at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards. One of my favorite looks was Jessica Biel in a Chanel white knit mini dress and Barbara Bui colorblock strappy sandals. I thought it was definitely simple and chic, especially since she accessorized very little with only a bracelet and an engagement ring!

Another savvy fashionista was the MTV Trailblazer Award recipient, Emma Stone. Emma wore a two piece Martin Grant ensemble of a black peplum top and a cream tulip skirt. She paired the look with a nude/black Brian Atwood ankle strap heel. Her make-up was light and natural, and similar to Jessica she used little to no accessories to compliment her look.

Another fab look on the red carpet was Janelle Monae. She stuck to her classic menswear look wearing a two-piece black tuxedo, patent loafers, a black fedora, and a pink lip.

So I guess simple is the new chic? ;)

Tel me what you think of Jessica's,Emma's, and Janelle's looks? Too plain or too perfect?

Voice your opinion!

Love,

Gem

MTV Movie Awards

There is one word to describe the MTV Movie Awards :: AWKWARD!

Russell Brand's hosting was extremely uncomfortable to watch, from his joke about orgasmic erections because of Justin Bieber to his joke referencing his divorce from Katy Perry. He just seemed completely unsure of himself on his stage, proof of the very little audience response to his not-so-funny stand up.

The Hunger Games (2012), The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011), and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) dominated the award ceremony, unfortunately not allowing other great movies like Bridesmaids (2011) and Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011) from getting their due recognition. After awhile, I gave up on wishing any other movie would win an award.

Despite the awkwardness and the on-going, predictable winning recipients of the awards, there were some truly brilliant moments at the MMAs. For one, Emma Stone KILLED it! She one was of the few celebrities that got on stage and delivered her lines cleverly and without trying too hard. Lol I actually laughed! She also received the 1st Annual Trailblazer Award which I feel was most deserving. She is funny, talented, and genuine, and if any up and coming artists (actors, musicians, comedians, etc.) need someone to look up to then I think she's perfect for it.

Johnny Depp also received the MTV Generation Award. Another much deserved recipient! Joe Perry and Steven Tyler presented Depp the award after he rocked out on stage with The Black Keys. The collage of film footage that was created to show over two decades of brilliant work was awe-inspiring. Johnny Depp has played roles that are wild, unpredictable, unconventional, and borderline psychotic! I think he is inspiration to all artists who dare to take chances and express themselves creatively.

Did you watch the MMAs last night? If you did, then lemme know what you thought of it!

Love,
Gem

Nickelodeon's RAGS :: A Must See!

Nickelodeon's new original movie "Rags" is AH-MAY-ZING! It is the "Cinderella" story of Charlie Prince (Max Schneider) who finds romance and talent with Kadee Worth (Keke Palmer). In addition to superb acting, the music is just as awesome! As proof, the "Rags" soundtrack was number one on iTunes this past week. The movie premiered on May 28th, but you can catch encore showings today!

"Rags" definitely made me recognize Keke Palmer as an amazing actress and music artist. You can learn about some of her upcoming projects, watch some of her music videos, and take a glimpse of her twitter feed by checking out her official website: http://kekepalmer.com/

Another cast member who is just as amazing is Max Schneider! NOT ONLY IS HE CUTE AND HAS SWAG, BUT HE IS TRULY TALENTED! He is also an actor on the Nickelodeon show "How to Rock" where he also gets the chance to showcase his musical talent. You can watch some of his videos and listen to some of his new music on his official website: http://maxschneider.com/

Here's one of my favorite songs from the movie! Lemme know what you think about it, and if you've seen the movie leave some of your thoughts in the comment box. :)

Love,

Gem

Is it Ever Okay to SNOOP?

So your relationship with your significant other is starting to get a little rocky...you're no longer in-sync...he or she isn't as attentive as they used to be...what do you do? How do you explain this break in your relationship? How do you get to the root of the problem?

Talk to him/her! Communication is beyond VITAL in relationships. You should always be able to discuss your concerns and fears with your significant other. Never be afraid to voice your feelings while also letting your partner feel comfortable to do the same. 

First things first, NEVER be on the attack!

"YOU don't treat me the same anymore" or "I feel like YOU changed" 

There are two people in a relationship, so make your partner feel as if you understand that fixing the problem is a two-person job.

"WE haven't been the same" or "What are WE doing wrong"

Approaching the issues this way will definitely help your partner to speak freely about how he or she really feels about the relationship.

But what if that doesn't work? What if talking accomplishes nothing? Does that mean it's okay to take matters into your own hands? Is it okay to find the answer yourself?

NO! NEVER! DON'T DO IT!

I SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE! Snooping only leads to more problems...of course you'll find SOMETHING because you're looking for something! If it ever gets to a point where you are logging on to his/her Facebook account and reading through their inbox, unlocking their phone and looking through their text messages/call log, or checking their credit card history, then the relationship is OVER. Clearly, there is no trust or respect left...

NEWSPITTER, NY Daily News, and Lovepanky also have some thoughts on whether looking through your partner's things are right or wrong. Check out the links below and see what they have to say about it!

What do you think? Have you ever snooped through your partner's things, and the relationship changed for the better? Lemme know what you think!

Love,

Gem

NEWSPITTER

http://www.newspitter.com/2012/02/08/to-snoop-or-not-to-snoop-is-it-right-to-go-through-your-partners-things

NY DAILY NEWS

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-12-28/entertainment/27086699_1_trust-issues-belongings-thoughts

LOVEPANKY

http://www.lovepanky.com/flirting-flings/wild-secrets/snooping-in-relationships-on-partner

Thrift Store Find

Sometimes you can find some amazing clothing items at second hand shops! You can find jeans to cut/destroy/damage or a funky vintage handbag that might cost ten times as much brand new! Every now and then I like to go to a thrift store and look around just to see what I might find.

Today I found this cute crop faux leather jacket for only 10 bucks!

I would pair this with a pair of acid wash cut-off shorts, a white racerback tank, black boots, and spunky jewelry!

Upload pics of any of your own cool thrift store finds or second-hand items that you make your own!

Love,
Gem

Movie Review

Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

Destiny v. Predictability

By: VintageVixen

Published: June 2, 2012

styleblazer.com

Fairytales. We all have grown up reading them in storybooks, watching them as animated adaptations, or dreaming that, we too, could be apart of such a magical world. Director Rupert Sanders takes the classic tale of Snow White and transforms it into an epic adventure filled with Dark Forests, glass henchmen, and true love's kiss. This film definitely leans toward a Grimm-like perspective of fairytales. There are no ball gowns, singing animals, or traditional "happy endings".

It is a coming-of-age story of the princess Snow White (Kristen Stewart) who must battle for her life and her people against the "Evil Queen" Ravenna (Charlize Theron). Whether Ravenna is evil can be debatable...after all, she is functioning from a scarred childhood...excusable? It is by the sympathy of the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) that Snow White is able to truly begin her journey of self-discovery.

In my opinion, the movie moved extremely too slow. I thought that there could have been a little...more...of what exactly? I'm not sure, but I left the theater feeling like I could have used more from the story. I did think that the script was inventive, however, I felt as though the dialogue foreshadowed/explained the story a little too much. I think that the beauty of film is that it shows instead of tells. I wish that there had been more visual explanation for the characters' actions opposed to verbal explanation.

The editing of the film was pretty continual at the beginning, but eventually it became too obvious. The scenes of Snow White and then of Ravenna felt awkward and uneven. There would be a 5 or 10 minute scene of Snow White, and then the film would cut to Ravenna in her castle for all of 30 seconds to a few minutes. I remember the scenes of Ravenna most vividly. I think they were the most powerful shots of the entire film. I think that it would have been more effective if there was a balance between the alternating scenes.

I think the set design was well done...some of the special effects and CGI (computer-generated imagery) were not "realistic" enough. It was almost a distinctive difference between the magic and non-magic. It should have appeared as if the worlds blended, but you could clearly tell the difference between the two when watching the film.

I enjoyed the story line, but I was hoping for a little surprise. There was running and there was chasing...running, and more chasing...I just felt as if it became more and more predictable. I know it was Snow White's destiny to bring light to the darkness, but it would have been nice to not be sure if she'd actually be able to do it...to keep us guessing of the outcome...of how she would actually succeed.

What makes me want to recommend this film as a "must see" is the amazing acting. Charlize Theron was breathtaking and created a character that was real and raw and human. Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth were just as amazing at bringing their characters to life. Be advised that the movie is rated PG-13. There is no uncomfortable nude scenes, but the fight scenes are enough to recommend an audience of persons 13 and older.

If you go see it, comment and let me know what you think. Do you agree or disagree with any of my thoughts? Was it worth your time or money?

It's okay to voice YOUR opinion! :)

Love,

Gem

Hardee's, Mello Yello, and Triscuits!

I love these nails! I doubt that I'd ever get my nails done like this, but I think they're DOOOOOOPE lol

I found these designs at this website, so if you're looking for some nail art ideas you should definitely check it out!

http://www.nailsideas.info/2011/12/20/nail-art-most-original-designs-2012/

If you decide to try out a design from the website or have any original ideas of your own, then upload a pic in the comment box and show off your own unique style!

Love,
Gem

Black & White

I'd like to consider myself as a creative person. I love bold and bright colors and mixing and matching clothes, trends, and styles. But when it comes to my nails, I think that black and white nails are beyond FABULOUS. They are clean, classic, and wearable with any outfit. Here are some pics of some of my favorite nail designs.

What do you think? 

Do you prefer black & white or more of a colorful and creative design? 

Comment and upload some of your own faves!

Love,

Gem

How to Know When to Let Go

For the past two years, I have been in the first REAL relationship of my life. When I say REAL, I mean we were crazy in love, we lived together, we met each other's families, we've talked about marriage and having kids together, we were physically and emotionally intimate.

Yes, I'll admit that our relationship has been crazy...screaming matches, fights, break-ups, and break-downs...but it has also been amazing...I've never felt so much love from another person who was not obligated to love me...despite everything I hold on to that and now I wonder if it's the reason I won't let go...when I think I'm ready to cut the ties and walk away, it hurts too much for me to stay away from him. So, how are you supposed to know when to let go?

My FAVE Go-To Places for Online Shopping

MODCLOTH!

              

ASOS!

                    

FOREVER 21!

                                   

NASTY GAL!

I could go on and on about how AH-MAY-ZING these places are, but if I give you all the deets then you wouldn't need to check them out for yourselves now would you? Instead I've decided to simply showcase what I love most about these places...

THEIR CLOTHING!!!

Hmmm...let's make this interesting and turn it into a game! I'm going to stitch together some photos of the clothing that each site sells, you can guess which clothes go with which online retail place and decide if they have what it takes to add to your style!

Each are awesome in their own way from the styles they showcase, to the designers they sell, to the range of prices that their items go for...I hope you fall in love with these places as much as I did!

Enjoy ;)

Love,

Gem

P.S - I'll post the answers at the bottom!

#1 :: BOWdacious

#2 :: Rebel in BLACK

#3 :: BLACK or WHITE?

#4 :: DENIM Gypsy

1modcloth.com, 2nastygal.com, 3asos.com, 4forever21.com

Fringe Swimwear by Anna Kosturova

I ❤ these! They are vintage-inspired cream crochet swimsuits with fringe detailing. TO DIE FOOOORRRRRR!!!


I personally like the one piece best. I think it would look super cute with a pair of distressed denim cut-off shorts and brown ankle boots!

What do you think?

ONE-PIECE V. BIKINI? 

Love,
Gem

Fringe Crochet Swimsuit/Bikini by Anna Kosturova

Creative Writing, Film, Fashion, Sex, & Entertainment

This blog is all about my personal experience, and especially how that personal experience can help other people in similar situations. I am not saying that I am the wisest person in the world, but I've been told that I give some damn good advice! I also want to talk about some of the things that I am passionate about, such as creative writing, film, and entertainment.

What's HOT?

What's NEW?

What's OVERRATED?

And most importantly, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT IT?


Don't be a stranger!

Love,
Gem

Bully FREE Zone

For as long as I can remember, writing has been like breathing. It's the only place I can go where I am not judged, gawked at, or belittled for how I feel and what I have to say. I figured that if it worked out so well for me with pen and paper, then how hard could it be to start a blog??

HARD

What were once private comments on my life experiences had now become public, accessible to any one with a little common sense and web access. I realized that my writings will forever be floating in the world of the Internet whether I wanted them to stay there or not. I couldn't shred it, burn it, or stuff it in an old journal in my closet. It was VIRAL and it was EVERYONE'S.

Just be mindful of what you put out there, of the things you say, and the people it affects! It's okay to tell the truth, to say how you feel and feel good about being HONEST. But remember, your TRUTH isn't everyone's truth, and once you share it with the rest of the world it can never be taken back SO MEAN WHAT YOU SAY.

I know this sounds like a like a lecture, but my biggest pet-peeve is bullying, and cyber bullying especially. Is cowardly and weak and destroys people with words.

Words...

          Poetry...

                    Literature...

                                  Speech...

                                             Rhetoric...

IT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME so I refuse to abuse it!

Don't be afraid to have a voice!


Love,
Gem