Saturday, March 28, 2020

'I’m going to be Steady Eddie for you:' Ciara and Russell Wilson reminisce on the very first time they met five years ago

'I’m going to be Steady Eddie for you:' Ciara and Russell Wilson reminisce on the very first time they met five years ago

3/28/2020 01:11:00 PM 0

Ciara and Russell Wilson recently went on a quarantine Instagram Live where they shared with their fans the story of the very first time they met five years ago. 

 I watched their live video twice because their story was just so darn cute!

 During the video, the Wilsons shared never-heard-before stories about their first date, Russell had some good game and not only did he meet Ciara, but he also met her father and her son little Future during their first encounter. Ciara also cracked jokes on Russell’s “janky” wallet.

 “I had this wallet. She says it was janky, I said it was necessary,” Russell said. “So, I was single and I lost all my stuff back then. So, I had this Bible-looking wallet. It had like my cards on one side, my phone on the other, but it was a broke-down wallet.”

 The Seattle Seahawks quarterback continued, “You need a man that’s going to be consistent for you. This wallet has been consistent for me.” 

 Russell told Ciara she needs a "steady Eddie" in her life (someone dependable and consistent) and that he's going to be that guy for her.

 “When you said that, in my head I was like ‘okaaay, I see how you talking. Okay!'” Ciara said while laughing. 

 Russell took it upon himself to school the guys who were watching their live and he said:

 “Fellas you got to talk to them like that. You’ve got to let them know what it’s going to be. You can’t be stepping into this thing without no confidence. You’ve got to be in there confident. You’ve got to know what you want. You’ve got to know what you need, and she’s got to know, and you’ve got to tell her what she needs to know.”

 Alright now!

 Watch Ciara and Russell share their cute love story below:

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Wednesday, March 25, 2020

20 things to do while social distancing at home in coronavirus quarantine

20 things to do while social distancing at home in coronavirus quarantine

3/25/2020 01:58:00 PM 0
Many playgrounds have now closed in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus
We are currently facing an unprecedented time living under the threat of coronavirus. The global pandemic has changed our everyday lives, shifted our schedules and threw a loop in our plans.

Every day the virus dominates the news as it affects hundreds of thousands of lives daily. Many people are now forced to work from home, some businesses were forced to close while many are left temporarily out of work, schools are closed around the nation and many parents are now homeschooling their kids.

 I know this is a trying time, but just because we're all stuck at home and embracing social distancing doesn't mean life stops. 

 ALSO READ: The world on pause: How coronavirus pandemic quickly changed our lives

 Don't lose out on weeks and weeks of just passing the time by while we all wait to play outside again. I see so many memes, GIF's, videos and comments from people complaining about how bored they are being stuck in the house. And I'm like Really? Bored!?

I haven't been bored yet since New Jersey's governor issued a "stay at home" order, and I see this mandatory timeout at home in a positive light. This time will force me to get things done that I've been procrastinating on. 

And I want you, my OooLaLaFam, to use this time productively, get things in order and better yourself. Also, don't forget to socialize with friends and family. Just because you're closed off from outside activities doesn't mean you can't have a little fun in the house. This is the time for all of us to get creative and use our time wisely. 

 Be productive

 Browse new jobs in your field

 Now is a good time to update that resume and LinkedIn profile. Let's get to it!

 Teach yourself a new skill or learn a new language

 Vamos a aprender español!

 Read new books

 Since libraries are closed, many places are offering freebies (instead of paying for Kindle). Scribd is offering free access for 30 days, while local libraries continue to offer free ebooks, digital resources, audiobooks, music, movies and digital magazines. Many libraries are also getting creative in ways to provide virtual services. Visit your local library's website and check out what they have. 

 Invest in yourself: start a side hustle

 Create that online shop, website, blog, write a book, etc. Now is the time to invest in yourself and create another stream of income. There are so many opportunities online to make extra money. I taught myself how to create websites, code and blog just from reading different things thanks to Google. 

 ALSO READ: Turn Instagram into your side hustle

 Organize your home

 This is a great time for some spring cleaning! Clean out that junk drawer, organize your Tupperware, clean out your closets, get rid of items you no longer use, disinfectant high traffic areas that you touch often: (doorknobs, remotes, keyboards, microwave and refrigerator handles, etc.) 

 Have some fun

 Just because venues, bars and theaters are shut down doesn't mean the party and fun stops.

 The healing power of music: Enjoy free live stream concerts and DJ sets from some of your favorite celebs

With many upcoming concerts and festivals postponed or canceled, many celebrities have stepped up to still entertain their fans. 

 H.E.R. recently performed a free live concert for her Instagram followers as part of the Global Citizen's #TogetherAtHome series. 

And many DJ's are going live on Instagram and throwing the dopest homebound house parties. D-Nice's virtual dance parties at "Club Quarantine" have become so popular that even Michelle Obama has checked out his Instagram live! 

 And other celebs, like Erykah Badu and John Legend, have given free live concerts from their homes. Hell, even Jussie Smollett came out of social media hibernation and posted a video showcasing his vocals on Instagram.






I can’t believe that I started the Home School social distancing dance party just four days ago and it’s become a place for us to virtually dance together and stay connected. From my kitchen, I’m able to send positive vibrations to each of you. Thank you for rocking with me. Thank you to all of the artists that popped in to show love. Al B. Sure, Andre Harrell, Angie Martinez, Anthony Hamilton, Beverly Bond, Bevy Smith, Big Daddy Kane, Bink, Black Thought, Bun B, Chris Spencer, Common, Damien Hall, Dave Chappelle, Deborah Cox, Debra Lee, DJ Camilo, DJ Cassidy, DJ Clark Kent, DJ Goldfinger, DJ Tony Touch, Donald Faison, Dres, Dule Hill, Erick Sermon, Estelle, Fab 5 Freddy, Fat Joe, Ghostface, Grand Puba, Jairobi White, Jazmyn Simon, Jermaine Dupri, Jill Scott, Jim Jones, Joe Budden, John Legend, Jonathan Mannion, Kardinal Official, Kenny Burns, Kenny Smith, Kevin Liles, Lee Daniels, Lena Waithe, Lennox Lewis, Letoya Luckett, LL Cool J, Louise Hazel, Mary J. Blige, Maseo, MC Lyte, Michael Ealy, Michael Rapaport, Michelle Wolf, Naomi Campbell, Nile Rodgers, Omar Dorsey, Oneal McKnight, Posdonus, Royale Watkins, Russell Simmons, Sophia Chang, Spice Adams, Spinderella, Stretch Armstrong, Swin Cash, Tank, Tasha Smith, Teddy Riley, Tobe Nwigwe, Zab Judah, and more. Class resumes today at 2pm pst. Please tell your friends. #BrandNice #dnicehomeschool
A post shared by D-Nice (@dnice) on

Now is the time to catch up on your favorite TV series, shows and movies

 Join a Netflix Party and stream TV shows and movies with your friends remotely. This Chrome extension lets you watch Netflix content with friends and chat while you’re doing it. 

 ALSO READ: Here's why Netflix's 'Love Is Blind' is must-watch TV 

 8 safety tips to learn after watching creepy stalker Joe in Netflix's 'You'

 Need more TV suggestions? Read my 2018 post: 17 TV shows to start binge-watching right now

 Check out a new podcast

 My personal favorites are The Little Miss Entertainment Show, Life In Spanglish and xoNecole's Happy Hour. 

 Play a board game or video/app games

 I recently dusted off my Wii remotes and had the time of my life playing the Wii fitness games. If you have a lot of people in your home, break out the UNO cards and Monopoly game for a family fun night. Remember these apps: Boggle, Words With Friends and Draw Something? Now is a good time to download these games again and challenge your friends and family.

 Tour museums and travel the world

Traveling right now is a big no-no. Take a virtual tour of popular museums and art galleries online thanks to Google Arts and Culture who has partnered with thousands of museums and galleries around the world. The Louvre in Paris is also offering its own virtual tour online for free.

 Catch a Broadway show

 Broadway HD also has about 300 classic musicals, plays and shows. BroadwayWorld is also posting clips of stars singing songs from popular shows.

Chat on the phone

 Don't let social distancing keep you from interacting. Use this time to catch up on the phone with friends and family, or FaceTime them.

 Still craving to go outside? How about watching a movie in your car while social distancing

 While many movie theaters have been closed, drive-in movie theaters are reportedly becoming increasingly popular in business across the country as audiences practice social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. If you're lucky enough to have an outside drive-in movie theater in your area, enjoy a movie while sitting in your car. 

 For your health and wellbeing 

 Take internet, TV and phone breaks. Moderate your consumption of news. Don't drive yourself crazy and stress yourself out looking at the news all day long.

 Enjoy the memes, funny videos and GIFs online to break out from heavy news. And, take a day or two where you completely turn off the electronics and give them a break. 

 Workout around the house 

 Many gyms have now closed but that doesn't mean our health and fitness routines come to a halt. There are so many online workout apps and videos on social media and YouTube as well as live streams online. Get creative around the house and find objects to lift, workout in the living room, do wall sits, chair dips, jumping jacks, dance around to your favorite songs, (and if you have it) use Wii fitness (like I did). You don't even need gym equipment, just use your bodyweight. 

Debbie Allen recently gave a free live salsa class on Instagram for her followers:


Up your sexy

Soak in the tub, drink wine and read a book. Enjoy an at-home spa experience with bath salts, bubbles, face masks... the works! Since many businesses are now closed during this time (including hair and nail salons and barbershops in New Jersey), many of us are going to be on our own when it comes to certain grooming habits. Make the best out of it and treat yourself at home to the ultimate spa experience (all while saving money).

 ALSO READ: 60 Sexy Striptease Songs To Perform To

 Catch some Z's

Use this time to get extra naps in and catch up on some sleep.

 Praise the Lord at home

 With many places of worship closed, churches have now turned to online religious services. You can still attend church from the comfort of your couch. Plus, international speaker DeVon Franklin and many others post uplifting videos and messages on social media. 

 Master your cooking skills

Me personally, cooking was never my thing. I tend to eat out a lot and I'm good at ordering delivery. But being stuck at home has made me eat the food inside of my fridge, use my stove, and step up my creativity in the kitchen. If you're already a master cook, use this time to learn new at-home recipes. Cook healthier foods and work on improving your immune system.

 Take time to reflect

What have you accomplished in the last year? What goals are you setting for yourself in the next year? Take this time to write them down, start a journal, make a vision board. And, use this time to meditate.

 Last but not least ... 

 Catch up on OooLaLaBlog!

 Read through my features here, some of my celeb interviews can be found here, and my old naughty La La Diary entries can still be read here (make sure to start from entry #1). 

 Check out my YouTube channel where I have concert clips, reviews, funny videos and more. Also, my latest feature is on Medium and the print magazine can be purchased on Amazon. 

 And, don't forget to browse through my wino merch as well as my Amazon storefront. Much love!
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WATCH: Usher's new 'Don't Waste My Time' video feat. Ella Mai

WATCH: Usher's new 'Don't Waste My Time' video feat. Ella Mai

3/25/2020 11:25:00 AM 0

Remember when we use to party pre coronavirus "Stay At Home" days? 

 Usher brings the party in his latest video for "Don't Waste My Time" which features Ella Mai. Snoop Dogg, King Combs, Jermaine Dupri, Evan Ross, and Jamie Kennedy also make cameos in the video. Check it out below!


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Sunday, March 15, 2020

The world on pause: How coronavirus pandemic quickly changed our lives

The world on pause: How coronavirus pandemic quickly changed our lives

3/15/2020 01:22:00 AM 0

When will everything go back to normal again?

 The answer: No one really knows.

So far, 2020 has not been a good year.

 It's been almost two months since the world lost Kobe Bryant, and many of us are still mourning his death. Now, we're in the middle of a real-life global pandemic. 

 The novel coronavirus outbreak has changed the way we are living, day by day, as the deadly disease has infected hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, and the numbers are rapidly changing as more people become infected daily. 

 The number of US coronavirus cases has passed 2,800 as of Saturday (March 14). 

 About that self-quarantine life

 I just came back from a week-long vacation after celebrating my birthday. I hung out at the Atlantic City casinos and gambled, I celebrated at bars, I went out to dinner multiple times, and I also had a blast celebrating in the Poconos Mountains. But no worries, I had my hand sanitizer in my pocket, I washed my hands frequently (as always), and I didn't touch my face.

 I'm pretty sure this was my last hurrah for a while. Life drastically has changed since last weekend. 

 My entire break was consumed with coronavirus news and how it was getting worse. There's no escaping it: coronavirus news, updates and chatter is everywhere. It has taken over social media and our TV's, it has changed the way we live, and it's the leading (if not only) topic in conversations. 

 I recently shopped at a Modell's store and I noticed the cashier had on a pair of gloves. He also elbow bumped another man he knew who was on his way out of the store. 

 The guy leaving yelled out, "stay healthy!" 

 The cashier responded, "I'm not tryna to catch that corona, man."

Yup, life has changed. 

People are now way more conscious about cleanliness and avoiding germs as videos of how to properly wash your hands surface. PSA's on the importance of 20 second-hand washing is the new trend.

 We used to say "bless you" when one sneezes but God forbid you sneeze (or cough) in public now from seasonal allergies or just the common cold, strangers will give you the death stare or side-eye just from thinking you may have the coronavirus.

 I'm guilty of this. I definitely side-eyed a couple of people on the train to New York about two weeks ago after I heard them cough and I pulled my hoodie up over my mouth and nose (like that is actually going to do something).

 When I think of all that has happened so suddenly with coronavirus, I think of the '90s movie "Outbreak" ... mostly the scene where the man coughs in the movie theater, and it freaks me out. 

President Donald Trump recently declared a national emergency and the public panic only increased. Hoarders have lost their ever-loving minds as grimy non-hand washers finally believe in the importance of soap and water. If anything, this virus made a lot more people step up their daily cleaning habits. 
Supermarket madness is real as toilet paper, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizers have become hot commodities. 

 Businesses, offices, gyms, schools, restaurants, churches, mass transit, etc. are all forced to enhance their cleaning efforts as they try their best to ensure the public that it's "safe" to still visit. 

 And, price gauging is at an all-time high as some make an extra buck off of the public's fear.

Social distancing is the new way of living: The impact of coronavirus on the economy and daily life around the world 

 #StayHome and #NetflixAndStayStill were recently trending on Twitter, encouraging people to stay home, stay healthy, and prevent the passing of germs. 

 Teaneck, New Jersey has asked residents to self-quarantine. Teaneck is in Bergen County which is currently reporting 25 cases (the most in the state), according to the New Jersey Department of Health, with the majority of cases in Teaneck. 

 Plans are halted, many schools have been closed all over the world, and sports, recreational and entertainment events are on pause. 

 Here's the impact of coronavirus on our daily lives:
  • Vacations, plans, family outings, dinner dates, etc. are being canceled.
  • Social distancing is becoming the safe and necessary thing to do. 
  • Schools are closed as students are pushed into remote learning.
  • Many colleges extended their spring break and some college dorms have sent students back home.
  • Many graduation ceremonies and proms have been canceled. 
  • Some work offices closed up shop as many employees are being encouraged to work from home.
  • Etiquette has changed: No longer should we shake hands. The elbow bump is the safer greeting.
  • Italy, France and Spain are on lockdown as coronavirus soars in Europe. 
  • Flights from Europe to USA are currently restricted, and more travel restrictions will happen.
  • Young people are capitalizing off of cheap flights and cruises as airlines lower their prices.
  • There's stock market trauma affecting 401(k) plans.
  • Food stores are being cleaned out.
  • Many festivals, concerts, venues and parades have been canceled.
  • A lot of restaurants and movie theaters have shut down.
  • Broadway shut down all productions.
  • American Dream, one of the largest malls in North America, closed and delayed the opening of its water park. 
  • "Fast 9" movie release has been pushed back a year.
  • The tax filing deadline has now been extended to July 15th. 
  • Large gatherings have slowed down and are in the process of being banned in certain cities/states. 
  • Disney Parks and Cruise Lines shut its doors.
  • Social distancing and "flattening the curve" has many couples making alternative plans for their upcoming weddings or just postponing dates. 
  • Funerals are now more complicated with restrictions. 
  • Some jury trials are postponed. 
  • Certain cities issued a curfew for residents.  
  • Sports are on hiatus, from high school and college to pro sports.
  • A lot of small businesses are suffering.
  • Incomes are being affected.
  • Some city residents have to self-quarantine.
  • Student loan interest has been waived by Trump. 
  • Church masses have been suspended.
  • Prisons are halting visits.
  • Nursing homes are in a panic.
  • Some people are even scared to drink Corona beer.
  • Hospitals are swamped and some are canceling surgeries in order to conserve their resources. 
  • Libraries are closed. 
  • Some liquor stores are closed. 
  • Productions of different TV and talk shows are on hiatus. 
  • Trains are less crowded as more and more commuters are staying home.

So, at this point, what can save this year? Maybe the premiere of "Insecure" season 4 in April.
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