REMEMBERING TRAYVON MARTIN

 

REMEMBERING TRAYVON MARTIN



 1stClassLadies are taking the time out to not only remember that just one year ago today the life of 17 year old Trayvon Martin was taking to soon but to also acknowledge that we have not forgotten about him or the impact that his story has had on this nation as a whole.

If you are not familiar with the ongoing Trayvon Martin story let us get you up to speed. Exactly one year ago today Trayvon Martin was followed and fatally shot by the neighborhood watchmen George Zimmerman. Zimmerman was on the phone with a 911 operator while following Martin, stating that Martin looked like he was "up to no good" and was "trouble." Zimmerman was told by the 911 operator NOT to approach Martin and that the cops were on their way but he did not listen. Zimmerman shot Martin claiming it was in self defense but there was no proof of his statement. Martin had no weapons on him.

 Due to his statement as well as Florida's "Stand Your Ground" rule, Zimmerman was not right away charged with the crime. This cause not only outrage and heartache for Martin's family but for people everywhere. There were marches and protest- people of all ages and races wearing hoodies is reference to the hoodie Martin was wearing when he was killed. The hoodie that made him seem to Zimmerman as someone up to no good. From senators to basketball players, mothers and children- The ALL stood THEIR ground and wanted justice for the boy who's life was taken too soon. Zimmerman was later charged with second degree murder in the death of Trayvon Martin.

This case is still on going but there is not one soul who doesn't want to see justice served.
This is not just about Trayvon Martin. Its about all of our young men and women that are taken from us to soon because of those who have access to guns when they shouldn't. Guns don't kill people, people kill people. Making it harder to gain access to guns as well as harsher punishment if found in possession of one is start. There are laws that are being changed due to such events as this one in order to try and reduce gun violence. 

These kids are our future so what would our future be like if they didn't exist to run it? Let's make sure they have a chance.

LOOK YOUR BEST W/O SPENDING A MILLION $$

Sometimes the most expensive doesn't always get the job done- JennLo 1CL

Affordable beauty!

 

For a long time it was thought by many that in order to look your best you had to spend the most- no restrictions. Well with a new year comes new theories and 1stClassLadies are here to tell you that is no longer the case! We going to show you what products you need to spend a little more money on to get a the best pay out and which products you can save a few dollars on but still get the same results as a high end products would give you.

 

 

Lets start with the face- the hardest part for a lot of women. If you are one of the many that have scaring, bad acne, blemish and/or marks that you would like to cover spending a bit more is necessary for applying foundation. You want a foundation whether it be liquid or powder to not only give you full coverage but you also want it to last all day. Though there are a few drugstore foundation that can give you the look you want NOT ALL can do that. You have to do your research, know your skin type and maybe even try a few before you find the one that works for you.

 

 

The eyes are the part of the face that you definitely can save a little. Palettes are best because you get all the colors you want without having to buy them separately saving money. There are those shadows however (metallic, glittery, rare. etc.) that you would have to spend a bit more on to get the payoff that you desire. It's also important to utilize eye shadow bases in order to keep the shadows from creasing and to insure the shadow last longer.

 

 

Lips lips lips!!! This is the best because 1stClassLadies have tried all types of lipsticks and regardless to the brand - ALL LIPSTICK EVENTUALLY COME OFF!! Doesn't matter the style (matte, shiny, creamy, etc.) none has lasted all day. Now just like eye shadow if its a rare/unique shade you will have to spend a bit more to get the look. This make shopping for lipstick easier because you can splurge on some here and save on another there. As far as moisturizer for the lips is concern you will absolutely save your bucks!! Even simple Vaseline will do!! Lip gloss we find the thick the gloss the longer it last so spending a few extra dollars on that maybe a good idea.

 

 

Blush seems to be the most difficult for 1stClassLadies. Yes you can save a buck on it but it is the hardest product to find as far as getting it from the drugstore and still gives you longevity & a good payoff . Blush is suppose to bring the face alive tying the hold look together as the final touch. So you don't want it to be dull and fade quickly. Until you find a drugstore blush that will give you that spending your money on a everyday blush may be the best answer.

 

In order to pull these looks off one needs brushes!! If your just starting out with makeup a simple inexpensive set will. However if you plan on continuing with it and really getting into makeup investing in a good brush set is important. You want the best brushes to insure that you really are getting the look you are trying to achieve.



Here are some easy Valentines Day inspired look that are 1stClassLadies hot picks! We hope one of them catch your eye! We also want to wish everyone a good Valentines Day. You don't have to spend it with someone romantically but with people who love you most ALL year around.

 

 

 

 

RUTHS CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

        

    "Girl the way you cook a steak, remind me of those strips in Ruth's Chris"

-Fabolous So Into You

 

 

 

 

 

If there is one thing you can't go wrong with eating.......its STEAK!!!!  When wanting to dine at a luxury steak house in New York, the only best choice is Ruth's Chris steak house.  When dining here expect a huge space filled with well decorated white clothed tables, alongside elegant plating, dim lighting, and great service.  It is an elegant experience from start to finish of the meal!

 

You are greeted by your server, drinks are brought to you along with the best bread and butter that could ever accompany a great steak or any meal for that matter.  Your courses are served in such a consistent order, however nothing tops your steak main course being served to you on a sizzling 500 degree plate where you're already warned not to touch however keeps your meal at a steady temparture throughout the duration!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

THATS MY RECIPE

(brought to you by Food Network Paula Dean)

 

Traditional Southern Deviled Eggs

 

 

 

Servings: 14 eggs
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Salt and pepper, for taste
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1/4 cup mayonnaise
7 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
Paula Deen Paprika Spice Blend, for garnishing
Sweet gherkin pickles sliced, for garnishing
Pimentos, for garnishing

Directions

Halve 7 eggs lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in a small bowl.

Mash yolks with a fork and stir in mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Fill egg whites evenly with yolk mixture. Garnish with paprika, pickles, and pimentos. Store covered in refrigerator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman

Born: January 26, 1862                                                                        Dead: April 30, 1926

Bessie Coleman was the tenth child of thirteen born to sharecroppers George and Susan Coleman. When she was 9yrs old her father left her family and moved to Oklahoma for better opportunities which unlike Texas was not ruled by racial barriers. When Bessie turned eighteen she took the money she saved and attended Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University (which was later called Langston University) in Langston, Oklahoma. She completed only one term however before returning home because she ran out of funds.

 

In 1915, she moved to Chicago, Illinois with her brother. There she worked at the White Sox Barber Shop as a manicurist. she heard all types of stories there from  returning home from World War I about flying during the war. Unfortunately for Bessie she couldn't attend the American flight schools because she was black as well as a woman and no  black U.S. aviator would train her. Robert S. Abbott, founder and publisher of the "Chicago Defender" had faith in Bessie and encouraged her to study abroad. Coleman received financial backing from a banker named Jesse Binga and the Defender.

 

 

Coleman went the Berlitz school were she took a French language class  in Chicago, and then traveled to Paris on November 20, 1920. There Coleman learned to fly in a Nieuport Type 82 biplane, with "a steering system that consisted of a vertical stick the thickness of a baseball bat in front of the pilot and a rudder bar under the pilot's feet." On June 15, 1921, Coleman became not only the first African-American woman to earn an international aviation license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, but the first African American woman in the world to earn an aviation pilot's license. In  September 1921, sailed in sights of  New York. She became a media sensation upon returning to the United States.

 

Realizing rather quickly that in order to make a living in this profession she would need to become a "barnstorming" stunt flier, and perform for paying audiences. Soon she was known as "Queen Bess," and was a highly requested pick for the next five years. Coleman was invited to important events and often interviewed by newspapers, she was admired by both blacks and whites. She had her first American appearance on September 3, 1922, at an event honoring veterans of the all-black 369th Infantry Regiment of World War I. She was raved in the papers for her performance as  "the world's greatest woman flier." Coleman also had a reputation as not only a skilled but daring pilot who would stop at nothing to complete a difficult stunt. She proved that in Los Angeles were she broke a leg and three ribs when her plane stalled and crashed on February 22, 1923. Her funeral was held on May 2, 1926 and had 5,000 mourners in attendance.

 

Bessie Coleman died at the young age of 34 years old during an airshow when her plane did not pull out of a dive; instead it spun. Coleman was thrown from the plane at 2,000 ft. (610 m) and died instantly when she hit the ground. Though she never got the chance to fulfill her dream of establishing a school for young black aviators, her pioneering achievements served as an inspiration for generations of African American men and women to come. In 1927, Bessie Coleman Aero Clubs sprang up throughout the country. On Labor Day during the year 1931, these clubs sponsored the first all-African American Air Show attracting approximately 15,000 spectators. In the same year, a group of African American pilots established an annual flyover of Coleman's grave in Lincoln Cemetery in Chicago. In 1989, First Flight Society inducted Coleman into their shrine which honors individuals as well as groups that have achieved significant "firsts" in aviation's development. In 1995, she was honored with her image on a U.S. postage stamp, and was inducted into the Women in Aviation Hall of Fame as well as The Texas Aviation Hall of Fame in 2000. In 1999 she was designated a Women's History Month Honoree by the National Women's History Project.

 

 

 

 

  

The 90th anniversary of her first flight, July 23, 2011, was commemorated by a reading of parts of her biographies and an exhibition of model aircraft at Miller Field ( located in Staten Island, New York), a former United States Air Force facility.

 

 

TAX RULES

The Do Not's for Tax Season 2013

 

Fellas- Don't try to get close to your baby mama cause its now tax time. Cuffing season started in November- your late and she knows what you really want. If you been ignoring her calls and not picking up the kids on time don't try and ease your way in now. Sorry homie its not happening.

 

Ladies- No new red bottom if your rent is not paid. Spending a little something on yourself is fine however your bills are still going to be here when that money runs out so be responsible with it. Lets leave the ratchet tendencies to the ignorant, classless and distasteful.

Fellas- Don't think you going to go run out and file your taxes claiming the kids first either. You won't get away with it TRUST. She WILL find out, you WILL have to pay it back and you WILL be stuck!

Ladies- Don't think you going to be fresh from head to toe and your babies still have on last years best. If you have hair done, nails done, everything did ummm SO SHOULD THEY!

DON'T BE TAX RICH. Play your part. You can't live in the PJ's with no job talking about "you balling" and " you fresh to death" in your new $1,000 purse or belt. It's not you, it doesn't fit your lifestyle so have a seat. Bottom line - if you cant afford it any other time of the year you shouldn't have it.

At least have ONE thing to show from it. It doesn't even have to be something physical. But if at the end of the day you can say your bills are paid, the kids are taking care of and/or you have some simple savings that's something. Don't call yourself taking a "much need trip" if you home all day- NEW FLASH: YOUR BUTT IS ALWAYS ON VACATION! But if your a hard working soul who decides to take a well DESERVED vacation that is definitely something to show for it.

 

 



BLACK HISTORY MONTH

James Baldwin

 

                   Born: August 2, 1924                                                   Died: November 30, 1987

James Baldwin was born to mother  Emma Berdis Jones. She divorced his father when he was young and moved to Harlem. There she met her new husband Davis Baldwin, who was a preacher. Though his childhood was hard as Baldwin often cared for his many brothers and sisters and dealt with the abuse of his stepfather he found solace in writing.  He was the literary editor of his high school magazine at the age of fifteen. While working odd jobs,  Baldwin wrote short stories, essays, and book reviews. Some of these works were collected in the volume "Notes
Of a Native Son"  (1955).
 

Becoming a man in the time period was different for Baldwin as he was coming to terms with his homosexuality. In 1948, disillusioned by American prejudice against blacks and homosexuals, Baldwin departed from United States and then moved to Paris, France. This gave him a chance to analyze his sexual preference and to view his work beyond the likes of a African American context.

In 1953, Baldwin wrote his first novel called " Go Tell It On The Mountain" and he would have many more pieces of work after that which would draw in a lot of attention. In 1956 when he wrote his second novel "Giovanni's Room" sparks flew because of the works  explicit homoerotic content. That was just the beginning of the attention as later literary works like "Tell Me How Long The Train's Been Gone" became more bold. He would write work dealing with black and white characters and with heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual characters which was not discussed  back then.

In  1957 while the Civil Rights Act of that year was being debated in Congress, Baldwin came back to the United States. Baldwin wrote about the movement,  adjusting himself with the moral beliefs of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Baldwin later became a spokesman for the Civil Rights Movement by Spring of 1963. TIME magazine put James Baldwin on the cover for its May 17 issue on the turmoil in Birmingham, Alabama,. "There is not another writer," said Time, "who expresses with such poignancy and abrasiveness the dark realities of the racial ferment in North and South. He referred to himself as a "slave rebellion" in a 1979 speech at UC Berkeley. He didn't want to be labeled or viewed as a Civil Rights Activist because if one is a citizen, one should not have to fight for one's civil rights.
He closed his literary career in the 1980's with a  book-length essay called "The Evidence of Things Not Seen" which was an continued meditation inspired by the Atlanta Child Murders of the early 1980s.

James Baldwin died in the early morning on December 1, 1987 from esophageal cancer in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France. He was buried at the Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, near New York City. In 1987, Kevin Brown, a photo-journalist from Baltimore, founded the National James Baldwin Literary Society. The group organizes free public events celebrating Baldwin's life and legacy. The James Baldwin Scholars program was established in 1992, Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. The JBS Program gives talented African American students from underserved communities an opportunity to develop as well as improve the skills needed for college success through coursework and tutorial support for one transitional year, after which Baldwin scholars may apply for full matriculation to Hampshire or any other four-year college program.

In 2005 the USPS created a first-class postage stamp dedicated to him which featured him on the front, and on the back of the peeling paper had a short biography. In 2009 Will Hubbard and Alex Carnevel listed Baldwin at number 67 on their 100 Greatest Writers of All Time list.

 



 

VALENTINE'S DAY TUNES...

              
      "If music be the food of love, Play On"
                                          -William Shakespeare

Nothing says Happy Valentines Day than the sound of a smooth tune to accunate the mood of the holiday!  Mostly played are r&b ballads with soft vocals that set the tone just right.  Here are our picks of Valentine's Day tunes.  Enjoy!!

 

 

 

LLOYD "VALENTINE"

 

 

BEYONCE "DANCE FOR YOU"

 

 

FAITH EVANS "I LOVE YOU"

 

 

JOHNNY GILL "LETS GET THE MOOD RIGHT"

 

 

TLC "RED LIGHT SPECIAL"

 

 

XSCAPE "SOFTEST PLACE ON EARTH"

 

 

112 "CUPID"

 

 

TYRESE "LATELY"

 

 

JODECI "FREAKING YOU"

 

 

D'ANGELO "UNTITLED"

 

 

MAXWELL "FORTUNATE"

 

 

ISLEY BROTHERS "BETWEEN THE SHEETS"

 

 

MICHAEL JACKSON " LADY IN MY LIFE"

 

 

AVANT " DONT SAY NO, JUST SAY YES"

 

 

RKELLY "THE GREATEST SEX"

 

 

RKELLY "JUST LIKE THAT"

 

 

MIGUEL "ADORN"

 

 

TONY TONI TONE "PILLOW"

 

 

JANET JACKSON "ANYTIME ANY PLACE"

 

 

FLOETRY "SAY YES"

 

 

JUSTIN & BEYONCE "TILL THE END OF TIME"

 

 

DREAM "FALSETTO"

 

 

KENNY G & TONI BRAXTON "THAT SOMEBODY WAS YOU"

 

 

KEITH SWEAT "NOBODY"

 

 

ROBIN THICKE "SEX THERAPY"

 

 

MONICA "MY EVERYTHING"

 

 

SADE "KISS OF LIFE"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



V-DAY RECIEPES

Valentines day is made to spread the love.... and treats- JenLo 1CL

 

Valentines Day Recipes!

Valentines day is not just for romance with a partner. They kiddies need love too!! Here are some fun as well as tasty treats to make with the little loves in your life this heartfelt holiday!! Enjoy them and make sure to send 1stClassLadies some!!

 

Strawberry Cake Batter Rice Krispie Bars

 

 

 

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 (10 oz.) bag of large or mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup strawberry cake mix
• 6 cups rice krispies cereal

Instructions

1. Spray a 13 x 9-inch pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. In microwave-safe bowl heat the butter and marshmallows on high for 2 minutes. Stir. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
3. Stir in the cake batter mix until smooth.
4. Stir in the rice krispies cereal until evenly coated.
5. Press into the prepared pan and allow to cool. Cut with a heart-shaped cookie cutter or into 2-inch squares.
6. Store tightly covered.
7. Note: Spray a spatula/spoon with nonstick spray to help reduce the sticky marshmallows mess.

Notes

Use your favorite cake mix flavor, it doesn't have to be strawberry.

*Courtesy of alli-n-son.com*

Valentine Brownie Pops

 

 

Ingredients:

9x13 pan of brownies, cooled

1/2 cup frosting, if necessary

heart shaped cookie cutter

chocolate bark or candy melts

decorative sprinkles

craft or popsicle sticks

styrofoam blocks

Directions:

1. Once prepared pan of brownies has cooled, crumble into a large bowl using hands. If using cake-like brownies, add the frosting of your choice. If using fudgy brownies no frosting is necessary. Shape crumbled brownies into the heart shaped cookie cutter and place on a parchment lined baking sheet, set aside.

2. Melt a small amount of chocolate bark or candy melts according to package directions.

 

3. Dip the tips of the craft sticks into the melted chocolate, then gently insert one stick into each heart shaped brownie.

 

4. Place the baking sheet with the brownies and sticks into the freezer for a few minutes to harden.

 

5. Meanwhile prepare a large amount of chocolate bark or candy melts in a narrow bowl or cup (I used my glass measuring cup).

6. Dip brownie pops into melted chocolate and gently tap on the side to remove excess chocolate.

7. Place pops standing upright onto styrofoam blocks and let dry completely. If using sprinkles, decorate while chocolate is still wet. If you want to write on the pops pour melted chocolate into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip (Wilton #2). 

 

*Courtesy of Squirrelbakes.com*

Heart Shape Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches

 

 

 

Ingredients:

 

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon milk
2 to 2 1/2 pints strawberry ice cream, softened

 

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, and set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter, vanilla, and sugar. Add eggs and milk, and mix until combined.
3. Add reserved flour mixture, and mix on low speed until incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl at least once.
4. Divide the dough in half, and shape each half into a flat disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap, and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°.
6. Roll dough out on a floured surface, sliding an offset spatula under the dough to release it every few turns of the rolling pin. Roll dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut dough using a variety of heart-shape cookie cutters 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter, making sure each cookie has a match to make a sandwich.
7. Place hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet; chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
8. Remove from refrigerator; use a fork to prick the cookies all over with holes.
9. Bake until just firm, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet; transfer to a wire rack.
10. With the underside of half the cookies face up, spoon softened strawberry ice cream about 1/2 inch thick to cover one side. Place matching cookie on top of ice cream, top side facing out.
11. Transfer immediately to freezer to harden; repeat with remaining cookies and ice cream.
12. Serve directly from the freezer. Sandwiches can be kept stored in an airtight container in the freezer for 3 to 4 days.

Makes 24 sandwiches
 

*Courtesy of yumsugar.com*

 

Miniature whole wheat pizza hearts

 

 

 

INGREDIENTS:
• Frozen whole-wheat pizza dough, thawed, (available at specialty stores like G.B. Russo International Grocery), 2 cans refrigerated commercial pizza dough or refrigerated biscuits tube
• Tomato sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Sliced black olives for eyes
• Rosemary sprigs for eyelashes
• Sliced red bell pepper for mouth
PREPARATION: Preheat oven to temperature called for on the package of frozen pizza dough, refrigerated commercial pizza dough or package of refrigerator biscuits.
Separate the pizza dough into six parts and roll into circles. With a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out a heart shape, if possible. Or open the refrigerator biscuits and separate. Taking one biscuit at a time, flatten them as much as possible, and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
With the rolled-out dough, take a heart-shaped cookie cutter and cut out a heart shape.
Spread tomato sauce onto the dough, sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese. Construct the face with olive slices for eyes, position rosemary spikes as eyelashes and curve the red pepper into a happy smile.
Once your pizzas are built, put them in the oven and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly

*Courtesy of halfhourmeals.com*