Monday, December 10, 2012

BEST AND WORSE MUSIC MOMENTS 2012





 
2012 has brung some great moments in music history but also some bad ones.  From drama amongst artists to new comers in the industry here to change the game, we would like to recap the BEST and WORSE moments of music for 2012!!


BEST MOMENTS
 
You know they always say you never know when love will find you.  This couldnt be more true for the former stripper now expecting and engaged bombshell, Amber Rose!  She went from romantically dating the rapper Kanye West spitting lines like "she gotta a** that'll swallow up a g-string and up top two bee stings" to settling down with west coast rapper Wiz Khalifa!  These two have showcased their love every chance possible and are now happily engaged and expecting their first child very soon!
 
 
 
 
 
Back in 2010 "All I want is you" emerged on the music scene performed by a new artist named Miguel Pimentel.  Followed after this song was the popular song "Sure Thing" describing with ever so deep metaphors (ie: if you be the cash, i'll be the ruubberband, if you be the match, i will  be your fuse, BOOM) just how sure a relationship can be!  Miguel has ARRIVED and is definitely to be talked about with his amazing writing and vocal skills taking over R&B!! Just think of his hottest single to come "Adorn" and listen to his new album "Kaleidoscope Dream" ENOUGH SAID!!
 
 
 
Who could forget the songstress, from VH1's Love and HipHop Atl, K Michelle "she's shaking the table...LMAO"!  Aside from her cool personality and comical phrases here and there on the show K Michelle is a true example of a "SANGER" not a "SINGER"!  She can poor her heart out on melody that will make you feel her every sorrow.  The end of this year has brought on an exceptional moment of great possibilities for her since shes recently signed a contract with record label Warner Brothers!!!!!  
 
 
 
WORSE MOMENTS
 
His chorus tells it all "These ni**a's cant hold me back"!!  Rick Ross the boss of the rap world has had an exceptional year being deservably named the BOSS of the rap industry, however has had shakey moments here and there.  One in particular that set of alarms was the BET HipHip Awards confrintation.  It was reported on Sept 29, 2012 that during the tapping of the awards an altercation between the teams of Rick Ross and ATL based rapper Young Jeezy took place.  No shots were fired but a fist fight did take place in a near by parking lot!  Needless to say, CANT EVERYBODY JUST GET A LONG!!!

 
 

Forget "shots fired" these two, well known rapper and singer, decided to do things 2012 style and throw bottles!  Rapper Drake and Chris Brown made the wrong decision, and all it took was one night, a few champagne bottles, and a popular NYC night club.  After all was said and done it brought on; A. plenty rumors that this altercation took place because the two are fighting over Rihanna B. plenty mention of other celebs there in the moment ie: Meek Mill,  Trey Songz, etc C. A HUGE lawsuit against both parties, YIKES!!!

WHAT DRAMA WILL COME IN 2013?????

Friday, December 7, 2012

COOL KICKS

"AIN'T NOBODY
F'ING WITH MY KICKS"
-trina 1stclassladies
We'd like to take a minute aside from all the "mean shoe game" ladies and pay homage to the "sneaker rocking" ladies!!  A bad chick is one who can dress it up when need be and be able to look just as bad in a pair of sneaks!!  We've come across some fly kicks, from designer to affordable, and would like to share our finds.  Enjoy!!

SNEAKERS BY MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA FOR H&M
129-

REBECCA TAYLOR WEDGE SNEAKERS
295-



TORY BURCH HIGH TOP SNEAKERS
275-


RUTHIE DAVIS HIGH TOP SNEAKERS
728-


PRADA STUDDED HIGH TOP SNEAKERS
640-

MIU MIU SNEAKERS
495-




LANVIN LOW SNEAKERS
765-

LANVIN LOW SNEAKERS
640-




LANVIN LOW SNEAKERS CRYSTAL EMBELLISHED
890-

YVES SAINT LAURENT
745-






GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI SNEAKERS
495-




Holiday safety

Tis the season..... For theives and robbers!!


Yes my friends they are out there in full effect as you shop for your loved ones with your hard earned money. Lurking in the corner watching you as you wonder into different stores collecting gifts unaware of the dangers that may lye ahead. 1stClassLadies want our supporters to be happy AND safe this holiday season so we have put together some tips to help you shop safe, secure, and alert! Grab your pen and paper or make a mental note of this seasons do's and don'ts for holiday shopping.

Leave the house with only what you need. Your already going to rack up with bags and thing so don't carry along the unnecessary stuff. Over size purses, bags and big entertainment object ( such as iPads, games, etc.) are just another item to have to keep tabs on. Eliminate the stress and take with you what you need to shop that is it.

Pockets are a plus. Your coat should have inside pockets because that is the best place to store your funds. Money can fall out of pockets and cards can be easily stolen if not safely secured so keeping it inside your clothing close to you keeps it from going anywhere. If your funds are in an inside pocket you have no need for a purse so you can leave it at home.

Prepaid/debit/credit cards work. Walking around with to much money can be a hassle and draw unwanted attention to yourself. Place the money you want to spend on a prepaid or debit card to limit walking around with to much loose money on yourself. Remember to write "check ID " on the back of all your cards to avoid someone else utilizing it.


Be mindful of your surrounding. As we said there are people in all types of places looking for someone to make their victim. Looking for someone who seems to be oblivious to their shopping environment. Be aware of those around you and trust your gut. If you feel like your being followed stop what your doing and survey the scene. Look out for people you seem to be observing in every store your in and. Ever seem to far away from you. Don't be afraid to stop a officer or security guard and ask for help. Even if it's just pretending to ask for directions. This will make him/her or them think twice about making you there prey.

Have a shopping buddy. No not just to help you pick out great gifts but for security. People who shop in groups are less likely to be the victim of a thief. Robbers and thieves usually go for loners so takes someone along with you. Make sure to utilize those extra set of eyes. BOTH should be watching for unwanted attention. If its possible to leave young children at home DO SO! Predators like to focus on those with children as well. They know that nothing means more to a parent then the safety of a child and they will give up whatever it is they need to in order to keep their little loved one safe.


When all seems to much there is always the internet. Nothing is wrong with shopping from home and more people are finding it easier. Even though for most it is more convenient, you still have to be careful. Shopping from a PayPal is VERY safe because you do not have to keep putting in all your personal information to different sites decreasing the chances of your information being stolen. Only shop off known sites and if it seems to good to be true - chances are it is!

                         Follow this guideline and you as well as all your gifts will be safe!

Budgeting for the season

Tis The Season.... Not to be broke- Trina 1CL


It comes around every year like clock work. The season of giving and holiday cheer. To shop to you drop just to see the smiles on the faces of those we care and love. While your shopping the holiday away remember that you want to come home and your lights are still on! Just like the hoilday comes around like clock work so does the bills! They don't go away nor can some of them be put on hold for later. 1stClassLadies want to give you ideas to help you budget so that you can enjoy the shopping season as well as be the responsible adult you are the other 10 months out of the year.

Pay the must bills first. There are some bills like we previous stated that can not be put off for another time and those are what need to be paid before ANYTHING. Rent is not something you want to put off unless you want to bring you christmas tree home and you light that bad boy up outside. Once you have paid the things that can not be delayed make note with the ones you can delay and set up a payment plan for them. Even if its only for two months, it lets the company in which your paying the bill to know you aren't neglecting them and you are making payments. Believe it or not more companies would rather you be up front with them and set up some type of payment plan then to just ignore them. Yo avoid a disconnect fee and whatever else concequences can come of you being a delequent customer.


Write it out and add a price tag. Befoe you do any shopping know how many people your shopping for and give each person a certain amount of money. People who are closer to heart (such immediate family) usually get a bigger budget then others (like co-workers or associates.) If its easier have an idea as to what you want to buy them in the frist place and price around for it. You might find it somewhere cheaper then you budget even consisted of. Knowing what your going to buy and how much its going to run you will make shopping and your spending less stressful.

Don't overspend this season. Yes you want to buy all your friends and family gifts but lets not spend every dime you have doing it. Before you start shopping know how much you want to spend and stick to it! One way of doing that is the way 1stClassLadies JennLo shops which is putting whatever money it is you would like to spend on a prepaid card. There is no overcharging or spending money that was not intended for the christmas shopping. Setting  a shopping budget and sticking to it is the easiest and smartest way to shop. You still want to have money for yourself once the shopping is over.


Only do what your funds allow you to do. Don't go broke trying to buy the world if your pockets don't forsee it happening. If you don't have it then you just don't have. Point. Blank. Period. It's the unfortunate truth for some and you just have to work with what you have. If you don't have a gift for someone it's okay. If they are a true friend or loved one that won't matter to them (to bad this doesn't work for children.)

We hope these ideas help you to shop smart and get all those people on your list what their hearts desire. So make your list check it twice and get the things you want while doing it right!!


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

HOLIDAY RECIPES

Tis The Season... To eat with the holiday spirit!!!

Candy Cane Jello Shots
Ingredients:
Red Layer:
2 pkgs(3 Oz. Each) Cherry Jello
1⅓ cupsBoiling Water
⅔ cupHot Damn Liquor
White Layer:
1 canSweetened Condensed Milk
1 cupBoiling Water, divided
2 pkgsKnox Gelatin
½ cupCold Water
¾ cupPeppermint Schnapps
Servings: 32 shots

Directions:
Red Layer Instructions: Mix 2 packages cherry flavored jello with 1 1/3 cups boiling water. Stir jello until dissolved. Allow to cool and stir in 2/3 cup liquor.
White Layer Instructions: Mix 1 can sweetened condensed milk with 1/2 cup boiling water. In a small bowl sprinkle 2 packages Knox gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Let stand a few minutes; add remaining 1/2 cup boiling water to dissolve gelatin. Add gelatin mixture to milk mixture and stir to combine. Cool to room temperature; add 3/4 cup peppermint schnapps and stir to combine.
Layering the Jello Shot: Rotate a white layer and then a red layer making sure to refrigerate each layer until set. Garnish each shot with whip cream, crushed candy canes and red sprinkles.
*courtesy of betterreciepes.com*
Kisses Candy Cane Blossoms

Ingredients:
48 Hershey’s Kisses Candy Cane Mint Candies
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
Red or green sugar crystals, granulated sugar or powdered sugar
Serving size About 4 dozen cookies.
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Remove wrappers from candies.
2. Beat butter, granulated sugar, egg and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; add alternately with milk to butter mixture, beating until well blended.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in red sugar, granulated sugar, powdered sugar or a combination of any of the sugars. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and cookie is set. Remove from oven; cool 2 to 3 minutes. Press a candy piece into center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.
Giada De Laurentis's Berry Strata
Ingredients:
•2 tbsp unsalted butter
•3 tbsp honey
•4 large eggs
•1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
•3 tbsp sugar
•1 cup whole milk
•1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
•4 slices bread, torn into 1" pieces (about 4 cups)
•1 10 oz. bag frozen mixed berries, thawed and drained

Directions:
1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Turn off heat, add honey and stir. Set aside.
2. Place eggs, ricotta and sugar in a large bowl. Using a fork, mix to combine and beat eggs. Add milk, orange juice, butter and honey mixture, and then add bread. Stir to combine. Gently fold in berries.
3. Pour mixture into a two-quart baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 12.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake strata until golden on top and baked through, about 40 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Spoon into dishes and serve.

Serves 6 (with leftovers)
*courtesy of InStyle*

Roasted Garlic and Peppers Pizza

Ingredients:
1 large head garlic, unpeeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large red onion, cut into 1/2−inch−thick rings
1/3 cup oil−packed sun−dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved
1 − 12 inch pizza dough shell (uncooked)
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese (about 6 ounces)
1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers from jar, cut into 1/2 inch strips
2/3 cup (about 2 1/2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 375 deg. F.
Directions:
Slice top off garlic head; place in small baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.Brush baking sheet with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Place onion slices on sheet and brush onion with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Bake garlic and onion until garlic cloves are light brown and soft and onion is tender, about 45 minutes.
Remove from oven; let cool.
Using fingers, squeeze out roasted garlic cloves into food processor; add sun−dried tomatoes. Using on/off turns, process until almost smooth, adding enough reserved oil form sun−dried tomatoes to form paste. (Onions and garlic mixture can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.)
Prepare pizza dough of choice and have it ready to be topped. Spread garlic paste evenly over crust. Top with mozzarella cheese, onion, pepper strips and feta cheese. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons basil and 1 tablespoon parsley.
Bake pizza until crust is golden brown and cheese bubbles. Transfer to cutting board. Cool 5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons basil and 1 tablespoon parsley. Cut into wedges and serve.
*courtesy of bestcrhistmasreciepes.org*

Candy Cane Cocktail


Ingredients
  • 1 candy cane, crushed, for garnish
  • 2 ounces strawberry vodka
  • 4 dashes white creme de menthe
  • 2 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
  • Ice cubes
Directions
  1. Place crushed candy canes on a small plate or saucer. Wet the outside rim of a chilled martini glass with water. Holding the glass by the stem, rotate the rim to coat with candy.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, creme de menthe, cranberry juice, and ice; shake until well combined. Strain into prepared glass; serve immediately.

Eggnog
Ingredients
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 1/3 cups sugar
  • 12 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup bourbon, (optional)
  • 1 cup chilled heavy cream
  • Grated nutmeg, (optional)
Directions
  1. In medium saucepan, whisk milk and sugar over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks. Whisking constantly, pour hot mixture into yolks in a slow and steady stream.
  2. Return mixture to pan; cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until thick enough to coat back of spoon, 20 to 25 minutes; do not let simmer. Quickly strain into a bowl. Stir in bourbon, if desired, and cream. Cool completely; cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate until chilled. Garnish with nutmeg, if desired.
*both drinks courtrsy of marthastewart.com*

Monday, December 3, 2012

APAC CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST


"the reason why Santa is so JOLLY is from all the good music"
-Trina 1stclassladies
Tis the seaon for presents, 6 foot trees, missletoes hanging in high places, family time, and some GOOD OL MUSIC to comfort the heart and ears of this holdiay season.  We would like to do a recap on this holiday's best ever Christmas tunes!
Eartha Kitt
"Santa Baby"

Destiny's Child
"12 days of Christmas"


Mariah Carey
"All I want for Christmas is you"


Boys II Men & Brian McKnight
"Let It Snow"


Run DMC
"Christmas in Hollis"



TLC
"Sleigh Ride"


Chris Brown
"This Christmas"


Julie Andrews
"My favorite things"


Luther Vandross
"Every year, Every christmas"




ENJOY!!!!!!!!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

10 PLACES TO MEET A MATE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

PLACES TO
MEET A MATE
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
HOLIDAY PARTIES



When Christmas is here, let the parties begin!  We're talking work Christmas parties, family gathering parties, or even just a friend of a friends party.  These gatherings in particular bring people together and can potentially bring you together with a mate.
AIRPORT FLOW
Like they say "Come fly in the friendly skies" well this holiday season could potentially be just that!!  While millions of people will be traveling, this up coming month with airports filled to capacity, you just might find yourself in an in depth conversation with an attractive bystander!!
CHARITY EVENTS
It is always great to lend a hand and give back.  What better place to meet someone who shares the same caring, giving heart like yours.  Coat and food drives are great places to meet someone new!!
IN THE STORES
While in and out of all the stores this holiday season you might just catch someones eyes rather than that big sale!!  There will be plenty of ladies and gentlemen's shopping alone and in groups, so HAPPY SHOPPINGS!!
CHURCH
Everyone is welcomed in the lords house! During the holiday season more than ever  people excercise their welcoming.  Many of churches offer special programs and services where people come and enjoy.  Now we are not saying go just to mingle, learn something from the lords word, maybe you will embark on a new aquaintance.